News

Behind the Scenes: Eco-friendly Materials

As you may have guessed, here at Maria Allen we are committed to ensuring that the materials we use to make our products are as sustainable and tread as lightly on the planet as possible!
 
We use UK suppliers wherever possible and products such as our sterling silver cufflinks are made from mostly recycled silver. We are proud of our amazing supply of reclaimed British wood from the surrounding area which we use in all our round bezel cufflinks and keyrings. We also use FSC certified cherry, walnut and alder wood for our brooches, necklaces, earrings, coasters and luggage tags. This guarantees the wood is sustainably sourced and harvested according to FSC guidelines meaning it's a lot better for the environment and helps to combat deforestation. The whole team shares the company's environmental values, contributing to our green business by recycling paperwork and packaging to repurposing materials and minimising wasteful samples - every little helps.
 
Take a look at the journey from wood supplier to keyring below!
   
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Visiting our local wood supplier in Sussex. 


The team laser-cutting our beautiful designs.
 


After laser-cutting the wooden discs are assembled by hand.


Here's the finished product! 

  

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Eco-friendly Interiors

Here at Maria Allen Boutique we believe it's important to be as eco-friendly as possible. It's never been easier to find eco-friendly alternatives, so if you want to do your bit for the earth here are 5 things to consider when updating your interiors. Being eco conscious doesn't mean you can't be style conscious! 🌿
  
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1. Buy 'pre-loved'
Spend some time searching your local flea markets, they are full of vintage gems and pre-loved furniture that with a little TLC, can be revamped into a great one-off piece. Give any old furniture to a new home, whether thats selling online or giving to a charity shop. 
   
   
   
2. Choose FSC 
If you are buying new, make sure it's made from FSC certified wood. This guarantees the wood was sustainably sourced and harvested according to FSC guidelines meaning it's a lot better for the environment and helps to combat deforestation. 
  
        
3. Watch out for VOC 
VOC is short for volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and your health. VOC can be found in paints, many household products, furniture and carpets,  So, when decorating your home always try to buy items that ideally do not emit VOC or have a  low VOC content.
  
4. Setting the mood
Lighting candles around the house certainly adds to the ambience, but a lot of cheap candles contain the same harmful VOC as standard paints! Make sure you buy candles made from natural materials such as beeswax or soy and are scented with essential oils.
Essence + Alchemy have a beautiful range of earth friendly candles, no synthetic fragrances, no additives, just pure and natural Mother Earth goodness
   
Image source
    
5. Plant power
Houseplants breathe in carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen, purifying the air. Why not join in the botanical craze and brighten up your home by adding plants to every room! 
Plants such as the Peace Lily, Boston Fern, English Ivy and Spider Plant are all proven to improve air quality and adding plants to your home is known to boost mood and well being.
     
 
   
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We're proud to note that all wood used in our products is FSC certified and sustainably sourced 🌿
  
  
Follow us on Pinterest for more interior inspiration! 
 

 

Walnut Wood Luggage Tags

Last week saw the launch of our brand new walnut wood luggage tag collection, featuring our beautiful new brushed gold metal-effect acrylic inlays! Available in a variety of designs, these luggage tags would make a lovely gift for any style conscious traveller and can be personalised with the message of your choice on the back.
  
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Personalised Walnut Geometric Initial Luggage Tag, £24.00
   
   
Personalised Gold Hexagon Honeymoon Luggage Tags,
from £34.00
 
   
Personalised Walnut Wood Initials Luggage Tag, £24.00
Also available in calligraphy font.
  
     
Personalised Walnut Wood Coordinate Luggage Tag, £24.00
  
Personalised Walnut Wood Name Luggage Tag, £24.00
  
Personalised Leather Envelope Luggage Tag, £30.00
Something a little different, this envelope style wallet is made from grey leather with a brushed gold metal-effect acrylic insert featuring a sweet paper plane illustration.
     
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Click here to shop the collection! ✨