a little story about a shop
From an early age I was fascinated by art and imagery. I drew over everything - the walls, tables, floors, and my Beatrix Potter books (oh dear). Art is a big part of who I am, and I would be lost without it. It was my favourite subject in school; an escape from reality. Back then I never thought a career in art was a possibility. Therefore when I went to university, I studied the History of Art and Archaeology as I felt a more academic life was probably a better life choice. I love these subjects but I missed creating. Graduating college during a crippling economic recession saw me eventually drift from an academic path back to the artistic road that I had always dreamed of walking down. After a couple of years experimenting with art and design, I launched my online print shop in 2012, which showcased my uplifting and inspiring hand-lettered quotes. Since then I have taken new paths with my product range, and I created a world of intriguing illustrations and stories which are captured on beautiful sustainably sourced papers.
From my little studio in my hometown Dublin, I work as a freelance illustrator and designer. When I’m in between client projects, I love to get lost in my daily daydreams and create personal pieces for my shop. All aspects of my business are handled by myself; from illustrating/designing, to brand photography, emailing, administration/inventory, packing/posting, marketing, website designing, and the all important tea-making.
“I think you’ll agree that Rachel’s illustrations kindle some fairly potent childhood wonder. There is something a little bit magic about her work, and we adore it.”
I like to include wit, prettiness and nostalgia within each image. I use both digital and traditional techniques I’ve taught myself throughout the years; such as sketchy pencil lines and splashes of thickly applied paint. My handmade aesthetic is much-loved with customers, as it reminds them of times gone-by when the world was a little bit more rose-tinted.
My illustrations are inspired by my many interests, including Ireland and her inimitable charm and humour; old packaging and vintage botanical prints; cherished memories, and story-telling. I adore both vintage design and nostalgia; such as the intricate decorative details, and the personal stories associated with a piece of ephemera. I interpret this influence within my own illustrations to create a ‘nostalgic narrative,’ which offers an escape to a charmingly whimsical world. Greetings cards and stationery products can have a reputation for being transient and trend-based, however I believe my line of products break this mould and instead they celebrate and cherish enduring design.
My designs are not only thoughtful and sweet in sentiment, but they are also earth-kind. As a business who uses paper for my products, it is important that I make the right choices and take the correct steps in making sure I provide a product and service that is as sustainable as possible. All my packaging supplies and paper stocks are sourced from three small environmentally-aware Dublin businesses, and I use my local post office to mail all the lovely packages and wholesale orders.
“When you purchase from my shop, you are supporting five small Irish businesses, who are all doing their bit for the environment also. My products are made local and made to last.”
THE green STUFF…
All my packaging is recyclable, reusable or biodegradable. My greeting card envelopes are made from 100% post consumer waste, while my mailing envelopes are manufactured from a minimum of 75% genuine waste paper. My tissue paper is 100% recycled, acid-free, FSC-certified and printed with soy-based inks. I also hope that the customer will re-use it to wrap future presents with. My wholesale orders are also shipped in pre-used cardboard boxes, with re-used paper-based packing materials.
My shop is proudly plastic-free. My clear sleeves are 100% biodegradable and are made from corn starch (annually renewable), which is brown bin compostable. All greeting cards purchased through my online shop are no longer wrapped in clear sleeves and are instead packaged in a recyclable paper bag.
The paper I use for my greeting cards and prints is FSC-certified, from responsibly managed forests. I use a local Dublin printer, who are also environmentally-aware. The inks are vegetable-based, and all printing plates are chemical-free. I also encourage customers and recipients to keep their greeting cards after the celebration, and frame them as miniature thoughtful prints. I’m proud to say that my products are made in Ireland, and therefore each purchase supports not only my small business but many others based in Ireland who I use for printing and packaging materials.