Jennifer Fukushima grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where the only clothing options were cookie cutter fashions from the local mall and second hand findings from the Salvation Army Thrift Store. In search of something different, she began surfing the internet, perusing crafty DIY sites like Sparkle Craft and Epitome Girl. Then during a trip to Calgary, Fukushima stumbled upon indie boutiques that carried clothing made by local designers. At the age of seventeen, Fukushima decided to launch her own line of recycled handbags, Paper People.

Fukushima moved to Toronto to study fashion at Ryerson University and soon her line was carried at local downtown boutiques. Expanding into clothing, she sourced second hand t-shirts and turned them into funky, eclectic tank tops. Paper People has since evolved to include eco-friendly options such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton garments. The line blends colour, texture and pattern for a DIY, handmade appeal.

In keeping with Paper People's environmentally conscious approach, waste reduction is an important part of the design process. Clothing items are cut first, scraps are saved and used to make accessories and appliques. Smaller unsuable scraps are collected and donated to local artists, crafters and community groups.

If you or someone you know would be interested in fabric scraps for use in arts, crafts or other projects please contact jennifer@paperpeopleclothing.com.

The following categories are available:

-mixed sweater scraps - useful for crafts, toys, art projects etc

-100% wool sweater scraps - useful for felting

-stuffing scraps - extremely small sweater scraps useful for stuffing sewn projects

-woven scraps - scraps left over from bedsheets and dress shirts - plaids, stripes, solids, florals etc. useful for quilting etc.