for those that are curious
The Seaweed
Where is the seaweed collected?
All seaweed is foraged by hand from the Northern Rivers coastline of New South Wales, Australia — the same stretch of coastline I walk each day. The seaweeds are collected respectfully, in small quantities, and always with care for the ecosystem it came from.
Is the seaweed sustainably collected?
All seaweeds are collected in small quantities from the shoreline, never from living reef or rock pools. We take only what the tide has already offered, and always leave more than we take.
How is the seaweed pressed?
Once home from the beach, each seaweed is gently cleaned of any sand or debris. From there it is laid on a piece of watercolour paper floating in a shallow tray of water. I watch how the seaweed settles on the page, coaxing it where needed into its most natural form before carefully sliding the paper out from beneath the water. Once drained, I pat away any excess moisture before placing it in the press — a large wooden flower press — layered between sheets of newspaper and paper towel, though I'll sometimes use other materials like felt depending on the specimen.
Some species are straightforward; others, like Griffithsia monilis with its plump, fluid-filled beads, require particular care and time. The pressing process can take days or weeks depending on the specimen.
Do the colours in the prints match the real seaweed?
As closely as possible. Seaweed colours can shift slightly during the pressing and drying process — some deepen, some soften. It can be a lovely surprise to open up the press and see how the pieces have turned out!
The Prints
How are the original pressings reproduced?
Each original seaweed pressing is professionally scanned at high resolution to capture every delicate detail — the fine branching, the subtle colour variation, the translucency that makes each specimen unique. The scans are then printed locally by a specialist fine art printer, on 280gsm archival cotton rag using museum-quality pigment inks.
What are the prints made on?
Each print is a giclée reproduction printed on a beautifully textured 280gsm archival cotton rag — the same standard used by fine art galleries and museums worldwide. Cotton rag paper is acid free, pH neutral, and made to last for generations without yellowing or fading.
What sizes are available?
Prints are available in a selection of sizes — A5 (148×210mm), square 200×200mm, A4 (210×297mm) and A3 (297×420mm). Not all designs are available in every size — visit the shop to see what's available for each piece.
And if a design isn't available in the size you're looking for, let us know! We may be able to offer this design and size in a future print run.
Are the prints limited edition?
Each design is produced in a considered, small run rather than mass produced. When a design sells out it may not be reprinted — so if something calls to you, it's worth listening.
Are the original pressings available?
Original pressings are beautiful but delicate. Like a piece of seaweed left on the shoreline, they are light-sensitive and will gradually lose their vibrancy over time — a natural part of their story, but not ideal for something you want to keep.
For this reason, with the tides offers fine art giclée reproduction prints. Printed on archival cotton rag with museum-quality inks, they let you enjoy the artwork's detail and colour for years to come, without the fragility of the real thing.
That said, if you're drawn to the idea of an original pressing, you're welcome to get in touch.
Can I get a custom size or commission?
If you have something specific in mind, we'd love to hear from you — you can get in touch here.
Are the prints ready to frame? Do you offer framing?
We don't currently offer framing — our prints are sized to standard frame dimensions so finding a frame locally or online is straightforward. We love the idea of you choosing a frame that feels right for your space.
For a clean, minimal look, an A4 print sits beautifully in an A4 frame. For a more considered, gallery-style presentation, the same print can be framed in an A3 frame with a mat — the mat creates a border around the artwork, drawing the eye in and giving the piece more presence on the wall.
The same principle applies across all sizes — an A5 print in an A4 frame with a mat, or a 200×200mm print centred in a large square frame. It's a simple way to let the artwork breathe.
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship?
We currently ship within Australia only. International shipping is coming — if you're based overseas and would like to register your interest, we'd love to hear from you.
When will I get my order?
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible, generally this is within 1-3 business days. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information.
Estimated delivery timeframes as provided by Australia Post are 4-6 business days for standard shipping and 2-4 business days for express shipping. However, delivery times may vary depending on your location, particularly for regional and remote areas.
How are the prints packaged? Is the packaging environmentally friendly?
With the tides was born from a deep love of the ocean, so caring for the places that inspire these artworks is woven into every decision I make.
I've tried to choose materials that are as gentle on the earth as possible while still protecting your artwork on its journey home.
Rather than using conventional plastic sleeves, I've chosen plastic-free packaging wherever possible. Every decision has involved balancing protection, presentation and environmental impact, and while I know there is no perfect solution, I believe thoughtful choices matter.
Online Orders
Each print is carefully wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and protected between two recycled backing boards to ensure it arrives safely.
All packaging materials are plastic-free and recyclable.
Before recycling, we'd love to invite you to reuse the packaging materials where possible. Perhaps for wrapping gifts, protecting other artworks, or mailing your own parcels.
Markets & Stockists
Prints available in person are protected in plant-based, biodegradable cellulose sleeves — chosen instead of conventional plastic, which can take hundreds of years to breakdown.
Before disposing of your sleeve, we'd love for you to find a second life for it first — as a storage bag, wrapping a small gift, or protecting another print or photograph. Reuse is always the gentlest option.
When it's ready to return to the earth, home composting is best. Remove any tape or stickers, cut the sleeve into small pieces, and mix it through a compost heap with other organic material.
If composting isn't available to you, the sleeve can go in general waste where it will eventually breakdown — though landfill conditions rarely allow for proper breakdown, so composting is always the preferred option.
How much does shipping cost?
With the tides offers flat rate Australia-wide shipping for $10. Express shipping is available for $15. Free shipping is available for orders over $100.
What is your return policy?
As each piece is carefully printed and packaged with great care, we do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind, incorrect purchases, or if you simply decide the artwork isn't right for your space.
If your print arrives damaged or incorrect, please get in touch and we will resolve it promptly.
Stockists & Wholesale
Does with the tides work with stockists?
Yes! We work with a small number of carefully chosen stockists in the Northern Rivers region and beyond. If your store is home to people who are drawn to the natural world, to slow and considered things, and to art that carries a story, we'd love to hear from you.
