Libellas Book Arts - The Next Chapter
A woman-owned, eco-conscious business on a mission to reduce the number of books that end up in landfills each year.
Project Description
Libellas Book Arts - The Next Chapter
Welcome to our crowdfunding campaign page!
I'm so glad you are here!
If you are short on time here is the most important thing you should know: If you love books, the environment, and making the world a better place, then you should strongly consider contributing to this campaign. I think we’d be good friends.
Here are the next most important things:
- My name is Micaela Lumpkins and I run a business called Libellas Book Arts.
- Libellas Book Arts is a small business on a mission to reduce the number of books that end up in landfills.
- I do that by up-cycling old worn-out books into new pieces of decoration and gifts.
- It is time for our story to turn the page, head into the next chapter, start a new volume, etc. etc.
- So, I am raising money to scale the business, break into new markets, and upgrade my operation.
The Sustainability Problem
When I set out to start my business, climate change was on my mind. I really didn’t want to be a business that was part of the problem, using lots of plastic and packaging materials and generally caring for the bottom line more than the environment.
I made it one of the core values of my business to be eco-friendly. That’s why we use 100% recycled and recyclable packaging materials. The box and all packaging paper is recyclable and either bought as post-consumer product or reused from a shipment I got to my house. The tape on the box is recycle safe tape, so you don’t have to remove it from the box before you put it in the bin. Same goes for the shipping label – I got special sticker paper that is 100% recyclable.
The packaging was pretty easy to figure out. The use of books was something I didn’t know much about. How sustainable was the publishing industry? I did some research and found out books really aren’t sustainable at all.
According to the EPA, books are classified as non-durable paper goods. This means on average they are thrown away within three years of their purchase. Other items in this category are paper plates, paper cups, and tissues. That seemed completely bonkers to me. Some books on my shelves have been there since I was a child and I have no plans to get rid of them.
Apparently other people don’t have that problem. The EPA estimates that in 2017 alone 700,000 tons of books were put into US landfills. That comes out to about 350 MILLION books in our trashcans. When I discovered this, I could not believe what I was reading.
The problem comes from a variety of factors.
- Some people just throw their books away when they are done. I don’t personally know any of these monsters, but they exist.
- Some people find donating them too hard. Some places don’t take donations, or they require you to do the leg work of donating. People are lazy and I totally get it, but books do not belong in the trash.
- It is hard to recycle books. Many municipalities don’t accept books in their curbside recycling so you may have to go to a special site – if your city has one. This one also ties into laziness, sometimes.
- Some books just aren’t usable anymore. Maybe they are old and outdated or maybe they’ve been chewed on by a dog or a toddler ripped some of the pages out. These obviously can’t be used or loved anymore so they aren’t a good candidate for donations and if you don’t have a recycle site in your city that takes books, you may be tempted to just throw them away.
My Solution
I have committed my business to only use books that are old and worn out and can no longer bring joy to others as they were meant to.
I source my books by making partnerships with libraries and used bookstores to take what they can’t use as well as shopping at thrift stores which carry a lot of useless donated books. When I get a request for a specific book I try to find a worn out copy at the local thrift shop or get it from an online used books store – I always opt for the rattiest copy as opposed to “like new”. This does mean I usually can’t get my hands on newer titles, and that is okay with me.
Every book that I turn into flowers or centerpieces or garlands is a book that isn’t going to a landfill and has the chance to bring joy to people once more.
My Story
This all got started when I was planning my wedding a few years ago. My husband and I decided on a bookish theme for our wedding since we fell in love over a book and books have been a big part of both our lives. In looking for bookish themed decorations I was inspired by some book page paper flowers I saw online.
I am a crafter and DIYer and a control freak, so I never considered someone else making my flowers. I made over 200 blooms for my wedding including 5 bouquets, centerpieces, aisle décor, and more. I also had folded book art, book page garlands, and a number of other bookish pieces. It took several months of working 50+ hour weeks to get everything done in time. I absolutely loved it.
After the wedding I realized that I was really lucky to be able to do that. I was able to afford not having a job during that time and all the materials it took. I was also lucky enough to be crafty – just cause you love books doesn’t mean you know how to make them into flowers or would even enjoy that. I had found a hole in the market that could serve people like me who had less time and less craftiness.
Everything else, just snowballed from there!
Business Talk
Currently the business is a sole proprietorship, but I have plans to file as an LLC when we move the business (and our family) to Texas. The business is fully online with me working from home. I have a website, an Etsy shop, and attend small in person markets in the Ann Arbor area.
Libellas was founded in February 2020 and officially launched to the public on August 19th, 2020. In the 11 months since then I have learned so much as an entrepreneur and female owned business. I have taken classes, learned from experts, and done my own trial and error. Through all of this I have learned that there are some things I need to do that require a more significant financial backing, such as targeted advertising, a better website, better equipment, and the ability to scale in the future.
That is what this campaign is about. Getting the resources I need to take my business to the next level. I’d really love it if you came along with me!
Goals
I have set the campaign to a goal of $7,000 which covers all my plans for the next phase of the business. Here are the goals outlined:
- $2,450 – Festival and Event Attendance
- Libellas is attempting to break into the craft fair and festival market. So far, we’ve attended a few small local shows, but this money will allow us to go to bigger shows farther away. We are most excited about the Printer’s Row Book Festival in Chicago this September. This money will go towards:
- Booth Fees
- Display materials
- Gas
- Parking
- Hotel
- Food
- Libellas is attempting to break into the craft fair and festival market. So far, we’ve attended a few small local shows, but this money will allow us to go to bigger shows farther away. We are most excited about the Printer’s Row Book Festival in Chicago this September. This money will go towards:
- $4,150 – Professional and Tech Upgrade
- This goal covers the goal above and also covers an upgrade in equipment, technology, and resources:
- $300 to file as an LLC
- Website e-commerce upgrade
- New printer to expand my offerings
- Label printer for shipping
- National Association of the Self Employed (NASE) one year membership (this gives me access to legal services and guidance)
- This goal covers the goal above and also covers an upgrade in equipment, technology, and resources:
- $7,000 – Break into the Wedding Industry
- This goal covers both previous goals and allows me to put resources into breaking into the wedding industry.
- Materials for a new bridal line of products
- Professional photo shoot for products
- Six months on the Wedding Wire and the Knot websites
- One year on the Alternative Bride website
- Advertising/Marketing
- This goal covers both previous goals and allows me to put resources into breaking into the wedding industry.
Rewards
Everybody loves rewards and I love rewarding people who believe in my business, so I’ve come up with a few things I think you’ll like.
Just to note the rewards are stacking. This means whatever level you choose to contribute at, you will get the reward for that level and the rewards for all lower levels. Each level lists everything you will receive to make it easier to follow along, and bolds the addition of that level.
Level 1: Peruse – Any dollar amount
At this level you can contribute a dollar or two or five. Whatever is comfortable for you. Like someone who peruses a book to see whether it is the right fit for them, you can peruse being a contributor to Libellas Book Arts. Whatever the amount you choose, you will have earned my undying gratitude and appreciation. You are truly a rockstar!
Level 2: Table of Contents - $15
Like a table of contents gives you a taste of what is to come, this level gives you a taste of what Libellas can do. You will receive:
-
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
Level 3: Dog Ears No More - $25
If your blood curdles at the idea of dog earing a book, then this level is for you. You will receive:
-
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
Level 4: Chapter 1 - $50
The first chapter of a book is so exciting and mysterious. Who are these people, what’s their deal, and what is going to happen next? With this reward you will get all the excitement of that plus more. You will receive:
-
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
Level 5: Dust Cover - $100
Some dust covers are just so pretty you buy the book whether you’re interested in the story or not. This reward will give you something pretty to look at without the dull book. You will receive:
-
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
Level 6: The Unboxing Experience - $300
If you’ve ever been on BookTube you know that book mail is a big deal. Getting a box filled with bookish items is a joy that surpasses most others. With this reward you will get that exact feeling. You will receive:
-
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
Level 7: Book Club - $500
A book club is a unique group of people who all enjoy the same books. At this level you will be in a unique group of people who all enjoy the same small business, and you’ll have the merch to show it. You will receive:
-
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
Level 8: Reader’s Swag Bag - $700
At this level you have proven your true commitment to the cause and have earned the ultimate reader’s swag bag. You will receive:
-
- An exclusive Libellas book tote
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
Level 9: Honorary Founder - $1000
There is nothing humorous about my gratitude for a gift this large. You are making my dreams come true in a way that I can hardly fathom. For that you will be honored with a permanent thank you on our website.
-
- A permanent thank you on our website
- An exclusive Libellas book tote
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Where does my money go?
That is a great question. iFundWomen’s platform does not hold any money. When you make a contribution, the money is processed by either PayPal or Stripe and directly deposited into my business bank account.
Q. How much of my money goes to your project?
A majority of the money contributed will go towards the projects outlined, but there are some fees that have to be paid and I need to fulfill the rewards. Here is the break down in detail:
- 84% of money raised goes to the projects outlined
- 8% goes to reward fulfillment
- 8% goes towards fees
- 5% iFundWomen fee
- 3% money processing fee from Stripe/PayPal
Q. What if you don’t meet your goal?
iFundWomen is not an “all or nothing” model which means whatever you contribute will go towards my business whether we meet the goal or not. With this in mind I have picked goals I can start working on with any amount of money and I’ve also picked rewards that I can fulfill whether we hit the goal or not. This way no matter what happens, you know you have contributed to my business in a meaningful way, and you get something in return for your support.
Q. What if you raise more than your goal?
Wouldn’t that be wonderful! If this does happen, rest assured the money will still go towards the goals outlined. Additional money means I can get a nicer printer, a longer membership on wedding websites, or better advertising. In the unlikely event that you give me an enormous amount over my goal I will update everyone on how the business decides to use it. With that level of support, I believe you deserve to know how your contribution is being spent. I’ll probably use it to revamp my office, make it more efficient, make it more pleasant – get some more bookshelves and a dedicated craft table.
Q. Can I just buy something off your Etsy to support you?
I love getting sales on Etsy and it would be greatly appreciated. However, if you want to do the most per dollar amount spent for my business you should contribute to the iFundWomen campaign. My website and Etsy sales make enough to keep themselves running, but they don’t make enough to allow for growth right now. That’s why I’m running this campaign; so, I can scale my business and make it more growth oriented.
Q. Can I contribute a relevant service instead of a cash amount?
I’m totally open to new partnerships. If you think working together would be mutually beneficial, please reach out. My email is [email protected].
Q. What if I don’t have any money, but I really want you to succeed?
You are so sweet! Thanks for the support. In this case you can share my campaign on social media, talk with your friends about it, and pester anyone who loves you that a contribution might be a good present to you. Share it at your local bookstore or library or coffee shop. Shout it from the rooftops – that’s what I’m doing. Any support you give, in whatever form, is absolutely welcome and appreciated. Thank you so much!!
Q. Where did you get your statistics?
The Environmental Protection Agency has been tracking municipal solid waste (MSW) in the US since 1960 and reports on their findings periodically. The most recent report was published in 2019 with data from previous reports as well as from 2016 and 2017. In this report they state that books accounted for 700,000 tons of US MSW in 2017 alone. You can read the report here: https://bit.ly/epareport2020
Using a method from a report by the National Wildlife Federation in 2012, we can deduce that 700,000 tons is the equivalent of 350 million individual books (this is based on an average book weight of 4 pounds). You can read that report here: https://bit.ly/3e1ujn0
Q. What should I do with my old books?
If you can, donate them. If they are no good to donate because they are damaged or drastically outdated, then try to recycle them. If you can’t find a place to recycle then you can upcycle them into something cool. If that’s not your jam and you’d really like to recycle it then remove all the pages from the binding and recycle the pages. Throw the binding away in the trash. The only reason a book should go in the garbage is if it dangerous – i.e., moldy, infested with insects, etc.
The first chapter of a book is so exciting and mysterious. Who are these people, what’s their deal, and what is going to happen next? With this reward you will get all the excitement of that plus more. You will receive:
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
At this level you can contribute a dollar or two or five. Whatever is comfortable for you. Like someone who peruses a book to see whether it is the right fit for them, you can peruse being a contributor to Libellas Book Arts. Whatever the amount you choose, you will have earned my undying gratitude and appreciation. You are truly a rockstar!
Like a table of contents gives you a taste of what is to come, this level gives you a taste of what Libellas can do. You will receive:
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
*Stickers in image are a prototype and not necessarily the stickers you will receive.
If your blood curdles at the idea of dog earing a book, then this level is for you. You will receive:
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
* Bookmarks pictured are not necessarily the bookmarks you will receive.
Some dust covers are just so pretty you buy the book whether you’re interested in the story or not. This reward will give you something pretty to look at without the dull book. You will receive:
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
If you’ve ever been on BookTube you know that book mail is a big deal. Getting a box filled with bookish items is a joy that surpasses most others. With this reward you will get that exact feeling. You will receive:
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
A book club is a unique group of people who all enjoy the same books. At this level you will be in a unique group of people who all enjoy the same small business, and you’ll have the merch to show it. You will receive:
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
At this level you have proven your true commitment to the cause and have earned the ultimate reader’s swag bag. You will receive:
- An exclusive Libellas book tote
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
There is nothing humorous about my gratitude for a gift this large. You are making my dreams come true in a way that I can hardly fathom. For that you will be honored with a permanent thank you on my website.
- A permanent thank you on our website
- An exclusive Libellas book tote
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
My undying gratitude and appreciation
Rewards
The first chapter of a book is so exciting and mysterious. Who are these people, what’s their deal, and what is going to happen next? With this reward you will get all the excitement of that plus more. You will receive:
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
At this level you can contribute a dollar or two or five. Whatever is comfortable for you. Like someone who peruses a book to see whether it is the right fit for them, you can peruse being a contributor to Libellas Book Arts. Whatever the amount you choose, you will have earned my undying gratitude and appreciation. You are truly a rockstar!
Like a table of contents gives you a taste of what is to come, this level gives you a taste of what Libellas can do. You will receive:
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
*Stickers in image are a prototype and not necessarily the stickers you will receive.
If your blood curdles at the idea of dog earing a book, then this level is for you. You will receive:
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
* Bookmarks pictured are not necessarily the bookmarks you will receive.
Some dust covers are just so pretty you buy the book whether you’re interested in the story or not. This reward will give you something pretty to look at without the dull book. You will receive:
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
If you’ve ever been on BookTube you know that book mail is a big deal. Getting a box filled with bookish items is a joy that surpasses most others. With this reward you will get that exact feeling. You will receive:
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
A book club is a unique group of people who all enjoy the same books. At this level you will be in a unique group of people who all enjoy the same small business, and you’ll have the merch to show it. You will receive:
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
At this level you have proven your true commitment to the cause and have earned the ultimate reader’s swag bag. You will receive:
- An exclusive Libellas book tote
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
- My undying gratitude and appreciation
There is nothing humorous about my gratitude for a gift this large. You are making my dreams come true in a way that I can hardly fathom. For that you will be honored with a permanent thank you on my website.
- A permanent thank you on our website
- An exclusive Libellas book tote
- An exclusive early supporter T-Shirt
- $50 worth of products from the shop
- Your choice of one bookish 8x10 art print
- Your choice of a single book page flower
- A set of four bookish bookmarks
- 1 handwritten, personalized thank you note from me
- 1 half page of bookish stickers on recyclable sticker paper
My undying gratitude and appreciation