Project 2 - Self Assessment
I really enjoyed creating my plant pot holder for kitchen herbs. It took a while for me to decide on an idea that I thought would be fun to make but also slightly challenging keeping in mind that I had neither used the 3D printer or the laser cutter before. I love to cook in the kitchen and constantly have herbs sitting on my window sill but manage to end up killing them because I forget to water them. I thought how funky it could be if I made an all-in-one moisture reader pot holder.
+ The making process applied in the creation of the prototype.
I decided to make the body of my pot holder with wood as it is a material I feel comfortable with and can easily construct. I used rimu for the base as it is a nice strong wood and ash for the stems as it is a long grained wood that easily bends. I started making my prototype later in the project which was a downside to my process as I feel I could have had more time to experiment with different materials and their qualities. I am happy with how the wood has turned out in such short time.
I really appreciated Gideon’s help during the practicing with the 3D printing as this gave me the confidence with the machines. In the end I chose a bottle cap design and changed the dimensions to fit my prototype and printed this with the help of Rose. I did really struggle though to print something that fitted correctly with my electronic component. It’s not quite right currently but this is something I could improve and change for the next project. The laser cutting was a simpler process as I just cut circles in my themed black acrylic plastic.
+ What I have learnt from engaging in this process?
Each component to make by itself is easier than you think. It’s putting all these components together that I found the most challenging. Having not really constructed much before I tried to find presentable ways to attach and stick things together without it looking too messy or inappropriate. Of course it would help if I had the right measurements and made the correct sizes, but this is something I need to become more familiar with.
+ My insights into maker culture that I gathered as a result of engaging in this project.
I have a strong connection with the maker culture world even though I do not make many things myself. I love to watch and understand how things are crated and designed. There is always that smile of joy and accomplishment after making something yourself and showing people. One thought I have had after completing this prototype, is that it actually doesn’t take long to make something. It’s the ideas and concepts and developments at the start that take the longest to decide on but the finished product at the end is so very worth it.
