Catherine Wells, the Orkney artist who makes lovely eco friendly products describes some of her recent work.

“Throughout my work as an artist maker, I have whenever possible tried to be as eco friendly as possible by using natural or recycled material.

I feel I should do my ‘bit if I can. Even if in the grand scheme of things it is only a ‘bit. I figure it’s better than nothing.

When I used to run my mosaic workshops I always used old china, metal knives and forks. Also sometimes more weird things like the contents of a vintage sewing box and vintage lace.

I am now focussing on recycled books for my eco cards and using vintage/’re purposed fabric. I have been busy beavering away creating new lines like door stops and cushion phone holder. Filling them with natural wheat and Buckwheat Hulls. They are completely biodegradable as I am trying to avoid synthetic and plastic when possible.

I beach comb regularly and collect lots of driftwood which I decorate with hand burnt designs. Pebbles are decoupaged with my old book pages.

I am looking to new exciting eco friendly materials all the time to inspire new products for me. I sell in locals shops in Orkney and a couple of online stores like ‘Isle 20’ which was set up during the Pandemic to help small businesses like mine on the Scottish Islands.

I feel we all have to try to do a little to help save the planet for our children if we can.”

You can find out more about Catherine’s products which are for sale on : Arts a Flutter Facebook page

And here is a link to some craft courses:

https://www.craftcourses.com/providers/arts-a-flutter