Big News...Pt # 2

Hi Folks :)

       Well, we're all moved in to my new workshop at the Stables on the Gibside Estate - a beautiful National Trust property right up here in the North East ... HURRAH!!... I'm waiting in for some lovely and huge deliveries today...1 down...2 more to go...soooo I thought I'd let you see some more pictures from around my lovely new workshop....would you like that?

This is my new commute....see what you think...

The Main Gate.

Lovely view of the Old hall...

Nearly there....

Lovely gnarly old tree on the walk up...

Side elevation of the Stables...my workshop is upstairs on the far left wing!!

My first Rosebud Bath Truffles made 'in-situ'

So...what do you think? I've a very happy bunny and can't wait until I get properly making goodies in there. I'll be posting more photo's of inside the workshop very soon so do pop back if you can.

TTFN xxx

Big News...part #1

             Well, here we are on a wonderful wintry Saturday...the snow has been falling overnight and everything looks crisp and clean.
 As as follower of my little soap business, you will be aware that I make everything from my workroom at home, but this is all about to change...I've been packing up my home workshop today because on Monday I move into a new one!! Yippee!!

            I will still be making everything by hand, in small batches as ever but just in a new place. My new workshop is located on the beautiful Gibside Estate - a National Trust property near Rowlands Gill, right up  in the North East of England. It is part of the Garden Shed project in association with Gateshead Council which is supporting small, independent craft based businesses right here in the North East.

            My workshop will be located in their Grade 2 listed, converted stables block right in the heart of the estate surrounded by native woodland and wildlife. Here is a 'Before' photo, before my soap gubbins goes in...soo pretty!!

The Hayloft Door.

I'm sooo excited and very nervous to be moving but..... the lease is signed, insurance sorted, tonnes of soap made and wrapped....what reason would I have NOT to?

Wish me luck peeps.....bring on Moving in Monday....
I'll be sure to let you see some 'After' photo's too, please pop back soon...

TTFN xxxx

Massage Candles and Luxury bath and Body Oils

          Hi Folks, Today was such a grotty day I decided to make some lovely NEW products.
I've been playing with formulas for 'massage candles' and luxury body oils that can also be used in the bath. I think I've cracked it now and have 4 co-ordinating new products...

         The 100% natural massage candles can be used in a number of ways,

 1 - as a normal candle, burning prettily and giving out it's beautiful fragrance. Very lovely on it's own but you'll be missing out on it's true purpose.

 2 - as a moisturising balm, simply scoop out a fingerful and warm the wonderfully rich butters between your palm and smooth into your arms and legs after a nice warm bath. Very nice and 'treaty' feeling but still not reaching it's full potential.

 3 - As a massage candle - Light the wick and leave to burn for a few minutes until a pool of melted butters develops and the essential oils fill the air. Blow out the flame and then allow the butters and oils to cool slightly. Once they are at a nice temperature, pour into a cupped hand and treat your loved one to a fragrant and relaxing shoulder and back rub, bliss!!

         The bath and body oils are also multi purpose in that you can add them to your bath for a fragrant and beautifully moisturising bath and / or stroke them directly onto your skin. They absorb best on warm damp skin, retaining the maximum amount of precious moisture and locking it in to the skin's deeper layers. I will be listing them onto my website very soon, I hope you are going to like them...I know I do.

TTFN....more new goodies coming soon xxx

Etsy Favourites

I think I've found a new addiction!
My new Etsy shop opened it's doors just the other day and I've been window(s) shopping some beautiful handmade goodies from around the world...

Below are a selection of my new 'wants'...it's all dreamland really as I'll have to sell a whole boatload of soap to justify treating myself to these..but there's no harm in looking.....is there?

Happy New Year & Long time no posting...

I Hope you've all had an amazing Christmas and restful New Year, and that Santa has been good to you all :)

Golly it feels like an age since I posted anything...Truth be told, I've just been so busy which is no bad thing, but I feel I have somewhat neglected my blog.

To break myself back in gently, I thought I'd let you know I've just opened a shop over on Etsy, and show you a treasury I've just curated. It's all about wintery things and thing some lovely items that will bring comfort and joy in this the chilliest of months...I hope you like it.

The Cold Heart of Winter - Etsy Treasury

Why not pop on over for a peek at my shop while you're over there too...happy browsing :)

New techniques on some old favourites.

My favourite time is Making time!!
Today I decided I wanted to play a bit...must have been the sun going to my head...Soooo, on the cards were new re-makes of Lavender and Clary Sage and Buttered Rose. I tried a new pouring technique with Buttered Rose...a Ying Yang swirl. Sounds exotic doesn't it?!!

Basically each colour is mixed individually and poured simultaneously into the mold then swirled together...all before it starts to set up...this can be very quickly, especially with the lashings of beautiful floral essential oils, used in making 'Buttered Rose'.

 I think I made it...what do you think? I added dried rosebuds for extra prettiness <3 <3 <3

Buttered Rose and a Ying Yang swirl.

Rosebuds...Attention!!!

Buttered Rose (front), Lavender & Clary Sage (back)

Lots of re-makes to do in the next few weeks so I'll try to keep you updated...these will be listed on the website in around 5 weeks, once they have cured...don't forget to pop back.

TTFN xxx

CraftFEST 9th - 16th June - The largest worldwide Online Craft Fair

Good morning all, It's gloriously sunny up here in the North East this morning and I can't wait to get out in to the garden again...but first I just have to tell you all about CraftFest!

CraftFEST is the largest online craft fair you could imagine, crafters from all around the world join forces to network and sell their beautiful handmade items for a whole week 24hrs a day, for 7 days between 9th and the 16th June.

We are delighted to be participating this year for the first time and are hoping for lots of  'Creative Connections' with fellow crafters and hopfully new customers too.

With 100's of crafters already setting up their stalls in preparation it should be a fantastic event with a real community feel and some amazing items for sale...no need to even go anywhere, you can view and buy all from the comfort of your favourite chair.

We're gearing up ready for the launch and hope to have a wonderfull week connecting with new and lovely people, hopefully even making some sales...here are some wonderful items we've found so far...

Copper Wrapped Amonite Pendant - Spiral Fountain Jewellery

RoseBud Tote bag - Personal Space Interiors

Child's Pinny's - The Old Button

Pocket Notebook - Handmade in Keswick

For loads more beautiful handmade goodies, make sure you drop in to CraftFEST between 9th - 16th June and pick up something beautifully handmade direct from the crafter.

Our Stall Link is here...come on over for a browse...

Oakwood Soaperie - CraftFest Stall 9th - 16th June 2012