Mackenzie Drummond

My thesis project, Tending to Self, attempts to alleviate stress by creating a space in which users can take a break and engage in a variety of tactile, analog activities. The project is made up of seven kits, one for each day of the week. The pace is designed to alternate between actively making and passively taking in sensory objects as a break. Each kit contains instructions, uniquely made tools, and prompts. These prompts are meant to facilitate reflection, expression, and connection to yourself and others. Alleviating stress and preventing burnout is an individual and continuous process. Because self-care is subjective and unique to each person, the kits encourage the user to take the tools and create using the materials and methods, resulting in customized outcomes. Connections between the integrated kits creates opportunities to work collaboratively and with others. Over time, creating a daily space in which to make something with our hands and connect with our senses reinforces a greater awareness of self and habits for coping with the stresses of life.