Yep, you read that right. Insect byproducts. Growing up in a family of beekeepers, Britain-based designer Marl\u00e8ne Huissoud was always intrigued by the idea of using insects and their waste streams to create artifacts.<\/p>\n
Inspired by the viability of creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and insects, Huissoud looked at two insects in particular \u2013 the honeybee and the Indian silkworm. The everyday honeybee collects propolis, a resinous mixture gathered from sap. The honeybee uses propolis to seal their hive, and Houissad used it to create a collection of glass-like objects using a variety of glass manipulation techniques. It results in mysterious, black objects with unexpected textures.<\/p>\n
Indian silkworms create a hard cocoon that is discarded when they reach maturity. Composed of raw silk, Houissad extracted the individual silk fibers that includes a natural glue called Sericin. By activating the glue through heating the fibers and adding water, it creates a strong, paper-like material. Houissad further varnishes the paper with propolis, creating a wooden, leather-like material that can be used for a variety of designs \u2013 including furniture or even clothing.<\/p>\n