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frequently asked questions
WHERE DO YOU SOURCE PLASTIC BOTTLES FROM?
Around 30% of the plastic bottles used are litter picked in the local community. The remaining 70% are collected from local businesses, neighbours and relatives. Every bottle has been used already, and Aimee tries to source as close to home as possible to minimise her carbon footprint.
ARE YOU ABLE TO USE THE ENTIRE PLASTIC BOTTLE FOR YOUR ART?
Yes, with some shapes of bottle this is possible, and thankfully that is the majority of what is sourced. It also depends on the condition of the plastic, for example a litter picked bottle can often be quite damaged, meaning it is not possible to work with the entirety of it. Rest assured these parts are responsibly recycled.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN THE PLASTIC BOTTLES?
This is something Aimee is very thorough with, especially a litter picked bottle. All bottles are handled wearing gloves, these go straight into a washing up bowl full of hot soapy water. Any parts that cannot be used go in the recycling bin. The pieces are left to soak then get scrubbed with a sponge. The dirty water is discarded, then there is a second soak and scrub in clean soapy water. Aimee washes as many pieces as possible at once to save wasting water. The plastic is left to air dry, then all the surfaces are wiped over with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. The plastic is then sorted into large sacks which are colour-coded based on the size, shape and clarity of the plastic (yes, this is a thing!).
ARE THE PLASTIC BOTTLES ALREADY COLOURED?
Short answer, no!
On a handful of occasions Aimee has sourced plastic in turquoise and green, however there is not a constant supply of these. This is actually why Aimee started experimenting with colouring plastic at the beginning of her art journey as she needed a way to make consistent colours. After spending many months researching and trying several techniques, the very first colour dye successfully made was in fact the same turquoise as some of the existing bottles, Once the best technique was found, Aimee has been able to expand the colour offering significantly.
HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE ALL THE COLOURS?
Aimee's most asked question. The enormous amount of time, effort and resources she has invested into getting this right means she is not prepared to divulge. As she often says, "I'm no scientist, if you really want to do the research I'm sure you would work it out like I did."
CAN YOU DO DIFFERENT FLOWER SHAPES?
Aimee generally sticks to one or two shape of flower at the moment but hopes to experiment with new shapes soon. There are other eco artists who make different plastic bottle flower styles so she will never encroach on their work.
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
Aimee works at home from her studio in Gravesend, Kent. She did have a separate studio in the town centre which did not prove an efficient way to work so she is back working very productively from home.
DO YOU MAKE OTHER PRODUCTS WITH YOUR PLASTIC BOTTLE FLOWERS?
At present it is mostly make bouquets, and brooches / buttonholes. Aimee has also made large scale art installations.
DO YOU TAKE COMMISSIONS / CUSTOM ORDERS?
Yes, please get in touch.
DO YOU HOST WORKSHOPS?
None are planned but keep an eye on social media channels for any updates. If you would like to host your own workshop get in touch (Please note maximum group sizes are 10 people and they are not suitable for children).
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