In my "Sustainable Systems" class project, the focus was on repurposing commonly used materials in our daily lives. Choosing paper grocery bags and plastic water bottles, I transformed them into a flower bag. To minimize environmental impact, I strategically employed a limited amount of hot glue for affixing the flower petals and securing the edges of the paper bag during the weaving process.
To achieve the desired "curl in" effect for the petals, I used a lighter, directing its heat towards the edges. The gradual melting process allowed the petals to naturally curl into the specific shape I envisioned, adding a unique and artistic dimension to the project.
In terms of functionality, I carefully wove the paper bag to a size that allowed easy folding without the need for additional pieces. This resulted in a closed bottom, preventing any objects from slipping through. The handles were crafted from available pieces of string, seamlessly connected by threading through the woven structure, adding a practical element to the design.