Algae Accessories
We invite participants to explore Bio String, a flexible bioplastic fiber derived from kelp, through a hands-on making experience that blends science, design, and storytelling. In our workshops, we guide learners of all ages—from youth to adults—through the process of shaping this unique material while it is still wet, then watching it transform as it dries into wearable pieces such as bracelets, earrings, charms, and small woven forms. Along the way, we introduce Bio String as a “material collaborator,” encouraging participants to observe how it behaves, changes, and responds to their design choices.
Through this process, we create space for creativity, experimentation, and personal expression. Participants compare the material in different states, form it using simple chemical processes, and design objects that reflect their own stories and cultural connections. Our approach emphasizes making as both a creative and reflective practice—where science becomes tangible, and materials become meaningful. Each piece is not only a crafted object but also a record of interaction between the maker and a living-derived material.
At the heart of our project is a commitment to sustainable and responsible making. Bio String is made from alginate, a natural polymer found in kelp, making it fully biodegradable and an alternative to synthetic plastics. By working with this material, we invite participants to think critically about how materials are sourced, transformed, and used. We explore how factors like thickness, moisture, time, and environment shape the final outcome, and we encourage ongoing curiosity about how living systems can inspire new forms of design. Ultimately, our goal is to foster a deeper connection between people, materials, and the environment—through making, reflection, and collaboration