THAT'S A WRAP!
Over the last couple of weeks, there has been a distinct shift in the air. The temperature finally dropped—a big relief for those of us who live in the South. The leaves are transforming into beautiful patchworks of yellow, orange and red. The knockout roses that I planted in the spring are blooming again because they are no longer choked out by the xenias and sunflowers that exploded in my flowerbeds all summer. While I am reveling in all the fun activities that come with Fall, we’ve also officially hit November, so is time to gear up for the holidays.
This holiday season, Lite Foot Company is excited to announce the launch of two new products to the store: Furoshiki Wraps and Eco Lite Wrapping Paper!
Now you may be asking yourself, “Why on earth should I be excited for wrapping paper?” But purchasing alternatives to traditional wrapping paper is an excellent way for you to reduce your carbon footprint and give something back to Mother Earth this year.
As with many single-use products, wrapping paper causes havoc on the environment. The United States purchases around $7 billion worth of wrapping paper each year. Because it is covered in heavy inks, glitter and metallic materials, the paper is often difficult or impossible to recycle. Unfortunately that means 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper ends up in landfills every holiday season.
Lite Foot Company is here to ensure that the high numbers of waste associated with wrapping paper do not put a damper on this magical time of year. Katie Rodgers-Hubbard, owner of LFC, has pulled together a brilliant band of designers and makers to ensure that your seasonal celebrations stay greener than a freshly cut Christmas tree.
FUROSHIKI WRAPS
Furoshiki wraps hit my radar when Katie introduced me to the concept earlier this year. However, this traditional Japanese style of gift wrapping has been gracing homes for centuries.
Furoshiki is a square cloth used to wraps gifts or carry various goods, and its origins date back to 710 B.C. Japan. Today, this method is used all over the world as an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper. There is a great deal of value added to a gift adorn in a furoshiki wrap. Not only are you giving a present to a loved one, but you are also communicating that you were intentional with the packaging method, using a waste-free wrapping solution, and giving them a bonus gift to share with others in the future.
Producing a line of furoshiki wraps to sell at Lite Foot Company may have been the brainchild of Katie, but it is maker Becca Garberson who used her sewing talents to bring this product to the shelves of Hillary the Refillery (and online) this season.
I caught up with Becca to learn more about her business and her collaboration with Lite Foot Company.
SEW FREE BIRD
Owner: Becca Garberson, Grand Rapids, MI
About Sew Free Bird: “I guess I'd say my niche is repurposing! I love finding new uses for old fabrics and reusing things I already have on hand.” -Becca Garberson
Q: Can you share a little bit about your creative process when approaching projects for clients?
A: My process really begins with the client casting the vision. I like to get as many details as possible to determine if the project is something I can do in the time frame they want. After that, we work together to figure out fabrics, supplies and all the fun little details. Then, I share samples, make any necessary adjustments, and complete the final product.
Q: What types of materials do you like to use when manufacturing the furoshiki wraps?
A: Linen and cotton are great materials for making wraps. They're thin and flexible, but still sturdy enough to hold their shape and hide the gift inside! I think the material depends on the look you're going for and what you have on hand. I haven't tried it yet, but I think a thin, patterned silky scarf would work well too.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider using eco-friendly products, like the furoshiki wraps from Lite Foot Company?
A: Using eco-friendly products is such a small but significant way to take care of the Earth as well as ourselves! I'm always a bit overwhelmed at all of the wrapping paper we throw away around the holidays.... I love that [furoshiki wraps] eliminate that waste and can be used again as gift wrap or something else (napkin, dish towel, head wrap, etc). Lite Foot makes it so easy to see the impact of the products we use every day and find new products that are useful and low impact.
Q: What is your favorite Lite Foot Company Product?
A: How could I choose just one Lite Foot favorite? I love our countertop compost bin and the HiBar shampoo bar!
If you’d like to connect with Sew Free Bird, you can reach out to Becca at becca.garberson@gmail.com or hit her up on Instagram @sewfeebird.
ECO LITE
WRAPPING PAPER
While the fukoshiki wraps are an excellent alternative to traditional wrapping paper, we know there is something special about tearing into a much-anticipated present on Christmas morning. So Lite Foot Company will also be offering Eco Lite Wrapping Paper! This paper is recyclable and compostable. With its four unique prints, you may just want to frame a square for yourself and hang it on your wall!
The Eco Lite Wrapping Paper designs were developed by four talented artists who are excited to help you share an eco-friendly holiday with your loved ones.
GRACEFUL LEO DESIGNS
Owner: Josey Depew, currently based in Clarksville, TN
About Graceful Leo Designs: “My business specializes in graphic design of all types, with my target audience being small business owners who understand the importance of design but can't afford the high price tag. That's where I come in and alleviate some of those prices.” -Josey Depew
Q: Can you share a little bit about your creative process when approaching projects for clients?
A: Each client I work with always has a new take on what they would like, so I go into each project with fresh eyes and new ideas. I always try to make sure that I give each client something different and something that I haven't done before, whether that be a technique that I haven't used, a color palette, or overall layout. I try to make each project match the client and what they are using it for. I really try to listen to my clients and get a feel for what they'd like. I don't ever leave them feeling like they have to settle, [and] I cater to all their likes and dislikes.
Q: How did you connect with Katie and Lite Foot Company?
A: Katie and I actually got in contact through a military spouse business page. She was looking for a designer for her logo. As fate has it, she chose me to work with, and the rest is history! I have truly enjoyed doing projects for Katie and Lite Foot Company and all the new ideas that she throws my way!
Q: What inspired your design for Lite Foot’s wrapping paper?
A: The graphics you see on the design I did are things that remind me of Christmas time or the holiday season. The holidays for me are all about memories, as our tree holds ornaments that represent memories from years past. I love reliving those memories every year when we set up the tree.
I wanted to do something a little different [with the design] since I don't typically feature hand drawn items, and something a little more fun that I would personally love to see under my Christmas tree. It's playful, colorful, and can go with lots of decor options.
Q: What’s your favorite Lite Foot Product?
A: My favorite product is definitely the Swedish dishcloths! I have 5+ and use them all the time. The Casa Agave™ Dishwashing Hand Brush is a close second, though!
Q: How can readers get in touch with you and see more of your work?
A: You can check me out at gracefulleodesigns.com, on Facebook or Instagram @gracefulleodesigns, or on Spouse-ly at spouse-ly.com/store/graceful-leo-designs.
BON & VENTURE
Owner: Jennifer Dunlap, Savannah, GA
About Bon & Venture: “[Bon & Venture specializes]in painting, which I forayed into a career in textile design—now creating prints on silk accessories from my original paintings!” -Jen Dunlap
Q: Can you share a little bit about your creative process when approaching projects for clients?
A: As a textile designer, my approach to projects in the past has just been to create what the clients want. I started Bon & Venture so that I could make the paintings, prints and textiles that I wanted to make. I create what speaks to me, laboring under the assumption that there must be other people out there that like what I like. For my own brand, I never make anything that I wouldn't wear and love, and hope others feel the same!
Q: How did you connect with Katie and Lite Foot Company?
A: I'd seen Katie around [Savannah], and one day she asked if I'd be willing to contribute to a sustainable giveaway she was getting together. Silk is a sustainable fabric, and I only use eco-friendly, waterless dyes in my printing process, so it was a great fit!
Q: What inspired your design for Lite Foot’s wrapping paper?
A: My design was inspired by flowers that grow in winter in an effort to not overtly speak to any one particular seasonal holiday. Of course, I included beetles creeping about the design, because I can't let anything only be twee.
Q: What’s your favorite Lite Foot Product?
A: I'm a big fan of sustainable, reusable, safe products for those who menstruate.
Q: How can readers get in touch with you and see more of your work?
A: Website: https://bonandventure.com/
Instagram
OLIVE RIDLEY STUDIOS, LLC
Owner: Megan Kransler, Savannah, GA
About Olive Ridley Studios, LLC: “I offer graphic design services, specializing in print design. I help other small businesses bring their branding into the real world with storefront graphics, wall murals, custom packaging, and more!” -Megan Kransler
Q: Can you share a little bit about your creative process when approaching projects for clients?
A: After meeting with the client to get an understanding of their needs, I typically start with a word map. The word map is essentially my brainstorming process. It helps me organize my thoughts and decide on a design direction. Then, I'll use the ideas from the word map to create a mood board and will develop a color palette from the mood board. By this point, the design direction is solidified, and I can dig into the sketching or layout phase depending on the project.
Q: What inspired your design for Lite Foot’s wrapping paper?
A: My design was inspired by one of my favorite holiday memories—baking cookies with my mom. I knew right away I wanted to create something with a whimsical vibe, but I wasn't sure what I wanted the subject to be. So, I started with a word map and wrote down all of my favorite things about the holiday season. When I got to "baking cookies," I knew that was going to be the winner. Growing up, my sister and I always tried to decorate every cookie a little differently from the last. It's a tradition my husband and I have carried into adulthood, and I wanted to bring that tradition to my wrapping paper design as well.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider using eco-friendly products, like the Eco Lite Wrapping Paper from Lite Foot Company?
A: We all know that large corporations are responsible for most of the emissions causing climate change, but when enough people make small changes to their daily routines, those small changes add up and can make a positive impact. I also think it's important for consumers to push for change from these big corporations, and the easiest way to do that is by changing spending habits.
Q: What is your favorite aspect, tradition or memory about the holiday season?
A: I mentioned baking cookies already, but I also really love holiday decorations. I love the tradition of decorating the tree and driving around to look at Christmas lights. I think the decorations are what make the holiday season feel so magical. Downtown Savannah is always one of my favorite places to be, but especially in December when all of the squares are decorated with lighted wreaths.
Q: Anything else you want to share about your collaboration with Lite Foot Company?
A: I'm so thankful to be involved with this project. I really love the designs from the other artists as well. I can't wait to wrap presents using these beautiful and sustainable papers this year!
Q: How can readers get in touch with you and see more of your work?
A: Learn more at oliveridleystudios.com and join in the fun on Instagram @oliveridleystudios.
LIV BISHOP
Owner: Olivia Bishop, Savannah, GA
Websites: https://linktr.ee/livthecreative & https://www.livbishop.com/
Instagram
Email: heyliv.thecreative@gmail.com
Lite Foot Company can’t wait to share an eco-friendly holiday with you and your family. Both products are available for purchase at Lite Foot Company's website. Eco Lite Wrapping Paper is available in the four individual designs showcased above, or you can get a little of each in the stellar combo pack! Furoshiki wraps are available in five sizes to accommodate a variety of gifts, and they will include instructions of various folding techniques and options to make your presents the sustainable hit of the holiday season!