W2-Working with SCOBY

SCOBY workshop

For the in-class workshop, I made a volcano-shaped ashtray. Then, I blended SCOBY into small pieces and shaped them around a foam ball to create the volcano shape. In this project, I wanted to explore how much time is required to dry a thick layer of SCOBY. The SCOBY is still semi-wet after drying for a week indoors by the window with low humidity. Therefore, I will try other methods like putting it inside an oven or applying heat with a heat gun to speed up the process.

Brewing

I left the SCOBY for brewing elsewhere, unfortunately. I will start brewing this weekend when I retrieve it.

Project idea

For my project, I want to make a lamp with bacterial cellulose. I will create an enclosed shell with BC and place a light source inside. The idea is to visualize the process of drying BC. As BC becomes more and more translucent through the drying process, more light will shine through the material. It can also work as an indication of humidity in the environment. Since BC will absorb or dry up through high or low moisture in the atmosphere, the amount of light that passes through the lamp will vary accordingly. I want to use this as a natural way to visualize the natural habitat condition.