Ceramics Creation Workshop with Eggshells and Mussel Shells
Introduction
In this workshop, we will discover how food waste can be turned into useful and sustainable materials, exploring the use of alginate as the sole binder. Alginate, extracted from seaweed, is a natural material that mixes easily with mineral powders, giving our ceramics a smooth and resistant finish. Additionally, we will complement this activity with natural plant-based dyes to decorate our pieces and give them a natural touch of color!
Objective
Transform eggshells and mussel shells into ceramics using alginate as a binder and apply plant-based dyes for decoration. We will also reflect on the importance of reducing food waste.
Materials Needed
For the ceramics:
Eggshells and/or mussel shells (washed and dry).
Alginate powder (available in natural product or art supply stores).
Mortar or blender to pulverize.
Bowls or mixing containers.
Wooden spoons.
Plastic gloves (for handling alginate).
Small silicone or cardboard molds to shape the ceramics.
Distilled water.
For the dyes:
Vegetable and fruit scraps (onion skins, beets, spinach, etc.).
Water.
Small containers.
Stove or electric heater.
Coffee filters or strainers.
1. Research and Awareness: Why Transform Waste?
Let’s start with important questions: Why is food waste a problem? What happens when we simply throw it away? Give a brief introduction about the environmental impact of food waste and how reusing it can help reduce our ecological footprint.
Activity: Divide the students into groups to research how food waste affects the environment and what materials can be reused locally. Each group will give a short presentation about their findings. The goal is for everyone to understand that, with a shift in perspective, waste can become a valuable resource.
2. Exploring Social Actors: Who Joins Us in This Project?
It’s time to involve the community. Ask students to collect eggshells and mussel shells at home or by contacting cafes, markets, or restaurants. They can also gather fruit and vegetable scraps for natural dyes.
Community Activity: Organize a “collaborative collection,” where everyone brings what they gathered. This is a fun way for students to see how a community can unite for a shared goal while also highlighting the amount of waste we generate daily. Thank everyone who contributed and think of creative ways to share the results with the community after the workshop!
3. Prototyping: Hands-on with Ceramics and Dyes!
Now comes the exciting part: creating! With our pulverized eggshells and mussel shells, we will make a natural ceramic mixture. Additionally, we will prepare natural dyes using fruit and vegetable scraps to add color to our pieces.
Cleaning and Drying the Collected Materials: Ensure the eggshells and mussel shells are completely clean and dry. If needed, place them in the sun or in a low-temperature oven (90-100°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Pulverizing: Use a mortar or blender to grind the eggshells and mussel shells into a fine powder. Each team can use a mortar or rotate tasks at blender stations.
Preparing the Mixture for a Small Piece:
Combine the eggshell and mussel shell powder with alginate.
In a bowl, mix 125 grams of eggshell powder with 30 grams of alginate powder. Stir well to distribute the alginate evenly.
Gradually add 100 ml of water while continuously mixing with a wooden spoon. The mixture should become a thick and uniform paste.
If too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time (slowly, to avoid excess).
Place the mixture into a silicone mold or shape it manually (wear gloves if needed). Press firmly to compact the material.
Let the piece air dry for 24 to 48 hours depending on thickness, or accelerate drying in the oven at low temperature (90-100°C) for 1-2 hours.
Creating Dyes: While the ceramics dry, experiment with dyes. Use onion skins, beetroot, spinach, or other colorful vegetable scraps. As learned in the pigment extraction process:
Dehydrate and pulverize the collected materials.
Store powders in clean glass jars with a bit of clove as a preservative.
To use, mix the powders with gum arabic, glycerin, water, or oil, depending on the application.
4. Exhibition and Reflection: Sharing Our Achievements and Learnings!
Once the pieces are ready, it’s time to celebrate and showcase what we’ve achieved. Organize a small exhibition at school where each group can explain their process, materials, and discoveries.
Group Reflection: Gather the students and ask:
What did you learn from working with waste materials?
How can you apply this experience to your daily life?
The goal is for students to realize that everyone has the power to reduce their environmental impact.
Community Exhibition: Organize an open showcase where students present their pieces to parents and peers, explaining how the ceramics and dyes were made from waste. This completes the awareness cycle, demonstrating that, with a little creativity, something ordinary can be transformed into something extraordinary.
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