Behind the design: our Lula printed paper storage boxes

Introducing our new Lula Floral Print Storage Boxes, created using paper made from leftover fabric remnants. Inspired by vintage paper hat boxes, the focus was on putting the fun in functional, and having storage that was lovely to look at as well as a way to organize your bits and bobs.

We really wanted to create some unique storage boxes that were both practical and also brought color and print into the home.

– Junior Buyer, Alys Webb

We gave our initial designs to one of our suppliers, who creates their own paper using cotton offcuts.

– Senior Designer, Rachel Foreman

Watch the step-by-step process

See how the paper is created from fabric offcuts before being printed with our designs and transformed into the storage boxes.

STEP 1

Cotton fabric remnants are collected and run through a rag chopping machine, creating tiny bits. The bits are mixed with water and passed through blades to form a paste.

STEP 2

The paste is transferred to tanks, mixed with more water, then lifted from below by a flat iron mesh and stacked between sheets of fabric. Next, a hydraulic press flattens the sheet to squeeze out excess water.

STEP 3

After drying, sheets are passed through a pressing machine using rollers and iron plates to create an even surface. Each sheet is checked for blemishes.

STEP 4

‘Once the final product has the thumbs up, it is sent for printing in an array of exotic Oliver Bonas designs and then the paper is added to the boxes,’ says Senior Designer Rachel. ‘A tactile ribbon and tassel are then attached to each box for a little finishing touch.’