All posts by Kristi

Kristi Beisecker is a graphic designer, photographer, printmaker and alternative scientist whose interested in making images through two contrasting elements. She is also a blogger in lifestyle, travel, wellness and health, art and design, beauty and fashion.
Technology

Bio Ink: US Patent for Manufacturing Ink

My Bio Ink project requires a different type of thinking rather than my biomimicry or cellular automata projects, it’s more technical and scientific rather than artistic. Bio ink can also potentially be considered biomimicry but I haven’t quite seen the imitation yet. The goal for my bio ink project is to be able to print graphics with a cell-based ink to be able to grow plant sculptures. The artistic part is to design the sculpture in a 2D program such as indesign, illustrator or canva and then have it grow vertically as a normal plant. This potentially might be a better method for the 3D printer but I haven’t gotten there yet. I’ve been doing some researching and studying on the manufacturing of ink and what it takes to get the different properties correct. I actually found a patent issued by a company in Keene, NH that details some of these properties.

Making ink isn’t obviously a new concept in the art and design world and actually an ancient process, but to be able to make printer ink at home is relatively new. With the literature available today and some understanding and interpretation it wouldn’t be that difficult. Artists and designers are already swapping traditional printer ink with sublimation ink to convert a desktop inkjet printer to a sublimation printer. So why can’t we mess with the variable here (the ink) to be something else? Other’s have done this with magnetic ink, for example, to make printed circuits at home for electronics. In the case of sublimation ink you’d take refillable cartridges and fill them with the alternative ink. The key component here would be to make the ink have the same properties/qualities as traditional ink. The above graphic is a start of these qualities where the viscosity is important to the type of printer used. Traditional inkjet printers fall under the piezo inkjet, at 5-30mPa.s. Thermal inkjets are thermal printers often used for label printing, the others are kind of self-explanatory. The viscosity range is important so it can flow through the nosal in the printhead properly, otherwise it runs a risk of getting clogged and ruining the printer.

Now that we have an understanding how printer ink is manufactured, the next part would be the bio part. The initial concept of this project is to add plant cells to an ink to see if they would grow vertically, as normally when planted in a soil or water based environment. Maybe I can use my knowledge of hydroponics here and create an ink with the coco peat substance that is used to make grow sponges for hydroponics, for example, create some sort of resemblance to a water based environment since that is what ink is (rather for ink it’s an oil based environment). On paper the design would be in a shape of the coco peat substance with plant-cells in them. I guess you would have to take care of and water these plant designs as normal.

US Patent for Manufacturing Printer Ink

[pdf id=’50325′]

Blog, Graphic Design, Marketing

Designing Business Cards in 2023

Creating a great business card is essential for any business. A well designed business card can make a lasting impression on potential customers and clients. Designing an effective business card requires careful thought and planning. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a business card that will stand out.

When it comes to designing business cards, the most important thing to consider is the overall look and feel. You want your card to stand out and make an impression, so make sure you choose colors and fonts that are eye-catching and stylish. You also want to make sure the card conveys the message you want to send; use the space to tell people about your business and the services you offer.

In addition, it’s important to make sure your contact information is accurate and up-to-date. Include your name, business name, address, phone number, website, and email address on the card. Make sure to include any social media links, too.

  • Choose the right paper stock for your business cards. The paper stock you choose for your business cards should be one that makes a good first impression. Consider using a thick, luxury paper stock with a matte or gloss coating that looks professional and stands out from the crowd. 
  • Use high quality images. Images are an important part of any business card and should be of the highest quality possible. If you are using photos, make sure they are crisp and clear with minimal noise. If you are using vector graphics, ensure that they are properly layered and the colors are vibrant. 
  • Keep it simple. Business cards should be clear and concise. Include only the most relevant information. Too much information can be distracting and hard to read. Focus on the important details such as your logo, name, title, contact information, website, and social media links. 
  • Include a call to action. Your business card should include a call to action that encourages people to contact you or visit your website. Make sure the call to action is easy to find and clearly visible.
  • Pay attention to the details. Make sure you double check all the details on your business cards. Everything from the text size, font, and spelling to the alignment and spacing should be perfect. It’s worth taking the time to ensure that your cards look professional and are error-free.

Finally, it’s important to keep your business card design simple and easy to read. Use a clear, readable font, and make sure the text is large enough to be seen at a glance. When it comes to graphics, remember less is more. Stick to one or two images that are relevant to your business and don’t overcrowd the design.

By using these tips and tricks, you should be able to create a business card that stands out and makes a great first impression. With a well designed business card, you can make a lasting impression on potential customers and clients.

Blog, Cellular Automata, Research, Woodnote Lab Notes

Introduction to Cellular Automata

Cellular automata are an interesting and complex topic that has been studied and explored for many years. They are a type of mathematical model that can be used to simulate complex behavior in a simple system. In this blog post, we will take a look at what cellular automata are, how they work, and some of the potential applications of this fascinating field of study. 

At its core, cellular automata (CA) are self-organizing systems that use simple rules and local interactions to produce complex patterns. A simple example of this is Conway’s Game of Life, which uses a grid of cells and a set of rules to generate complex patterns. Each cell can be in one of two states, alive or dead, and the state of each cell is determined by the states of its neighboring cells. This simple system can create fascinating patterns like gliders, oscillators, and spaceships. 

The potential applications of CA are vast. They can be used to model a variety of natural phenomena, from the evolution of bacteria to the emergence of complex societies. They have also been used to create computer graphics such as fractals, as well as simulations of the physical world. Furthermore, CA are a powerful tool for machine learning, as they can be used to model large datasets and generate predictions. 

One of the most exciting aspects of CA is their potential for creating artificial life. Using the same principles as Conway’s Game of Life, researchers have created virtual organisms that can interact with each other in a simulated environment. These virtual organisms can be used to study evolution and adaptation, as well as to create virtual worlds and simulations. 

Overall, cellular automata are an amazing and powerful field of study. They can be used to model and simulate complex systems, create amazing computer graphics, and even create artificial life. We are only just beginning to scratch the surface of this fascinating field, and the possibilities are endless.

Blog, Cooking, Growing, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Do Electric Canning

#electriccanning #foodpreservation

I got some money for Christmas/Yule this year and I purchased an electric canner with some of it. I’m so excited about my new electric canner! It’s a great way to preserve food and make delicious meals. I love the convenience of being able to can my own food without having to use a stovetop. Plus, it’s much safer than traditional canning methods, since electric canners are designed to maintain a consistent temperature while preserving food. I’m looking forward to experimenting with different recipes and creating some delicious homemade meals!

Electric canning is an increasingly popular way of preserving food for longer periods of time. With the help of electric canning, you can preserve fruits, vegetables, sauces, and even meat, without the need for refrigeration. Electric canning is a process of sealing food into airtight containers, often called jars, to prevent spoilage and bacteria from entering. The process of electric canning has been around for centuries, but it has become more widely used in recent years, due to the convenience and safety it offers.

The first step in electric canning is to select the right type of canning jar. The type of jar to use depends on the food you are preserving. There are a variety of sizes and shapes of jars available, so you should select the jar that best suits your needs. You should also make sure to purchase a canning lid that fits your jar and can be sealed properly.

Next, you will need to fill the jars with the food you want to preserve. You will need to pay attention to the amount of food you are placing in each jar and make sure that it is filled correctly so that the food has adequate room to expand during the canning process. You will then need to add a small amount of liquid, usually water, to each jar to help the food to move freely during the canning process.

Once you have filled the jars and sealed the lids, you will need to place the jars into the electric canner. The electric canner will heat the jars to a temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the optimal temperature for canning. Once the jars have been heated for the required amount of time, the canner will then shut off automatically.

Finally, the jars will need to be removed from the canner and allowed to cool completely before storing. This is a critical step in the electric canning process, as it prevents the food from spoiling. Once the jars have completely cooled, you can store them in a cool dark place for up to one year. Electric canning is a great way to preserve food for long periods of time, and it is a safe and convenient method of preserving food.

Blog, Cooking, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Dry Food in the Microwave

#foodpreservation #microwavemethod

Drying food in the microwave can be an efficient way to quickly remove moisture from food. While it may not be the first thought when it comes to drying food, this method can be incredibly useful for a variety of foods. 

The first step in drying food in the microwave is to preheat the appliance to the lowest power setting. This will help ensure that the food is not cooked while it is being dried. Next, place the food onto a microwavable plate or tray. For best results, it is recommended to leave a bit of space between each piece of food so that the air can better circulate around it. 

Once the food is in the microwave, it is important to check on it periodically. Depending on the food, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to dry out completely. If the food is not dry enough after the specified time, it is possible to remove the food from the microwave and place it in a dehydrator or air-dry it. 

Typically, it is best to start with a short microwave time and then increase it if needed. Additionally, some microwaves have a ‘defrost’ setting for drying food. If this is available, it is recommended to use it since it will take less time than the standard drying cycle. 

When the food is dry, it is important to cool it down before consuming or storing it. This will help ensure that the food is safe to eat. Additionally, it is important to store the food in an airtight container to prevent moisture from re-entering and ruining the food. 

Drying food in the microwave can be a great way to quickly and easily remove moisture from food. However, it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure that the food is dried safely and properly. With a bit of patience and the right settings, it is possible to successfully dry food in the microwave.

Blog, Cooking, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Sun-dry Food

#sundrying #sundriedfood #foodpreservation

Sun-drying is an ancient method of preserving food that is still in use today. It is a simple, cost-effective way to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and other food products. Sun-drying involves exposing food to direct sunlight for a period of several days, until the moisture content of the food has decreased significantly. Sun-dried food has a longer shelf life than fresh food, because the heat and drying process kills bacteria and other micro-organisms that cause food to spoil.

One of the main benefits of sun-drying is that it preserves the nutritional content of the food. The process of sun-drying prevents the oxidation of vitamins and minerals, which ensures that the food remains nutrient-rich. The heat of the sun also helps to kill off any harmful bacteria or micro-organisms that may be present in the food. Sun-dried food is also considered to be more flavorful than fresh food, as the process enhances the natural sugars and flavors of the food.

Sun-drying is also an environmentally friendly way to preserve food. It does not require the use of electricity or additional packaging materials, and does not produce any waste products. The process also does not require any additional energy or resources, as the energy from the sun is used to dry the food.

Sun-dried food is typically produced in a variety of ways. The most common method is to simply spread the food out in a single layer on a tray and leave it in direct sunlight for several days. Another popular method is to hang the food on a line in the sun and allow it to dry. Food can also be placed in a basket or container and left outside in the sun.

Sun-dried food is a healthy, cost effective and environmentally friendly way to preserve food. It preserves the nutritional content of the food, while also killing off harmful micro-organisms. The process is simple and does not require any additional energy or resources. Sun-dried food also has a longer shelf life than fresh food, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste and nutritional value of food for longer periods of time.