modernemotive: ecofriendly stationery, paper goods + design» ecofriendly

Shop Update: Get Your Shit Together Notepad

Adele {modernemotive} — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:38:03 +0000

Hello friends, I’m happy to share my new notepad is now officially available. As you can see, this notepad delivers a wee bit of sass and I do hope you appreciate it’s cheekiness. I did consider being a little bit more PG and going with SH*T over SHIT instead but well, sometimes we have to tell it like it is right?

This notepad is available as a single unit but I’m also offering it as a bundle of 3 (great for gifting) with a 10% discount.

So, what do you think?Popular Posts:

Retailer Spotlight: Twelve Chairs

Adele {modernemotive} — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:14:49 +0000

As I mentioned last month, I recently accepted my first wholesale order and I’m so happy to finally share the details with you.

The store is called Twelve Chairs and is located in Fort Point, Boston. Founded by Roisin and Miggy, who met in university while majoring in Interior Design, the store opened its doors in September 2010. I am truly honored to be stocked in their beautifully curated store. The list of vendors include Rifle Paper Goods, Hammocks & High Tea, Suzy Jack, Pigeon Toe just to name a few and I’m beyond thrilled to be alongside such amazing artists. Pinch me please!

Aside from the above, I’m also thrilled the core philosophy behind Twelve Chairs is a commitment to the environment. Offering eco-friendly products has always been at the heart of modernemotive, so this partnership couldn’t get any better for me.

“Twelve Chairs goes beyond offering beautiful products that are socially and environmentally responsible by integrating sustainability and stewardship into our day-to-day practices.”

I could go on and on about how much I love this store. The esthetic is stunning and I wish I was close by so I could visit in person. So for now, I’ll have to make do by browsing the photos of their location.

Beautiful isn’t it? If you a Boston local, be sure it pay them a visit.

P.S. Accepting this wholesale account was certainly the push I needed to finally get my wholesale availability up and running. I’ve been very fortunate to get a fair bit of interest in my work without actually approaching any stores myself. There’s lot of reasons I stalled on this, which I will eventually write about, but my 1st to-do in 2011 is fulfilling existing interest from retailers and approaching some myself. Stay tuned.

Photo Credits: Twelve ChairsPopular Posts:

Now in black and white

Adele {modernemotive} — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:50:17 +0000

I’ve been wanting to do some one color work for a while now and I thought my 2011 Desktop Calendar lent itself perfectly to this project. Black and white seemed like the only option. Perfect for minimalist interiors.

I plan on using this version around my own home.

What do you think?Popular Posts:

I took the plunge

Adele {modernemotive} — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:15:48 +0000

Early this week, an email appeared in my Inbox from a retail store located in Boston requesting my notepads for wholesale. As can be expected, my initial reaction was “OMG, so cool!”. I’ve had many requests. But then, reality sets in when I realize I’m not set-up to wholesale and still need to iron out many details. Yes, I know, I know, it’s been on my to-do list forever. But, let’s not go there. I’m saving that for another post.

Anyway, I fired off an email letting them know when I plan on officially opening up for wholesale (I have a plan I swear) but they asked if there was anyway they could get some for the Holiday season. This request made me pause. Did I really want to lose a potential opportunity because I didn’t feel ready? Because perhaps everything won’t be as perfect as I would hope? I didn’t. I couldn’t. I owed it to myself to just say YES and let the chips fall where they may. So, I did. I said yes.

I’ll share more on the actual shop soon. It’s truly beautiful and worthy of it’s own dedicated post. But I will say it’s stocked with the most beautiful, eco and sustainable products. And, that my little paper goods are going to be amongst the work of some of my favorite stationery designers. I’m honored, excited, nervous and everything in between.

So, yes, modernemotive is heading to Boston. I did it. I took the plunge.

Photo Credit: txhippichicPopular Posts:

Open stock for sale!

Adele {modernemotive} — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:34:18 +0000

I updated my product shots last week and I’m now selling off the open stock I have for the notepads. By open stock I mean the shrinkwap has been removed. Otherwise, they are in perfect condition and were stored safely away in my supply cupboard to prevent damage.

I’m now selling the 6 notepads below in sets of 2 (any 2) for $16 + shipping. You will be sent the colors seen below in a sturdy cardboard mailer to prevent any damage. If anyone is interested, just send me a convo on Etsy.

FOR THE OFFICE

Daily Agenda To Do Ecofriendly Notepad SOLD + Project Planning To Do Ecofriendly Notepad SOLD

FOR THE KITCHEN

Weekly Menu Planning Ecofriendly Notepad SOLD + Grocery Shopping Ecofriendly Notepad SOLD

FOR THE HOME

Weekly Planning Ecofriendly Notepad + Daily Chores Ecofriendly Notepad

Hope you are all having a fab week so far. I hope to be back blogging with some regularity soon. And not just shop updates I promise! xoPopular Posts:

I couldn’t wait

Adele {modernemotive} — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:46:48 +0000

So excitement took over and I decided to put my 2011 Calendar on pre-order. Patience is clearly not my virtue. Here’s a look at more of the monthly patterns.

Available in both my Etsy and Big Cartel shops. It will start shipping out late next week.

Have an awesome weekend!Popular Posts:

Sneak Peek: 2011 Desktop Calendar

Adele {modernemotive} — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:21:40 +0000

I’ve got a sneak peek for you today. I’ve been busy designing all week (hence my lack of presence over here) and one of the projects I wrapped up was the very first modernemotive calendar for 2011. I’m so excited to get this in the shop. I am just waiting (i.e. stalking my mailbox) for the last component.

It will be available in my shop very soon so stay tuned.

What did you get up to this week? Man did it fly by huh?Popular Posts:

Greetings

Adele {modernemotive} — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:47:52 +0000

I’m slowly loading some new greeting cards into my shop. I’m swaying on whether I want to go this route again so for now I’m going to keep the card line small. Of course, don’t quote me on that because I change my mind like the wind. But, as a few of you have requested I continue the line card, here’s the start of it. Singles will be coming out shortly, along with a few of my old bestsellers.

I’m also experimenting with new backgrounds. Shooting products on a white background is quite frankly hell and you don’t even want to know how much time I waste. What do you think about the new background?

Herringbone Birthday Cards

Pebbles Birthday Cards

Retro Zig Zag Thank You Cards

I’ll be back with more updates next week and hopefully back to blogging. I’ve had a case of writers block as of late. Of course, now that I’d said that openly, I’ll suddenly do nothing but talk, talk, talk. Funny how that happens. Shame is doesn’t work when I have a creative block huh?

In the meantime, what do you think of the new cards?Popular Posts:

Sneak Peek!

Adele {modernemotive} — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:03:41 +0000

My new products are here and I am beyond ecstatic at how they turned out. I could not of wished for more. I’m officially opening up the shop again Monday/Tuesday of next week. So, make sure you are following me on Twitter or via my blog feed to learn more. I cannot wait!Popular Posts:

Green Motive: An Interview with NottyPooch

Adele {modernemotive} — Fri, 14 May 2010 11:42:03 +0000

Yikes, it’s been a while since I did a Green Motive post huh? I’m pleased to re-open the series with Huey and Wah of NottyPooch. Unwanted banners = creative, one-of-a-kind accessories. Such a great idea! Way to go guys!

Welcome. Tell us about yourself and your business
We are Huey and Wah, the two humans behind NottyPooch. We live in Penang, a small island in Malaysia with lots and lots of awesome food. We give new lives to used and unwanted banners by making them into eco-friendly, functional and eye-catching accessories. Occasionally we screenprint cool t-shirts of our own designs too!

What makes your business green?
Instead of letting those used/unwanted banners to go to the landfill, we collect them and give them new lives by making them into functional, one-of-a-kind accessories. When shipping our items, we always opt for Kraft or brown paper, and sew up the sides so we don’t have to use white glue. Once when we were at a local craft fair, we prepared a whole bunch of paper bags by cutting and sewing up old magazines!

Why is it important for you to offer products that are eco-friendly?
Re-using things has been part of our ‘family tradition’. We were taught to utilise what we have whenever possible. When we started this little business, we were very sure that we wanted to run it in a more responsible way – not only to customers, but to the environment too.

Have you found it easy to run an eco-friendly business? What difficulties (if any) have your encountered?
We wouldn’t consider ourselves a 100% eco-friendly business yet – though we’d love to think that we keep on trying. One major problem is that the local market isn’t really that sensitive to eco-friendly products yet. This has also made sourcing the right materials more difficult. The place we live in does not have a lot of eco-friendly materials to start with. Many times in between using an eco-friendly materials from overseas or to shop locally, we have to opt for shopping locally. An example would be how difficult it is to source organic cotton t-shirt locally and at a reasonable price. We’ve been keeping an eye on this for a while now, but haven’t got any luck yet – one of the reasons we are not ordering more t-shirts for printing, and intend to finish what we have now until we can comfortably get some organic ones. About 99% of the stationery available are is also not eco-friendly – that’s one of the reasons we minimize using white glue on packaging.

What plans do you have to further your green initiatives?
At the moment, we are just continuing to look for more eco-friendly materials to work with. If we cannot have the best solution, we can at least continue to minimize the not-so-eco-friendly part. In the near future, we are looking into donating part of our profit to a local animal shelter. In the far away future (well, hopefully not too far) when we are able to grow bigger, we would like to create a fair-trade working environment for underprivileged groups (eg: single mothers) in our community.

Lastly, anything else you would like to add?
Thank you Adele for this feature. I (Huey) have been enjoying reading your ‘This Self-Employed Life’ series because what you say is so true. I can’t wait to see your shop reopen with all fresh new items! :) - Thanks Huey, you are too kind.

Calling all eco-friendly, organic business owners

Adele {modernemotive} — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:43:09 +0000

Guys, I am super honored and excited to be contributing to a online magazine for their upcoming June issue. I’m keeping the name of the magazine under wraps (yes, I know I’m being secretive yet again) until it’s published, however, their primary focus is on showcasing the best in independent art and design. The categories range from fashion, vintage, organic, fair-trade and ecofriendly wares.

My job? To interview 5 fabulous business owners that are focused on offering ecofriendly products. It’s a great opportunity to share your work with like-minded people and I welcome you to submit your company in the comments below. Just a brief run-down (stating why you’re eco) will do plus a link to your work. The categories are wide open so whether you’re a fashion designer, vintage maven, jewelry designer or maker of organic foods/cosmetics and the like, please introduce yourself.

Of course, the final decision on who will be interviewed is in the editors hands, so I will only be contacting you if you’re selected. But don’t forget I have an ecofriendly and business series on my blog (albeit a wee bit neglected) so you may end up here if not in the magazine. What have you got to lose?

So guys, get submitting. I can’t wait to discover some new ecofriendly companies. Don’t be shy!

Photo Credit: -Snugg-Popular Posts:

Green Motive: An Interview with Daisy Janie

Adele {modernemotive} — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:19:01 +0000

Please welcome my online buddy, Jan DiCintio of Daisy Janie today – the first interviewee for the Green Motive relaunch. I could not be happier. With a love for designing geometric patterns myself, her organic fabrics and surface designs are right up my alley. I can also confirm she is one lovely lady too.

Welcome. Tell us about yourself and your business
I am a freshly turned 40-year-old, who moonlights as a mom, wife, doggie owner and fitness nut. I am a self-taught fabric & surface designer, having segued over the past 10 years from other creative pursuits that involved building, painting and sewing (not all at once). I produce my own line of fabrics as well as offer custom surface design services to clients.

What makes your business green?
The retail fabrics I currently design and sell in my etsy shop are primarily what make Daisy Janie green. They are printed on 2 types of organic base goods: one is an organic cotton sateen made with 100% cotton fibers certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS); the other is an organic cotton/hemp blend canvas that is certified organic by the USDA’s Nat’l Organic Program (NOP). These are professionally printed in a digital format, using water-based, low VOC pigments. This method of printing also minimizes water consumption and fabric waste. Further, heat & pressure calendaring are used to finish the fabric rather than harsh chemicals.

I also have a collection of organic fabrics (Geo Grand) that will be offered at wholesale and will be available in early March. These organic fabrics, made from GOTS-certified cotton fiber, will also be self-produced. I am soooo excited about this line as it will allow Daisy Janie to make a more significant contribution to an industry (cotton fabric) that’s in desperate need of an overhaul. Conventionally grown cotton crops and fabrics produced from these crops are some of the worst offenders on the planet in terms of pesticide usage and toxic processing. Read “Cotton and the Environment” for more information.

Why is it important for you to offer products that are eco-friendly?
I offer eco-friendly products so I can sleep at night knowing I’ve done my part. I cannot remember a time in my adult life when I wasn’t a freakazoid about recycling, repurposing, clean living and protecting earth’s creatures. Choosing to offer green products is simply an extension of these ideals and a logical expression of my personal philosophies.

Have you found it easy to run an eco-friendly business? What difficulties (if any) have your encountered?
When I started my first solo venture in 1998 (JH Originals), it was much more challenging to procure green raw materials and market green products than it is for me today. The confluence of powerful and dynamic variables like Etsy, indie culture, internet as a mainstay for biz, green awareness and consumer acceptance has created a business segment that manufacturers can’t ignore & consumers can’t get enough of. Given that, I have definitely seen a nice shift in ‘what it takes’ to run an eco-friendly business.

The main difficulty in producing & selling a thoughtful product like organic fabric is price point. In general, organic cotton farming and processing requires more care and overall tending, so it costs *me* more to have it produced…which means it will cost my customer more as well. Not all customers understand this, and it has been a hurdle to effectively market and educate. (Interviews like this are a huge boost to that end – thank you Adele!)

What plans do you have to further your green initiatives?
On a smaller scale: I have planted seeds for additional eco-friendly product offerings using my surface designs. Haven’t gotten very far, but my research notebook is filling up! I also continue to find ways to package my products with a smaller carbon footprint.

On a larger scale: Daisy Janie is run out of my home (for as long as I can manage), and I’m very proud that we just made the switch to purchase wind energy for our electricity. There’s no way to know for certain if the electricity that makes it to the grid to power your individual house is that exact electricity you purchased. However, when you make this selection, you are casting a vote that dictates demand for this product. You are supporting the wind energy producers, and thereby taking a piece of the “electricity pie” away from coal/fossil fuel energy producers….much like choosing organic fabrics over non-organics!

Lastly, anything else you would like to add?
Eighteen years ago, I read this quote in a shop offering Native American art: “We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors. We are borrowing it from our grandchildren.” It hit me hard and solidified my desire to do what I could on an individual level to lessen my impact on the earth…a defining moment in my life to be sure.

DAISY JANE ELSEWHERE
Website | Shop | Blog | Twitter | Flickr

Image showing chair covered in Daisy Janie fabric is courtesy of Storefront.Popular Posts: