Drop in on Design at Home: National Design Month Edition

Take your Halloween costume to the next level with the winner of the 2021 National Design Award for Fashion Design, Becca McCharen-Tran! For many costumes, it’s the accessories that really make it pop! In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the design process, learn more about where and how designers find inspiration, and discover how to use everyday materials to create their own sustainable accessory design. Participants have the option to design an accessory that can be added to their Halloween costume, or redesign an accessory to help you in your everyday life. 

Audience 

This intergenerational program is suitable for families, youth, and adults. Participate as a family or join us on your own to learn more about the basic principles and elements of design. This is a beginner workshop, no prior experience in design required to participate. 

Materials 

Participants have the option to build a 3-dimensional design using everyday materials from their home. If you are interested in building a design, please collect materials prior to the workshop and have them ready for the workshop. Participation in all activities is possible without materials, or you can use paper and any writing tools to record your brainstorming ideas. 

Suggested materials: 

  • Scissors 
  • Masking tape 
  • Cardboard (any kind)
  • Clean food packaging
  • Clean containers
  • String
  • Paper
  • Fabric
  • Markers
  • Any material that isn’t already in use, especially if it will otherwise go in the trash!

Learn more about the winners of the 2021 National Design Awards! 

Accessibility

This free program will be hosted through Zoom, with the option to dial in as well. Details will be emailed to you upon registration.This program includes closed captioning. For general questions, or if we can provide additional accessibility services or accommodations to support your participation, please email CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when registering.

About National Design Month

National Design Month gathers the country’s leading designers and communities around the country to celebrate the power of design in our everyday world. Held in conjunction with the National Design Awards, National Design Month highlights the work of Award winners through a series of free virtual education programs during the month of October including talks, tours, workshops, mentoring sessions, online resources, and more. Visit www.cooperhewitt.org/ndm for further details and a complete listing of programs. Cooper Hewitt relies on design advocates like you to offer these free programs this October—and even more design inspiration throughout the year. Show your support today! 

 

2021 Special Thanks

National Design Awards programming is made possible with major support from Facebook, Inc., Shelby and Frederick Gans, Helen and Edward Hintz, The Hirsch Family Foundation, IBM Corporation, and Crystal and Chris Sacca.

Generous support is also provided by Kim and Mac Schuessler and Lisa Roberts and David Seltzer.