Specifications and Constraints

For my final project, I am making a spice spinner for my mom inspired by traditional Mexican ceramics and pottery. I want to create something that is both beautiful and functional, incorporating handcrafted details that reflect my aesthetic. I want my project to look cozy, traditional, and handmade. This project is for my mom, and I want her to see the effort I put into it. That is one of the main goals. I want this piece to look like traditional Mexican ceramic pottery. The lids need to resemble the patterns and texture of real pottery. If the spice spinner as a whole gives off that traditional look, I will know I succeeded. If the clay just looks like it was placed on top of the spice jars’ lids without a cohesive design, then it will not work. The whole piece needs to flow. The most important part is the design on the lids. That is where the Mexican pottery aesthetic will come through. If I do not get that right, the project will not feel complete.

My biggest constraint is my skill level. I have never worked with clay, so I am not sure how well I can shape it to fit the lids. I am also not experienced in painting, which worries me because the painted design is what will make or break the project. If I cannot get the patterns right, it will not look like traditional pottery. Time is another big constraint. I have other classes and responsibilities, so I need to make sure I set aside enough time for this. The clay, paint, and adhesive all need drying time, which means I have to plan carefully. Space is also an issue. The project itself is not that big, but I need room for the pieces to lay flat while drying. I do not have a lot of space where I live, so finding a place to store everything will be difficult. The last constraint is money. I do not have a big budget, so I need to find affordable materials that still fit my aesthetic. I have to make sure everything I buy works well and does not make the project look cheap or out of place.

The biggest challenge will be my lack of skill in painting and working with clay. The design on the lids is the most important part, and if I do not execute it well, the whole project will fall apart. I do not want it to look like random paint strokes. It needs to look intentional and true to the aesthetic. The clay also needs to form well around the lids and not look sloppy. If I cannot get these elements right, the final product will not match my vision. That is what I am most focused on overcoming.

Citations
[1]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u43dPzcZxM&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD
[2]. https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/20-polymer-clay-tips-and-tricks-for-beginners
[3]. https://thefusioneer.com/blog/a-guide-to-paintbrush-types-for-beginner-artists/