Michigan-Focused Micro Collection
︎  Featured in the 2024 CCS Student Exhibition

Focus
Product / Print / Textile / Web

Means
Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, Riso Printer, Letterpress, Sewing Machine, Sublimation Printer, Heat Press

Make
13 Page 5” x 7” Risograph Printed and Letterpressed Calendar, Uncoated Cardstock. Metal Bound.

18” x 24” Sublimated Dishcloth. Rayon and Polyester “Linen-Feel” Fabric.

Timeline
15 Weeks

Summary
Sprouting Season is a micro-collection of products that pays homage to the greens one can forage and eat within the great state of Michigan. 

context

    Michigan is home to a bounty of edible wonders. The cherry is Michigan’s state fruit, berries form the namesake of numerous fairs, and no fall could be complete without a trip to the apple orchard. All of these prized foods have one thing in common: they’re all considered fruits. Where is the love for native vegetables and herbs of Michigan? Sprouting Season is a celebration of local greens that are often overlooked.

    I was tasked with creating a collection of two pieces, one print-based and one not, that is Michigan-centric. When I think of Michigan’s essence, I think of my summers spent up north. Wedged in the woods off the coast of Lake Superior, our family cottage is situated amongst stunning flora and fauna. The bright red thimbleberries that dot the forest paths are always a treat, but it had me wondering: what else is edible in these woods?

    To begin, I scoured the Internet for information regarding edible plants in Michigan. Can a dandelion be eaten raw? When is the best time to harvest and eat cattail shoots? What can you pair fiddlehead ferns with for the best dining experience? These were all important questions I needed to find answers to.

    After compiling names, scientific names, usages, and pairings for a list of plants, I began to sketch potential concepts. I presented three ideas to my classmates for feedback, and, after taking their thoughts into consideration, decided upon a calendar for my print object and a tea towel for my functional object. Plants are seasonal, and a calendar can emphasize the harvest times of each plant. A tea towel can be used to line a foraging basket, wrap up vegetables for transport, or wipe up kitchen spills when cooking one’s greens.

Visual style was influenced by my original inspiration: my summers up north. The copper mining town my family hails from is a majority Finnish, and is known for their strong ties to their culture. Finnish slogans dot bumper stickers, flags fly above cottages, and design objects and literature litter gift store shelves. Scandinavian design is often minimalist and simple, yet playful. It made sense to illustrate the plants in this way: simple and easy to consume, as well as paying a nod to the culture that made me so interested in nature.

The 13-page calendar was risograph printed for the utmost vibrancy and liveliness. The gold title and backing stamp are letterpressed to provide an intriguing metallic contrast to the risographed inks and a match to its gold binding clips. The utilization of binder clips instead of a traditional binding method allows the user to display their calendar pages separately or all in a stack.

The final tea towel is 18x24, an apt size to cover a basket or wrap around veggies. In order to sublimate the design onto the fabric, the material needed to be partially polyester. A linen-look poly-rayon blend was chosen due to rayon’s high absorbency, which is much needed for a tea towel. Towels are finished with a rolled hem to minimize fraying and increase product integrity

life lessons

1.      Proof proof PROOF your colors!
2.     Make 30 more than you’re planning to keep on the Risograph. Misalignments and messed up trims cut down on your sellable goods.
3.   Dandelion greens are sold at Whole Foods, if you ever want them.