n-e-r-v-o-u-s system

Nervous system creates rubber silicone jewelry using a water jet machine, the water is highly pressurized and mixed with sand this stream of water cuts the silicon and does not alter the material. Water cutting might be a better bet when cutting silicon because it is a cold cutting method, compared to laser cutting where heat will be involved. This process is also environmental friendly, it does not produce any toxins when cutting. Nervous system rubber jewelry is produced by Western Rubber a company located in California. They can supply CAD services, i think this means that they can work with CAD files. This could be a possibility for cutting silicone.

GlobalSpec (engineering search engine)

Everyone should check out Globalspec!

I am in the process of fully exploring the site, but it seems to be dedicated to providing engineers/designers with products and supplies that will help them with their endeavors. I signed up and now have my own personalized page with all the companies that i am interested in working with. It also has new current information on products and processes.

It could be useful for outsourcing companies, i will post more once i learn more about this site.

Silicone

For my next project in design and production i would like to work with Silicone rubber. I am creating pop up designs from 2d blueprints that will be laser cut. the designs will be assembled to create wearable objects.

Most of the work i have seen being made from silicone are flat table wear items such as placements, coasters and doilies. I would like to use this material and create 3d forms.
This is an example of current 2d uses of silicone, these are doilies made by Modern Twist.


New Silicone Jewelry


This is a broach made of silicone disks. It was once available at the MoMa store, it is made by an artist from Argentina but i could not find the name of the artist. if anyone knows let me know.

This is exactly what I was thinking about doing originally for this project, with a rubber type material. Squeezing it through fabric with holes and creating forms from what was pushed through the holes. The outcome was similar to these necklaces by Tzuri Gueta. These forms are beautiful and have a lot of detail, i bet they feel really nice as well. These forms are created by extruding hot silicone through silk tubes.I love these objects, they feel like they are alive and still growing.

climate of design today

Today’s design climate appears to be one of fun forms, clever ideas and the use of new innovative materials. A lot of the designs I am seeing are simple but not too simple where they become boring. They also seem to be functional in someway, but also have strong elements of design. The design is not sacrificed for the function but rather both elements are achieved to create a new objects.

These are index card cutting boards, designed to prevent cross contamination of food. They were designed by Damian Evans and are sold on the MoMa website. Its functional, helpful and cool.
This eco-friendly porcelain reusable cup, takes a familiar disposable object and transforms it into a reusable object saving paper cups from being used. designed by James Burgess and also available at Moma.

Tord Boontje created this whimsical lampshade from one piece of metal that was it laser cut. It can be wound around the light bulb however you like. Great idea, simple construction and good use of laser cutting.
Droog created this lamp made of milk bottles. Its soft glow creates a comforting feeling. it reminds me of coming home from school and my mom having cookies and milk ready for me as an after school snack. Its a simple idea which everyone can relate too. The use of recycled materials is also a trend that has come up a lot. There is now a new awareness of the environment and people are designing smarter because of it.

Silicone Placemats

Silicon Placemats designed by Modern Twist and available at Bluehouse. All the products sold here meet at least one of their environmentally friendly categories, these placemats fit two categories, they are made by hand and are durable and long lasting.

Creative Caffeine

These are some images of my creative caffeine. they helped me work with the material to see different ways i could manipulate it. I was working with a rod from a window blind.
Melted blind.
Tool Dip.
Felted.
Smashed with hammer.

Skills

This is a list of all the skills i have with in the field of making. Most i have learned threw my Interdisciplinary Crafts classes at Towson. It ended up being a lot longer then i thought it would and will continue to grow.

Mold Making
Working with Resins
Stained Glass
Printmaking
Casting
Enameling
Soldiering
Wielding
Wax Working
Rhino 3D modeling
Illustrator
Photo shop
Die Forming
Felting
Flocking