Really Like the Song - Harper Simon - Berkeley Girl

Creativity, Red Barns & Magical places

I have always been a creative artist for as long as I can remember, I just might just go nuts if I was unable to create something, I have so many visions running around .

These little guys are my woodland creations for a while I tried my hand at sculpting  for about 5 or so years I was lucky enough to be in several galleries in the Atlanta and Florida area.

 One day I may pick it back up but no time soon!

       

Then there is my altered art, I still do it just not as often as I would like to, It is so much fun to make things and best of all my Mom loves to collect it! Thanks Mom.

Mixed Media Painting

Then there is another favorite photography!

OK that's it for now show and tell is over!

The Dream

Once upon a time, I had a dream.I was smitten with the art of soapmaking, and I was going to create a life as a full-time soapmaker, offering people a moment of pleasure in their day with my handcrafted soaps. These were going to be one-of-a-kind soaps, special in every way: Natural, from the essential oils to the clays and botanicals I used as pigments. Incredible attention to craftsmanship and artistic detail… gorgeous bars, perfectly trimmed and shaped, perfect and special, a precious gift. I longed to bring you an amazing and creative variety to choose from, and yes, and all completely formulated by me!

 I did exhaustive research into what natural materials should–and shouldn't be used in skin care products (natural does not equal safe, you know). I painstakingly made from hand all my packaging (not so easy). I was also determined to bring high ethical standards to the creation of the product, and making sure I myself earned a fair wage. (The latter proved to be the hardest part.) I realized my product was risky in that it would carry a high price point.

But I felt it was worth it, especially given the feedback I received:

 “These are the best soaps I’ve ever used.”

 “They are beautiful, I don’t find anything like them anywhere else.”

 It came time to promote the dream Funds were tight, but being chick-of-all-trades I was able to create the website myself, including product photography… and, with input from friends, created the labeling myself too. I had some great successes and developed a small but loyal following (thank you). I worked long and hard hours, having faith that the business would grow.

 Then… things started to happen. Was it the economy or was I just tired? tired of loading and unloading the truck traveling from show to show, doing the farmers market and sitting in the hot or cold for hours on end. Then there were the financial resources to keep it going, the cost of insurance and supplies were rising off the chart. So for now I have put things on hold I am still making small batches for the family and perhaps in the future I will open back up.

 Again I thank all of you that supported me and the dream!

Where has the time gone?

I don't even know where to start, time sure does fly and keeping up a blog is kinda tough for me. I really don't like putting myself out there on the big world wide web and since I don't travel as much as I would like, there really is not much going on.

I have been working on new packaging and I am liking the new look, the feedback has been great so far .

I really thought it through and I am torn as to whether or not I want to add any new products in the new year, I have done the lotions, scrubs and body butters and the feed back is great but they just don't move very fast. So I am still holding out at this time.

anywho signing off for now and I will try to get myself in gear for the new year and write more.

Melancholy

Just an Update

December was a busy month, it also gave me time to re-evaluate just how things are going at Hartley Soap, I was gearing up for the new year and shopping/restocking supplies I will need for the year.

I was amazed at how much the price of oils have gone up, close to 30% in the last 4 weeks and wonder just how high they will continue rise?

Retail soap pricing for years stayed around $1.00 per oz, but that has changed with the increased cost to make it, so I got to thinking, do I need to re-evaluate my retail pricing? After all I have checked out others in the same business and the prices are all over the board any where from $4.00 to $16.00 for a 5oz bar of soap. Yet my soap bars remain at $6.00 bar.

Now let me say we all use basically the same ingredients, but we may not have the overhead that others do or we are not able to purchase our oils in larger volume (Barrels), to cut cost.

I have the passion, desire and experience to create a top quality product, one that is better for your skin, and not a mass produced by some big factory and then sold by the "Big Box Stores” my soap is not  full of chemicals none of us can pronounce.  

Making and selling quality handmade soap used to be a small cottage industry, but that has change with the growing internet resources and market places to sell. While I don't think soap making is rocket science, I do think many people rush to market without a good understanding of what a good finished product is or should be.  


So when soap makers wonder why customers complain at the "high" price of handmade soap. some of what is out there isn't worth the price, especially this days when anyone can do it and not have a good understanding of the science behind it.

So when you find that Artisan Soap Maker that has years of experience and uses top quality ingredients and they just happen to knows her/his stuff let me just say it is worth every penny!  

Just ask my customers!

The Soap Kitchen

I have been busy playing in the studio and working on a limited edition of soaps -

I just love being creative and making soaps that are a little outside of the box!

Why Does Aromatherapy Work So Well?

Our brain develops memories with the aid of our five senses. When you relive a memory, you are remembering the things that you have seen, touched, heard, tasted and smelled. In this way, memories can be triggered by scent.

Aromatherapy can distract a person from their stress, induce positive memories or emotions or treat an emotional state. When aromatherapy is used in conjunction with massage, a bath or other aromatherapy treatment, the positive response of well- being and relaxation is even stronger. Aromatherapy is able to affect conscious thought and emotional reactions.

Aromatherapy affects other systems such as the hormonal or endocrine system, which in turn stimulates the nervous system. Stimulation of the hormonal system can influence stress levels, digestive system, circulatory system, insulin production and appetite. These are all powerful systems in our body that are affected by aromatherapy.

These are only a few of the positive effects from aromatherapy.

Whats New

I have been trying out some new fragrance oils and some new essential oil oil blends to see where I would like to take the next step in my small soap biz. There may be a whole new luxury line of soaps in the works real soon, so be sure to check back soon.

Tuscan Herb will be available soon in sample and the 6 oz bar size

Lime Soap will be available soon in sample and the 6 oz bar size

Mad Hatter Costume

My son asked for my assistance in creating a costume for a party, a friend of his is throwing,  he told me he thought that a Mad Hatter costume would be fun, so let the sewing and crafting begin.

Every thing is recycled or reused, the only purchase was the dye to color the clothes. Everything else I had in my studio of eclectic gatherings...

Off to work we went, dying the clothes green, taping the pants for the pin stripes once that was done we sprayed dye on them in a darker shade and grunged up the jacket as well, I sewed lace to the lapel and added a few trinkets and that part was done, very little sewing was involved and that mad me a happy camper.


The hat was fairly simple, for that we used poster board and an old cowboy hat, the material is from an old valance, the feathers are from an old duster we also made the hat pins and so on…… whala the made hatter! Over all it took us about a total of 4 hours not counting the dry time for the dye, and the costume was a big hit at the party.

    

      

What’s next, well before you know it,  Dragon Con will be here and I know what that means another costume lets just hope it’s not as tough as “Assassins’ Creeds” that we made last year!

I was in the Etsy Storque Inspirational Palettes: Spectrums of Green

                     I wish I could have gotten a better shot! My soap Bamboo Zen made it!

Baby Cakes - Handmade Soap cakes

 How about some chocolate cake to shower with?

                                 Or maybe a baby cake?

This was a special request for a baby shower, The cake is cold process soap made from scratch, it has a swirl on the inside in yellow and green, All of the decorations are made from soap and the baby in the center is made from a silicone mold I made of a vintage piano baby..Oh how I wish I could have cut it before shipping out!

Solitude

Solitude does not equal loneliness. Although, for many of you, the two words mean the same. Your modern world generally shuns solitude. If you're not a social butterfly, there must be something wrong with you.

It's quite the other way around -- a society, a world who do not understand or value solitude do not understand themselves. We know many of you reading this often crave solitude, some "alone" time. But do you take it? And, if you do, do you feel guilty about it?

The most valuable time you will ever spend in this lifetime, friends, is the time you spend alone. But not only the time you spend alone -- but the time you enjoy spending alone. All of you, no exceptions, need this time alone. Yet many of you deprive yourselves of it. And everything and everyone in your lives suffer as a result.

You cannot be in and of the world in any positive, productive way unless you are willing to take the time to also be apart from the world. You don't have to divorce the world. In fact, that would not suit most of you. But you do have to take the time regularly to be alone in joyful solitude.

You all probably know someone who seems to need constant interaction with other people. Maybe that someone is you. And if that someone doesn't have another person there, he/she turns on the television, or the radio, or the computer.

It's almost as if you're scared to death of yourselves. Solitude has become a lost art. Solitude is good, friends. We're not telling you to abandon your responsibilities to others. But we are telling you to honor your responsibility to yourselves.

If you are not able to be fully present in the moment with only yourselves -- and feel good about it -- you're probably not able to be fully present with others. Including the divine energy you came from.

It all starts at home, within yourselves. Alone and in solitude

Market Your Handmade Soap Business

I found this great artical written by Kristie.Leong.M.D and wanted to share it with you!

If you have your own soap making business, you know it can be a challenge to find new markets for your handmade soap. It may surprise you to learn there are a variety of low cost and even free ways for you to market your soaps. Here are some ideas:

1. Design a business card that really plays up your soap making business. Include a photo of your handmade soap right on your card. Nothing attracts the eye and promotes a desire to buy better than a photo. Include useful information on your business card such as "5 Reasons Why Handmade Soap Is Better". Make sure your website address and contact information are clearly displayed on your card.

2. Give your business card out everywhere you go. Place one into fishbowls at restaurants and post them on bulletin boards in libraries, grocery stores, and schools. Give one to your hairdresser, dentist, and tailor. Do it consistently and you'll see results!

3. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and network with other members. Your local Chamber of Commerce probably offers monthly meetings where you can meet other small business owners. At these meetings, you'll likely find retail store owners who would love to carry your handmade soaps in their stores. Retailers are always looking for something unique they can offer their customers. Take lots of business cards with you to the meetings!

4. Design a knock out flyer. Again, be sure to include an eye catching photo of your handmade soap on your flyer. As with your business card, give people useful information on the flyer and let them know how your soap can make their life better. If your soaps are all natural, emphasize the fact that there are no synthetic chemicals to cause health problems. Are your soaps super moisturizing? Let them know how their dry skin will improve. Post your eye catching flyers on every bulletin board you come across.

5. Get some free publicity. Learn how to write a good press release and send it to all the local papers and magazines in your area. Local newspapers and journals would love to publish the story of a local, handmade soap making business. Let them know how you got started and what makes your business unique. Be sure to include your website address in your press release. A good story in a local journal can bring in a ton of business!

6. Write articles about handmade soap and soap making for local and online publications. Let people know how handmade soap is different from the soap they get at their local supermarket. Talk about the handmade soap making process and about the different options for adding scent and color to handmade soaps. By educating your potential customer about handmade soap, you inspire her to want to buy your products. Always include a link to your website in your online articles and display your website address clearly in any print articles you write.

7. Donate a soap gift set to a charity auction. This can generate alot of positive publicity for your soap making business. Plus, it gives the winner a chance to try your soap and spread the word about your unique product to her friends. Again, include contact information in the packaging of the gift set.

8. Give out free samples of your soap. Make a batch of small, travel size soaps to give away at work, at crafts shows, and other events. Include a business card with every sample you give out.

These are just a few of the many ideas for marketing your soap making business. Stay tuned for more articles on how to make your handmade soap business a success!

Wordless Wednesday

Thank you!

I would like like to say thank you to all my new followers for hanging out on my blog, Now I have more of a reason to post......so stay tuned there is more to come.

Practical as soap is

Practical as soap is, it can also be a real luxury. For many of us today, life seems to move at an often hectic pace. While the stress of everyday life increases, personal time is at minimum. A fragrant, handmade bar of soap is a simple indulgence that fosters a feeling of relaxation and being pampered. Treat yourself or someone you love to the benefits of handmade soap. Evidence abounds of the healing properties of a handmade bar of soap. Those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as people that have sensitive skin or are hypoallergenic often find immediate relief by switching to handmade soap.

Compared to store bought soap, handmade soap is very mild. They are often made from vegetable-based oils, such as olive, coconut, and palm and do not contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in conventional bar soap. Handmade soap is a gift that says comfort, relaxation, and a treat for the senses -- for oneself or for a friend.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea Butter is only found in the tropics of Africa. It is extracted from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree which begins to bear fruit after about 15 years; and can take up to 30 years to bear a quality crop of nuts with a high content of irremovable fatty acid. It is this irremovable fatty acid that gives Shea Butter its unique healing properties and makes it far superior to cocoa butter and other vegetable butters. Traditionally, Shea Butter was extracted by people who picked the nuts, cracked them, grilled them and pounded them. They were boiled in water for hours until the Shea Butter rose to the surface. It was then scooped into gourds and left to cool and set. Shea Butter is solid at room temperature although it quickly liquefies right around body temperature. This Shea Butter is called unrefined Shea Butter or raw Shea Butter. Since Shea Butter is an all natural product, it can vary widely in quality, appearance and smell depending on where it is produced from and how it is refined or extracted.

Benefits
Shea Butter has been used in parts of Africa for centuries as a staple in cooking. Tribes also use it to repel mosquitos, as well as healing burns and reducing scars. Women who harvest shea butter are known to have beautiful and flawless skin.
This incredible butter is known for its high healing and moisturizing capacity. Unequalled skin moisturizing
Clinically proven anti-aging properties
Stretch mark prevention and minimization
Protection against inflammations Rapid healing for burns (minimizes scarring) Enhanced cell regeneration and capillary circulation

Rumble Sisters

Please check out what I do when not making soap.

I had a great time putting this together to share!

Snake Hunting!

The other night at about dusk I was walking our beagle and I almost stepped on a copperhead so I went inside and got my husband, of course he came out and killed it. Whew I thought how lucky I was and glad I was wearing my boots! We out a few night later and saw some more and were able to kill another one, we thought wow 2 copperheads in a week.

A few nights later we went out and killed 6 more this all seemed so surreal like a movie if ya know what I mean, after all that was a total of 8 copperheads! Thinking that would be the end of it!

It was not, Sunday night our beagle was bitten by a copperhead we rushed her to the ER Vet Clinic and they gave her pain meds and antibiotics, we are lucky and she is going to be OK and maybe a little scaring but not much!

Of course you guessed it we went back to hunting and to date have killed a total of 12 copperheads!

I sure hope that this is the end of it.......