Woodfolk: Ceramic and Wooden Jewellery Made With Love And The Planet In Mind
Ceramic jewellery has never been on my radar, but now I've discovered Woodfolk, they're one of my favourite accessories! With Fashion Revolution heating up this week, what a better time to share more about a company who are going leaps and bounds beyond mainstream fast fashion practices, and show off my Woodfolk ceramic beauties in a fun photoshoot with Nectar Photography.
"Woodfolk believes in honesty, compassion and being kind to our environment. We work in harmony with both natural materials and communities in need to create beautiful pieces for everyday wear, and that bring warmth and creativity into our homes."
Designed by Australian designer, Julia Denes, Woodfolk work with artisans in Nepal to create ceramic and wooden jewellery, tote bags, scarves, and homeware. As Woodfolk grow, so does a fashion movement that is oh so close to my heart. Here's more about why I choose Woodfolk:
The Philosophy
The mission of the Woodfolk team is not to simply create beautiful products, but build relationship with everyone in the supply chain, and bring meaningful change to the lives of others. Woodfolk are an example to other businesses that trading CAN be done fairly, and being an ethical, sustainable company, doesn't compromise the quality or beauty of a product.
Woodfolk work with small family-based and women-run businesses, establishing trust, equality, and long term relationships. As a proud member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, Woodfolk lift up others through trade, not aid; a more sustainable and respectful model of business.
The Makers
The choice to work with Nepali artisans, came from the knowledge that Nepal holds high quality, old artisan skills, that are generally left untapped or forgotten about. Since Nepal has a lack of natural resources, driving prices high, these ancient skills aren't used on a daily basis, and are at risk of being lost all together. Through wood and ceramic textiles, Nepali artisans are able to practice these rich art forms daily, and continue teaching others.
The scarves, bags, and cotton gift pouches are handmade by a women's co-op in Kathmandu Valley. The income made by these women is changing their socio-economic position, giving them a sense of entrepreneurship and independence, whilst comfortably feeding their families.
The Materials
Woodfolk hold the environment at the core of their values, and strive to use natural materials that the world gave us. The wood used to create their products is Sisoo wood, grown in Nepal. Sisoo wood is fast growing, locally sourced, and one of the finest general-use timbers in South Asia.
When Woodfolk products are ready to be sent out to their new homes, they are packaged in 100% cotton pouches, which are used to protect your jewellery when you travel, or simply keep safe on your dressing room table.
The Terracotta Circle Necklace, 3 Circle Earrings, and Dot Ring, have become staples in my wardrobe. You can see in the images below, they go with a range of colours, and can be dressed up or down. As a lover of nature and the outdoors, I love that my Woodfolk pieces make me feel closer to the earth. I find myself playing with the textures of the dot ring, or sliding my hands over the smoothness of the circle of my necklace.
I can't go many places without having someone comment on my Woodfolk accessories, and being able to share the story about how they were made, makes me swell with pride and gratefulness.