Its all about HOW its made. And that its MADE BY SOMEONE.

We are passionate about goods made with better-than-good practices. Its what we are all about - Improving the social design of our world and the people in it one product at a time :).

In a time of globalisation and mass automation, it is a privilege to partner with established brands who are not only purveyors of people-first production, but true masters of their craft. 

There is something of unparalleled value knowing that the traditional techniques that many of our clothes and gifts have, are skills passed down through generations, carrying with them a spirit of preservation and dedication to the artistic process.

Each artisan skill such as embroidery, block printing, jewelry making, and screen printing, are truly unique, their individual variations are celebrated by us and our customers as a reflection of the time and effort invested.

Block Printing is an art form practiced in India since the 12th century, block printing can be simple or can involve many layers of color. After designs are carved from wooden blocks called “bunta,” large pieces of fabric are prepared for printing and affixed to a tabletop. The carved blocks are then dipped into colorful dyes and stamped on the fabric, forming an intricate pattern that fills the entire sheet. Block printed fabric is characterized by small imperfections, stray ink or an overlap in the print, all charming reminders of the handiwork involved.

Screen Printing.  A design is transferred to an emulsion-coated screen by exposing the screen to light, then fabric is secured to a tabletop. Ink is pushed through the screen with a squeegee to transfer the design onto the fabric, and the fabric is left outside to dry. As the fabric sheets can be quite large, the process often takes one person on either side of the table, passing the squeegee across and positioning the screen as they move.

Hand Embroidery. If you’ve ever noticed the embroidery on our clothing, you know the attention to detail that goes into each garment. It starts with a hand carved block and washable ink is printed onto fabric, the embroider uses this as a guide. 

Hand Made Jewellery: These are made using a variety of techniques and materials. Any metal pieces are brass, having been electroplated for a silver, gold, or copper tone finish. Pieces are either die-cut, soldered, or cast from a sculpted mold and then sanded and smoothed. Natural materials like wood, shell, bone, or raffia are typically carved or cut and finished by hand. Once all components have been formed, they’re assembled by hand into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings.

Fabrics:  While much of our fabric is woven with power looms or commercially knit, we are sometimes able to include very special fabrics using handloom or hand dyed processes like ikat, a combination of hand dyed fibers and weaving that got its start in Southeastern Asia. The use of organic cotton, Tencel, and modal continues to grow as sustainability efforts improve.

In both screen printing and block printing, there can be complex additive and subtractive processes. Some of our prints are made by printing with a resist, dyeing the fabric, and then removing the resist to reveal the original fabric underneath. Printing with other agents and then steaming the fabric at high temperatures creates other effects that can be layered with colors on top.

Woven baskets:

Each basket is unique 100% this is because the weavers own the creative and design process. Each basket represents hours of work & has it’s own unique qualities & reveals layers of stories woven into the strands. Each basket is made from 100% locally grown environmental friendly sisal with high quality fiber's. .

Purchasing one of these baskets supports it’s makers and helps preserve an ancient craft tradition.

Everyone in the process matters:

While the detailed processes described above has the romanticized idea of “handmade,” It needs to be highlighted that the many hands involved in garment and accessory making do not start or stop there. Our items pass through many people before finding its final home. Such as the pattern master,  the designer, the expert cutter and finishing teams. For us they all matter and we choose only brands that feel that way too.

Theme: “Awareness is Key to Create Social Redesign”

Entry is Free.  

Key Dates:

• Entry form closes 8th Oct.
• Submission for stage 1 has been extended to the 1st December (Word (PDF), Power point or TikTok presentation or even as an email -  so long as you have the information and photos required as outlined under, it can even be submitted as a letter )
• Those that go to Stage 2 (Top 20) will be notified by 30th Dec (Date has been extended).
• Peoples Choice voting open 3rd Jan..  
• Winners will be announced 16th Jan.  

To make sure that your submission is successful, read the following information that details the terms and conditions. How to enter is explained at the end of this page.

Prizes

1st Place: $500 Cash

2nd Place: $100 Gift Card

3rd Place: $50 Gift Card

Peoples Choice award: $100 Gift Card

What you need to do

Make one Upcycled Outfit that fits the theme: “Awareness is Key to Create Social Redesign”

Competition Guidelines

• Participants must be Include at least 5 photos documenting the creative process.  Photo one of the materials used, photo two the creative process photos 3-5 documenting the making process.  These must be submitted via email when submitting the final creation (Detailed in stage 1 submission requirements).
• Must be interested in exploring upcycled design concepts to potentially solve or respond to modern day textile waste problems. A paragraph on how your design does this is to be submitted with final garment
• Participants must create an upcycled design concept with this year's theme, “Awareness is Key to Create Social Redesign” in mind. Make your audience think, spark some debate or discussion about this topic.
• Design and build an upcycled "creation into a commercially viable outfit. We want to take the idea of upcycling mainstream and are looking for designs to be sharp but accessible
• Materials used must include upcycled/recycled materials. The materials used and where they are sourced MUST be included with the final submission
• Submissions may be made by individuals or groups of two. For group submissions the financial award will be split equally among the two applicants (no exceptions)

Stage 1: Submission Requirements:

Provide in what ever medium (email, poster, tic toc, word doc etc) you like but it must include;

• Design process
• Outline of the representation of the theme “Awareness”
• Description of how the piece was designed and created, material usage, explanation of all other materials used and how they were sourced/ reclaimed, why those choices were made
• Must include very clear visuals of final design

If you have gone through to stage 2. When outfit is dropped off it must have with it an A4 print out that is to be displayed with your garment, It must have the following on it:

1. Name that you are registered under in competition
2. Photos documenting the creative process.
3. Photo one showing the materials used,
4. Photo two the creative process
5. Photos 3-5 documenting the making process. These must be submitted via email when submitting the final creation.
6. A paragraph that explains how the garment solves or responds to modern day textile waste problems.

Judging Criteria/ Matrix for stage 1 and 2

• Innovative use of reclaimed materials sourced (30 Points)
• Representation of the theme “Awareness is Key to Create Social Redesign” (15 Points)
• Creativity, quality, finishing and workmanship of completed design. The reason this is so high is that we want to prove that upcycle can be a fashion solution (30 points)
• Ability to articulate (through video submission) the design process, inspiration, rationale for selected materials and overall messaging of theme (10 points)
• Originality of design (15 points)
• The garments will be 50% peoples choice vote and 50% Industry expert Vote. The judges include – Fiona Wright from the Stitching Project, Julie Lantry who is a sustainable fashion and beauty expert, Yvie Scott from Aware the social design project and a internationally known Australian Slow Fashion Fair Trade Label will be a surprise judge. 

How the competition will work.

The top 50 submissions that are regarded as a commercial standard garment and you choose to sell online it will be displayed online at https://awarethesocialdesignproject.com.au/ and will be available for sale (if you are an upcycle business and have a tax file number, your profile will also be included with a direct link to your social media, web page etc (Free marketing :D). Please allow for 25% commission and GST, where applicable for items placed for sale.

Please note that garment submitted and are available for sale will become the property of "Aware… the social design project" until the 3^rd of Feb, Unsold garments can be collected from our physical shop location or can be posted to the artist (Return postage cost will need to be covered). All items Must be collected back by 10th Feb, if it is not collected it will become the property of Aware...The social design project. 

The top 20 submissions are those that make it to the stage 2

Will be called and formally invited to the Fashion Revolution Show. Their entry to the event is Free.

Calling All Revolutionaries Event Tickets $15 each person (for anyone who wishes to attend)

People's Choice Award

There will be a vote for your favourite via an online entry form at the Aware... the social design project website..

Voting open 1st Dec.

You can only vote once, if there are multiple votes by the same person this persons vote will be omitted. 

Each vote counts as one entry to win $100 Gift Card at Aware…the social design project  (can be used online or instore)

Winners will be announced at a special event in late Jan. Stay tuned!

To enter email copy and past following information with answers to  aware.sdproject@gmail.com as subject put "(your entry name) and Upcycle Comp 2022" :

First Name:

Last Name:

Entry Name:

Business Name (if applicable):

ABN (if applicable):

Link address that you would like attached to your image when publishing your media/photos(eg.Facebook: @Awarethesocialdesignproject): 

Do you want to have your entered garment(s) for sale: Yes or No

Have you read and understand the terms and conditions above: Yes or No (Do not submit this until you do understand them)

To recession proofing our business we are moving.

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Don't let this Valentines Day be about waiting for someone to show you love, when you can find it within!

Visit us instore where you will find an abundance of gifts that give back not only to yourself, but others. Our products are a love story, spoken in the artisan, hand selected just for you. 

Here are a few love stories about the products we sell; 

Global Mamas Jewellery:

The beads that are handcrafted by the Global Mamas Krobo Bead Cooperative from a small town of Odumase-Krobo in Ghana’s Eastern Region. Here, many of the Krobo locals engage in making beads from their own homes. Bead making is a craft that has lovingly been passed down through the generations.

When you purchase from the Global Mamas range you are helping artisans like Alex (also known as "Happy".

Happy began learning the family craft of beadmaking when she was just eight years old and her family could no longer afford schooling. With more than two decades of experience, Happy is able to create beautiful and intricate beads. Since Global Mamas recruited Happy at the local bead market, she has seen her business and life improve. She has been able to start building her own house and pay for schooling for her three children. 

 Kantha Jewellery:

This jewelry and accessories range creates work for over 700 artisans in vulnerable communities in India. These thoughtful designs and sustainable practices bring change to the lives of the artisans, provide a bright future for their children, and strengthen their communities. 

Chindi Bags:

Chindi weaving is a traditional and cultural art form which gives natural and upcycled materials new purpose in modern, everyday designs.

These bags make us smile because when they are made everyone gets involved; parents, grandparents, young and old – Its the kind of craft that can be done wherever and whenever it suits. This flexibility means more parents can be at home with their children and save money on transport costs, which can make a world of difference in a busy family. 

Kisii hearts:

These are so lovely for meditation and grounding. They are small enough to fit into your pocket too! 

Kisii Stone, also called “Soap Stone”, is mined in and around the village of Tabaka in south western Kenya. The term kisii is taken from the regional capital of Kisii, which is also the local language spoken by the Gussi tribe, who are the main inhabitants.

Each piece of stone is hand carved. After carving, the pieces are sanded and then dyed before the designers take over and paint or carve patterns into the stone.

The last process is polishing which is done with floor or shoe polish, and shredded sisal rope.

The sales of these carvings bring valuable employment. They provide a hand up rather than a hand out.

This season of loving, we want to send our love and thank you to all of our beautiful and considered customers - we wouldn't be here if not for your love! It warms our heart that together we are making this world a better place. 

Love,

Yvie and the Aware team xoxoxo

Candles make a moment. That’s why fancy cafes use candles at their dinner tables. The ambiance they create is undeniable.

Candles play a big part in our evening meal. It’s a rule at dinner we eat as a family, and we make that time as special and pleasant as we can, such as lighting a candle. Every night with my family is a special occasion - and lighting a candle makes it so :)

A candle can be so nice and romantic too. I use both soy and bees wax in my home. From distant spaces I will use both, but close proximity or long burns where I am near it I tend to use bees wax ( did you know that they are a natural air purifier? )

In our shop we make sure that all candles are Fair Trade or locally made.

They make a beautiful heart felt gift. A candle gift that says "you are worth special moments".  In fact when I give candles as gifts that's exactly what I write on the gift card. I LOVE receiving candles too.

In store I get asked all the time – Which one is better soy or bees wax.

So here goes with me trying to explain soy vs beeswax candles. So we can burn candles that are right for you and your needs.

Firstly, why are ‘normal’ (Paraffin) candles bad for air quality?

Most (cheep) candles are made with Paraffin wax (or a mix of Paraffin and another wax), and Paraffin is essentially a by-product from the refining of lubricating oil. So, when you start burning a paraffin candle in your home, you also release toxins such as toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein and soot. These toxins – that are quite the same as the toxins you get from burning diesel fuel – end up in the air of your home. **YUCK** . This is particularly not a good situation when your home is not well.

That is why we stock only soy or beeswax candles. Because these candles are less polluting.

Now to answer the question- What is healthier: soy vs beeswax candles?

There are three mayor difference that make beeswax preferable ( for health reasons):

1. Many soy wax candles will still contain (a bit) of paraffin and pesticides. Otherwise they cant work as well. And most of the times it is hard to identify how much paraffin there is in a soy wax candle. A candle advertised for as a ‘soy wax’ candle can very well still have quite a part of paraffin in it.

The majority of soybean crops are genetically modified and are grown using pesticides. Some soy wax manufacturers process their soybean oil to filter out any genetically modified material as well as any "potentially present herbicides or pesticides" (source: www.ecosoyabrands.com). Unfortunately, most soy wax manufacturers do not do this this though (to my knowledge) which means a good portion of soy wax candles have the potential to emit chemicals into the air from herbicides and pesticides.

2. Beeswax candles clean the air by releasing negative ions into the air. These ions bind with toxins, thereby improving the air quality. In fact, some people with allergies are very positive about the effect beeswax candles can have. I use in my bedroom beside me before I sleep and it helps with my sinus.

3. Beeswax candles tend to be more natural, because no colour and scent needs to be added. Beeswax candles already have that delightful honey colour and a subtle smell of honey.

Note:  To colour a soy wax or beeswax candle or to give it a perfume, something needs to be added, and that can very well be artificial.

Which wax is best for scented candles?

A beeswax candle already has a nice honey smell to it. However, you can also sent your soy candles yourself with essential oils. If you just melt the wax down, you can mix it with the essential oils you prefer. And that’s lots of fun 😊. So if you like to play with the candles scents soy is better.   

Which candles (soy vs beeswax) are best for the environment?

Soy wax comes from soybeans, and soybean production involves a lot of pesticides and a lot of water, and promotes rainforest deforestation. And many soy is genetically modified.

Beeswax comes from bees – and since bees are under pressure, it can be helpful the environment to buy bees products. My view point is that the more request there is for bees products, the more bees farms and the more bees there will be. The process of making a beeswax candle is bee-friendly ( I have checked).

That means that beeswax mostly is the best choice for the environment.

As an addition to that: we would argue against using tea lights in aluminium cups, due to the waste of the cups.

What is cheaper: soy vs beeswax candles?

Quite some bee-work is needed to make beeswax, and that makes it the most expensive of the three alternatives (paraffin, soy wax and beeswax). It is however also the most natural option. So you are also buying a more qualitative product.

A good quality soy though will burn for longer with same sized candles. So if you want a very long burn then soy maybe the way to go.

So now you might be thinking "Oh no! My paraffin and soy wax candles are toxic? What do I do now?" First of all, the waxes are not harmfully toxic (as far as I know). Both waxes have to pass a series of tests and meet certain standards before they can be marketed as a wax that is safe for use in candles.

The key is...MODERATION. When it comes to your health, this is the rule for just about everything...medicine, junk food, alcohol, chocolate...all of these things are fine in moderation. If you burn your candles in a well ventilated room, with a properly trimmed wick that doesn't kick up a lot of soot or smoke, chances are you will never see any negative effects on your health from (the not so healthy type) candles.

Hope that answers your question 😊. At the end of the day just be considered and mindful with your purchase.  

Love,

Yvie xo