An Application of Plant-based Solution Patinated Brass to Fashion Accessory Design

Abstract

Intentional patina on metal is traditionally accelerated using highly corrosive, inorganic chemicals. Plant-based solution is a safer alternative, uses plant parts to induce patina on copper and brass. Although mildly corrosive, it produces distinctive patinas on 0.1 mm-thin brass and copper sheets. However, the sensitivity of its patinas and the thin metal sheet presented a challenge for application to craft/design objects. This research was set to explore a safer metalsmithing process by combining plant patination on brass sheets with cold connection and demonstrating it on a fashion accessory. The study was divided into four parts: 1) Patination Experiment, 2) Cold Joining Experiment, 3) Design, and 4) Production. Rose apple solution on brass was selected for its colors and durability. The types of cold joining experiments were Wire Hoop Joint and the Interlocking Tab and Slot Joint. The results: Interlocking Tab and Slot Joint can be well applied to plant-patinated 0.1 mm-thin brass sheets. The fashion accessory (shoulder bag) incorporated aesthetic value of the patina created by sustainable method and demonstrated an application of the material through the adoption of modular system. The result can be further applied to surface design, product design, and interior design. Further research should explore different modular shapes and sizes that allow the unique visual characteristic of plant-induced patinas to take center stage and to create more possibilities in design.