Improvements

From visiting UCA Farnham I was able to test a ceramics workshop. Using a square of terracotta and sharp utensils I manipulated the clay into creating a one natural inspired final square and one reflecting geometric shapes. 

To decorate the square I used coloured slip which let me introduce a variety of colours.

Making of the prototype

Below are the processes taken in order to create the table prototype.

Using the square storage box I vacuum formed the shape to create the mould base.

The thick plaster mixture was then poured into the mould and left to harden.

When complete the cast was removed by pealing off the tape to then widen the shape.

Using the band saw measuring the size accuratly, I cut the plywood pieces to size and shape.

The legs were then assembled by using a wood glue as this was only a prototype. In reality I would use a dowel joint and it hidden and secure.

Finally the moulds were placed on top of the table acting as the surface for a coffee table. As you can see I have made 2 which vary in height and have different surfaces, I felt the wax casting process created a really nice finish and would work well against the ply.

Natural mineral inspiration

 A Vacuum formed version of the plaster casts from the glass jars were created and filled with hot blue wax which varied in shades.

Some of the wax mixtures were combined with segments of tine foil and placed inside before cooling.

 Other mixtures were combined with organic vegetable pieces from the cabbage. This colour combination worked perfectly.

 After cooling the wax cast was removed, the semi-translucent material really allowed us to be able to see the metal inside. This started to resemble natural minerals such as Galena, nickel in meteorites and ??????????

The final outcomes vary in shape and size as each mould was different likewise the way the wax moves around does differ. It is interesting to see how the shapes can be played with, such as stacking them and revealing the different colours or laying them upside down to see there inside fillers. It is also appealing to see the different textures and layers which are visible. 

Concave and convex

Using natural fruits and vegetables I created casts and moulds which were imprints of their detail and shape. 

Cabbage

Pineapple

Glass jar

Bubble wrap

 The cabbage was placed into bowl and plaster mixture was poured around the outside, this then hardened and left a bowl with the detail on show as well as some of the cabbage left inside the plaster.

 The plaster was layered onto a leaf and then left to harden leaving this leaf replica with all the fine detail on show.

 This maquette was made from layering latex onto a leaf and then heating it to dry. This was then peeled off.

 The pineapple top was placed into a bucket upside with plaster mixture poured inside.

 The mixture hardened and the pineapple body was cut off. The maquette was then removed from tht bucket.

Using a saw and wetting the plaster I sliced the maquette in half to reveal the inside.

 Two glass jars were filled with the mixture, once hardened they had to be smashed to remove the plaster.

 This revealed two very smooth and soft pieces which showed any grooves and detail.

Bubble wrap was placed onto a flat surface and a square boarder was made from plasticine. The mixture was then poured ontop. 

The outcomes were very realistic in the prints, the detail was clear and looked very appealing. 

Final Chair and shelf

 Below are my two final products, the chair and shelf. I have placed them against a simple background for a clear reinforcement of just how contemporary the style is. The overall final outcome is a huge success as both designs link together in texture, design and shape allowing me to have potentially created a series of designs.

Making of the chair

I unscrewed the handle bar by using a hexagonal screw driver and removed the plastic sides.

Using a hack saw I removed the bars that were welded to the frame.

The frame was now removed and left a neat edge on the basket.

The sections where I had removed the welded joints now left gaps in the side bars but this was ok as I would return to it later in the making.

Using a wire cutters i repeated the gaps further down the frame like a pattern.

The basket now had 4 sections removed,  2 on each side and the longer side had been cut off leaving a gap.

To create the legs I began to use he measurements I had already decided which were 65cm for the leg height and then 46 for the shorter base and 49 for te longer.

Using the circular saw and band saw I cut the planks of ply to the correct sizes.

Setting the band saw to 45 degrees I cut the diagonal edges on each piece and then on both sides of the bases.

The top sections to the 4 legs were the cut on the band saw again and sanded to leave a flat and tidy surface.

To join the leg frame I glued the corresponding pieces together first then using a screw and electric drill fixed them together securely.

The frame was now partly complete and resembled a triangle.

The parallel planks were then added along the top and secured in the same way.

I bent the trolley edge against the table making it shape to 90 degrees like a seat.

I measured out rectangles of ply which would be used to sandwich the trolley and frame together.

Using a electric drill and screws I screwed the ply to the leg frame, this held the two materials together and was not to much of a change in heigh.

Next glue was applied to 3 more identical squares of ply which were then placed on top to cover and joining processes.

Removing the wire which held the structure of the lamp allowed it to be released from its tight shape.

The material from the shade was then cut into 2 identical shapes.

I then decided to make use of the higher side of the trolley. This was going to be made into a shelving unit in the same style and materials as the chair.

I measured out 4 rectangles of the same wood, this would be used to hold the shelf up against the wall.

Using the bandsaw and sander I cut and smoothed the rough edges to the correct shape and size.

Draping the material around the arms created a new look to the chair, these were like arm rests.

The material was also attached to the handle of the shelf, it was glued with a hot glue gun which held the material firmly in position.

Using a metal file, I filed the rough edges which had previously been cut.

 A 60cm piece of wood was placed from side to side fitting in tightly between the bars.

 A smaller piece was then cut which measured to be flush inside and against the wall.

 The small piece was cut using the band saw at an angle to create a diagonal edge while the opposite piece was cut so the smaller one could sit inside firmly creating a lip.

 Using the blocks I cut 2 L shapes ready for attaching the top of the shelf.

 This was screwed to another 60cm plank.

The L shapes were then slotted in at the top of the shelf to balance out the weight and keep it steady.

 This is the finished shelf with it screwed onto the wall by 4 screws, 2 in the top and 2 in the bottom at either ends.

 To finish the chair I covered 3 foam cushion shapes in grey fabric and sewed them together with a sewing machine.

 The base cushion was then attached on the 3 ply rectangles with velcro.

Finally I placed the last 2 cylinder shapes cushions around the chair ready for a presentable finish.