Hello everyone, thank you so much for stopping by. In case you were wondering how the no waste crafter movement started, please read on.

Many of us can recall a memory or something special which triggered a passion later in life, and I can trace mine all the way back to the tender age of three. One of my earliest memories is of my mother making a huge paper-mache model of Bethlehem as a prop for our creche's nativity play. It was so life like and intricate, I've never forgotten the feeling of awe watching it come together. I was hooked! But it took a few years to get going, I really found my passion for papercraft back in 2010 when I was on the hunt for affordable wedding invites. As I couldn't find what I wanted in my price range, I made my own! and that as they say, was that.

Since I first started crafting I have accumulated a huge stash of various materials, and I've also become aware of the damage being done to our precious planet through excessive waste. In particular, non recyclable packaging, and single use plastic. I have noticed that many industries are guilty of not labelling the packaging of their products with recycling information, the crafting sector included. This, in my view, should be illegal. However, all is not lost, the more people who work towards a zero waste lifestyle the more we are making a difference together. With all this in mind, I will now incorporate plastics into my artwork, as a part protest, part raising awareness, and to stop that stuff getting into the environment. I blend old with new to create something unique and different from the average high street gallery or card shop.

I often get asked about my own packaging for my art work. Depending upon what you may order, it is likely that you will receive your item in a cardboard wrapper with reusable protective layering, or items which can be composted or recycled. I will use or reuse what is available. I am moving towards my goal of only having 100% compostable packaging.

What materials are used in my crafting?
As #thenowastecrafter I'm known for taking items usually destined for the bin and turning it into treasure, and I take great joy in blending the old with the new to make unique items and gifts. I find inspiration can hit at any moment, and it tends to be from the material I am looking at, whether it's a piece of disused parcel tape and I am thinking, cut it up, that texture will make water glistening boulders in a waterfall collage, or using hated polystyrene packaging because they look great as clouds. I also use paper clay, handmade made from scraps of card and paper too small to recycle. The goal with anything I make is always to make something unique and beautiful which won't hurt our beautiful planet.

Other things to know about
I hand make all the paper flowers you'll see in my pieces using a origami technique, so they have texture and depth to them, which you won't usually find in your average card. These are particularly good for visually impaired persons as I'm all about the texture and layers! They make pieces come alive!

Eco Cards
I have an eco card range which comes with it's own little certificate which explains which bit was made with plastic, or some packaging, whatever it is which has inspired me at the time.

Thank you for reading this, and I hope you enjoy my shop. Please also feel free to check out my social media pages for more crafting tips ideas and inspiration.

All the best, and happy shopping!

Jo Barnes
The No Waste Crafter