Strike Match Holder
Fall 2020
The Brief:
Design an object that can be made by sand-casting aluminum.
About:
Working directly with a vendor, Unique Sandcasting, the goal was to create an object that could be made by sandcasting in aluminum. From a 4 month process, a unique household item was created.
How it started.
This project started out as a candle extinguisher, to put out the flame of a candle. Through ideation sketches, model making and research the product transformed into a tray that could hold matches, ignite a match, light a candle and extinguish a candle. Clay models made to quickly and effectively explore and communicate form.
Challenge: All of the components needed to be unified.
Solution: I went back into the ideation sketches to help solve the issue. Using the knowledge I had gained from failure, I proceeded from the beginning. It is important that the design process is not a straight line.
The design.
A small, circular vessel that can house unused matches, strike matches, and house extinguished matches.
Casting.
A technical manufacturing drawing was made for the sand-casting foundry, which was sent to them along with a 3D printed model. This allowed them to understand the final vision, the dimensions, and the specifics. The model was used to make a mold. Working with the foundry, the drawings were slightly refined to meet their needs. A few models were cast before the final texture was achieved.
The Result.
Strike match holder brings the simple but powerful act of creating fire into an effortless and unified object that can live anywhere in your home. It will store, strike, and provide a place for charred matches to rest.
Strike takes the functionality of an everyday matchbox, and elevates it, making a simple, aesthetically pleasing vessel for a unique match lighting experience.
The natural finish of sand cast aluminum is rough and uneven, which compliments the symmetrical nature of the rest of the piece. The inherently rough texture is the ideal surface for lighting a “strike anywhere” match. It will not rust, it will not get scratched or damaged, and it promises to celebrate the beauty of fire with every use.
Using Sheridan’s professional photography equipment and photo editing software, final shots of the product were developed.
