Play & PressNovember 2024
University of Colorado Boulder
The Play & Press was created by my group using diverted materials, blending sustainability with creativity. Designed to inspire a love for nature and a deeper connection to our ecosystem, this children’s activity book features interactive exercises and a plant press booklet for hands-on exploration throughout the seasons.
Its cover, crafted by hammering leaves and flowers to create natural dyes, showcases the beauty of nature’s artistry. Play & Press encourages curiosity and mindfulness, providing children with a tangible way to explore and appreciate the natural world around them.
I collaborated with two classmates to design and create the Play & Press. Together, we went through weeks of prototyping and iteration to refine our concept. Using diverted materials, we handcrafted nine unique books, each featuring nature-inspired covers and engaging activities. We brought our finished product to the Firefly Market on Pearl Street, where it resonated deeply with the community, selling out in just four hours.
Materials
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We used second-hand recycled MDF from Eco-Cycle for the outside cover of our book, providing a durable and sustainable support that allows children to use it comvortably anytime and anywhere.
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We thrifted 100% cotton fabric to cover the MDF, naturally dyed it by pounding leaves into the material, which infused it with a beautiful, organic touch of nature
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We hand-bound the press and activity book using recycled paper sourced around Boulder, ensuring a sustainable design
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The only material we purchased for this product was silicone bands, chosen for their durability and the precise tension needed to effectively press flowers within our design
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Dream.
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Ideate.
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Prototype.
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Prototype More.
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Finalize Design.
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Sell.
EPOP SHOP
EPOP is a studio class at CU Boulder where product design students transform diverted materials into innovative sustainable products. Working in teams of three, students design, create, and sell their products in a collaborative, hands-on learning environment. This unique experience combines creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, showcasing the potential of upcycled design.
