Temporarily pausing orders due to postgraduate studies~ [Twelve Flower Gods] Plum Blossom | Shark Clip | Semi-Heat-Shrink

Amidst the fading blossoms, alone she thrives, gracing the humble garden with her full charm. Her sparse shadow slants across the clear water, her hidden fragrance drifts in the twilight moon. The frost-touched bird, about to descend, steals a glance; if the butterfly knew, it would swoon. Fortunate am I with a soft hum to accompany me, needing no gilded goblet nor ivory clapper. — Lin Bu, Poet of the Northern Song Dynasty | From "Plum Blossoms in the Mountain Garden" 【The Legend of the Twelve Flower Gods】 According to Chinese folklore, the birthdays of the hundred flowers are celebrated during the Flower Day festival. This festival has a long history, first recorded in the Spring and Autumn period's "Tao Zhu Gong Shu." As cited in "Guang Qun Fang Pu · Tian Shi Pu Er" referencing "Cheng Zhai Shi Hua," it states: "In the Eastern Capital (present-day Kaifeng), the twelfth day of the second lunar month is Flower Day, celebrated with butterfly-catching gatherings." It wasn't until Empress Wu Zetian's reign that the Flower Day festival gained widespread popularity. By the Qing Dynasty, the fifteenth day of the second lunar month was observed as Flower Day in the north, while the twelfth day was celebrated in the south. On this day, people would venture out in groups to admire the flowers and enjoy the spring. Over the centuries, literati and poets have composed verses about the hundred flowers, giving rise to various anecdotes and stories, thus creating the Twelve Flower Gods, each associated with a specific month. Flower Gods are also distinguished by gender. The Plum Blossom God is represented by Lin Bu, a poet of the Northern Song Dynasty in the second lunar month, and Mei Fei Jiang Cai Ping, a consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, in the first lunar month. We draw inspiration from Mr. Lin Bu, also known as Hejing. He lived a life detached from officialdom and never married, residing in seclusion on West Lake's Solitary Hill. He famously declared: "I take plum blossoms as my wife and cranes as my children." He cherished tranquility and embraced poverty. A plum tree was planted before his dwelling. If a branch laden with blossoms were to fall, would he, in his love for the plum, adorn his hair with it? 【The Science of Heat-Shrink Plastic】 ◆ Thermoplastic These plastics have a chain-like or dendritic molecular structure. Their molecules can move freely at high temperatures. Upon heating, their components do not undergo a chemical reaction but soften and deform. Therefore, they can be repeatedly heated to soften and melt, and solidify upon cooling. Most single-use plastic food containers and packaging are made from thermoplastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used for packaging films and fresh-keeping boxes. ◆ Thermosetting Plastic These plastics have a cross-linked, network structure formed through cross-linking reactions. Before molding into a finished product, they are heated, undergoing irreversible chemical reactions like vulcanization. Once molded, even reheating cannot alter their shape. Only specific plastic food containers and packaging are made from thermosetting plastics. Common examples include polycarbonate, used for making kettles, and polyether sulfones, used for high-temperature resistant containers such as food utensils, medical devices, and electronic components. We utilize the characteristic of heat-shrink plastic as a thermoplastic. When heated, it shrinks and thickens. By manipulating the heat gun and adjusting the heating time, we can create a shape where the petal tips are thicker and the edges are thinner, and heat them to soften and curve. - - - - - - - - - - - - - 【Product Information】 ◆ Materials: Plastic, copper wire, metal shark clip ◆ Dimensions: 12×5×5 cm 【Care Instructions】 ◆ The branches are supported by a copper wire frame and can be gently bent. ◆ This product is made to order. Production takes approximately 7-10 business days (excluding holidays). If you have urgent needs, please contact us. ◆ As the product is entirely handmade, slight variations in color and form may occur. ◆ For cleaning, gently wipe with a soft cotton cloth. ◆ When not in use, please store in a sturdy box to prevent the flowers from deforming. ◆ Please avoid contact with water. ◆ References: Baidu Baike, Twelve Flower Gods Wikipedia, Lin Bu Plastic Station [Plastic Knowledge] Thermoplastics vs. Thermosetting Plastics Plastics Industry Development Center, Understanding Plastics and Their Proper Use — Introduction to Common Plastic Materials