This is the second in a new series on interviews with eco crafters from across the globe. As part of the Eco Etsy Team, I have met many talented people dedicated to creating items which cause as little impact on the planet as possible. These interviews offer me the chance to showcase some of the fantastic talent to be found in the team.
Don't forget to search 'teamecoetsy' when looking for eco friendly products on etsy
Fabric Squares Gift Cards - Set of Two - Japanese Red and Blue
Name: AnnaShop Name: Lila Ruby King/Anna Ruby KingShop Link(s): http://annarubyking.etsy.comhttp://lilarubyking.etsy.comLocation: Athens, GreeceShips To: Everywhere and Anywhere! What do you create?I have two lines of work, hence the two shops. I have a jewellery line, and also a paper goods/art line of work. With my jewellery I create mostly with glass, sterling silver and found wooden twigs. With my paper goods (mostly gift cards) and art, you will see a lot of birds!
How did you get into your craft?When I finished school I went into Visual Arts at university, I majored in print media and minored in painting. After I finished this degree, I really had a desire to start making functional objects, so I went on to study jewellery design and production.
The Scrub Birds Gift Cards - Set of Two - Lime and Deep Blue
What materials do you use for your eco friendly products? My main eco friendly product is my gift cards, the card stock I use is made from recycled paper, and the envelopes are made from surplus map pages which I think is really cool! The designs on my cards are made with fabric, and as much as possible I try and use recycled fabric, offcuts, remnants, scraps, etc… I really like the idea of using the remnant fabric, not just because of environmental benefits, but because it means that I can only make so many cards out of each piece, so I am forced to keep coming up with new colour combinations and patterns.
With my jewellery, it is a bit more of a challenge to work in an eco friendly way, but I have started a collection that uses found twigs. I love how I can use an item that is overlooked and discarded and turn it into something beautiful and desirable.
White Branch Brooch - No.2
Why did you decide to make eco friendly products? It was just something that I had to do, there was no other option for me. I am quite concerned about what is happened with the planet right now, so I think it is important for all of us to start making eco friendly choices with what we purchase. When I purchase my recycled blank cards, this supports another eco friendly business, and prevents my money from supporting a company that is not. Things like this is something all of us can do, and if enough of us start making these choices then it will make a difference.
What inspires you? Nature, endlessly! Maybe this is another reason why I am so passionate about being eco friendly!
Is this a job for you or a hobby? It is really more of a lifestyle- it is something I do everyday, and I would be miserable without it!
Apart from creating things, what do you do? I love going for walks, reading, going to the movies and cooking sweet things!
Do you have any advice to share on how you have made your business grow? I think it is important to have a product that is distinctly yours and to keep creating new things to keep the attention of your customers.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? Hopefully I will still be creating, still happy, still healthy!
