As I am trying to learn how to live a slow and conscious life and realise there are still many things to improve and learn about. However here are some things I am considering so far, as creating products that are sustainable and earth friendly is very important to me.

When foraging natural ingredients such as soil, rocks, shells, leaves or prunus sap (I am hoping to gather enough locally to substitute the gum arabic in my binder) I always do it in very small amounts. One or a small handful at the time so no-one can see any trace of me being there.

Please share any information with me with any ideas you have to improve further.

Clay

I try to process and use as much salvaged clay as possible. My recurrent sources at this time is clay dug out during building work in Bristol (BS5) and the sink trap in the ceramics' studio at Bristol School of Art (both of this sources have a buff earthy shade). When using commercial clays (typically the white palettes and pans) I have been in touch with the suppliers to find the least processed option and with components sourced within the least miles.

Pigments

When not foraged or reclaimed sources, I purchase with natural pigments from ethical companies not further away than mainland Europe, and with pigments being sourced in Europe and Morocco.

Packaging

- I reuse anything I can. I have never bought bubble wrap, when plastic is reused. Any other purchased packaging is always brown paper and card, and brown kraft paper tape, for recyclable packaging solutions.

- The glassine bags are a pure 100% cellulose paper manufactured out of pine woods. Transparency and greaseproofness of the paper are achieved by a special mechanical treatment, not by chemical additives.

Swatches

I make sure all the watercolour paper I use is vegan. If you are unsure about why paper may not be vegan, this is due to the sizing. A treatment applied to paper to make it more water resistant. Traditionally gelatine was used for this, but currently many manufactures use pectin. If you are unsure just ask, most art shops have a list of their vegan products behind the till.

Info cards

I print all of these at home on (usually) 100% recycled paper, or glassine paper.

Pans

I have a dead end stock of plastic pans (recyclable with usual household plastic). But will continue to refill half pans. If someone sends me empty used pans I will fill them with paint and list them in my shop as usual, no extra warning (apologies if you receive a stained pan or one with a magnet this is why).

Postcards

Printed on 100% recycled paper with smooth and uncoated surface, fully recycleable.

Stickers

Thick durable vinyl with  a water based adhesive. Recybleable in the UK.