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Unique Handmade book jewellery Paper2pearls is an environmentally friendly range of jewellery and gifts made using paper from old books and sheet music. I make all my jewellery by hand using paper taken from old books and sheet music combined with origami to create something truly unique. With the selection of much loved classic novels and the range of genres available in my book jewellery collection I make it easy for book lovers to be able to wear something made from a book that resonates with them. Paper2pearls has sustainability at it's heart and you can find out more about this in my sustainability audit. Photo credit www.ruthtowell.co.uk Shop now Book jewellery Earrings, pendants, chokers, bracelets and rings mad e using paper from the book of your choice from my range of over 15 titles. Sheet music Choose earrings, pendants and more all made using genuine vintage sheet music. Bridal and hair accessories Headbands, clips and bridal rose tiaras all made to order in your choice of book from my range or sheet music. About me At Paper2Pearls I make my very original range of jewellery using paper instead of gemstones. I've always been a naturally creative person and after an early retirement from teaching due to health and disability, I had to say goodbye to my beloved patchwork and quilting. However, I discovered a new creative outlet through origami and a lightbulb went on - why not apply my new skills to create unique and beautiful paper jewellery? And so, Paper2Pearls was born in 20I6. Although I began by using origami paper over time I became drawn to the idea of using paper from old copies of classic books. I am proud to offer a range of handmade, sustainable paper jewellery and gifts that are unlike anything else on the market. The nature of what I make means that every piece is truly one-of-a-kind. I sell my creations online as well as at markets, and you can also find them stocked at Unity (in the Queensgate Shopping Mall in Peterborough). Whether you're looking for a gift for someone special or a unique accessory for yourself, Paper2Pearls has something for everyone. Gilli Photo credit: www.ruthtowell.co.uk Awards SBS award In 2017 I won a Small Business Sunday award from Theo Paphitis. The photo shows me receiving my certificate in 2018. Plastic Free Champion This is my Plastic Free Champion trophy - appropriately enough made from wood. This was awarded by Surfers Against Sewage after I completed an audit to show how my business was taking steps to avoid using plastics. Blue Patch I am a member of Blue Patch, the top business directory in the UK for sustainable businesses. Earlier this year I entered their 2024 Sustainability Awards and was thrilled to be a finalist and to come second in the Heritage Section for my jewellery which celebrates our literary heritage and the importance of books and reading. Ecologie As part of my commitment to making my business a more sustainable one I joined Ecologi at the start of 2022. This year Paper2pearls recieved their Bronze Award for my contribution to climate action and the Paper2pearlss wood now has over 1,000 trees in it. To visit the Paper2Pearls wood please use this link. https://ecologi.com/paper2pearls Reviews Read my Trustpilot reviews here Trustpilot reviews Read my Etsy reviews here Etsy reviews

Sustainability audit (12/2023) Sustainability This refers to a business that causes none or minimal damage to the environment. This means it also seeks to maintain or improve the environment in the longer term and so importantly will not have an adverse effect on future generations. It has three aspects to it, as well as not harming the environment a sustainable business should also have a commitment to social and economic benefits. This year I am making a start on looking at my Corporate Carbon Footprint as well as my Product Carbon Emissions. My business is tiny so I am not going to attempt to put a figure to my Corporate Carbon Footprint at this moment in time. Corporate Carbon Footprint. I am focussing on scope 1 and 2 emissions as these are the ones I have most control over. Scope 2 My electricity is supplied by a company that uses renewables to provide it's electricity. At times there is a surplus in the system which means the power is free for a set period and I try to make use of this and reduce my use at the times the system is likely to be under pressure. I use electricity to heat and light my studio as well as for using tools such as my heat gun or power my Dremel multi-tool. Scope 1 I have a butane powered Dremel multi-purpose tool which I use occasionally, My car is a full hybrid and has an average MPG of 63. I use it to travel to markets and other places where I sell my products and also to post orders. To reduce my travel emissions as far as possible I combine trips to post items with trips to the shops, family etc and also make use of having orders collected by my postman when this is being offered free of charge. I use the Royal Mail as my delivery service as they have the lowest carbon footprint. Product Carbon Emissions This is the first time I have attempted this so it will not be perfect. Product Life Cycle I am using the cradle to customer model. Phase 1 Material Acquisition and pre-processing I buy recycled Sterling silver wire and recycled sterling clasps for stud earrings from a UK company along with premade sterling silver stud blanks. The company I use is UK based and use recyclable, plastic free packaging. However some items are made in China. I buy other findings from Etsy or Ebay. Although I buy from small UK shops these items are typically made in China. I reuse packaging materials when possible but products I buy are recyclable and plastic free. Where I can I buy ones that have also been made from recycled paper or card. Although I source these from UK sellers I am not aware of where they are made. My varnishes including the natural one I am mainly using now are all made in the USA though I buy from UK sellers. The natural varnish I use comes in a glass bottle. I also use a range of glues which are made in a number of places. The books I use can be donated to me, be bought from charity shops or from Ebay and are always pre-owned ones that are coming to the end of their life or have been annotated. Other materials are donated to me. By reusing items such as books I am lowering my emissions. Phase 2 Production The lighting and heat to my studio along with some tools is from renewable sources I produce all my pieces by hand. I reduce waste as much as possible and apart from pieces made using DVDs and bubble wrap all waste is collected and recycled. Phase 3 Distribute and store I store all materials and completed items in my studio and there are no emissions caused by this. I drive a full hybrid and combine trips to post orders with other trips to reduce additional emissions. When available I make use of the free collection service offered by Royal Mail. I use Royal Mail as they have the lowest CO2 footprint. Phase 4 Product Use With the exception of my battery operated lights and clocks my products do not create any emissions in use. Other A tree is panted for every purchase through my link with Ecologie and can be viewed here https://ecologi.com/paper2pearls I am also looking for ways of getting a "green" accreditation but many are out of my reach financially or aimed at larger small businesses. I have my Plastic Free Champion award from Surfers Against Sewage. Does Paper2pearls have any social and economic benefits? It is a valuable support for my mental health, not just the crafting and creative aspects but also in meeting people at markets and developing friendships with other makers and sellers both in the real world and online. I pay tax on my income and I support local shops and businesses, other designer makers and UK based businesses from whom I buy any supplies that I need. Although what I use is a minute fraction of all the waste that is produced, Paper2pearlsis also a way of making buyers more aware of waste.

Here you can find the answers to questions I am often asked about my jewellery as well as my shop policies for on-line purchases. If you can't find the answer to your question please contact me by sending an email to paper2pearls@gmail.com 1:ORDERS FAQ about my book jewellery Do you make it all yourself? Yes, I hand fold all the pieces from a range of different books. Is it waterproof? Unfortunately much as I would love to say yes, the answer is no. The only varnishes which are guaranteed waterproof are yacht varnishes which are not suitable for small items such as these, or for paper. Pieces are water-resistant. I have researched on-line to find the most suitable varnishes and apply an initial thin coat before starting to fold and then several coats after folding. This makes the pieces stronger as well as making them water- resistant. How long does it last? Treated with respect and in a dry place, e.g. kept in a jewellery box or earring rack these pieces should last for several years.They are not suitable for babies or young children. General questions Payment I accept payment by PayPal Postage and packing UK p&p is free on most items. I only sell within the UK on here, for international sales please visit my Etsy shop www.paper2pearls.etsy.com 4:RETURNS Returns I will accept returns for most items as long as they are returned undamaged and in suitable packaging to ensure they do not get damaged in the post. I do not accept returns on custom items unless they arrive damaged. I will not refund the cost of return postage but will refund your payment once I have recieved the item back in good condition. For hygiene reasons I cannot accept returns on earrings or hair accessories. Unwanted items should be returned within 15 working days of the original order. If items are collected in person I will deduct the cost of postage from the price charged. Cookies This site uses cookies. But then you probably guessed that anyway.