Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Summer is Delicious in the New Let's Get Soapy!

Summer's sunny days are here, and the new issue of Let's Get Soapy is bursting with sunshine!  With 3 great tutorials inspired by the delicious treats of the season, you'll be soaping in no time.

This issue features Fruity Soap Kabobs (an adorable way to display your soaps!), Juicy Striped Soaps (with tips on how to streamline your loaf soapmaking), and the cover project: Soapy S'Mores!  The chocolate coated graham crackers (which you will make the mold for - it's easy!), filled with fluffy soap marshmallow is almost too real looking.  But based on how many of my friends are asking for S'More, I know they're a hit!

In this issue, you'll get:
  • Full tutorial for mouthwatering Fruity Soap KabobsJuicy Striped Soaps
  • UV Inhibitor Test and Product Review
  • Vintage Juice Glass Inspiration Board
  • Eye catching Juicy Stripes Soap Loaf Tutorial
  • How to make your own Graham Cracker Silicone Tray Mold
  • S'More Soaps Tutorial including soapy marshmallow fluff
  • New M&P Head Scratchers Advice Page
  • Complete Resource Directory for all Articles
  • and much more!
Fruity Soap KabobsUpon your purchase of this article and photo packed 18 page issue, you will receive a confirmation email with a link. Follow this link to download your copy and get soaping right away!

Don't miss your early bird discount!
If you get your issue by Wednesday, July 7, you'll get the Early Bird Rate of only $12!  That's $3 off the regular price!


Click here to see even more pictures of what's inside.  I know you're going to love it!

Thank you, LMNOP!

Today is already a great day!  First I got the new issue of LMNOP in my inbox (which I must say is so beautiful it hurts) then I was surprised two times!  My Soapylove Peace, Love, and Soapiness was featured twice!

Thank you so much to Jenny Lacey for inviting me to be in your eZine.  I'm so glad I know about LMNOP now.  It will be the source of inspiration for many projects to come!

For those waiting for my eZine featuring those delicious S'More Soaps, it's in the final stages of publication right now and should be ready in a few hours!  Thanks for your patience!

Monday, June 28, 2010

The Art of Soap - my new book coming this fall.

I am overjoyed to announce a new project I have been working on for the last 2 months. It is a book called The Art of Soap, which will feature the work and stories of 24 incredible soap makers.  Full of breath taking photos by Erin Pikor, a wide range of styles, methods, and philosophies will be represented.  The Art of Soap will introduce the public to the beauty of soap making, and be a must for any soap maker's library.

Make sure to follow The Art of Soap blog where you will get sneak peeks of the featured artists and the beautiful photography.  Available both in soft and hard cover, it will be available this Fall!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

New Summer Issue is Looking Tasty!

I am madly working on the new issue of Let's Get Soapy for Summer.  It will be full of wonderful summery inspirations such as fruit, juice glasses, and s'mores!  The S'More Tutorial is packed with techniques - making your own graham cracker mold, realistic melted chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow filling!  

Also there will be a new question and answer section to help you with your most challenging melt and pour dilemmas.  Please post your best head scratchers here and it may be picked for the eZine! 

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Thank you, Etsy Finds!


Today I was suspicious about all of the new hearts I was getting in my Etsy shop, until a friend on Twitter let me know my Soapy Pop Party Pack was featured in Etsy Finds!  Yay!  Thanks so much to Emily Bidwell who put together this great collection for kids. Check it out here!

Video recap of 2010 HSMG Conference

Whether you made it to the HSMG Conference in Denver or not, take a few minutes to watch this excellent video produced by Darryl Johnson.  It really captures what the conference was about!

To read more about the video, please click here to go to the Indie Business Blog with Donna Maria!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Now Available - New Boxed Soap Designs!

I have a little Boxed Soaps collection, and I must admit - they're some of my favorite soaps ever.  I LOVE building designs in these great little boxes which show off the details perfectly and make them instantly gift worthy. 

I have several designs which I just listed in my Etsy shop.  The Sakura Butterfly is shown above.  I also have 2 mandala inspired styles and a beautiful Lotus design.  They're feminine and sophisticated, and each feature the dissolving paper that I am totally infatuated with.  I know you will love the fragrances which fit each design specifically. 

Head over to see them all (click here).  Some have only one left, so don't miss out!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Fun Summer Party Idea - Make Soap!

Last year when I launched the Summer issue of Let's Get Soapy, I made this little video to show how much fun it is to host a soap making party.  It works for every age group.  A teacher did this with her kindergarten class, and it would make a great bridal shower project! 



Don't forget to grab your issue of Let's Get Soapy, which comes with the printable name tags and station signs.  With the new Soapylove Jewelry Box Colorant Set and Candy Jar Fragrance Set, it's easier than ever to get the supplies together for a great party (the colorant set was completely inspired by this eZine issue!). 

Have fun!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Back to my Roots

Running a business is hard (both my husband and I are self employed).  Being a mother of 2 kids and depending on my little business is even harder.  It's so hard to know what to do. One day I dream of having an office and a large workshop, and the next day I fantasize about traveling to amazing indie craft fairs and keeping things tiny and personal. 

1 1/2 years ago I put my Etsy shop on a very long vacation.  I didn't have any help with the kids at that time and the task of managing it was too much.  Instead of making soaps to sell, I switched to writing and publishing my eZine in addition to blogging here and at The Soap Queen.  But you know what?  I put A LOT of pressure on myself and that has created a new set of challenges. 

So now that things at home are much more under control and my desire to make soaps just for fun is coming back with a vengeance, I have reopened my Etsy shop.  The thrill of making sales is just as exciting as it was 4 years ago when I first signed up. 

Just like in the past, you will find my Soapy Pops as well as my little experiments which are ever changing.  Check it out and if you see something you like, help a mom out!  My soapy spirit will be rewarded and your soap dish will be, too.  Thanks so much!!