You might have noticed that I love to illustrate the natural world!
Because nature needs protecting at all costs sustainability is a really important factor in the design of the products I sell, the materials I use and even the location of my studio shop.
My greetings cards are printed in vegetable based inks onto heavy 350gsm sustainably sourced cardstock, using green energy.
Art prints are made using water based inks on Hahnemühle Photorag, a 100% cotton paper that's museum quality for the highest age resistance. Prints will still look good after 100+ years.
My picture frames use sustainably sourced wood from FSC approved forests. I use glass in my frames because it's so widely recyclable.
I'm proud to boast that my wallpaper is recyclable, since almost all wallpapers are not. It's made from FSC certified paper, is PVC free, and is so low in VOCs that it has achieved UL Greenguard Gold certification. I recommend hanging wallpaper with Auro 389 wallpaper paste that's made from naturally occurring raw materials and is packaged without plastic.
I don't sell peel and stick wallpaper because it contains around 45% plastic.
All fabric used to make my tote bags and cushion covers is GOTS certified 100% organic cotton. You may notice some tiny imperfections in the print, this is due to small cotton pips that can release during finishing and washing. I think the imperfections are much better than using fabric that contains plastic fibres.
A very high percentage of my orders ship without any plastic at all. The bonus is that they look awesome too, all wrapped up nice in their little cardboard and paper houses!
I'm working with my suppliers to make sure that every single order ships without plastic as soon as possible.
My products are made to last but life happens fast and chips, scuffs, scratches and scrapes are going to happen! Save things from going through the recycling process by repairing them or give them a new life by reusing them for a new purpose.
Wallpaper - Repair a damaged wallpapered wall by removing and replacing just the strip that's damaged. Remove the strip by peeling it away from the wall starting from a seam, it it doesn't peel easily away damp it with a sponge and warm water, leave it for 5 mins and peel it off. Use removed wallpaper to wrap gifts, protect school books, cover an old lampshade, put a bit in a frame or just generally stick it to stuff!
Framed Art Prints - Replacement glass for your frame is widely available. Remove the back board from the frame, carefully remove your print and any broken glass, measure for a new pane of glass from the back of the frame and reassemble. Your local picture framer may offer a repair service, replace broken glass for you or reframe your print.
Cushion Covers & Tote Bags - These are made from 100% organic cotton, you can repair tears and scuffs with cotton thread or use fabric repair patches available in haberdasheries. If damage is too great you can cut around it and use the good fabric to sew something else, a small makeup bag or purse perhaps.
Mugs - If your mug gets a chip in it don't throw it away! Chips can be repaired, I recommend using epoxy products designed for ceramics. If your mug is smashed use some epoxy glue in the cracks, push the cracks together and wrap the mug in an elastic band before wiping excess glue away. The repaired mug can go on being used for drinks or you could use it as a snazzy little plant pot.
If repairing or reusing your item isn't an option here's some information about recycling it.
Recycle in textile banks at supermarket recycling points or your local recycling centre.
My wallpapers are 100% plastic free, recycle with your normal paper.
Recycle the paper and glass with your normal recycling. The wooden frame is widely recycled at local recycling centres.
Ceramics can be recycled at your local recycling centre.
