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Meet Inkwell Designs, a homeware and fashion accessories company with a focus on sustainability and zero waste.
SoLo Craft Fair sits down with founder of the brand, Nicola, to discuss how the brand has evolved and the inspirations behind her quirky designs.
“Hello, I’m Nicola Erdpresser, founder of Inkwell Designs. As a freelance graphic designer and stained glass artist I enjoy making marks, and working with graphic elements, colour and light. I studied Typography and Graphic Communications at Reading University and have worked for most of my career in book publishing.”
“Having discovered a love of making colourful patterns I’ve been developing my collection of products with a focus on being sustainable and kind to our planet. I’m an environmental campaigner and started off with a zero waste cutlery bag, then moved on to scarves and tea towels in organic cotton.”
“In 2020 during the pandemic, I kept creative by running an online sketching hour per week with a group of like-minded people. A selection of these drawings have been printed as greetings cards on recycled card and are available in the shop.”
“You can find out more information about my stained glass at www.stainedglassartshop.co.uk and freelance graphic design at www.designcreateinnovate.co.uk.”
“I am passionate about creating beautiful, original designs in small scale production and in a way that is environmentally friendly. My collection includes organic scarves, organic tea towels and cutlery bags, plus some greetings cards printed on recycled card.”
“Inkwell Designs is built on three core philosophies: my original designs, made in small scale production, and all in a planet friendly way. We love bees and in an effort to support their continuity, 1% of our sales will be donated to Bumblebee Conservation Trust via Work for Good.”
“My unique and quirky designs are inspired by a wide variety of observations, my travels and favourite places, and each is given a different name. I favour bright and cheerful colours and my patterns are bold and often layered in technique.”
“Everything is made in the UK in small scale production, meaning that my scarves and tea towels are limited editions. All packaging is custom designed and plastic free. ‘Slow fashion’ is the opposite of fast fashion and considers the way the textiles are produced. It advocates for buying better quality garments that will last longer, and values fair treatment of people, animals, and the planet along the way.”
“Having researched the manufacturing of silk and other fabrics I’ve chosen organic cotton as the most environmentally and insect-friendly option for my scarves and tea towels.”
“Using organic cotton reduces our environmental footprint. No toxic chemicals are used in the growing of organic cotton. It doesn't damage the soil, has less impact on the air, and uses 88% less water and 62% less energy. Conventional cotton uses about 16% of the world's insecticides and 7% of pesticides.”
“All of my products are still quite new, but I am looking to grow my range and create some organic cushion covers in a small selection of my patterns.”
“My top tip for other inspiring makers? To make something you feel passionate about and to enjoy the process of being creative.”