Upcycling Progress – Aquatic Aesthetic

Firstly , a little background about the goal of my upcycle project which involves utilizing transparent plastic bottles filled with orbeez and illuminated using LED light strips. The inclusion of orbeez within the bottle facilitates the dispersion of light emitted by the LEDs, resulting in an aesthetic reminiscent of bioluminescent sea creatures. The motivation behind choosing this particular project lies in the prevalence of unused or discarded water bottles found in households, coupled with the potential for implementing various modifications to enhance their functionality. The selection of this specific aesthetic is aimed at capitalizing on the transparent nature of the plastic material and the design of the bottles, thus enabling them to be hung and illuminated effectively.

Regarding the development of the desired aesthetic, significant progress has yet to be made. However, I’ve taken steps to procure the necessary materials for its construction. Orbeez have been ordered to ensure the intended aesthetic can be realized, alongside the acquisition of LED strips for illumination purposes. Additionally, a variety of water bottles have been collected to assess their brightness and effectiveness in achieving the desired outcome. Factors such as shape, thickness, size, and transparency were considered in the selection process. Upon the delivery of the ordered items, my immediate plan is to conduct a test on a sample of the orbeez to evaluate their longevity. If they exhibit minimal decay and can exhibit satisfactory endurance, I intend to proceed with the ordered quantity. Otherwise, I’ll explore alternative options that offer better durability.

Figure 1: A amalgamation of blue and green orbeez

Figure 2: LED strip

Figure 3: A collection of various bottles

The fabrication schedule is notably brief, primarily due to the majority of the required items being ordered in advance. However, achieving the desired effectiveness may require a considerable amount of time, contingent upon factors such as orientation, mixture, placement of LEDs, and bottle selection. Exploring a variety of bottles is part of the intended testing process to determine which yields the most favorable effects. Consequently, taking into account these considerations collectively, the entire project is estimated to require approximately 2 to 4 days for completion to satisfaction following the procurement of the ordered materials.

Possible Challenges:

While the project itself is not overly intricate, the envisioned aesthetic concept presents potential challenges. A primary concern lies in achieving optimal light emission. Variations in bottle radius and the capacity for accommodating beads within specific sections may impact the brightness of emitted light. Despite having amassed bottles of different sizes, uncertainty regarding the threshold poses a potential challenge during fabrication. Additionally, ensuring the effectiveness of the final outcome is another significant consideration. Although both the concept and prior related works indicate feasibility, there remains a possibility that the final result may not fully align with the desired aesthetic.

References:

Figure 1: BLUE,GREEN & CLEAR water beads hydrated absorbing gel, Magic marble crystal orbeez for plants and flowers. Keeps plants watered for 2-4 weeks (depending on the … (pinterest.ph)

Figure 2: Cool White LED Strip Light 12V 5050 IP65 Waterproof 60LED/m 5 metre – UK LED Lights

Figure 3: plastic bottle recycling – Intco GreenMax Recycling Beverage Cartons (drinkboxrecycling.com)