I started working with Ella from P&P a couple of years ago. Phoenix and Providence offer handcrafted, natural skincare created from seaweed on the Isles of Scilly. Ella started her brand, aiming to create something with purpose that supported a slower, more considered production process. As a keen sea-swimmer, her love and respect of the ocean inspired her unique product idea - skincare created from local seaweed. Kelp not only has wonderful skincare benefits, but also has a strong history on the Islands, of which you can read more about on Ella's website here, and so it's very poignant that it is the key to her business.
Ella harvests the kelp from the beaches and clear waters of the Isles of Scilly then hand-makes the beautiful products from her house on the Islands. Ella's brand has grown and grown, her products are truly delicious. A personal favourite of mine being the velvety body oil.
I was delighted when Ella approached me for a print commission for her products. I had spent the summer enjoying sonographs, and had been particularly drawn to seaweed myself, so it seemed perfect timing. Ella loved the thought of a Lino print, because much like her own product, this way of creating a relief print has a string heritage and history. I created the fun seaweed shapes, and cut the individual Lino blocks. I always find this process very mindful, and you can't rush it, so it all felt very in-keeping with Ella's values.
I created organic, unbleached cotton make-up bags and gift wrap from the print. Ella also licensed the use of the illustration for her packaging. I love how this print is now recognisable as Ella's brand, and feel the end design really reflects the organic nature of her products.
