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PERSONAL STORIES IN THE PEARL

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Learning to use epoxy resin and engaging with individual's stories and memories, Creating worry beads that helps people to calm down, relax and pass the time. The object can have a special value for people in transit.

KEYWORDS

  • relax

  • epoxy beads

  • personal object

  • people in transit

  • creative

  • personal stories

  • storytelling

DURATION

2 hours

SKILLS

  • visual skills

  • use of specific materials

  • visual creation

  • empathy

  • listening

  • transferring feelings

  • and memories into visual tools

PREPARATION

  • Being familiar with the method. Making safety precautions for working with epoxy resin.

  • Acquiring a general knowledge about the history and culture of worry beads in different parts of the world and of the materials used for worry beads making and the techniques for it

  • Previous knowledge of the participants' composition and number;

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

  • scissors

  • pliers

  • UV epoxy resin

  • 1

    silicone moulds

  • toothpicks

  • UV lamp (> 50W)

  • silicone mat

  • gloves

  • small objects

  • thread

  • nail polish.

DESCRIPTION

1. Preparation and Collection: - Invite participants to bring small, personal items from home that hold special significance to them. These items could include a small piece of fabric, a delicate flower, a miniature drawing, or a brief written message on a piece of paper. These objects should evoke an emotional connection and symbolize significant or empowering memories for the individual.

2. Creating Epoxy Resin Beads: - Guide participants through the process of crafting epoxy resin beads. This involves mixing the resin and hardener, incorporating the personal items into the mixture, and pouring it into moulds. To expedite the process, UV epoxy, which cures more rapidly under UV light, can be utilized. (Provide a link to a instructional video if available.)

3. Curing Process: - Once the beads have been cast, they must undergo the curing process. - If possible, encourage the use of UV epoxy, as a brief exposure to UV light can expedite the curing process. - Alternatively, support participants in following the curing process, which may vary in duration depending on the type of resin and room temperature, typically ranging from several hours to a full day.

4. Finishing and Presentation: - Instruct participants to demold the beads once they have fully cured. - Encourage participants to complete their creations by grinding, polishing, and affixing suspensions or threading them onto chains to create wearable beads.

5. Reflection and Exchange: - Facilitate a session where participants share the stories behind the objects they have crafted, providing deeper insights into their personal experiences and memories.

BLENDED ELEMENTS/TUTORIAL

TIPS AND RECOMMANDATIONS

If time allows, a 2-part epoxy resin adhesive can be utilized instead. This adhesive may require up to 72 hours for full curing, depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the specific resin formula used. In this scenario, a UV lamp and nail polish are unnecessary, and beads made with this method are less prone to becoming cloudy over time. The object collection process can be conducted separately. Participants may engage in individual efforts to search for small, meaningful personal items at home. Alternatively, it can involve a group excursion to a forest to collect natural objects. Alternatively, it can be a separate workshop conducted after the museum visit, where participants create ornaments or write stories on small pieces of paper, which can later be encapsulated in epoxy beads.


Deliberative, outspoken and respectful communication modes are the required for this process; Diverse and complementary backgrounds, knowledge and skills of the facilitators team are required

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The participants will

  • have worry beads with a special personal meaning and a relaxed state of mind.

  • learn about the history and culture of worry bead crafting and usage

  • understand the materials and techniques used for making worry beads

  • develop communication and storytelling skills

  • convey ideas and memories through design concepts -

  • think outside of the box by recycling materials and using beads in new ways - Build their own identities based on their cultural heritage

  • adapt to new host societies

  • consider how to use obtained knowledge and skills to start a small business

REFERENCES/USEFUL SOURCES

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