STEMMING from a desire to be more eco-friendly and keep an active mind while on maternity leave, Mildura’s Bec Grayling created a plantable cards business that is blossoming into a successful venture.
The graphic designer launched Seed and Ink earlier this year, selling various cards, stationery and invitations made from recycled paper and embedded with seeds that can be planted and grown into fresh herbs, produce or flowers.
“I had been thinking about how we’d received a few wedding invites and birthday cards and how it was a shame they just get thrown in the bin,” Ms Grayling said.
“We’re quite eco-conscious at home, so that got my mind going about whether there was a better way.
“I thought if worst comes to worst it will keep me busy while I’m on leave, it gives me something to do when you’ve got a newborn at home and the days are filled with naps and feeding.”
She said the passion project offered her a creative outlet and a fun way to keep her mind active.
“I found that when I had my son Patrick, there was nothing that was mine anymore, everything was involved with him — so it was sort of my thing I could go to at the end of the day that was just mine.”
Ms Grayling said she ordered the handmade seeded paper from Melbourne and her creative process began.
Customers are given the choice of four seeds — Swan River daisies, forget-me-nots, basil and salad mix — with the business about to launch a range of wedding invitations.
“All the designs I’ve illustrated myself and then I print them at home, and cut and fold them at night when everyone is asleep and I have time to myself.
“You do all of that because you’re passionate about it, and want the business to grow. I also find it soothing.”
The hand-crafted products are predominantly sold at Seed and Ink’s online store www.seedandink.etsy.com, but are beginning to pop up in shops across the country and appeared in a store on Stradbroke Island in Queensland.
