Resolution Week: Number 3, Buy More Responsibly

First off, you may notice a few changes to the blog..

I am re-vamping 10 Rooms online,

with the aim to incorporate the home for 10 Rooms Design

into this site, as well as linking to our new Etsy shop that's coming!

Exciting things are afoot these days...

This is resolution 3 of 4, so I promise it won't go on forever :)

I am aiming to buy more responsibly these days.

That means local green products when possible, 

and ensuring everything else was manufactured responsibly.

There are so many better options out there, 

we can all do a bit better at this - 

I know I am somewhat of a slacker on this front at times, caving to the easy choice.

But if I had convenient,well-designed, well-priced, responsible options I may do better...

Enter Ethikl.

I met owner Peita Gardiman on twitter,

where her bio reads:

Marketplace for upcycled, repurposed, sustainable and fair trade products

 made by independant artisans around the world. 

www.ethikl.com

Intrigued? The shop includes some great global finds..

KiKati bags, from Africa - fluffy towels backed with a traditional East African garment

Silver Knitted Ring, Australia

Hei Cube,from Australia - bamboo charcoal air freshener

Pure Earth Home Cleaning Pack

Fair Trade Giraffe & Buffalo - made from recycled rubber thongs (!) in Kenya

I wanted to know more about the company and it's founder - 

 and she graciously agreed to an interview - Thank You, Peita!

10: What is your background? 

PG: I have this quirky background that has always been half technology, half humanity. 

I grew up travelling around Australia a lot and it seemed that no matter where I travelled, I found the most fascinating places to be in either surrounded by nature or trawling through marketplaces filled with artisan merchants. I think these two loves are what led me to create Ethikl. Becoming a parent also really inspired to me make a difference in the world my children would inhabit. 

10: What inspired you to launch Ethikl?

PG: Ethikl is an online Market supporting handmade, upcycled, fair trade & ethical products made by independent producers. I started Ethikl as a result of my own personal journey to become a conscious consumer following a realisation that the products I was using around my home and family were toxic and not coming from trustworthy sources and that clever marketing is leading us to believe that we should consume more than we really need to. I started to adopt a new way of thinking… where are the things coming from that I am using, and who am I buying them from? Where is it going to go when I’m done with it? How can I use things that already exist instead of asking the planet to continually contribute more resources?

10: On your site you discuss "ethical consumerism" and "conscious consuming" - have you seen a real increase in people wanting to buy responsibly?

PG: Ethical consumerism is all about exercising the power of your money to drive forward positive change and align your personal values with your buying decisions. People are excited to be part of something new, and they can see the potential in making their dollars count by supporting fair trade, sweat-free production and upcycled design. 

So many of the designers on Ethikl are truly excited to finally have a venue that resonates with their ideals. Surveys show that increasing numbers of consumers want their food, clothing, cosmetics, energy, travel and finance to have less of a negative impact on people and the planet, and want companies to behave more responsibly

Ethical consumerism has been heralded as one of the major trend right now riding on the back of the current trend for natural and organic products. Research has shown that consumer demand for organics is growing rapidly with worldwide demand for organics is growing by between 20 and 45 per cent each year and Fair Trade by 72 per cent. 

10: How do you find the products that you sell?

PG: I have met many artisans all around Australia and have taken great delight in the process of visiting markets and studio searching for new talent, we also get a lot of referrals and interest online. I love meeting and inviting artisans to open a studio on ethikl and then I personally get excited about every single sale for they make, I feel proud to bring exposure to these brilliant designers. All our sellers are handpicked, and need to apply to sell on Ethikl to maintain the integrity of the site.

10: What is your favourite find?

PG: It’s really hard for me to pick just one that is my favourite…

I have handmade soap http://www.ethikl.com.au/soaps all over the house, my mother loves the Calendula Hard Working Hand Balm by the Herbal Gardener http://www.ethikl.com.au/theherbalgardener and I also now buy all our greeting cards from Earth Greetings http://www.ethikl.com.au/earthgreetings. I have been dreaming about the beautiful hand forged and ethically sourced range of jewellery with stunning archetypal designs by Osiris http://www.ethikl.com.au/osirisjewellery for a while…Oh and I can not go past these amazing rubber sculptures by Ethical Gifts http://www.ethikl.com.au/ethicalgifts.  Local women and children comb the beaches to collect the indestructible pieces of rubber washed up and talented artisans and sculptors in the village glue the pieces together in multicoloured patterns, then hand carve each carefully crafted animal, transforming recycled waste into stunning works of art, amazing!

10: What has been your major achievement in 2010?

PG: It has been a huge buzz when major publications have contacted me to do an interviews and I realize that people are really connecting with the idea and I am continually excited by the potential of ethical shopping to create real change in the world. Oh, and we are just about to celebrate our 1st Birthday, that in itself is a huge achievement!

10: What's next for Ethikl?

PG: Where to start!…The dream is to grow ethikl into an international platform where sellers who are doing great work all around the world can sell in one place. We plan to develop a thriving community where consumers are actively aware of the ethical implications of their purchasing decisions and we aim to have consumers engage in meaningful dialogue around the values and implications of various forms of ethical purchasing. 

Makes you want re-think that jaunt over to the dollar store, doesn't it?

If you are concerned about the source of the products you are buying, 

Ethikl provides an opportunity for change.

Thanks again, Peita, for taking the time for this interview -

I wish you continued success in 2011.

Finally, A Chic Children's Wallpaper Alternative

An Interview with : Victoria Cramsie of Paper Boy Wallpaper

After meeting Victoria Cramsie on twitter, I went to her site and was delighted by what I found:

chic wallpapers for kids.

An oxymoron you say?

Have a look, and tell me what you think..

no dodgy sports or princess themes here..

instead, an edgy animal themed paper with glossy skeletons amping up the cool factor.

She tries on dinosaurs, and comes up with a version that's more Andy Warhol than Sesame Street:

I asked Victoria if she would mind answering a few questions for the blog, and she graciously obliged..

10: You have created these papers from hand-drawn images - do you have a back ground in design or art?

VC: No, I don't have a background in design/art.  But I have always had a love of fabrics and wallpaper.  I think we are all able to draw and compose a design.  I work with some really fantastic technicians - Robert who prints my wallpaper and Lousie Hatley who prints my fabric.  It's really important to have found the right people to work with.

10: Paperboy was inspired by yours sons, Rory and Archie.  Which patterns have they chosen for their rooms?

VC: Rory and Archie can't seem to make up their minds as to what they would like in their rooms.  Each time they see a new color-way or me drawing a new design they are 'sure' that that is the one they want.  I am just waiting for them to settle firmly on one before committing to it.

10: What is your favourite color combination in a boys room?

VC: I love silver and purple as a combination for  boys rooms - can you tell from the wallpapers and fabric I have.. I think it suits us all, them and me, to have such sparkly color-ways.

10: What has been your best moment on your Paperboy journey?

VC: My best moment was seeing the first roll of wall paper.  I cried.  There have been lots of moments like that in the past year.  The first order. The first fabric print.  The first cushion.. endless tears...

10: What's next for Paperboy?

VC: What's next.. to get this first collection fully pulled together with wallpaper and fabric sample books.  And then move onto the new designs.  which are all done (in my head) but just need to get into production.  It will be much quicker and simpler he second time.  Perhaps a few less tears of joy, but probably a few less tears of frustration, too.

Fantastic woman, right?

When someone pours their heart and soul into a project it really shows.

Thank you so much, Victoria, for taking the time to answer my questions - hope that you enjoy continued success with PaperBoy.

The paper above, called "Hand Made", is my favourite..

high contrast color and silhouettes make for a paper that's imaginative and not at all cutesy.

I will be watching for the next patterns.. won't you?

til next time..

An Interview With: Dana Wolter (Dana Wolter Interiors)

Dana Wolter's desire to create harmonious living spaces

 led to her to redecorate her family home in her youth,

 quite often as a surprise while her family slept!

She ended up attending school for journalism, and working in sales,

before two friends approached her for help renovating their home.

Dana's creative spirit was unleashed,

and Dana Wolter Interiors was born.

I met Dana on Twitter, and after exploring her site and learning more about her,

thought you may like to, as well. 

Dana's spaces feel as though they have evolved over time, 

rather than having been "done".

Let's get to know her a bit better, shall we?

10: You mentioned that growing up the chaotic environment of a large family triggered your interest in creating serene environments.  Is that desire for serenity still at the core of your design style?

DW: Most definitely! To this day, whether for my clients or for my own home, I still feel a sense of peace when I am being creative.  My quest for calm in my own life has switched from trying to find calm in a house full of siblings to finding calm in a house full of my own children and their friends.

  This definitely carries over to my work, as I want to create cohesive interiors, yet I want them to look like they have been collected over time.  I think many families lead stressful lives and desire the same thing.  A person's home should be a retreat, a relaxing place they look forward to coming home to each day.  Life is hectic, but your home doesn't have to be.  It has nothing to do with how much money you spend on making the space your own, but has everything to do with making it a calm, inviting space that is a reflection of you and your family.

10: You are a working Mother.  What design elements have you incorporated into your own home to make it function better?

DW: With my own family, I like to think of myself as a Mother first and interior decorator secondly, though many times they go hand in hand.  With three children, a husband, a dog, and a revolving door to my children's friends and our large family, our home receives a lot of activity and we would not have it any other way.

  I use the same materials in my own home that I use in my client's. Materials that, in my opinion, wear better the more they age.  I love marble, waxed pecky cypress, crusty antiques, Belgian linens, leather, velvets, etc.. 

  If I am designing a built-in, such as a banquette, for a client where there will be food and drink, I try to use a commercial grade fabric or a fabric with a high double rub on it.  Not to say things do not get their share of wear and tear in my own home, but hopefully it adds character as a home should look like people live in it.

  Favourite item in my house?  Hands down it would be our warming drawer as I think every household needs one.  We love ours and I am not sure what I would do without it.  So many nights we cross paths due to activities, and it is a great way to save a meal for someone.

10: Your interiors are notable for their many layers, and the mix of finishes and styles.  How do you include such a variety and still achieve a cohesive look?

DW: In order for a room to work, it has to have balance, and layering is a great way of achieving this and giving a space dimension.  I also try and have one "eye-catcher" in every room, whether it be a large, old mirror, an upholstered wall, a custom built-in, etc..

  A great way to add interest to a room is to use contrasting finishes and styles.  For example, if you have a wooden table, try an metal or glass lamp on top of it.  Using contrasting textures, as does contrasting styles, keeps a room from feeling too boring.  I have been known for placing a modern piece of art or a clean-lined table just to shake up a room a bit.  

  Not sure if it is my practical upbringing or quest for serenity in my own life, but I almost always use a neutral fabric on my big upholstery items for myself and for my clients.  These fabrics are almost always a solid or a fabric that reads as a solid.  I like the idea that you can move a chair from room to room.  I achieve a cohesive look by taking one color, playing off the different shades of it, maybe throw in an accent color, and then pull the room together through artwork, patterned pillows, accessories, etc.. These pieces are usually the items that pull my room together.

10: The majority of your work is based around a fairly muted palette.  What is your favourite color?

DW:  If you asked my girls, they would say it is chocolate brown without hesitation, but I have to say I am in love with the slate grey color that is so hot right now.  To me, it is the new black.  It is a neutral and looks great with creme, chocolate, and tan, but definitely is heavy enough to give a room some weight.

10: What's next for Dana Wolter Interiors?

DW: We have been so blessed as my little design business has grown tremendously.  We are doing work outside of the state of Alabama, my work is being featured in print media, and I am doing a few segments of design ideas for a television station here in Alabama.

  More importantly, I want to continue growing and challenging myself as a person and a designer.  A year from now, I want my work to look even better than it does now, as that is what life is all about.. Taking our God-given talents and turning them into all they can be.

*

I love this lady! 

Thank you, Dana, for graciously taking the time to answer these questions -

you gave us a lot to think about in our own homes..

favourite quotes:

"A person's home should be a retreat, 

a relaxing place they look forward to coming home to each day."

"A home should look like people live in it."

 "I like the idea that you can move a chair from room to room." 

"A year from now, I want my work to look even better than it does now."

Quite sure, with her refreshing attitudes, abundant talent, and practical sensibilities 

that we will be hearing more about Dana Wolter.

Many of Dana's client are given custom banquettes, 

so we will end off with a little banquette eye candy..

til next time..