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This semester in Aesthetics of Design has been a rewarding and challenging experience, one that allowed me to explore creative design through hands-on projects while developing a deeper appreciation for aesthetics and personal storytelling. Through both my Upcycle project and my main project, I learned how to adapt when things don’t go according to plan and how to find inspiration in unexpected places.

My first major assignment for the class was the Upcycle project, where we were asked to create something new using discarded or recycled materials. For my piece, I made a small upcycled cactus planter using leftover materials I had at home. I’ve always wanted to bring a little greenery into my space, and this project gave me a chance to do that while experimenting with sustainable design. The final product turned out simple but charming, and it encouraged me to start thinking more intentionally about how materials and form work together to convey a sense of warmth and character. You can check out that post here. Here is an image of the product:

The main project was where my design skills and adaptability were really tested. My original plan was to build an Adirondack-style chair using vintage skis from my dad’s collection. My dad has been collecting skis since the late 1980s, and I’ve been skiing since I was three, so this project was meant to honor both our personal histories and the retro ski aesthetic of the 90s. I wanted to capture a nostalgic, adventurecore feel, combining both function and storytelling in one piece of furniture. I documented those early ideas in my project planning post, which you can read here.

However, partway through, I discovered my dad still wanted to use those old skis for a future project we could tackle together. While disappointing, it gave me an opportunity to pivot and rethink my design approach. I decided to lean into a rustic, upcycled aesthetic, creating a wooden Adirondack chair using wood from a neighbor’s tree that was being taken down. This new direction connected me to my community and emphasized natural textures and organic forms.

The fabrication process was labor-intensive and filled with learning moments. I processed the raw wood by hand, stripping bark, cutting pieces to size with an axe and band saw, and carefully assembling the chair using screws and bolts. The final chair has a rugged, handmade quality to it that I’ve grown proud of, even if it differs from my initial vision. I documented the final stages of this project in detail in my final project post here. An image of the final product is the featured image of this posts, but here is some inspiration I used throughout the way:

Looking back, I’m proud of how both projects reflect different parts of my personality and design values. The cactus planter speaks to sustainability and simplicity, while the wooden chair highlights craftsmanship and the ability to adapt when plans change. If I could change one thing, I would have given myself more time to experiment with adding a rocker base to the chair, which was part of my early idea.

Overall, this class helped me discover new ways to tell stories through objects and to find beauty in both planned and improvised designs. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work through challenges, embrace new materials, and build something meaningful from scratch.

Project Links:

• Upcycled Cactus Planter
• Main Project Planning Post (1)
• Main Project Final Post (2)

Works Cited:

Image 1 and Featured Image: Main Project

Image 2: Upcycled Project: Cactus Planter

Image 3: Cool Inspiration for Main Project

Chat GPT was used in aid when writing this article.