In what could perhaps be the most glamorous development in playing with your food in recent history, ‘creative culinary consultancy’ TourDeFork have launched a range of open source 3D printable jewelry that turns fruits, cakes, biscuits and other sweet treats into wearable bijou. The so called ‘Foodie Rings’ feature a range of simple white plastic fingerwear, each offering a method for holding, displaying or skewering your chosen foodstuff—a concept deliberately flying in the face of traditional ideas of cutlery and food presentation.
TourDeFork is an interesting food design outfit spanning Milan and London, founded by photographer and food stylist Claudia Castaldi and product designer Stefano Citi. This latest work comes as the second installment of their Future of DIY series—a partnership with Italian magazine Casafacile that provides readers with an introduction to the wonders of 3D printing technology by providing easy tutorials. The first edition (also worth a look) featured a range of simple recycled object-hack tableware such as a bottle candelabra, a jam jar appetizer holder and a passata bottle cake stand.
We spoke with the designers about party props, collaboration and the ‘Future of DIY’ below:
Sam Dunne: Where did the idea for the rings come from?
Stefano Citi: ‘Foodie Rings’ is a research project we have developed for the Italian home improvement magazine Casafacile. The magazine’s audience isn’t specialized designers or engineers but people interested in DIY and home improvement. The ‘Future of DIY’ column aims to make digital fabrication technologies easy to understand—what it is and how it can be used to make fun and attractive objects.
Where and how do you imagine these things being used?
We image they could be used at dinner parties or food events—just be careful though, they’re quite pointy!
So, have you tried them in the field? How do people respond to the objects?
Well, we gave them away as presents at our studio’s Christmas party and people were thrilled.
Can you tell us anything interesting about the design process?
Drawing the objects was pretty straight-forward, the only problem is making a one size fits all ring (which doesn’t really work). Instead, we’ve uploaded the drawings for free (you can download them here) which means anyone can make their own size. Just take the drawings to your nearest FabLab.
How would you like to see the project develop?
We’re always looking for partners interested in developing kitchen and food related products with us. We also have plans to open our own little online shop soon, so stay tuned.
