Urban Oasis chose to go with a 100% recycled seed paper for their business cards. It makes sense for them to practice what they preach and have their first impression really speak to what they’re all about. When I met with them to set this project in motion, they told me of all of the marketing materials that they have been unhappy with in the past. Glossy postcards and brochures with great photos but without true representation of their image.

Our big design ideas + small batch letterpress approach works for them because they don’t have to order multiple thousands of something, the  eco-friendly look and feel has more potential to garner new business with their ideal demographic and they’re staying inline with their sustainable philosophy, too.

When I bought my letterpress, I was pregnant. I didn’t like the fumes or the chemicals that most press cleaners contained. Even the so-called “california wash” or “low-odor” cleaners still had a smell much like other common press washes that pressmen use i.e. turpentine, mineral sprits, or even kerosene. I did some research and came up with using veggie oil and Seventh Generation natural citrus spray, combined with a little elbow grease. Since then, Brandon of Blue Barnhouse over in Asheville, NC mentioned an even better form of veggie oil – and it suits my southern roots too – Crisco! It’s the same thing, just a more solid form of the soybean-based oil, so … less drippy mess, same green clean!

ps. speaking of smells, these violets smell amazing, thank you to Valerie my studio neighbor for bringing them to me!