GLOSSARY
MATERIALS
MATERIALS
EARTHENWARE
Earthenware refers to a category of ceramic created by firing clay at relatively low temperatures, typically between 1300°F and 2152°F. Compared to stoneware and porcelain, earthenware is less durable, so pieces are often crafted with thicker walls to enhance their strength and durability.
MATERIALS
HEMP
Hemp has been grown across nearly every continent for thousands of years. Classified as a “bast fiber,” hemp belongs to a family of natural fibers obtained from plant stalks, including flax and jute. To produce hemp fabric, fibers within the hemp plant’s stalk are first separated from the bark through a method known as “retting.” These individual fibers are then spun into threads and woven into durable fabric offering numerous natural benefits.
Hemp textiles are uniquely versatile, providing warmth during colder months and breathability in hotter seasons. Additionally, hemp fabric offers protection against harmful UV rays. It’s an eco-friendly choice, requiring no pesticides or herbicides and minimal water to thrive—cotton, by comparison, uses four times more water. Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, pests, bacteria, and moths, hemp also outperforms linen, being eight times stronger.
Beyond these benefits, hemp supports soil health by replenishing nutrients and nitrogen, actively enhancing soil fertility. Known as a carbon-negative “super plant,” hemp contributes positively to the environment through phytoremediation, effectively extracting toxins, heavy metals, and pollutants from the soil. Notably, hemp was cultivated around Chernobyl to help cleanse the contaminated earth.
MATERIALS
ORGANIC COTTON
Organic cotton is crafted from naturally grown fibers produced without toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Although it grows at a slower rate compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton is gentler and safer for sensitive skin. The fabric is known for being breathable, flexible, highly absorbent, durable, and exceptionally soft. It’s completely sustainable, biodegradable, and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Cultivating organic cotton helps conserve energy globally and preserves soil health and ecosystems. Farmers maintain soil fertility by replenishing nutrients after each harvest. Instead of harmful pesticides, farmers control pests by introducing beneficial insects that naturally repel unwanted insects. Additionally, organic cotton is frequently dyed using environmentally friendly water-based inks or natural pigments, avoiding toxic chemical alternatives.
Several independent certification bodies regulate organic cotton production, ensuring farms adhere strictly to established standards. Notable certifications include the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP), which confirms adherence to organic farming practices, and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which certifies sustainable and ethical textile production.
MATERIALS
ORGANIC LINEN
Organic linen fabric is crafted from flax fibers, a renewable natural resource, making it naturally eco-friendly. Flax plants grow quickly, require minimal water—especially compared to standard cotton farming—and can be harvested in as little as 100 days after planting. Additionally, flax rarely attracts insects, allowing it to thrive without the need for toxic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Choosing organic linen helps prevent harmful substances from contaminating homes, groundwater, food sources, and ecosystems. Linen fabric is naturally durable, resisting damage from wear and tear, and offers remarkable comfort by remaining cool in warm weather and insulating in cold temperatures. Renowned for its longevity (archaeologists discovered dyed flax fibers preserved in ancient caves in Georgia, between Europe and Asia), linen is also antibacterial and fully biodegradable. Moreover, linen becomes softer, stronger, and more beautifully textured over time, earning its reputation as the ultimate heirloom-quality textile.
MATERIALS
ORGANIC WOOL
Wool fibers, sourced from animals such as merino sheep, alpaca, camel, angora rabbits, and vicuna, offer numerous remarkable qualities. Wool is notably breathable, efficiently absorbing and releasing moisture to maintain ideal comfort. As a fully biodegradable fiber, wool naturally decomposes in the earth, enriching soil by returning valuable nutrients. Its distinctive structure provides inherent flame resistance, making wool highly valued for use in public settings, such as hotels and hospitals. Additionally, because wool-bearing animals are typically shorn once per year, wool is easily renewable and can be sustainably produced through organic farming methods.
Organic wool is chemical-free throughout the entire production process, beginning with sheep that graze on pesticide- and fertilizer-free pastures. This wool is cleaned using eco-friendly, biodegradable agents instead of conventional dyes or chlorine-based substances, and then processed, carded, and spun in organic mills. By choosing organic wool, you help prevent dangerous chemicals from contaminating homes, groundwater, food sources, and the wider ecosystem, thus safeguarding the health of farmworkers and their communities. Organic wool production also fosters sustainability by providing farmers with additional income opportunities alongside meat or dairy farming. Furthermore, wool is recognized as one of the most frequently recycled and repurposed fibers globally. Many organic wool products are certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), a trusted international certification for organic fibers.
MATERIALS
PORCELAIN
Porcelain is crafted from a specialized clay mixture rich in fine white minerals known as kaolin. Although porcelain is prized for its delicate, translucent appearance, it is remarkably the most durable type of ceramic. Fired at very high temperatures ranging from approximately 2192°F to 2552°F, porcelain becomes exceptionally strong, resistant to chipping, and waterproof. When fully vitrified during firing, porcelain effectively repels liquids, even if the piece remains unglazed.
MATERIALS
STONEWARE
Stoneware is a ceramic material formed from clay fired at high temperatures, typically between 2012°F and 2372°F. Compared to earthenware and terracotta, stoneware offers superior durability. Its dense, non-porous nature and distinctive stone-like texture make it especially suitable for practical applications, such as dinnerware, cookware, pots, and plant containers.
MATERIALS
TERRACOTTA
Terracotta, originating from the Latin term Terra cocta, refers to a variety of earthenware fired at lower temperatures, typically between 1832°F and 2012°F. The distinct reddish-orange to pinkish color of terracotta results from its high iron content, which becomes evident after firing. Its durable yet porous nature makes terracotta especially suitable for plant containers and pots, as water readily permeates its surface, promoting healthier root development.
MATERIALS
Vegetable Tanned Leather
Vegetable tanning is an age-old leather processing technique that traces its roots back to the Stone Age. Animal hides primarily consist of collagen, a structural protein that must be stabilized to prevent natural decomposition. Humans discovered long ago that naturally occurring tannins, powerful antioxidants extracted from tree barks like oak, chestnut, and mimosa, as well as from leaves, fruits, roots, and twigs, effectively preserve animal skins against decay.
This traditional approach to leather tanning involves skilled artisans soaking hides in large vats filled with tannin-rich solutions (also called “teas”) over a period of several months. The resulting vegetable-tanned leather is known for its durability, thickness, and authentic natural texture. It has a distinctive earthy fragrance and develops a soft, attractive patina as it ages. Crucially, vegetable tanning relies exclusively on safe, natural ingredients, making the finished leather environmentally friendly and fully biodegradable.