Intro to Bio Plastic Design with Olivia Cueva

Are you interested in learning how to make biomaterials and textiles? Dive into this emerging field with a hands-on workshop and learn how to create sustainable, eco-friendly bio plastics. This hands-on workshop will led by material designer, technologist, and researcher Olivia Cueva at the Fibershed Learning Center.

This workshop will guide you through the applications and techniques for creating bioplastic textiles using gelatin. You'll even get to design and craft your own unique bio plastic creations to take home!

Why Attend?

• Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience in working with bio plastics.
• Sustainable Materials: All materials are ethically sourced and accessible at our local grocery stores.
• Material Traceability: Will will trace our materials back to the source, from land to textile.
• Creative Exploration: Unleash your creativity and discover new possibilities in textile design.

This workshop is suited for all creative experience levels, whether you're an artist, sustainability enthusiast, or simply curious about the potential of biomaterials. Explore the intersection of sustainability and creativity, and be part of the future new material design.

Participants must bring: Personal snacks, lunch and beverages. A notebook and pen for note taking is encouraged. All other materials will be provided.

Maximum 12 students.

Instructor Bio:

Olivia Cueva is a material designer, technologist, and researcher. Her biotextile work has been showcased globally, including the Future Fabrics Expo in London and WGSN’s Consumer Tech Materials Forecast for 2026. With over a decade of teaching students of all ages, she is the former Director of the David E. Glover Emerging Technology Center in East Oakland and the Co-Founder of Oakland Style Lab. Olivia holds a Master’s in Interactive Technology & Communications from NYU’s ITP program and a postgraduate degree from Fabricademy Textile & Technology Academy at the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.

Website: https://oliviacueva.co/ | Instagram: @oliviacueva.co

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Fibershed Scholarship Program

Fibershed is offering one scholarship per workshop. If you would not otherwise be able to attend, and would like to be considered as a scholarship recipient, please see our Scholarship Application. Responses will be reviewed by Learning Center staff and kept strictly confidential.

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Cancellation Policy: Refunds (minus Eventbrite fees) are available up to 7 days before the event. If you cancel after 7 days before the event, we are unable to provide refunds unless we can fill your space from the waitlist. (**Please note that this is not common.**)
If someone is waitlisted and is able to purchase your space, we will refund your ticket, minus the Eventbrite fees. Otherwise, there will be no refunds. You are also welcome to transfer your ticket to someone who wishes to purchase it directly from you, or let us know if someone is coming in lieu of your name.

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There is livestock onsite, so we ask that visitors please keep their pets at home. Service dogs are permitted.

You can now support the Fibershed Education Fund by selecting an optional donation amount during ticket registration, or email us at learningcenter@fibershed.org for alternative donation methods.