'Making an Effort' highlights designers & crafters who use eco-friendly methods and/or materials where possible in creating their products. The entirety of their collections may not be 100% organic or green or recycled, but they're trying and that's the point. They're making an effort. Doing something is better than doing nothing at all. Would you like to be considered for this feature? Email me.
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This week, Sarah Curley from Curley Creations (Philadelphia PA) shares her work with us. She makes simple & sweet housewares - tablerunners, napkins, pillows - from organic cotton fabric. Her original designs are either screenprinted or handpainted using non-toxic, low-impact dies. Her attractive designs would fit well with lots of decor styles!
What do you create?
Currently I create housewares such as napkins, table runners, pillows & pot holders. I am working on creating a new baby line of crib sets, bibs, diaper bags, blankets, etc, as well as a bed and bath line. I want to expand the selection of environmentally friendly, non toxic products that are available, incorporating some of my designs and patterns. I also want to create an interesting color palette that can be mixed and matched and moved throughout the entire home. I hope to have new product sets up by the beginning of next year and to continue to expand the organic products available to consumers.
What materials do you use?
I primarily use organic cotton, but I am starting to experiment with hemp as well. I love the fact that both hemp is a sustainable fabric that can be woven into many different types of cloth. I also use non toxic screen printing paints to color my own fabrics using non toxic, low impact dies. I believe in the organic, non toxic, eco-friendly movement and strive to include only things that I know do the least to no damage to the environment and people.
What made you decide to use organic textiles in your products?
The volume of chemicals that we come in contact with on a daily basis worries me. The only way to change the pollution of ourselves and our environment is to start being conscious of the products we buy and the things we use. I want to make products that people can feel good about buying and using, and I want people to not have to worry about if the products they come in contact with everyday are environmentally safe. I want to create things I feel good about.
Do your customers seek out organics?
Yes, they do, and I believe the market for organics is growing with people's concern over the environment. In the conversations I have had with my customers they are very happy that my products are organic. They have said that it is very difficult to find places to buy organic goods. I believe buying organic is something that interests a lot of people. As we make it easier for people to find the products they want in organic fabrics they will choose more and more organic options for their lives and homes.
What is the biggest challenge in using organics: sourcing, price, variety, etc?
There are a lot of challenges in using organic materials. They are more expensive, there is less of a variety in colors and patterns, there are very few suppliers to chose from, but I think most of these problems come from the fact that this is a emerging market. Up until recently the environmentally friendly movement had not been very popular, now it is becoming easily accessible to everyone. It is important that we support those suppliers that have created organic fabrics and products so that we can develop more of a variety of colors, patterns, and products that will keep people as interested in organic materials as we are in the non organic ones.
Do you have plans to incorporate more eco-friendly materials in your products?
I am always looking for new and interesting eco-friendly materials to add to my product line. The more I have to choose from the more I can create. I plan on expanding the products I create to include baby items, bedding, bath towels, kitchen and dining items, and eventually clothing and accessories. My goal is to translate my interest and enthusiasm into product lines that in turn excite the public's interest.
Anything else to add?
I believe every little bit helps. We are looking for a way to make our world and lives better. I want to do as much as I can to incorporate a environmentally friendly attitude into every aspect of my business as much as possible. It is better for the world I live in, the people I know and love, and maybe if we are lucky we will leave a better world for our children. If I can help with that by being a little conscious about the things I use I will. Also I love to make thinks with my own hands. What could be better that supporting the causes you believe in while doing what you love?
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Thank you for sharing your ideas & ideals with us, Sarah! The effort you're making is commendable and very much appreciated! Sarah's blog: http://curleycreations.blogspot.com/
Curley Creations
