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Introducing wallflower, a Boutique for Curated Gifts, Decor & Objects That Inspire

published on November 10, 2022 by Angela Hamilton

Hello friends! We have a big announcement for you today! Introducing our very own shop, from the founders and editors of eco club and our design studio, wallflower. We launched this fall and have been since been hard at work on our holiday collection, so I haven’t gotten around to making the *official* introduction here on the blog. So, it’s long overdue, but today we’re sharing photos from our first shoot, featuring so many of our favorite products. I’ll explain a bit more about this new endeavor and the products we’re sharing below!

Blockprint napkins

wallflower is a shop, blog, and creative studio celebrating makers + spaces + objects that inspire. Jenn and I met almost ten years ago as lifestyle bloggers with a love of crafting and collaborating with other makers. Fun fact, we both independently sold vintage finds and crochet accessories on Etsy back in college, before we knew each other. Eventually, we both became freelancers in our own fields and started collaborating on a project called The Blog Market. Later, we moved on to work together on eco club (and a bunch of other projects). We launched our studio in 2019, offering creative services for thoughtful brands and people, and finally, incorporated our ecommerce brand in fall 2022. Phew!

Porcelain plates

Pastel coasters (a personal fave!!)

Espresso cup and saucer set and cat charcuterie board

We think of wallflower as the ultimate moodboard for us — and for you! As longtime bloggers and Pinterest-obsessed curators, we believe in surrounding ourselves with beauty and creativity. Of course, we also believe in caring for people and the planet, and in the power of small business and handmade, so our shop is really a celebration of artists around the world and the creativity we all have within.

Art prints from artists around the world

Striped table runner

Pink taper candle holders

For our launch shoot, we collaborated, of course, with Charity, who helped us show off some of our favorite pieces in a small space setting.

Woven colorblock coasters

Pastel woven vessel, another favorite of mine

Design books

Woven planter basket

We collaborated with a lot of different makers to bring wallflower together. As we grow, we plan to share lots more about these designers and why we love them (and why you should too). But for now, you might recognize Kazi, a fair trade home decor brand we’ve talked about here on eco lots of times. We selected some of their most vibrant pieces for our first collection.

Blush plate

Linen scallop napkins

We also worked with a small business in India to make custom sets of the napkins shown throughout, which features a cotton block print technique and these solid linen scalloped napkins. It was soooo fun to curate custom sets! They’re all handmade and the detail is incredible.

Floral ceramic cat ring dish and striped ceramic cat ring dish with yellow and lavender earrings

This collection of ceramic cats, which features ring dishes, earrings, and pins, is a collaboration between us and Romanian ceramicist and illustrator Livia Coloji of Gruni Ceramica. You can’t find these anywhere else, they are based on Livia’s original designs and updated with wallflower’s branding (and love of florals) in mind. I think this was my favorite product to receive in the mail and finally see in-person after all our communication online. They’re just so beautiful and will make such special gifts.

Acetate hair accessories

A few greeting cards from our massive stationery collection

We also have a lifestyle collection and a self care line. We currently offer over 200 products by about 40 vendors from the US and all around the world. And we have so much more we want to share! But I’ll leave it at this intro for now, and follow up with more of our favorites soon. If you’re interested, please head to shop.studio-wallflower.com to see all of the above and more! Thanks for checking out our small shop and following along!

Eco Friendly Cabin Decor for Fall with Zuahaza

published on November 8, 2022 by Angela Hamilton

Fall is my favorite, so you can imagine my frustration when cooler temps and transitioning trees didn’t come to Seattle until about mid-October this year. But it’s here now and bringing me a much needed mood-booster on my neighborhood walks as the sun goes down each afternoon. In anticipation, last month Jennifer and I retreated to the mountains in Oregon for a fall shoot and some much needed time to work on our latest project. While there, we cozied up with Zuahaza‘s eco friendly cabin decor, featuring pillows, a throw blanket, and decor from their beautiful (and perfectly pastel) Hichu collection. See them throughout the post below along with more fall decor inspiration from our new shop, wallflower!

We take Jenn’s collection of Estelle Colored Glass wine glasses pretty much every where we go. They make not only the prettiest props, but also feel really special to sip from after a long day! Here the glassware is sitting on Zuahaza’s woven placemat/charger. It’s a super sturdy surface made from natural fique, and worked nicely as a sort of serving board.

I also brought along a pillow from their previous collection, Tyba, the one snuggled in the back here.

We have these sweet ceramic tumbler cups coming to the shop soon. They’re perfect for a morning latte!

Many of you know that I don’t go anywhere without flowers. Yes, even to Airbnbs. I grabbed a bunch of different stems at the market and simply trimmed them each to varying heights. I didn’t do much else for this arrangement, and I’m pretty pleased with the wild fall look of it all!

The Sumaz Large Throw in Cream is one of the most beautiful blankets I’ve ever curled up in! The woven details are just stunning. It’s 100% organic cotton, undyed, and a women artisan cooperative in the town of Charalá, Colombia. Honestly, I thought I might regret not having a pop of color with the blanket, but it’s such a lovely complement to the rest of our decor, from the pillow covers to the flowers and glassware, and I loved how the creamy neutrals cozied everything right up.

A preview of a couple more products we’re offering over at wallflower!

This pillow stack also features the the Paramo Pillow Covers and Cocuy Pillow Covers which come in 5 colors. I can’t decide if I like them more here on the sofa or up in the cabin’s loft on the bed… BTW, they are SO soft.

I love the rustic cabin decor of the PNW, but sometimes I crave more playful color. Zuahaza’s textiles were just the accent we needed!

Thanks to eco club member Zuahaza for gifting us these products to photograph so that you could get a better sense of the superior beauty and quality of sustainable, handmade goods produced ethically.

24 Sustainable Gifts for Conscious Maximalists – Home Edition

published on November 3, 2022 by Angela Hamilton

Gift season is here! Thank goodness it’s so much less challenging to find wonderful and sustainable gifts for Christmas and the holidays than it used to be. These days, our holiday gift guides are more and more fun (click here to see past guides, many of which have been updated for 2022). This year, I have the pleasure of including a few items from our own shop, wallflower, which launched earlier this fall. They are sprinkled throughout gift ideas from other eco club members and ethical shops we admire. PS In this gift guide I’ve focused on home decor and goods but don’t worry, our fashion edition is on its way! Too many great things to put all in one post.

sustainable home decor gift ideas for 2022

find more colorful, maximalist sustainable gifts for christmas below!

multi-striped colorblock candles made of soy from a sustainable candle maker in london

block printed cushions from pinkcityprints

sustainable christmas gifts from eco club members: zuahaza pillow covers + scarf/ will + atlas jute wall hanging (sold out) / ohh happy home washable rug (use code ECOCLUBFREE for free US shipping) / blush blanket + block print napkins from wallflower

striped artisan made table decor by archive new york

ivory + mustard boho pillow cover (shown with this kantha blanket)

vivid: style in colour coffee table book by Julia Green + Armelle Habib

colorblock cotton string lampshade by lovingstring

linen striped apron by mosey me

We’ll be sure to add to this list as the season goes on, so check back. We follow so many incredible designers and sustainable brands on social, I’m excited to spread the love however we can!

5 Recent Stories with Good News For The Environment

published on October 25, 2022 by Mindy Chung

Here’s a (not so) hot take—bad news sells. It’s a fact of life, and why sometimes it feels like we’re being bombarded with stories about war, police brutality, and so much more. And while good news rarely makes it to the front page, there are always small moments of human kindness if you know where to look.

So if you’ve been feeling a little blue, here’s a few stories about the good things people have done to make the world a more environmentally friendly place! PS: Be sure to click the hyperlinks below to read the full articles behind each story.

5 articles with good news for the environment

Patagonia Founder Donates Fortune to Charity

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you may have heard that Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard, and his immediate family have donated their shares of the prolific outdoor-apparel company to charity. Valued at roughly $3 billion, these shares are now under the tutelage of the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective—a climate-focused trust, and grouping of non-profit organizations—that will be taking any profits not reinvested into the company and funding initiatives to protect wild lands and fight climate change.

EV Charging Stations Approved Nation-wide

If you’re like me and the fear of getting stuck in a dead-zone has kept you from seriously considering an electric vehicle, this may be the news you needed! This project, titled the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, has allocated $5 billion to help create an infrastructure of charging stations throughout the US over the next 5 years. Hopefully that means we’ll never have to be afraid of being stuck in a forest, in the dark, with no power and means to travel, ever again.

Dutch Students Invented an Eco-Friendly Car

While we may not have invented flying cars just yet, a group of Dutch students has gotten us one step closer. The Zero Emission Mobility (ZEM) car is a 3D printed vehicle made from recycled plastics that will solve the problem of pollution from the production of battery cells that makes it difficult for electric vehicles to balance out their carbon footprint (despite what the advertisements tell you.) The ZEM holds two filters that can capture up to 2 kg of CO2; while not a huge amount, the car signals positive progress made towards a carbon neutral vehicle.

New York and California Make Huge Strides to be zero-emission by 2035

California has pioneered the way for other blue states to ratify measures meant to protect and preserve our environment. In fact, after the state voted to start banning the sale of new gas-powered cars in 2035, New York followed suit, and is requiring all new cars sold in the state to be zero emission by the same year. As two of the most heavily trafficked states in the US, these initiatives are huge for a greener future—and is a key step in New York reducing its greenhouse gases by 85% by 2050. And with the other news about an expanding EV charging network, it looks like we’re on track to slowly transition away from fossil fuels and gas cars.

Ozone Layer on Track to Close in the Next 50 Years

If you’re a 90’s kid, you know all about the terror of the hole in the ozone layer. The science teachers loved talking about how detrimental the hole was, and how devastating it could be for us in the future. And while movement to a greener society can feel slow at times, the newest research shows that the changes made because of the Montreal Protocol has dropped the concentrations of harmful chemicals that damage the ozone layer just over 50% compared to the 1980s.

Have you heard any good news stories lately? Comment below!

17 Bold Sustainable Jumpsuits for Fall

published on October 20, 2022 by Angela Hamilton

We’re not shy about our love of jumpsuits around here. Of the sustainable and ethically produced variety, of course. First it was beautiful wrap jumpsuits, then there were the utility jumpsuits in every color of the rainbow (seriously). As a third follow up, because this one-piece fit is officially a must in every wardrobe, sustainable jumpsuits just perfect for the fall season. Enjoy!

Mixed’s pink ‘Nana Party jumpsuit is fun in any season, but I love the playful pop of color for fall!

The Kami Jumpsuit by Bel Kazan features an original print design hand-printed in Bali.

Christy Dawn’s Sylvia Jumpsuit is your how-is-it-still-70-degrees romper made of an 100% organic cotton seersucker fabric.

I love this moody floral print in Smart Glamour’s Cornelia stretch jumpsuit, but the best part is that you can order it in almost 20 other colors/prints! You can also order their clothing in completely custom sizes, and add pockets if you’d like!

How cute is the Juna Jumpsuit by Bel Kazan? Just a tad retro, it features the sweetest keyhole bow detail.

Farah Wide Jumpsuit by Ilk & Ernie is made from sustainably sourced denim in a bold kelly green.

Fanfare’s ethically made check wide leg jumpsuit is perfect for layering and dressing up or down.

Etica Denim offers an edgy utility jumpsuit in black denim, with volume sleeves and oversized pockets.

Okay yes, we’re incapable of talking jumpsuits without mentioning Big Bud Press. But you see why, no? Love this red jumpsuit for the season! They also offer them in long sleeve styles. BTW, love BBP? Check out our guide to brands like Big Bud Press.

Love how Rujeta Sheth captured the perfect fall palette into this hand-loomed jumpsuit. On sale now!

Have you ever seen a more perfect utility jumpsuit than the Alex Mill twill expedition suit?? It’s just gorgeous.

This Kanelle jumpsuit in a simple floral print looks cozy enough to lounge in! Available in custom sizes too.

I know, so much green already, but I’d be remiss not to mention Etica’s Kingsley jumpsuit in Juniper.

Rujuta Sheth also has a holiday jumper in a Citron waffle cotton… So cozy!

Love the camel color of Sotela’s Stella jumpsuit for fall.

You might know that PACT is the ultimate eco friendly clothing brand, but did you know they have the most perfect jumpsuit for fall? It will probably be full-length on me, but is the perfect cropped length for the rest of you 😉

But I think perhaps my favorite colorful and sustainable jumpsuit for fall? It’s gotta be the Nissa New York’s colorblock Mandy suit on pre-order!

5 Ingredients to Start Your Own Scrappy Kitchen

published on October 12, 2022 by Mindy Chung

Who always feels guilty throwing away food scraps? Like not the gross, moldy bits, but potatoes that have grown eyes, or spinach that’s just a *smidge* too wilted? While composting may be the first thing most people consider when trying to reduce their food waste, it’s not always a realistic option if you live in smaller spaces or live in an area with limited resources.

That’s why I love the “scrappy cooking” series created by Carleigh AKA @plantyou on Tiktok.

Carleigh’s created a whole movement unconventionally repurposing the odds and ends we don’t quite want to waste in our kitchen, but also don’t want to necessarily eat either.

And while I’m all for a Tiktok binge, I’ve decided to save everyone some time and make a list of a few common groceries that I’m sure most, if not all, of us would love to repurpose the food scraps from!

how to repurpose food scraps

Potato, Po-tah-do

While the pronunciation of this spud may be the subject of heated debate, its versatility in the kitchen is not. If you happen to peel your potato—and want to cut down your food waste—you can either season and crisp them up into potato skins or freeze them in a bag of scrapes that you can boil into veggie broth later on.

If, however, your potatoes have grown too many eyes for safe consumption, you can cut them up and propagate them in a small container of water or soil to grow your own plant (space permitting)!

Onion

Cutting an onion may make you tear up, but the thought of wasting them doesn’t have to! Like potatoes, onion scraps can be saved and frozen to make a veggie broth, or you can propagate the ends in a small jar to grow your own plant.

For a fun DIY at home, you can also boil down the skins into a natural dye for fabric! Depending on the kind of onion and fiber you’re using, you’ll get anything from a pale yellow to bright orange or even pink.

Green Onion

Green onions are one of those great plants you can grow in the smallest of spaces. If you save the bulb end, instead of throwing them away, you can stick them in a jar and they’ll keep growing so you can snip a little to cook or garnish with here and there.

To reduce food waste, if you find yourself with too much green onion, you can freeze them to be used fresh later, or dehydrate them in your oven to use as a seasoning like oregano or thyme.

Lemon

It always feels like such a waste to have to throw lemon rinds away. Never again. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can make pickled lemons to top your salads, cocktails and more. For a sweeter twist, you can mix with an equal amount of sugar to create lemon cheong for a fantastic tea to fight off the winter chill. You can also dry your rinds and grind them up to make a lemon powder for cooking!

Or, for a non-edible zero-waste solution, you can mix lemon and vinegar to create an all-purpose household cleaning spray. The possibilities are endless.

Carrots

Did you know you can eat carrot tops? Carrot tops and parsley are actually in the same veggie family, and you can use them much in the same way. Blend them into sauces or mix into a salad and reap the same nutritional benefits!

You can also freeze any carrot scrapes to add to a veggie broth, or propagate the tops to begin growing your own carrots. And if you have just the skins, you can crisp them up in the oven for a vegan alternative to bacon (yum).

What do you do with your food scraps?