Fab Fabrics: Organic Block Prints from BIRCHseed

Stay at home mom Nikki Shipard creates beautiful, food-inspired block prints on organic fabrics.

Being a mom has brought back Shipard’s creative drive from her childhood. Since having children, she was suddenly re-inspired to create, and BIRCHseed is the outlet for that creative energy. On top of her organic fabrics, Shipard creates block print housewares and kids’ clothing.

She says there are a few reasons that using eco-friendly materials is important to her:

Looking after my health – I was diagnosed with acute leukemia at age 28 years, so I have gained a pretty strong stock hold on looking after myself and living a chemical reduced life though organic food and gardening, home life and my general outlook.

Looking after others – I try to pass on my knowledge I have gained (without preaching) so this is a way to I can hopefully inspire other by creating things that are both beautiful and healthy.

Ethical reasons – I like to buy local as much as possible or if materials come from overseas, at least to be sweat shop free and helping a local community. Also it’s good to know that the farmers and factory workers who are producing the organic fabrics are dealing with a lot less chemicals, and will have far less chance of getting cancers (like lymphoma’s) related to exposure from agricultural and manufacturing chemicals.

All of BIRCHseed’s fabrics are 100% organic and printed using Permaset Aqua inks, “an Australian product which is non-toxic and water-based.” You can find Shipard’s full line in the BIRCHseed Made It shop.

Made It is a marketplace just for Australian indie designers. While the artists are all Australian, they can ship anywhere, so don’t fret! Folks outside of Australia can pick up Shipard’s lovely block printed designs, as well.