Ara's accompanying cards: a responsible journey

Ara’s new information booklets, printed locally with vegetable ink on FSC accredited paper

The brief

I see part of my role with Ara as being vocal about the considerations I make, to help raise awareness and normalise a responsible approach to production and consumption. So, in addition to my existing comment cards, I wanted to introduce something that would share with the recipient the thought and care that goes into the entire journey of every Ara piece - something that would also serve a purpose for those who receive a piece of Ara adornment as a gift from another - but it was important to me that this should not be at the expense of producing something excessive or wasteful.

When it comes to anything that accompanies Ara adornment, striking the balance between creating something purposeful and low impact can take me on quite a journey. Whilst many companies now offer ‘eco-friendly’ solutions, it’s really tricky to find business cards, postcards or stickers that truly feel like the right fit for Ara. For example, smaller batches (often required by small businesses) of cards are often printed digitally, using toner rather than vegetable ink (even ‘eco friendly’ toners are still made using plastic polymers within the ink) with limited options for recycled paper, often white thin and bleached bright white. The paper used to make the stickers may be recycled or biodegradable, but the glue may not be etc. - there always seems to be a compromise. As nothing on offer felt quite right, this led me to have Ara’s existing comment and necklace/earring cards letterpressed here in the UK without ink on recycled stock, by a small independent company, Artcadia, who also work to minimise waste throughout their own production process.

As a consumer myself, I have in the past received many accompanying letters, cards, envelopes etc. from brands, and whilst they added to the initial experience when opening the product, many of them served little purpose thereafter. I was very mindful that anything I created to accompany Ara pieces should be something the recipient would want to keep, would have purpose, that could be easily recycled, and ultimately -at the end of its journey- would safely and easily go back into the earth.

Ara’s approach

After a lot of research, it was evident that what was on offer from larger printing companies was not the right fit for Ara. After some further research into the least impactful route, I decided to go with lithography printing, whereby the image is printed using a lithographic limestone or metal plate. The image is printed four times (CMYK) and -most importantly- the printing can be done with vegetable inks. Typically, this process is adopted for large scale runs as -due to the set up- it is not cost effective to litho print in small batches. Knowing this was the route I wanted to take, I did some initial research to determine roughly how much this option would cost. Rather than choose a cheaper option that did not site quite right with Ara’s values, I chose to wait until I was in a financial position to pursue this as an option. This is a prime example of where making considered decisions really does slow down the rate at which I am able to introduce new offerings. Naturally - more considered options are more heavily reliant on not just time, but also money. I knew that I eventually also wanted to offer some new postcards as well. By waiting until I was in a position to have them both printed, I was able to put the job through together.

Without question I wanted the the cards to be printed in the UK, but I also wanted to produce them as locally as possible, not only to keep CO2 footprint to a minimum, but also to support the local economy and a fellow independent business. Upon consulting my local printer, Heaton Press, I explained to them the approach I was trying to take -with minimal environmental impact- and, although comparatively to their regular litho jobs this would be a small job for them, they agreed to support my project.

Ara’s new postcards, printed on carbon neutral paper made in the Lake District

The design

I decided to produce not just another card, but a neat little four page booklet, something that could be kept and revisited at a later date, to give the recipient a sense of the thought that had gone into the journey of their chosen piece of adornment, allowing them to get to know Ara a little better along the way. I also chose to include some practical information about how to operate Ara’s unique bags.

Making the cards A7 would keep materials to a minimum and, thinking more practically, A7 would also fit neatly with Ara’s existing comment cards for packaging. To keep ink to a minimum, and make the most of my chosen paper, I kept the background transparent, choosing to print the text, logo and illustration using one colour.

I designed each of the four pages using Adobe Illustrator. Graphic design is one aspect of managing a small business that I really love but admittedly not something I know I whole lot about. I’ve just figured out what I’ve needed to know as I go. I had all the fun of the fair ensuring my images were exported correctly in CMYK, rather than RGB which I usually use for anything digital.

The finished booklet design

The postcard proof from the printers

The paper

Aware that I was after something suitable not just for this particular job, but also to suit Ara’s values, my printer offered me the flexibility to source the paper myself. This was great as it meant I could liaise directly with the paper supplier, and ask any questions I had about the production etc. to determine what would be most appropriate. In the end, I chose two papers to complement the off-white recycled card stock I was already using for Ara’s comment cards - both FSC accredited papers made locally in the LakeDistrict; a soft blush tone for the little booklets and an off white, carbon neutral paper for the postcards. Both of the papers were uncoated to ensure that they would biodegrade and were not treated unnecessarily.

At my request the printers also saved all of the off-cuts of paper for me, so that I could put them to use for another project, rather than needlessly letting them go to waste.

Loading up the postcard paper

Paper off-cuts for me to take home

The printing

Once I had supplied the final artwork for the booklet and postcard to the printers, I popped in to drop of my paper and to have a look at a printed version of the proofs. As I’d chosen to work with uncoated paper, the printers advised me that it would be tricky to get a sharp image for the full colour postcards. Uncoated paper is prone to absorbing more of the ink, resulting in a less predictable end result, and why a coated paper is the more common choice. They showed me a version of my postcard printed on coated paper - the level of detail was incredible by comparison but I knew this was not worth compromising Ara’s values for the sake of a sharper image.

Due to the paper’s absorbency and warmer than white colour, the printers explained that it would also be tricky to get an accurate colour match from the proof. The beauty of working with a local business meant that they were in a position to invite me to pop back when they were putting my job on the press, so that I could see how it would look and check I was happy before printing. When I popped in on the day, the staff were able to tweak the input of each colour (CMYK) to adjust the overall finish. Working with a limited supply of my paper, this wasn’t the easiest of tasks but they did the best that they could do for me within the time available and I really appreciated their efforts to accommodate my approach.

Images taken during my visits to Heaton Press

As the uncoated paper and vegetable ink can take a while to dry, I picked up my jobs and scrap paper the following week and was delighted to find them packaged without any plastic.

I’m so pleased with the finished products. It was definitely worth the time and effort to be able to offer something that feels like a true reflection of the brand.

I hope that you enjoyed this peek behind the scenes and that you love receiving Ara’s new postcards and info booklets with your adornment. I’m always looking to improve so would love to hear your feedback.

Lauren

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Purposeful Packaging | Designed & Made In House

For the first chapter of Ara the altar’s journey, the GOTS certified, organic cotton drawstring bags -which I had made specially in a carbon neutral factory as part of an ethical supply chain- have served me so well. For some time, however, in preparation for coming to the end of my supply, I have been looking for a way to further minimise Ara’s carbon footprint by bringing the production of my presentation packaging in house, in line with the slow approach I adopt in my jewellery design and production. The brief I gave myself was threefold:

1)    Purposeful

To me, it feels counter intuitive to waste energy and resources creating packaging that would provide little value, use or longevity for my customers. Instead, I wanted to create a product that would be long-lasting and functional, in which to keep Ara pieces safe. 

2)    Low Impact

With respect for people and the planet integral to every aspect of the brand, it was of paramount importance to source a traceable, locally and ethically produced fabric, created from natural, sustainable materials. Furthermore, it was important to me that the design and methods used to produce the product itself would ensure minimal environmental impact and minimise waste, with a zero waste goal.

 3)    Reflective of the brand

Whilst first and foremost the packaging would have an intended purpose, I also wanted it to be something for Ara customers to treasure - not something mass produced but a slow-made keepsake to accompany their chosen piece.

After months of research, design and finding sewing pins everywhere, I am so pleased to share with you my new, slow-made, purposeful packaging that has been thoughtfully designed and created in-house; designed and developed by me and my partner, David, who has learnt to sew on a 1921 Singer to make these little pouches that will accompany every piece of Ara the altar adornment.

The Fabric

I began my search for a fabric that had been created with utmost respect for the earth. After some initial research I knew I wanted to work with hemp or linen, given their very little reliance on water or pesticides. It transpired that most of the hemp suitable for this project was made in China (which did not meet the requirements of my brief when concerning Ara’s carbon footprint). Whilst I did manage to source more locally made European hemp the fabric available to me at the time did not possess the qualities suitable for this particular project. I am, however, really keen to support the use of this fabric so keep an eye out for an exploration into hemp later down the line. In continuing my search for the perfect, earth-kind linen, I was delighted to find a very special fabric with UK based company, Bysshe, who source fully traceable, European yarns, and weave them into beautiful fabric, here in the UK. This small, independent company ensures “the highest quality at the lowest environmental cost, developing fabrics for a sustainable future”.

I fell for a beautifully tactile, twill cloth, woven on a Jacquard loom in Lancashire. The fabric is constructed of linen weft yarn, made from certified European Flax in France by a Masters of Linen certified company. The linen weft yarn is woven across GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton warp yarns. The fabric was then finished in a specialist finishing mill up the road in Yorkshire. Finished without bleach treatment, this fabric celebrates the natural hues of the flax and organic cotton. On one side, the natural linen is more prominent -slightly flecked throughout, in warm, natural, earthy tones- and on the other side, the organic cotton twill is more prominent, appearing lighter due to its natural hue, and incredibly soft to the touch.

The Design

When it came to the design, our aim was to develop a pattern that would make the most effective use of the fabric with the least waste. We also had to consider the product’s intended purpose (to keep its cargo safe), and to ensure that the design would suit the thickness and properties of the fabric. Consequently, we chose to design a little pouch that would not rely on a drawstring closure (again to further minimise waste) and we developed a design based on a simple, repeatable rectangle to ensure minimal, if any, fabric waste.

Our unique design utilises a sewn down, fold-over top to keep belongings neatly tucked away inside. At first glance, it might not seem obvious how to easily open the bag. By folding the top flap inside-out, the full width of the opening is revealed, and the treasure can easily be tucked in or taken out.

The Production

It was important that the production of the bags reflected the production of the pieces: slow. For this project, my partner, David, learnt to sew on a very special Singer sewing machine from 1921, spotted and purchased in a charity shop by my grandad, and given to my mum many years ago. By managing the production of the bags in house, using GOTS certified natural organic cotton thread, and traditional production methods powered by 100% renewable energy, Ara the altar can continue to tread even more lightly whilst creating our earth-aware offerings.

I think these bags are really special and truly reflect Ara’s ethos. I am so pleased that one of these little pouches will accompany every piece of Ara the altar adornment.

Lauren

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Anti Waste Hair Accessories

Images by Sarah Victoria Bates for Bug x Glasshouse

I love to see thoughtful, independent businesses come together to create something considered, beautiful and purposeful, so I was over the moon to learn that Bug Clothing and Glasshouse Salon were combining their resources and skills to create a collection of dreamy anti-waste hair accessories.

Looking for a reason to use the abundance of linen scraps as a result of the production process in the Bug Hackney Wick studio, Bug worked together with Glasshouse to dream up and create a selection of three timeless accessories:

• the classic scrunchie

• a head wrap - perfect for the beach or days when you don’t want to wash or deal with your hair

• a hair ribbon - for low pony-tails, low buns, or tying your hair up in a new way

Handmade by Bug founder, Amy Ward and her team, the scrunchie, head wrap and hair ribbon come in a beautiful range of linen colours and weights, available to purchase from both Bug Clothing and Glasshouse Shop.

When this collaboration launched last year I knew it was something I wanted to support. I love the idea of repurposing scraps that would otherwise become waste, together with knowing that the pieces are made from linen, a sustainable, natural material with little reliance on pesticides or water. I have fine, wavy hair that never sits quite right in a pony tail and I chose the hair ribbon in Cardamom. I love using it to tie my locks in a low knot or up in a high pony. It looks effortless and is an easy way to introduce a little pop of colour. I’ve still got my eye on a terracotta scrunchie..

Bug Clothing produce beautiful garments on a small scale using only natural fibres from deadstock designer factory waste. Bug make use of existing excess, rather than contributing to the production of new materials. Bug’s garments ‘reflect the ideology that we should all buy less and admire quality and consideration over quantity’ and they believe that ‘clothing should be comfortable and purposeful, without faulting on style, so we design garments that can be worn for years to come’. I love that Bug creates with longevity in mind, and I have fallen for their Earl jumpsuit.

Glasshouse Salon seek to make natural, organic and ethical hair and beauty more accessible. With a focus on long-term condition of hair, Glasshouse use only products that contain gentle, nourishing, natural ingredients. Their sister shop, Glasshouse Shop, combines the salon’s know-how with the Glasshouse aesthetic, offering unique, professional products that encompass all aspects of beauty - hair, skin and body. The shop takes care to approach hair and beauty needs with high regard to sustainability, considering every brand they stock from a sustainable and ethical perspective.

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Low Waste Washing Up

Our low waste dish washing set up

As part of Plastic Free July last year, one of the things I shared was our low waste dish washing set up and this little collection of tools that my partner and I gradually built up over the years. When taking steps to live more consciously, whilst it can be tempting to replace existing plastic items with more sustainable ones, I’m very much an advocate of first using up what we have. When the time does come to replace any items, we can be sure that we have gotten the most out of them and can feel good about our choice to replace them with something less environmentally impactful.

Whilst these tools all have their uses, the one I reach for most is the coconut scrubbing brush (top left). It’s the perfect size for cups and mugs but it makes cleaning bowls super simple too. Replacement brush heads are available for the wooden handled brush on the right so when the heads reach the end of their life they can go straight into the compost. We also have a large bottle brush that’s great for our reusable water bottles and a less than appealing, old, slightly abrasive cloth that’s useful for the surfaces etc.

One of the more recent additions to our little collection, and the biggest step away from a daily reliance on plastic, was this block of olive soap from Savon de Marseille. As I have a skin contact allergy to fragrance, before I found this, I sourced fragrance free washing up liquid in a plastic bottle. So, to find this fragrance free bar of soap suitable for washing dishes made me very happy. When I posted about this in July 2018 it was still early days but, eight months on and this block of soap has very much become part of our daily habit. Given how well it’s lasted, I expect to get at least 3 more months out of it before we’ll need to replace it. When the time comes, we’ll be looking for another block of soap - we’re definitely converted. For anyone who can’t part with liquid soap, Elsa Lindholm has written a helpful blog post about making your own plastic free dish soap.

Being a natural avoider of dish washing responsibility (!) I do find that using these tactile tools that use natural materials such as wood and coconut fibre make tasks like doing the dishes a little less painful, and a little more mindful.

A few things I’ve learnt along the way:

• to help prolong the life of wooden brushes, it’s worth taking a little time to oil them before first use, and to let them air and dry out throughly after each use - we repurposed a cracked class tumbler to keep them in by the sink but something that would allow them to drain better would be more sensible!

• if you want to give the brushes a good clean, you can do so by soaking them in a little organic white vinegar

• keep the block of soap on a soap dish - we found that it quickly stuck quite firmly to our wooden soap dish (pictured), making it more solid and preventing it from sliding around

• to use the block of soap - rub your brush on it and swish it in the water or apply straight to the dishes. Or, to get the water really soapy for a good soak, hold the block under the tap and run the water over it straight into the basin

• watch out for block soap that has been made using palm oil - there are palm oil free versions available like this one

If you have any tips or recommendations for low waste washing up I’d love to hear them.

Happy dish washing!

Lauren

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Welcome to Letters of Ara

Artwork from my January newsletter - subscribe here

Welcome to my very first Letters of Ara journal post as we embark on a shiny new year. Thank you so much to anyone who has shared my journey so far, and to anyone joining me now. I’m over the moon to share this space with you as 2019 begins to unfold.

For anyone who didn’t catch my A Responsible Brand #aresponsiblebrand Sunday Series on Instagram throughout the end of 2018, Letters of Ara will be comprised of this online journal along with a monthly e-mail newsletter that together will create a space in which to explore areas of influence and interest for Ara the altar. As well as providing a space for me to communicate more regularly with this community, Letters of Ara will also give space to others via interviews that will feature in the newsletters and here on the journal.

As my intention to live my life with minimal environmental impact is so intrinsically linked to the way I run my small business, I’ll also begin sharing a little more of my own approach to slow, more considered living. For every newsletter on the first Sunday of each month, I will gather together seasonal information and ideas for living in a slower, more earth-aware way. I’ll share insights into what goes on behind the brand and the ethical and sustainable considerations that feed into Ara the altar, as well as personal recommendations for like-minded brands, creating beautiful objects with respect for people and the planet.

Every newsletter will explore five key sections:

• On the altar | a closer look at a featured product or collection

• Behind the altar | an insight into what’s going on behind the brand

• Earth-aware | ideas & information for sustainable living

• Share | recommendations for like minded, responsible brands

• Slow | ideas for slowing down and embracing a more mindful way of living

The first newsletter, to be released on Sunday 6th January 2019, is intended to ease you into the new year, exploring the month and highlighting a few key astronomical points in the calendar, sharing product recommendations including ethical underwear and a simple but enjoyable swap to help live a little more sustainably. The January letter will also explore the meaning behind Ara the altar’s branding and a particular form of self-care practice via an interview with an individual who’s path has previously crossed with Ara the altar. If you have yet to subscribe to my mailing list you can join here.

I would love for this space to be something that feels really valuable to you and for this to be a two way conversation. If there’s ever anything in particular that you’d like me to explore in a journal post or as part of the newsletter, I would absolutely love to hear from you - please comment below, send me an e-mail or DM me via Instagram.

If, in the meantime, you’d like to explore more of my ethical and sustainable approach, you can do so here and you can learn a little more about me and Ara the altar here.

For now, have a lovely day.

Lauren

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