Maerial Research

Epoxy Resin 

                                    Epoxy Resin for Crafts

    According to the producer, Craft Resin epoxy has little smell, is safe, and doesn't contain harmful chemicals. It's a food-grade resin for home and pro use that's safe for you and the environment when used correctly (World Wildlife Fund, 2024). I've mostly decided to use Craft Resin epoxy because it's a food-grade epoxy. Another reason I chose Craft Resin epoxy is because it's non-toxic and doesn't contain harmful chemicals like VOCs or solvents, making it more environmentally friendly. 

Cotton 

    Cotton is a natural material that comes from the cotton plant. First of all, cotton fabric is comfortable to wear because it feels natural on your skin, and its durability makes it a popular choice for clothing. Secondly, cotton is very strong, so it can resist mechanical and chemical wear and tear. Finally, cotton is also breathable. In the summer, it keeps you cool, and in the winter, it doesn't get too cold (House of U, n.d.). I don't make clothes, so I'm not too concerned with comfort and breathability. It's good to know, but what really matters to me is cotton's strength and its ability to resist mechanical and chemical wear and tear. This is crucial for my tote bag design, as I plan to make a large bag and need the material to be durable and resistant to tearing. Additionally, cotton is easy to clean and can absorb a lot of moisture. Despite being fairly rough, it is strong and sturdy due to its inner structure. Cotton can be easily painted, allowing for a variety of designs and colours (House of U, n.d.). An important aspect for me is that cotton can be easily painted, as I plan to use lino print and oil-based inks for my designs. Organic cotton is typically less harmful to the environment than conventional cotton, mainly because it is grown without the use of pesticides (Krosofsky, 2021). This is why I'm thinking about using organic cotton in my projects. According to WWF (2024), cotton is widely used around the world, but the way it's currently produced harms the environment. 

Leather PU

  

  I also considering using PU leather as a base for my small case. I found out that PU leather is sometimes seen as better for the environment than real leather because it doesn't use animal products. But it's made from plastic, which can harm the environment. I also learned that PU leather could be harmful if it has chemicals like phthalates, especially when breathed in. It's really important to choose high-quality PU leather that doesn't have any harmful chemicals (ChairOffice T/A Full Range Furniture Ltd, 2024).

Linoleum 

    

    Linoleum is great for printmaking because it's eco-friendly. It's made from natural stuff like linseed oil and pine resin, so it's biodegradable and doesn't have any harmful chemicals. When a design is carved into linoleum, lots of prints can be made from it. This results in less waste compared to other printing methods. Linocut printing doesn't need electricity, so it's energy efficient. Plus, the prints last a long time because they're made on good-quality paper (Qinuro, 2023). That is why, for those interested in art and seeking an eco-friendly option, linocut printing is a good choice. 

Oil-based inks 

    Oil-based inks are a popular choice for linocut printing. These inks consist of pigments suspended in oil, which allows for smooth application and vibrant colours. Unlike water-based inks, oil-based inks take longer to dry, which can be beneficial for specific printing techniques. AlsoOil-based inks stick well to different surfaces like paper and fabric, making them useful for various artistic projects. But it's important to remember that cleaning oil-based inks requires using mineral spirits or other solvents, which can harm the environment if not handled correctly (Mary, 2023). However, many artists choose oil-based inks for their rich colours, durability, and versatility in printmaking, aligning with the eco-friendly ethos of linocut printing.

Bees Wax

    I chose beeswax to finish my wood bowl. It's good for salad bowls, wooden spoons, and cutting boards, and it's safe for food. It's also great for children's toys because it's made from natural ingredients (Clapham's Beeswax Product Ltd, 2024). Beeswax highlights the wood's colours, so I decided to use it in my artwork.

Reference List:

House of U. (n.d.). Everything about cotton: the specifications of cotton fabric. [online] Available at: https://www.houseofu.com/en/blog/everything-about-cotton-the-specifications-of-cotton-fabric/ [Accessed 16 May 2024].

Krosofsky, A. (2021). Is Cotton Sustainable? [online] Green Matters. Available at: https://www.greenmatters.com/p/is-cotton-sustainable [Accessed 16 May 2024].

World Wildlife Fund (2024). Sustainable Agriculture Cotton. [online] Available at: https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton [Accessed 16 May 2024].

Craft Resin (2024). Craft Resin – 4L. [online] Available at: https://craft-resin.co.uk/ [Accessed 16 May 2024].

ChairOffice T/A Full Range Furniture Ltd. (2024). What is PU Leather? The Pros & Cons. [online] Available at: https://www.chairoffice.co.uk/blog/what-is-pu-leather/#:~:text=Sustainability [Accessed 30 May 2024].

Qinuro (2023). Why Linocuts are Environmentally Friendly. [online] Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@qinuro/why-linocuts-are-environmentally-friendly-1c9492bb3f65#:~:text=Linocuts%20are%20not%20only%20an [Accessed 16 May 2024].

Mary (2023). The Great Printmaking Ink Debate - Mary Is Contrary. [online] Available at: https://maryiscontrary.com/the-great-printmaking-ink-debate/ [Accessed 16 May 2024].

Clapham's Beeswax Product Ltd (2024). Food-Safe Beeswax Salad Bowl Finish. [online] Clapham’s. Available at: https://claphams.com/product/beeswax-salad-bowl-finish [Accessed 16 May 2024].