Doing the Best with What I've got!

Pumpkin Latte

Love Spell! XOXO

Painted Gold Mica

Swirls!

Pastel Rainbow scented with Fresh Snow f.o.

Double Mint

Pumpkin Spice

I-Phone Cloe-up

Oatmeal Cookie Bar!

Looks good enough to eat!

Oh my! I have been making a batch of soap EVERY single day to prepare for the fall/winter holiday bazaar season. I am still small time, so I lovingly make my batches of 7-10 bars at a time. I do repeat successful batches, but I still love to experiment.

I invest every penny back into my business, buying new supplies and paying for registration fees etc. Right now, my soap account is just about empty, so I am relying on a successful holiday season to help this small business keep going. I am not complaining, I love what I do and am so lucky to be a stay-at home-mom who can pursue my passion!

One thing that I lack is a good camera. I see beautiful soap photos all the time. Macro photos that blur the background or foreground. I am so jealous! The photos I get are the best I can do with the camera I have. I feel that some of my most beautiful soaps, in particular, the soaps with swirls, photograph horribly! They are almost always out of focus! Next year, I will aim to acquire a better camera, with some amazing lenses, but for now, I will make do with what I have!

In the meantime, please enjoy photos of some of my latest creations. Thank goodness for natural light! It makes everything bright and happy!

Bacon Soap!

Oh yeah! Bacon soap! It smells and looks like the real thing, but has no bacon fat in it....that would be a little too authentic for me. I decided to make this soap after the popularity of my beer soap, that sells like hot cakes. If nothing else, it is a fabulous conversation starter. Wouldn't you want to smell the bacon soap too?

Everyone Loves Lavender...and Mint!

Something I have learned after attending my shows and markets is that EVERYONE (at least in Oregon), loves lavender. I could take it or leave it, but my customers love lavender, so I am making it more and more. Also, I have learned that both men and women love spearmint, so when you mix these 2 together...the Heavens open up! Next up, Lavender Grapefruit and Lavender Vanilla, but I am always open to suggestions!

Bramble Berry's Soap Crafting Kit Arrived!!!

Today is a happy day! Recently, I was approached about being a guest blogger to help promote Anne-Marie Faiola's, new book called Soap Crafting. Of course I said yes....sign me up! I was thrilled beyond belief! I was goibng to buy the book anyway, to be a part of the promotion is such an honor.

Today, as the kids  and I were about to leave the house, their was a Bramble Berry box waiting for me! Receiving a Bramble Berry box is like Christmas for me. I opened the box and found the kit I needed to make the Calendula Cleansing Bar. The kit was perfectly packaged and had everything imaginable needed to make the soap.

Currently, I am infusing my sweet almond oil with calendula petals. Can you tell I am excited? I couldn't even wait a day to get started! Joe warned me that I better not make the soap before he gets home because he wants to take photos. What a guy! Photos and a new blog post to follow soon!

I Love Lake Oswego!

In the middle of the week, I was asked if I wanted to participate in the Lake Oswego Farmer's Market because someone had dropped out. Heck yeah! I was a little nervous about the amount of stock I had, because I usually go to the market with more, but I also had more stock than I had previously sold.

The day started off slow, as it usually does. This always makes me nervous. I always say to Joe, "Hopefully I will make back my booth fee." I always do, but in my mind, I get a bit down and think the worst.....I need to work on this. Then, like magic, I start making sales and then all is good!

I have to admit, that every time Joe is with me, and I leave the stand, he sells a ton! I think all the ladies love to see a man selling his wife's soap. He is so proud and boastful. Lucky me!

The good news is that it was my best day ever! I had a great location and almost sold out. Now, I need to make more soap!!!

My best sellers were:

Beer Soap ( everyone loves this!) I am going to market this to local breweries and beer shops
Lavender Mint (people can't get enough lavender)
Lemongrass
Chai Tea
Minty Fresh

Skype Soap Tutorial with Emily Shieh!

On Friday, I was able to participate in a Skpe soap tutorial taught by Emily Shieh on a gradient technique using primary colors to create new hues. There were 4 other participants from all over the world and I had an amazing time!

This was Emily's 3rd trial for this sort of teaching format and I was lucky enough to be a part of her class. As soon as I knew I would be able to participate, I started preparing. I tried some recipes that would allow for slow trace, so I would have lots of time to play with the layers. I also bought new micas (non bleeding) and liquid Lab Colors (bleeding) just for the session, but I will get tons of use out of them!

There was some improvisation, and I ended up using both colorants, but I am quite happy with the results. There is always room for improvement, but I feel that Emily's technique was AWESOME, and although I have done quite a few gradient soaps, I had never done one in the way she taught us. I won't give away her secret in case she begins teaching this as a paid class, but it was genius!

Next, I hope Emily writes a book! Come one Emily! You know all us crazy soapers would buy it! 

Also, I am looking for a name for this bar. It is scented with an energizing citrus blend.

Farmer's Market!

She could sell me a million bars!

Sea Glass Soap, a beachy scent!

More Sea Glass Soap. a floral scent

Preparing for the Market!

Soap shavings are pretty!

Farmer's Market Display!

I had a great day at my first farmer's market. I was so nervous previous to the day, but it all turned out great! I was well prepared and had plenty of stock (over 160 bars). I was nervous that I would either sell out, or that I would not have enough stock. Well, I sold about half, so it was a good day.

The Lake Oswego Farmer's market is lovely. It is located on a lake and is full of friendly shoppers, great food and wonderful music. My location was off to the side a bit, not prime retail space at all, but I did well considering. I was just so happy to be there. I have grand dreams of doing a weekly gig once I am more established, but I will take what I can for now. I am still a newbie and am loving growing my business every step of the way!

I have started making sea glass soap, which is a result of leftover soaps that I have scraps of. Soapers never waste a thing, so even if I have a batch that is too vibrant for my liking, I can still use it in a sea glass soap, and I love the results! I will bring them to my next market and hope they sell well.

I am taking a bit of a break from making the soap and am focusing on selling what I have. I really do enjoy every aspect of this endeavor. I have found my passion!