What is it?

A workshop to explore materials and materialism!

We present the participants with a box each containing a mass-produced product. Their job is to remake their object out of a limited set of materials, including fabrics, thread, buttons and cardboard. The limitations mean that the kids have to be quite resourceful to create the forms, textures, colours and effects they want. It also gives them scope to adapt their object, make it more personal or more meaningful to them – this is not something that we brief for, it emerges out of the activity itself.

During the workshop we ask a series of prompt questions to help spark conversations about the nature of these objects, how they’re made, who makes them, whether they can be repaired and what happens to them at the end of their working lives. It’s an opportunity to give greater context and depth to the activity and gives the kids space to make observations about the objects and systems that surround them.

Details

How long does it take?
2-4 hours

What’s the purpose?
To explore the role of mass produced objects through making and conversation

Who is it for?
Kids year 5 and up. Can also be shaped for students and older adults.