Old And New Materials: Samurai Sword and Silk.

Although the modern day wonder of the Silk and the ancient art of the Samurai Sword seem very different, they have a lot more in common than you think. With these two materials, the possibilities of these amazing products have been discovered using their very distinct and unique physical and chemical properties. The Samurai Sword has gone through many critics to make it one of the worlds most fascinating instruments. From a video on the Nova site on “Secrets of the Samurai Sword.” It tells of the secrets to making a Samurai Sword, and although the Japanese may not have been able to see to the microscopic level, they were able to use techniques that got the best quality’s out of iron and carbon (steel) to make a durable, strong sword. They realized that a sword must me malleable so that it wont break on contact, but they also realized that in order to be a good sword it had to be strong. The way they accomplished this is they added less carbon to the inner sword to make it malleable. This made it so that the inner blade would absorb any hit and make the blade less likely to shatter. Than the outside had more carbon which made the blade hard. In a like manner silk has been modified, using later technology and physical properties, to be used to it’s fullest potential.

 

http://www.martial-art-potential.com/samurai-sword.html

http://www.milartsilk.com/?page_id=64

In the TED video by Flo Omenetto, he explains the some qualities of silk. Silk can dissolve, but it also can be stable for years,  it’s edible, and it can be implanted in the human body. Using silk they were able to make many things from cups, to medicine holders, and even bones, all because they utilized the properties of silk.

Therefore, it is clear that properties when utilized in Chemistry and in the innovation process can prove very vital to making things fulfill their highest potential and in that way we see that the commonality between this modern day wonder and the ancient art.

A Passion For a Pretty Project

Ever Since I was young my mother has often told me how impressed she is with the kind of designs I make, especially concerning crafty projects. She would say ” There is a big difference between the style found in little girls and what I have seen you do. I have noticed that you have already, at a young age, discovered Less is More, and you can organize things to be pleasing to the eye.”  From the time I was little to now I have had a great love for making things beautiful in my life.  Finding ways to organize, create, or express myself through colors, patterns, and projects is my passion. One of the projects I took on was a doll dress made out of porcelain.  The way you make a doll dress is by dipping pieces of cotton in liquid porcelain. When you put the material on the doll and fire it, the cotton is burned out in the kiln and you are left with a doll dress.

During all projects there are times with frustration, boredom, and anger. At times I notice that constantly working on one of these projects and dealing with all the problems that arises, leaves me upset and totally “done” with the Project. It is amazing that I make the effort to come back to the work. But It is due to my passion for a Pretty Project that I don’t give up. According to Merriam-Webster, Passion is “a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.” Although I love making things beautiful and completing the project, getting there is always an interesting process, and even though it is challenging, I am devoted. The second project that I found really fun, but tedious and challenging to complete was a quilt. I spent tons of time devoted to picking out the right colors and materials that would complement each other.

What I love most about finishing a quilt is knowing that every seam was done by my hand (well the sewing machines hand, but you get the idea). The detail and love put into it makes it almost a part of you. And eventually you find yourself wanting to do another.  Even though the first took FOREVER to complete. I am currently working on a quilt for my brother Benjamin. It is a 20×19 King size  quilt. It still  needs to be sewn together, but this is what it will look like when finished.

The Last project that I was able to finish during summer break this year was a scrapbook.

These are some of the pages I have done, and I know what your thinking. Yes I did hand-write Twister on the third page. For me, the reason I am so excited to work on a project, is because when I am finished with it I feel accomplished. It is something that shows who I am, but also can be shared with the world. Something that reminds us to have fun and shows memories of when we were, like a scrapbook. Something that is conventional like a quilt, but is also a work of art at the same time. Something delicate and precious and requires care like the porcelain doll. “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” Oprah Winfrey. When I make a pretty project I feel that energy, like the world is standing still waiting to see what I will do with the time I am given, that is why Pretty Projects are my Passion, and I love doing them.

 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passion
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/o/oprahwinfr384837.html#dzWpsIlaIbYrd8hK.99