DIY printing... a new project!

By Lorna

I bought a really cool book last month on ''hand printing techniques and truly original projects.'' Its name alone intrigued me! Finally a book which could help me slowly and confidently get into the messy delights of hand printing. The author, Christine Schmidt, neither treats you as a child nor an artist but instead delivers beautifully concise direction and wonderful illustrations to allow full clarity.  She has been printing for years and offers genuine well practiced advice. The book is a joy to read even if you have not yet put ink to paper (which I guiltily haven't)!

As inspiration to get my printing hobby to get started - I have found the perfect aids. Wandering around Camden in the sun this monday I saw a shop full of ecclectic treasures from India. What attracted my interest immediatly was a bowl of hand carved indian printing blocks. There were £4 each and I imagine most people would buy them as an orniment or decoration. Perfect tools for a first time hand-printer. The timing couldn't be better... 3 months until (dare I say it....) Christmas!! I'm completely ashamed to mention it so early but if you are intending to DIY any lovely presents then now is a good time to start thinking up some projects!

Printing is a brilliantly simple way to re-use charity shop/ vintage fabrics, upcycle old clothing and give long forgotten treasures some new life. I'm going to 'attempt' to make some little make-up bags using vintage fabrics and my new print blocks. If successful I will post full instructions and patterns here so you can make some too!! watch this space for Ecogoddess DIY projects....

Facts: Print Workshop by Christine Schmidt, Upcycled presents, Handmade, DIY, Indian hand carved blocks.

Scribbling some more!

by Naomi

You know how I said I love to scribble? Well only a couple of days after posting I discovered another eco notebook that I think is pretty rad (yes I am totally bringing that word back into fashion!).

These simply elegant notepads and address books are made by Betty & Betts, who work closely with artisans in India. All the books are acid free, biodegradable or made from post-consummer waste, and the fabric is 100% organic. We like!




Betty & Betts books

I think they would make lovely gifts, wrapped in a vintage scarf or even just with a pen and a little ribbon! Single books start at £10 and these gift sets are £22.

Scribble, scribble, scribble!

An all-white Monday Treat!

by Naomi

This one is short and sweet - a pretty dress that's perfect for the summer. The Pan Dress is fairly traded, with hand-knotted macrame straps a trade union in Gujarat, north east India. It's £69, available from Ascension.

Have a great week! x

Facts: fairly traded Pan Dress from Ascension.

Tribal Heaven!

By Lorna


Just a quickie to say I'm totally digging this Tribal print jersey dress from People Tree. £35 Lush!!

You can check it here
Facts: Certified Cotton, Tribal print, Fairtrade, £35, People Tree, Hot!

Exciting news for people & planet!

By Lorna


Sadly the exciting news is not that Ecogoddess got invites to the Royal Wedding bash today (although that would have been very exciting!) This news actually comes from our friends at the Environmental Justice Foundation...


It was announced today that Delegates at the Stockholm Convention conference of parties have made the decision to list Endosulfan (an extremely toxic chemical pesticide) under Annex A of the Convention. This is basically a global ban on all production and use within the next 5 years. This is a major victory for people and planet!!!

Endosulfan is widely used in cotton production and is the dominant pesticide in the cotton sector in 19 countries. In a single province of Benin, at least 37 people died from endosulfan poisoning in just one cotton season. 


An estimated 1 million to 5 million cases of pesticide poisoning occur every year, resulting in 20,000 reported deaths among agricultural workers (including cotton production) and at least 1 million requiring hospitalisation. 

Acute symptoms of pesticide poisoning include headaches, vomiting, tremors, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing or respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, seizures and death. Chronic effects of long-term pesticide exposure include impaired memory and concentration, disorientation, severe depression and confusion.

Massive thank you to everyone who has supported the Environmental Justice Foundation's campaign to ban this horrific pesticide. 


LONG LIVE ORGANIC COTTON!!!!!! ...... and the pesticide free workers who grow it! : )


To find out more about the Pesticides & Cotton click here
To read about the impact of Endosulfan in India click here

Extra 15% off all Clearance and Spring Clean sale stock at Ascension!!

By Lorna

Great new Eco Goddesses.... the sale at Ascension just keeps getting better! Ascension are now offering an additional 15% off all Clearance and Spring Clean stock. More exciting than that, they have also added some gorgeous pieces by Fin and Bllack by Noir into the online sale. This Fin asymmetric dress is my fav! It was £240 and is now only £72! Made in India from super soft organic bamboo this dress is really elegant and drapes beautifully. The tiny straps make it elegant and chic, all in all the perfect party wear. 

Check out ascensiononline.com but don't forget to enter code FIFTEEN at the basket page when shopping! Enjoy!! x