Many years ago my daughter gave me a Swedish sponge cloth. She was really excited because she knew I would love it, and she was right. I thought, this is such a great material, what else could it be used for? I had designed loads of greeting cards before, so I thought, why not greeting cards you can actually use?

That idea became Clards, patented greetings printed on eco friendly Swedish sponge cloth that turn into two reusable cleaning cloths. First you write a message and share it. Then the lucky recipient wets the cloths and puts them to work, replacing up to 3,000 paper towels instead of heading straight to the trash.

I am Carla Scholz, founder of Soak iT Up. I grew up with a tree hugging dad who cared deeply about the planet, and that shows up in everything I make. Soak iT Up is my way of helping people give gifts that feel good, do good, and actually get used.

I will be honest. This has not been the easiest thing in the world to do. I thought my experience designing greeting cards would make it simple. Printing on this material has been a challenge. Importing the material has been a challenge. Now even mailing them is becoming a challenge. And yes, right now they can cost more to mail than a regular card. I am working hard to make that easier.

But they also do more. Clards and Swedish sponge cloths help people use fewer paper towels, plastic jugs, and single use stuff. Our designs are printed with eco friendly methods, wrapped in minimal recycled packaging, and built to last through hundreds of washes before you can toss them in the compost.

Along the way I have been honored to be a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow and a Brooklyn Brewery “Calling All Makers” Entrepreneur Grant recipient. That support helps me keep going, keep problem solving, and keep creating sustainable joy one Clard, cloth, and Sheet Happens load at a time.

Soak iT Up makes it fun and easy for everyone to use less, waste less, and still give something they are proud of.

It is a beautiful day. Soak iT Up.
Carla