DUST London Small Planter

DUST London's latest collection transforms tea waste into elegant objects using a unique process we have developed in their studio. They make the vase moulds using traditional origami techniques. DUST begins with a sheet of paper; scoring, folding and pinching to create the desired form. A key part of this technique is balancing the tension between the curved facets. They then reinforce the paper and work through a series of steps to create a robust and seamless silicone mould. Preparing the planter object for making the mould is a key part of the process to make sure they achieve a smooth surface texture on the finished pieces.

Working with tea waste allows DUST to do two things; the first is to create a range of natural pigments and subtle textures in the vases they create. The second is to raise awareness of the way materials are conventionally used and to challenge the perception of what sustainable design can be. A vase made from tea waste paves the way for those conversations to happen.

The vase can hold water or be filled with soil and is therefore suitable for holding either flowers or plants.

Size

140mm tall x 170mm wide

inside void dimensions

130mm tall, 150mm in diameter

cork covers whole base

Weight

1.5kg approx.

Material

Chamomile, Peppermint and Roobis tea waste with jesmonite binder; an eco-friendly waterbased fine cement-like material which has no VOC's, and is UV stable. The vase is sealed with 2 layers of penetrating sealer and finished with a polish to give a subtle sheen.

Making

100% hand made in Dust London's London Studio by Michael and Matthew

Base

A cork base to prevent scratching. The cork is sealed for moisture protection and branded with the 'Dust London' logo using a traditional fire-heated branding iron.