Integrating E-Waste and Vegetable-Tanned Leather to Produce Fashion Adornments

Authors

  • R. Wemegah Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Ghana.
  • R. A. O. Addo Asanka College of Design and Technology, Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
  • H. M. Awinzeligo Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Ghana.
  • A. M. Ibrahim-Dey Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Ghana.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.v10i2.800

Keywords:

Accessories. adornments. e-waste. jewellery. leather

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the possibility of integrating junk electronic objects and variedly dyed and painted pieces of vegetable-tanned leather to produce fashion accessories.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The qualitative study is grounded in an art-based research (ABR) design. The researchers produced the ornaments using techniques such as soldering, beading, braiding, painting, dyeing, spraying, marbling, thonging, sawing, cutting, and tying.

Findings: The study suggested integrating vegetable-tanned leather and junk electronic objects to produce various fashion accessories. Thirty-nine items were produced, including bags, belts, footwear, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Images of these products are duly captured in this paper.

Research Limitation: This research explores the feasibility of integrating vegetable-tanned leather with junk electronic objects to produce fashion adornments. However, the study is limited in evaluating the products' safety and consumer perception. Further studies are needed to shed light on the above.

Practical Implication: Combining e-waste with vegetable-tanned leather to produce fashion accessories is a progressive enterprise that can produce sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion products.

Social Implication: E-waste is dumped in landfills and littered carelessly around the environment. Integrating these waste materials into utilitarian articles can minimise their damaging environmental effects and allow creative people to produce valuable articles for society.

Originality/Value: This study presents innovative accessories that can inspire creative people to transform discarded electronic objects into valuable adornments of various forms, textures and colours.

Author Biographies

R. Wemegah, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Ghana.

Dr. Rolland Wemegah is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Industrial Art, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana.

R. A. O. Addo, Asanka College of Design and Technology, Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Dr. Andrew Richard Owusu Addo is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Jewellery Design, Asanka College of Design and Technology, Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana.

H. M. Awinzeligo, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Ghana.

Harold Martin Awinzeligo is a Lecturer at the Department of Industrial Art, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana.

A. M. Ibrahim-Dey, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Ghana.

Abubakar Musah Ibrahim-Dey is a Lecturer at the Department of Industrial Art, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana.

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Published

2024-12-25

How to Cite

Wemegah, R. ., Addo, R. A. O. ., Awinzeligo, H. M., & Ibrahim-Dey, A. M. (2024). Integrating E-Waste and Vegetable-Tanned Leather to Produce Fashion Adornments. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH, 10(2), 153–172. https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.v10i2.800