Plantable Paper from Botanical Paperworks

Perhaps you've heard of plantable paper, but haven't ever had the chance to experience it. Neither had I, but that changed recently when Botanical PaperWorks sent me a package of handmade sheets with wildflowers seeds sown throughout. The rustic sheets are lovely - hefty in weight, but not too thick to be workable, and they come in rich colors and pastels.

It's the birthday of oldest son's girlfriend (of thumbprint paper cuts fame), so I made some folded roses to decorate this gift bag for her. Plantable paper is good for rose making because it softens when handled, giving a nice look to the folds. By the way, the paper isn't a bit messy to work with... in other words, the seeds stay put.

If you find it a bit sad that gorgeous holiday cards usually wind up in a landfill, then plantable cards might be right up your eco-friendly alley. Botanical PaperWorks also sent along a set of pretty cardinal cards. I hope the recipients will plant them in pots placed under a grow light for continued holiday cheer or put them aside until spring sunshine has warmed the soil. The seeds grow and the paper composts... soon they'll have this!

I came across a very nice video from Rena of The Cheese Thief blog that shows how to make a nifty woven ornament. I crimped some French blue and yellow plantable strips and got started... much gnashing of teeth ensued. I suppose mine does look somewhat like Rena's, but I won't admit to how long it took - hah! I'm sure the next one will be easier.

In addition to sheets and cards, Botanical PaperWorks designs a wide selection of stylish invitations, favors, gift tags, journals, notepads, postcards, calendars, coasters, and even packaging materials... whew, basically everything possible!

Not only are wildflower seeds used in the products... some of the papers contain herb or vegetable seeds. It's satisfying to know that plantable paper is made from recycled post-consumer waste collected from local offices and schools.

Place cards are usually thrown away when an event is over, but in this case they can go home with the guests and spring to new life once planted... a lovely reminder of the occasion. A butterfly punch, gel pen, and calligraphy marker... so simple.

Now about that giveaway!

Botanical Paperworks will award one person in the U.S. or Canada a $25 gift certificate to use in their online store and will include a coil bound eco-calendar with the winner's order. (International readers, so sorry to leave you out this time, but there will be a worldwide giveaway coming up before too long.)

Plantable confetti - throw and grow!

Visit Botanical Paperworks and leave a comment below to enter. Earn an extra entry by liking the Paperworks Facebook page. The winner will be announced on Sunday. Good luck!

Congratulations to Tara! 

Thanks so much to all who took the time to enter.