Scrub-a-dub-dub: Creating an Identity for Cleaning Products

For as long as I can remember, my Grandma had been crocheting. From sweaters, to blankets, to baby clothes, she made all manner of things with yarn. And a few times a year, we would pack up her creations and sell them at local craft fairs. One of her best sellers were always these small, round, unassuming kitchen scrubbers, dubbed “Scrubbies”, that she crocheted not with yarn, but from strips of plastic netting. They’re a very strange thing to describe, but they work really well, and they always sell fast.

When she passed away a few years ago, it was up to the rest of us to continue her legacy and make more scrubbies. Between all of us in the family, a lot of Scrubbies still get made and sold every year. So many in fact, that we’ve started selling them in local stores. At first, they were sold with no sign and no indication of what they were for, just marked with a price. That didn’t cut it for me, so I decided to make a sign worthy of their legacy, that would hopefully tell people what they were while subtly giving them some history.

I went into this wanting to impart buyers with my feelings on them: a helpful little item that had seemingly been around forever. So I drew on old advertisements you might have seen in magazines from the 40’s or 50’s for similar cleaning products. Simple, bold graphics that look like they’re from another era, with plenty of text to communicate just what these things are.

I worked up a round shape that would give their name a prominent banner on the sign, while allowing me to put a photo of them directly under it. It also mimicked their own shape, drawing the whole thing together. I included “Grandma’s” in the name, giving them a sentimental edge while allowing my own Grandma to continue on with them. I included a list of what they can be used on, giving customers an idea of possible uses. The whole thing is laid out on top of a white vertical banner with pale yellow around the edge. I found a nice “vintage” looking crochet hook illustration to emphasize their handmade nature and give a little more visual interest. Lastly I added a textured layover on the entire design, bringing down the colors and giving it a warm patina.

Despite the low resolution, you get the idea. 

It was printed on card stock and taped to the sign of this wire basket display we had on hand. It all came together to feel like something out of time, ready to last through your cleaning needs for generations to come. I couldn’t be happier with it, and I like to think Grandma would be proud.