Wednesday, December 21, 2011

New Tonics

I've been working on making some new recipes lately. I have a new shaving soap in my shop, a new batch of my classic Sandalwood Vanilla Beer Shave and also a new Birch and Bergamot Beer Shave soap. I haven't listed them yet, but I've made up some travel shave soap in the same scent. The soaps are poured into lidded tins, so that you can carry them in a travel case and use a shave brush to lather up.
Curing in my work room now are two tonics I'm very excited about. The first is a blend called "The Queen of Hungary's Water." It's a collection of herbs that are soaked in vinegar for 2-3 weeks. Then, you strain out the herbs and mix the infused vinegar with rose water and witch hazel. I got the recipe out of Rosemary Gladstar's lovely book, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. I had to make some little variations to the herb blend to accommodate what I had in store, but I have a feeling it will turn out very well. Gladstar says in her book:
"This is one of the world's finest cosmetic formulas..... The Gypsies used it as a hair rinse, mouth wash, headache remedy, aftershave, foot bath, and who
knows what else!"

I think that if I substituted 100 proof vodka or perfumer's alcohol instead of vinegar, it would make a really lovely perfume and body spray as well.

The other tonic I have curing is a variation on The Queen of Hungary's Water called "Four Thieves Vinegar." It's a mix of medicinal herbs and spices cured in vinegar that supposedly was used by thieves robbing plague homes to keep from getting the plague themselves. It can be diffused in the air or splashed on or soaked in. This takes 4-6 weeks to cure.
If it turns out well, I will make them in bigger batches and ready them for my shop and for the market in the spring. Now that I have my rookie year out of the way, I feel ready to go back to the market and really make the best use of my time there.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Stomach Trouble Tea

My father has frequent bouts of stomach ailments. To help ease him through this I make him this tea:
1 Tbs Chamomile (dried aerial parts)
3 cloves
1 cup of boiling water
1-2 tsp of honey
1 tsp of slippery elm
1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon

place chamomile and cloves (you may want to bruise them first) into a tea ball or infuser. Pour over the boiling water and let steep 3-5 minutes. After removing tea ball, add honey to taste, then stir in slippery elm until dissolved. (Note that the slippery elm may drift to the bottom if you let it sit to cool, stir up before drinking). Stir in cinnamon. Sip.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Natural Soothing Face Mask

Try my new face mask recipe:
1 tsp French Green Clay
1 tsp Kaolin clay
Gradually add Witch Hazel Toner (Thayers has a great alcohol-free, aloe enriched witch hazel I like to use) until it reaches a consistency that is appropriately both moist and thick.
For especially troubled and dry skin you can add a few drops of honey right before applying, or for a bad break out, mix in a crushed aspirin tablet while the mixture is still in powder form.

This wicks away extra oils while keeping your skin moisturized and helping with dry patches and break outs.
Treat yourself to a facial tonight!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

In for the Holiday Season

I've updated my stock with more gift sets for the holiday season. My popular Sherlock Holmes inspired soaps are now available in a set called "The Complete Sherlock Holmes." The set includes Holmes, Watson, Adler, and Moriarty.

I've also made a listing for a bar soap and soap scrubbie combo pack. I knit the scrubbies myself and they fit both the square and the round soaps I sell. It's a good solution to ensure you get to use the whole bar even down to the last little bits.
I also am offering a soap and fragrance combo deal for those that like to pair up the complimentary scents I make.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Lost September

This month has flown by. I'm back to classes and extracurriculars, working hard to keep up with my Etsy shop while I do.
I'm already trying to get winter themed items in my shop and gift sets ready for the surge of sales that usually comes in October/November.
I'll be back with updates, new items, and recipes soon!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Homemade Apple Sauce Recipe

I picked a few apples today courtesy of my neighbors, a kindly older couple with fruit trees that sprout more than they can eat. I made some yummy apple sauce with my pickings and thought I'd share the recipe with you, even though it's not completely precise.
You'll need:
6 medium apples
lime juice
1-3 tablespoons of sugar or honey
cinnamon and nutmeg

Cover the bottom of a medium pot with a little water and add a splash of lime juice (or lemon if you're more traditional). Peel apples and cut them up into small pieces, as you do toss them into the pot. Simmer them on low for about an hour, stirring occasionally. When they start to get soft, use a potato masher to start smashing them down. If the apples are on the tart side, add one to three tablespoons of honey or sugar (raw sugar is my favorite) to taste. Spice it with cinnamon and nutmeg. It makes about 8 servings depending on your apples.
Serve while still warm or chill it in the fridge for about an hour.
It goes great with pork or peanut butter toast at breakfast.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Happy Anniversary Morning Valley Soaps

This week I'm celebrating my shop's 1 year anniversary! It's a few days premature, but tomorrow is my turn as the Shop of the Day on the Fun and Friends promotion team, so it seemed fitting to start the festivities early. I've prepared by listing a few new items as well as bringing back some of my classic items from last year when I was starting out.
Use coupon code ANNIVERSARY for 10% off anything in my shop this week.
My herb drying has also inspired me to start experimenting with blending teas for personal use, but who knows if it could expand?

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Herb Drying for Winter


I know it it early, but the herbs have been abundant and yield better when they're trimmed, so I've started drying for winter. All summer long I've been updating my herb book, investigating natural remedies, aromatherapy, compiling all the wonderful uses for herbs and oils.
I am so interested in natural medicine and herbal remedies. The earth's abundance always amazes me. I took care of my own sinus infection a few weeks ago with teas and chest rubs. The many uses for things like lavender and geranium are incredible.
Currently I am drying peppermint, spearmint, lemon mint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, thyme, sage, tansy, and rosemary. When the days aren't too humid I hang them off of the porch to let the sun help dry them, the verbena is currently in my closet, which is warmer than the rest of my room. It perfumes all of my clothing with its loveliness. I have discovered that tending my garden and being around my herbs makes me happy. It gives me a sense of fulfillment to work with the earth and help her to grow wonderful things. I've enjoyed it ever since I was a little girl.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Expanding and Contracting

My sales have increased beyond my imaginings on my Etsy shop. Next month will be my shop's one year anniversary, so I'm trying to think of a way to celebrate.
My stock has changed considerably since I started out. I've been taking cues from my wonderful customers, what they seem to be buying, what items they buy together. Some have even sent me suggestions for what varieties they would like to see me introduce. I take inspiration from the brands of soap I see in the health food stores, new perfumes my friends are wearing, and from the scents that fill the world around me.
The moment I decided to combine two of my loves: literature and soap was a very good moment for me. Some of my most popular scents have been inspired by my favorite literary characters. That is an area I would like to expand in. Taking a cue from my lovely customers, I'm expanding my Sherlock Holmes inspired products. I've just added an Irene Adler soap and am working on a Moriarty at the moment. This winter I intend to offer a Holmes and Watson set of both colognes and soaps, as well as The Complete Sherlock Holmes which will include the fragrances and soaps for Holmes, Watson, Adler, and Moriarty.
I also need to invest in some new equipment. Earlier in the week I split of my glass bowls I use for perfumery. I submerged it in cool water too quickly and two clean halves emerged after I heard a pop. While getting rid of it, I slashed open my finger on the edge.
Eventually, I'd love to have my own distillation equipment, I could make my own essential oils and extracts. I'll have a coupon next month in honor of my anniversary and as a thank you for my loyal friends and customers!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Blog Feature

I'm in a blog feature today! It's by StitchSilly and it's on her site here.
She very kindly conducted an interview with me yesterday and posted about it today. Hopefully it will up the traffic on my blog, it's been a little slow this month, comparatively. Even my market night last Friday wasn't as nice as my June market night. Oh well.
Check out her blog, she's a fellow Etsian and is just starting her series of features.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Painting for the Market

I'll be at the farmer's market again this weekend. Last time I was there I noticed that I was one of the only venders with no sign with my business name on it. I found some old signs and took to sanding and repainting one. I'm no artist, but I think that for now it will do. A somewhat homespun look is good in my line of work anyway.
Before:

After:

Hopefully it will help draw people into my tent and help me move some merchandise. I'll report back next week with how it went.


Monday, June 6, 2011

Beautiful Things

I had my first real live market day on Friday. I enjoyed being out in the fine weather (even if the wind did endanger my tent). It was a very community oriented event, so I was able to speak with many friendly local people. I even sold a decent amount of my soaps-- especially considering that there was another soap seller there with a bigger spread.
I'll be going back in July to sell again.
Right now I'm still working on my custom order that will be sent out the end of the month and trying to promote as much as possible.
Speaking of promoting, today's featured HEART Seller is temmadolla. She's from Pittsburg and she makes the most amazing safety pin bracelets I've ever seen. Here's one of my favorites from her shop:



Definitely check her out.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

AndiaCreations on Etsy



This seller from Yorkshire, UK is a member of the HEART promotion group I'm in. Her shop is full of cute knitting and sewing. Find her here on Etsy. Above are just two of her items that struck my fancy.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Custom Order Project

I just recieved a custom order for 80 mini shave soaps for wedding favors. I'm so excited. This is, of course, my biggest order to date and will keep me busy for the month of June even if the Farmers' Market falls through, which I fear it might.
It has also given me the idea of creating listings for, instead of the occasional gift set assortment of soaps, listings for favors or wedding party sets. Some herbal soap would make a lovely bridesmaid/groomsmen gift. The summer is a peak wedding season, after all.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Farmers' Market Evening

Tonight I went to one of the local markets I'm attempting to sell at. It's on the grounds of this beautiful garden center. It was lovely to wander around and talk to vendors. In a small hutch is a counter where fresh fish and meat are sold and a few tables from a local bakery. I had my heart set on some scallops, but $28 a pound was too steep for me. Instead I bought a foccacia and a few little meat pies from the baker.
I spoke to the woman who coordinates the market. She told me that there is a soap-seller coming this summer, but not every week. She promised to send me a list of dates when the other seller won't be there so we don't overlap. I brought a few items to show her what I make and she especially liked my "Nymph" solid perfume.
It's a wonderful atmosphere and I'll be glad to get involved.
My father came along with me since he had never been to the market before. He enjoyed himself and even saw an old friend he went to school with but hasn't seen in years. Afterwards we went to dinner at a nearby bar and grill and ate on the porch to enjoy the beautiful evening.
It's the kind of evening that makes me feel very connected to my heathen Celtic ancestors that worshipped the return of the sun and the spring. I can understand their raptures.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Summer Soaping

Sales have been slowly increasing in my shop for the past few months, but over the past two weeks they have exploded. Of course, exploded is a relative term, I'm sure it's all in a day's work for other Etsy sellers.
This reinforces my decision to not take an hourly waged job this summer but focus on my crafting and freelance writing. Of course, this also means alot more upkeep to my shop than I had been previously spending. More time each day making new items, photographing, organizing, storing, ordering supplies, working on my Etsy, etc.
All the promoting and creating new sorts of products and scents seems to be paying off. My choice to go with more masculine/unisex items is paying off. It's a good feeling.
I'm still working on getting into some farmers' markets this summer as well to sell live and connect with other artisans.
I also just had a request for a custom order last night. It will be the biggest order I've ever filled and will keep me quite busy. Even if I don't get any other sales next month, I'll have reached my sales goal with this order.
Off to make more aftershave!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Sulfate Free Shampoo Recipe

We put out a special earth-day issue of our college paper and I contributed this shampoo recipe. I thought you might enjoy it as well-- it gets my hair very clean without drying it out. I personally use Calendula as my herbal steep base.

3 oz. Herbal steep
1 tsp. Baking Soda
½ tsp. Vegetable Glycerin
¼ tsp. Jojoba Oil (optional)
6 drops Essential Oil (optional)


Pour boiling water over three teaspoons of herbs of your choosing. Chamomile is best for blondes, Calendula flowers help bring out red tones, Rosemary for dry scalps. Green tea is also an excellent choice for a general clarifying wash, and Lavender can benefit damaged hair. After the water has mostly cooled, strain out three ounces into a glass measuring cup. Dissolve your baking soda before adding glycerin (available at craft and health food stores).
Put your creation into a bottle or container with a secure lid. For dry hair or scalps, you can add jojoba oil or a few (very few) drops of olive oil. Various essential oils can also be added for various benefits and also their potent fragrance. However, essential oils may be too strongly concentrated for women who are nursing or pregnant.
Afterwards you can rinse with remaining herbal steep combined with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

New Additions to my Soap

Two new herbal milks soaps have arrived in my shop. First, a Lavender Lemon soap:And second, a Rosemary Mint soap:

I wanted something soothing an herbal for spring. They both smell wonderful in spite of, or perhaps because of, their simplicity and purity.


I've also listed a customizable perfume in my shop . Choose one of 14 essential oils to create your own Single Note All Natural Solid Perfume. Sales are finally starting to pick up, so I've been working on fresh batches of my best sellers as well as new fragrances and botanical blends. I've accumulated a notebook full of my recipes and research. This weekend I'll be listing a new Beer Shave Soap with vanilla and sandalwood fragrance. I've also been experimenting with all natural deodorant recipes. What would you like to see in my shop?

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Happy Birthday Colt .45

On Tuesday it will be the 100th birthday of the Colt .45-- my father, an antique weapons enthusiast has informed me of this. His influence has already lead to the creation of my most popular fragrance, "Rifle Range"-- available in Soap and also Solid Cologne.
In honor of this anniversary I will be putting those items on sale in my shop on Monday and Tuesday. Although the Colt .45 was for military use and didn't use the black powder charge, Colt did produce some single shot cowboy pistols that did. I think it will be a fun thing to do in the spirit of the occasion anyway.
So look for the discount early this coming week!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Trends Emerging

I've noticed that certain kinds of scents are emerging as best-sellers in my shop. My number one best selling fragrance is Rifle Range, I've sold several soaps and colognes in that scent.
My more masculine scents seem to get more views, hearts, and sales than more traditionally feminine ones. Perhaps this is my niche? I've been working on more unisex scents that have those deep, complex qualities that my customers seem to enjoy. I just posted a soap called "Holmes" after my favorite literary sleuth- last week I posted a "Watson" which is a classic Bay Rum scent (but I've started wearing it, it's delicious).
I have made a few new feminine scents, however. Emma is a bright combination of Strawberry, Honeysuckle, and Orange. I made a Jane Eyre as well which has Ivy, Heather, Lavender, and Vetiver as the main notes.
I think that unique blends are what catch peoples' interest overall. Hopefully I can find a bigger market for my more lady-centric fragrances as well.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Stylish Blogger Award


I was just passed this award by the lovely Lucille Jean, she makes beautiful jewelry and accessories on her Etsy shop.

*Stylish Blogger Award rules*
Thank the person who awarded it to you
Post 7 facts about yourself
Pass the Award to other bloggers and let them know they were chosen
Seven Facts about me:
1. I have two adorable cats that I love cuddling with.
2. I'm in a production of Tennessee Williams one-acts this weekend.
3. In the summer, I can get a sunburn within 15 minutes on a bright day.
4. My town's population is under 200.
5. My best friend writes pirate novels and has published one.
6. I have written a manuscript for a murder mystery that I'm still editing, but hope to publish in the next couple years.
7. I have read I Capture the Castle about six times.

I will pass this on to:
One Sheepish Girl
Teal and Gold
Entwood Crafts
A Mountain Hearth

Saturday, March 12, 2011

The End of Spring Break

It feels so odd that I've had a beautiful week, enjoying nature, when there is so much trouble around the world. Nature can be a gentle palm to rest in or the most terrifying, crushing hand.


I'll be back to classes Monday, and be longing for summer break for the next two months.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

My Weekend in Photographs

Coffee with my brother at a local all natural, fair trade coffee bar. They're attached to an organic, wholefood shop. Delicious local apples, orange ginger granola, free range chicken-- I love picking things up there.

Last night it starting raining, it's a beautiful kind of rainy day where all the colors of nature are extra saturated. It's been nearly sixty degrees with just a light breeze all day.

I bought new molds on Friday and made some "Watson" soap speckled with cinnamon. I refuse to use any artificial colors.


I did a little writing, but also made some "Green Muse" soap; absinthe fragrance and real wormwood go into the bars to give them a faint green tint (hard to see int he photo). My handwriting is terrible as you can clearly see.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Lifestyle Changes

I've been attempting to make some more eco-friendly and health conscious changes in my life.
As spring creeps up, I realize even more how much I appreciate nature. We should all do our utmost to make sure it doesn't disappear. Our existence is entirely hinged on the health of our planet, after all.
I've been having two vegetarian days per week, I've found it's actually not that hard to do. I'm also avoiding beef- I don't eat it that often, but I'm trying to keep it to an absolute minimum now. Americans eat so much more meat compared to the rest of the world. I've also been trying to buy organic when I can afford it and only getting coffee that's fair trade.
I've also been trying to avoid plastics, but recycle them when I do use them. The products from my shop (excepting my lip balms) are packaged in cloth, glass jars and metal tins- all reusable.
I've even started using eco-friendly feminine hygiene products. Yes, it sounds bizarre and unsanitary, but it is not that bad. Up until about eighty years ago all feminine hygiene products were reusable. By using wet bags for storage, it's actually very neat and organize. After using, I simply soak them in a vinegar/water solution and then toss them in the laundry.
Now that it's warmer I've started taking my waks again and have been eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. I've also been trying to break myself of the habit of eating at one in the morning-- hard when rehearsals and homework keep me up that late.
It's not much, but we can all be healthier and maybe even happier and more connected to nature with a few small changes at a time. It makes me feel good to know I'm doing something to help myself and the planet. It doesn't feel like I'm giving anything up either, just gaining.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

19th Century Literature Based Scents

I'm toying with new fragrances based on some of my favorite characters. So far I'm looking at doing two counterpoint fragrances: Elinor and Marianne as well as a Sherlock Holmes scent.
Elinor will be more earthy, Rosewood, Eucalyptus, Ivy, maybe a touch of Orange. Marianne will be sweeter, Vanilla, Lavender, Rose, Cinnamon. I'm still playing with blends currently.
For Holmes I'm looking at a masculine blend of Tobacco Flower and Cedarwood.
I'm also working on an Absinthe soap called "The Green Muse." That will be in honor of the romantic poets.

I have to make up anther batch of my Captain Wentworth soap, I've just sold the last bar.
I've also just listed a new soap, "Summer Stroll" to match my solid perfume by the same name.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Etsy Teams and Branding

With all the new forum changes, teams are springing up left and right to fill the gap. I didn't want to, but I have jumped on the bandwagon, so to speak. I joined the Shop of the Day Team (full of lovely people and enthusiastic promoters). I also joined the Wholligans (or Doctor Who fans) team, because sometimes it's nice to have someone to get excited with over the show. Very few of my friends watch it.
I also started a team. I am now the captain of English Geeks of Etsy. So many members I've seen on forums love reading and writing and many sell literature related items. I thought it would be fun to come together as a community and discuss that love.
With my other shop, I'm a member of the Etsy Bloggers, but I'm still unsure of what to do about my first shop. It's in vacation mode currently.
I'm not sure how to "brand" Crafting Birds, my first shop. I make jewelry, accessories, clothing, and many of my items are made from recycled materials. Do I want to go in the direction of recycled artsy pieces or historically inspired items? I don't know if my shop can support both. It's a lot to contemplate.
I'm planning on selling live at (at least) two different events this summer, I'll be mixing merchandise from both my shops at these events. The main event will be my soaps, but I'll lay out some bags and jewelry as well to draw more people into my tent.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Woodsy new fragrance blends

I've been experimenting with my oils and have two new fragrances I'm playing with. They'll probably become perfumes and possibly then matching soaps.
Nymph- This is a fresh, sweet, citrusy blend. It has base notes of Rosewood with a bit of Bergamot (my new favorite oil to blend, I'm obsessed), Oakmoss, and Amber. There will be a balance of earthiness with a light whimsical quality.
Autumn Woods- It has similar qualities to Nymph, but has a base of Cedarwood, with Vanilla and Rosemary. Bright, herbaceous, I think it could also work for a man.
Both are made from fragrance blends that are mostly comprised of essential oils blended by me. I've been toying with the idea of making roll-on oil perfumes as well, but I'm not sure. I like the solid perfume medium, it's convenient, moisturizing, and a very economical way to buy perfume. However, not many people I talk to are that familiar with solid perfume. The oil would be more expensive to make and I'm not sure how it would do. It's something to consider as I (hopefully) grow my business.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Blog Carnival: Love

Is there any more an abstract concept in the entire world? The Greeks had, what? Six words for love to describe the different nuances, but the English language tries to confine it to one.
This installment of Blog Carnival for The Etsy Bloggers asks me to talk about love.
I love many things and people (though I've never experienced that great revelation of being truly and mutually in love with someone), but the things I love most are, like the word, abstract.
I love nature, music, and God, ideas, stories, making things with my hands, and watching the flowers burst out of the earth.
Sometimes I feel frustrated and lonely. Sometimes nothing has gone right in week, I'm cold, I can't find any inspiration, and I've had a marathon migraine. Those are moments when I become afraid that I'm forgetting how to love. But I always find a way out-- eventually. Sometimes it takes longer than I'd like.
I think that love is something we're all born with, but have to learn about as we get older. We all have the ability, it's the application that gets tricky.
When I see people in relationships they aren't full commited to, just for the sake of being with someone, I can't understand it. The same as when I see people majoring in accounting or chemistry just because they think it will pay well when they graduate, not because it's what want to do. If you aren't burning to do something, if love isn't your motivation, why do it? If you have the option to choose love, do it.
My parents think I'm a mad idealist, but I can be quite cynical when I want to be. It just doesn't seem like that's the way to plan my future. I want to be a writer and an artisan and even if I have to do other things along the way to stay off the streets, I will. Just so long as I'm doing the things that make me happy.

Dead Plants

All of my indoor herbs have perished within the last two months. My mint, my rosemary, my sage, my lavender, my lemon balm- all dead. My aloe is still thriving fortunately, I'll have to split it into another pot again soon.
Perhaps it is because they just weren't getting enough sunlight, perhaps I didn't trim them as much as I should. I have also found that the live herbs they sell in the produce section at the local grocery store always die within two weeks no matter what I do. I have no idea why this is. Oh well.
Currently I'm watching the snow and trying to get some readings done for my Tuesday class. I really miss summer. The building I live in is old and drafty and I've had the worst time digging out my car and getting to classes this past week. I'm ready for spring, I don't think I've ever missed it so much. On the local weather the meteorologist said that we have twice the average amount of snow for this time of year.
I'm already planning my 'Welcome Back Spring' party. It will have to be quite exuberance to make up for this winter.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Snowed In

The northeast has been pounded by snow over the past few weeks. Over the past twenty-four hours we got about another two feet. Earlier, while trying to dig out my car (and failing) I snapped a few quick photos with my cell phone.
Some very pretty snowy leaves in the sunlight. Holly plant I think? Can't be sure.

This is the photo I sent to my professor when I told them it wasn't likely I'd be at my afternoon class. The neighbor plowed our drive, but plowed everything into my car. After a half an hour digging I still couldn't get out, so I came back in the house and changed out of my soaked clothes. Then I lay in bed shivering for a few minutes. Some Earl Gray tea has helped the shivering subside.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Name That Scent

I've been playing with new fragrances lately- unfortunately I've yet to list them on Etsy due to some unforeseen camera trouble. The first is called "Summer Stroll"- it's a solid perfume with Lemongrass, Lavender, Sweet Orange, and Peppermint essential oils. It's all natural so it won't bother people with chemical sensitivities. I'll be creating a matching soap as well.
The second new scent is giving me a bit of trouble. It's comprised of Bergamot (which has a lovely rich citrus scent, but is a little darker than an orange or lemon), Anise, Cinnamon, and a hint of Vanilla. It's also an all natural essential oil scent. I'm having a terrible time coming up with a name for it.
The scent is spicy, exotic and very appealing. I think it's very sophisticated as well. I was thinking of something that referenced beverages- Earl Gray Tea is flavored with Bergamot, Absinthe has a licorice or Anise taste. I still haven't reached the right note in that respect. Suggestions welcome!
I've been making lip balms as well and forcing friends and family to test them (they don't mind getting free lip balm, actually). My latest creations are: Bergamot, Rosewood, and Honey Lavender. Currently my Winter NourishMint (Peppermint) balm is listed in my shop.

Monday, January 3, 2011

New Year Changes

I've started listing some sugar scrubs and bath salts. I'll also be listing a fantastic bergamot lip balm this week. Mostly, I'm trying to build up some variety in my shop and create several items in the same or complementary scents. I just listed a "Love" soap to match my solid perfume scent of the same name.
Yesterday I put my first shop, Blackbird Crafts on vacation. I need to figure out a more cohesive design for that shop- a more unified took and style. If I reopen it.
Something else I want to try is some less literal, more artistic photography. Now that I have a decent camera, I want to play a bit. Not just pictures of the soap or the tin of perfume or tube of balm, but pictures that represent the atmosphere, the experience of the fragrance. We'll see.
I'm working on a new scent, I'm not sure what I'll be calling it yet.
Also, I've been working on a cream for my dry winter skin. It's a shea butter base with sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, oatmeal and lemon verbena. It's very nice, I may list some in my shop after I whip up some more.