Thoughtfully Crafted

For me, this project was about confronting the challenges of creating thoughtfully and sustainably. I started by carefully considering the paper I was using. Recognizing the challenges of cotton manufacturing rooted in industrialized agriculture, colonial exploitation, and systemic harms, I decided I wanted to use paper that was circular by design. Which is why, I carefully selected a paper supplier that uses waste from the fashion industry to produce paper. I then selected soy-based ink because it is both biodegradable and has a lower carbon footprint. For packaging, living in city with commercial composting, I decided to use compostable plant-based plastic for individual packaging of the cards and compostable labels. In 2017, I was determined to source everything perfectly and thoughtfully. As any social entrepreneur can tell you, perfection is challenging when trying to create something that is also financially viable. Which is why, almost eight years later, I am reintroducing my art to the world as exactly that. My art. I am sharing it because it brings me joy and I still cherish the texts I get from people who appreciated these cards over the years.