tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71531055747594962162024-03-05T15:24:12.195+00:00Oakwood SoaperieOakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-74066307131130395712018-04-05T12:28:00.001+01:002018-04-05T12:28:25.040+01:00Shiny NEW things coming soon...!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflVGKrHVMu0-TgvDFdR7_oHUQQ_SlI_-daKk6UTClIrxviiHS1zWhStNG4azpp790aPLa4-a7HQJda2vJOoKt5ggiwfUv9SH_EjOX3kBcvjZX75_NZO8YITF95IwbEfu03Qd3SJ1081e7/s1600/Hello+Spring%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflVGKrHVMu0-TgvDFdR7_oHUQQ_SlI_-daKk6UTClIrxviiHS1zWhStNG4azpp790aPLa4-a7HQJda2vJOoKt5ggiwfUv9SH_EjOX3kBcvjZX75_NZO8YITF95IwbEfu03Qd3SJ1081e7/s320/Hello+Spring%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hi folks,<br />
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It's been a while but I'm finally emerging from blog hibernation with some lovely exciting new things to tempt you.<br />
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The last few months have been a time of reflection and contemplation, and some enforced rest due to the awful weather we've had here in the North East of England! This has given me a little chance to take time out for 'me' and figure out what's next in soap land. That's the thing with working for yourself, there are no rights or wrongs on how and when you work, this is great for flexibility and scope to work however I want, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it can lead to a lack of direction or focus for me, and this is what happened earlier this year. With no clear plan, I was floundering a little. It took me a while but I got there in the end. I have some longer term plans which will unfurl throughout the year, but for now...I have some new things to tell you about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVEapCgwMw5d_eSadBBk5XBtyA-HVMX9I31wnoaKbpwIDObUqMoj5ugrLQDBoSSYWwZOPcULX-d4zztrOH_1xQi0e2Ac0S9zF6-27RcKosBtwuAVVeQy5vvtXEGAILx15-1tY6v83Zero/s1600/himalayan-salt-benefits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="735" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVEapCgwMw5d_eSadBBk5XBtyA-HVMX9I31wnoaKbpwIDObUqMoj5ugrLQDBoSSYWwZOPcULX-d4zztrOH_1xQi0e2Ac0S9zF6-27RcKosBtwuAVVeQy5vvtXEGAILx15-1tY6v83Zero/s320/himalayan-salt-benefits.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Spring (now it's finally here) represents new beginnings for me, and after much deliberation and procrastination I've devised a little new capsule collection of products which will be listed very soon over on the website. I've been formulating with some wonderful natural ingredients which are incredibly beneficial to the skin, my top faves being Himalayan pink salt, and Epson salt. They both possess incredible benefits to the skin and the whole system when used in the bath as a soothing soak or as an exfoliating scrub. Read more about the amazing properties of salt baths <a href="http://www.naturallivingideas.com/himalayan-pink-salt-bath/" target="_blank">here</a> on the <a href="http://www.naturallivingideas.com/himalayan-pink-salt-bath/" target="_blank">Naturally Living Ideas</a> blog or check out the quick reference guide to the right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIROF3S9tQvFBoe7ItLiIDZlTQHq5oBZI47MHFqCWE89AXXd7kePyQti5G3jxgTVv-2cRkrwqi4n8LmU-6SKI825_1PzszIn2HF1azk1Sup3H-s274rZBpRIXJT1E_ZmobGagl5yPTs886/s1600/Pink+Salt+in+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIROF3S9tQvFBoe7ItLiIDZlTQHq5oBZI47MHFqCWE89AXXd7kePyQti5G3jxgTVv-2cRkrwqi4n8LmU-6SKI825_1PzszIn2HF1azk1Sup3H-s274rZBpRIXJT1E_ZmobGagl5yPTs886/s1600/Pink+Salt+in+bowl.jpg" /></a></div>
You'll find Himalayan Pink salt and Epsom salt in our NEW Limited edition Botanical Himalayan Salt Baths. Simply toss a handful of salts, fragrant with pure essential oils and botanicals into your bath and lie back for 20 minutes. Emerge feeling refreshed, relaxed, revived and renewed - all the 'R's :)<br />
Our new Salt Scrubs can be used in the shower or bath, scrubbed over arms and legs, to slough off dead skin and moisturise you from top to toe with skin loving coconut oil, revealing a fresh new glowing you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz4Jk_aN3FpjU-6bVq7j99zEPk0qMjHPlJ6qJnWtURNe5iwCLqQd9JrlfVA7fGbbe5sa2b_kks60kMpk4Qj2fFGVKMOreFY-Obs_6Flue7F5fx3YKwkFnJvLKlcPrqhwOOhBH31cpZaZ9/s1600/IMG_20180327_154200_125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz4Jk_aN3FpjU-6bVq7j99zEPk0qMjHPlJ6qJnWtURNe5iwCLqQd9JrlfVA7fGbbe5sa2b_kks60kMpk4Qj2fFGVKMOreFY-Obs_6Flue7F5fx3YKwkFnJvLKlcPrqhwOOhBH31cpZaZ9/s320/IMG_20180327_154200_125.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Do you love natural skincare too? I do. I believe we can find everything we need to care for our bodies in nature, and this includes our skin. I've been playing with some lovely pure, plant based ingredients and essential oils over the last few months to come up with a simple skincare plan. On the cards are some lovely gentle oatmeal and lavender scrubs, botanical steams, and gentle cleansing oils to compliment our natural clay masks and cleansing bars. I've used our own organically grown botanicals as ground exfoliants, in oil infusions and as whole flowers to create a really pretty little collection, I've been using these myself over the last few weeks and I am delighted with how they are performing. My skin is softer, more hydrated and brighter as a result, hopefully you will see the benefits too, if you try them out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8ikziXPBKhnhQgBm9mIXKG5UXk2cHnOKdbFGTf_AP7AeF9LDhxkXKNrqHxpim_pY7ahX4EsqmZzh5RN2-kv0h5dmDyHaudKh8EQfxeDW7sWHTlhThaSjFTXpwrGyddka5jOoOC3U5MaE/s1600/chamomile-infusing-in-oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8ikziXPBKhnhQgBm9mIXKG5UXk2cHnOKdbFGTf_AP7AeF9LDhxkXKNrqHxpim_pY7ahX4EsqmZzh5RN2-kv0h5dmDyHaudKh8EQfxeDW7sWHTlhThaSjFTXpwrGyddka5jOoOC3U5MaE/s200/chamomile-infusing-in-oil.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I've long been a fan of skin brushing too, not heard of this...check it our here on the <a href="https://wellnessmama.com/26717/dry-brushing-skin/" target="_blank">Wellness Mama</a> blog. Apart from superb for exfoliation, it helps the body detox and prevents dry patches, spots and skin congestion of the skin amongst many other things. I'm delighted to have become a stockist of a range of high quality, sustainable and eco-certified bathing accessories, brushes, pumice and bamboo facial cloths from Hydrea London to compliment my handmade products. and help you get your skin in tip top condition, naturally.<br />
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<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_1468964-Sustainable-and-Natural-Bathing-Accessories.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="374" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnbcapk2MTG6QP4hIUSE-x7heVDGdcC24plkCmHv_POdpFklo9VEathSxTSlBpxlVFtleH5dtlNHVNVwGpQBHBht-7kpHjYDjmkF-j7N9DgsWTEfIvIqGybNBCoJFTmLoOra2_06Xlyua/s320/Hydrea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_1468964-Sustainable-and-Natural-Bathing-Accessories.html" target="_blank">Shop the range over on my website.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I hope you are enjoying the new beginnings of Spring, and can find a few minutes each day to rest and recharge, watch the birds, observe the fresh green shoots emerging and generally enjoy being present in the now. Time out for you is never wasted.</span></div>
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Shop the new '<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_819759-Collections.html" target="_blank">Collections</a>' department </div>
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That's about it for now, feel free to follow my blog, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oakwood_soaperie/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/164038477572663/" target="_blank">Facebook Group</a> to stay up to date with all the NEW goodies in the pipeline this year. Fancy signing up to my newsletter too, for special offers and exclusives? You can do this <a href="http://here./">here.</a> - <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/social-newsletter.html" target="_blank">Newsletter Signup</a>..</div>
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TTFN,</div>
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Ceri xx</div>
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-17123502509465351252017-12-01T19:16:00.003+00:002017-12-01T19:16:53.809+00:00Big announcement inside...HUGE!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well hello,<br />
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How are we today?<br />
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Things have felt a little surreal for me over the last few months, and I've been sitting on my hands trying not to type and tell of my news, but I have just been granted permission to let the cat out of the bag over on my social channels. Ever wondered what it's like to live someone else's life? Well I found out, as for a few weeks my life and world were turned upside down.<br />
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Back in September, I was approached by the assistant producer at 'Raise the Roof' Productions who make well know TV shows. They invited me to apply for the prestigious '<a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/kirsties-handmade-christmas" target="_blank">Kirstie's Handmade Christmas</a>' this year, to be aired during December 2017 on Channel 4! If you're not familiar with the show, get a taste for it with some past episodes <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/kirsties-handmade-christmas" target="_blank">here</a>...or visit <a href="http://kirstieallsopp.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kirstie Allsopp's</a> website <a href="http://kirstieallsopp.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>...<br />
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After I'd picked myself up off the floor, and stopped shaking, I decided to just go for it. I thought 'what's the worst that could happen...??!!'<br />
I have an incurable awkwardness around camera's, not behind them, I love this arrangement, but in front...I just get so nervous, I jibber and feel flustered, so this was a huge thing to come to terms with for me.<br />
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What happened next can only be described as a exhilarating whirlwind of phone calls and e-mails to and from the fantastic production teams and casting researchers at '<a href="http://raisetheroofproductions.com/" target="_blank">Raise the Roof Productions</a>' in relation to my application and 'Handmade Gift' competition entry. All this was happening while I was trying to make Christmas soap stocks in earnest and attending some pretty big events and festivals with my stall. Some of which I simply had to cancel due to filming clashes...but of course I was bound by secrecy so couldn't tell anyone why I was having to cancel...nightmare!<br />
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The producer Ali, came to film me in my home for a day and document some processes for my competition entry, we had a hoot. She was so brilliant at putting me at ease, and besides there really wasn't time to think about being nervous. We had lots to cover and had a tight schedule of 4 hours max before Ali's train back to Glasgow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My home set up for the backstory.</td></tr>
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A couple of weeks after filming for the back story, it was competition time...!! Myself and the other 3 entrants made our way, with all our kit and equipment all the way to Honiton in Devon, a mere 7 hours by train for me (!!) with possibly the BIGGEST bag on record...it was heavier than me! Thank goodness for kindly strangers and strong guardsmen.<br />
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We spotted each other at the station as we waited for our driver to take us to the hotel (How the other half live eh?) then met up for tea once we'd settled in, nervously chatting and getting to know each other. Everyone was lovely, excited and really looking forwards to the next day.<br />
Filming was due to start from 10am the next morning, so we were up and at 'em then off to a private residence which was our filming location for the day. The house was simply spectacular, with a room being dedicated to each competition, there were 10 in all, so you can imagine the size of the house! There was no time for exploring, but I'm sure I wouldn't have been found for weeks if I'd found a secret hiding place to sneak into and yes, I was sorely tempted, I can tell you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spectacular competition backdrop...so many decs. <br />
Apparently there were rooms full in the attic!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to concentrate and not being at<br />
all ready for my close up...crikey!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fellow competitors Sammy and Emma...there was one more but he was outside in the workshop.</td></tr>
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During the competition, we had 4 hours to make our entry from scratch before it was being judged by some very eminent guests. I was so busy concentrating on my 4 part entry that at times I hardly noticed the high definition film cameras and mic booms looming overhead, but at other times, they were oh sooo close and It was all I could do to focus.<br />
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Kirstie was very keen to be involved with us all and tried her hand at everyone's craft which was really lovely. She was just as exuberant and enthusiastic in real life as she is on TV too, such a sweet lady. She put us all at ease and took time to come and talk to us all and even made sure we'd had something to eat mid way through the comp. She was super keen to try my custom soap cutter out...but we just ran out of time.<br />
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Although I can't reveal any information about who won...(you'll just have to tune in throughout December on Channel 4) I can say that it was one of the most amazing times I've ever had. Being part of the show has given me a huge confidence boost and pushed me further out of my comfort zone than I ever thought I'd cope with. I felt humbled and a little star struck to be invited to take part in this amazing show, and get to meet and chat to Kirstie and the team, I've been a huge fan for years. I've loved every part of being involved in such an amazing adventure, with such fantastic crew and fellow makers, and of course Kirstie herself. It's not over yet, as who knows where this will lead...it's anyone's guess.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case you didn't know, that's me in the grey dress ;) xx</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZdZTDzukzueCdE0_HePH6JJ-MIAKAd_ipQIW2u8b18D3hSkM7u32HJ8eUmeb1cm_Ox3AenxpwKMJ_fMKFNW-fYolujgTnyoWLSQ2pmlH-yFx_rR1R4JFqjzVtauppy6OVBe9D6M1uPip/s1600/Kirsties+-+Cover+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="1088" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZdZTDzukzueCdE0_HePH6JJ-MIAKAd_ipQIW2u8b18D3hSkM7u32HJ8eUmeb1cm_Ox3AenxpwKMJ_fMKFNW-fYolujgTnyoWLSQ2pmlH-yFx_rR1R4JFqjzVtauppy6OVBe9D6M1uPip/s640/Kirsties+-+Cover+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To stay in touch with all that develops, just click the links below to follow me over on:<br />
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Facebook : <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OakwoodSoaperie/" target="_blank">@OakwoodSoaperie</a></div>
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Until next time...TTFN</div>
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Ceri</div>
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xx<br />
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Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-66819185316266589382017-10-24T12:41:00.000+01:002017-10-24T12:41:41.626+01:00Autumn's Bounty.<span style="color: #444444;">Hello lovelies,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">October is here, and with the scent of woodsmoke and damp, moldering leaves in the air...Autumn my favourite season.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">At this time of year, I love, love LOVE to forage. September saw a wealth of juicy berry delights from the hedgerows and swollen ruby rosehips from the wild roses down by the river. My garden has been generous with it's bounty too, I've made litres and litres of Cavalo Nero soups and a huge batch of nasturtium pesto which is spectacularly delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fafafb; color: #838383; font-family: "consolas" , monospace; font-size: 11px;"><a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperie/autumnal/"></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fafafb; color: #838383; font-family: "consolas" , monospace; font-size: 11px;"><script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I'd like to share some the recipes with you which I came across on <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperie/pins/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and saved to my '<a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperie/foraging-finds/" target="_blank">Foraging Finds</a>' board, check it out for heaps of wild (and not so wild) foody inspirations. Each year...almost without fail, I make rosehip syrup from foraged hips...the small ones work best for good colour. It's packed with natural vitamin C and is reputed to keep colds and flu at bay, worth a shot if you ask me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuBsRPZcOuml4d1O4zrnauSFT8LkDNEM4myPbaMyJ7f0ADHpwgeAgsyPzP2hndIE6kABzQ6gbKqbEszi1g1YSMtjzxqrbFJD-ujArioVle73wJ6TanmVt9ycm731huGKbDLQcV9FxC5FI/s1600/Rosehip+syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuBsRPZcOuml4d1O4zrnauSFT8LkDNEM4myPbaMyJ7f0ADHpwgeAgsyPzP2hndIE6kABzQ6gbKqbEszi1g1YSMtjzxqrbFJD-ujArioVle73wJ6TanmVt9ycm731huGKbDLQcV9FxC5FI/s320/Rosehip+syrup.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">This recipe is from <a href="https://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/rosehip-syrup" target="_blank">River Cottage</a> and works every time :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Sterilise a couple of bottles and vinegar-proof screw-tops or stoppers by washing thoroughly in hot soapy water, rinsing well, then putting them on a tray in a low oven (at 120°C/Gas 1⁄2) to dry out and heat up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Roughly chop a couple of kilo's of rosehips in a food processor in batches, then transfer to a large saucepan and add 1.25 litres water.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for around 15 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Strain through a double layer of muslin, letting the pulp sit for a good half hour so that all the juice passes through.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Wash out the muslin, or cut a fresh piece, fold to double it and pass the strained juice through it again.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Measure the rosehip juice into a large saucepan.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- For every 500ml, add 325g sugar.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Heat slowly, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved, then bring to the boil and boil for 3 minutes, skimming off any scum if necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Decant immediately into the prepared bottles and seal.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Label when the bottles have cooled completely.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">- Use within 4 months and refrigerate once opened.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Hugh's serving suggestions are - <span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Try it for breakfast trickled over porridge, pancakes, drop scones or eggy bread; use it to sweeten plain yoghurt (with some chopped apple if you like); or for a delicious pud, trickle it on to hot or cold rice pudding or good vanilla ice cream.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444;">I also like it just in a glass of hot water to sip, it's addictive!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #444444;">Next up, my second favourite...<a href="http://www.foodista.com/recipe/XBDYJDVK/nasturtium-leaf-pesto" target="_blank">Nasturtium Pesto</a> (found on Foodista blog)...wow this stuff is good and so so easy to make. My garden was bursting with flowers and leaves growing all around the raised beds this year, I've been adding them to salads and soups through the summer, but this is a great way to use a LOT at once, you can even freeze it!</span></span></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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100g Nasturtium Leaves freshly picked and washed</div>
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3 large garlic cloves</div>
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70g Parmesan cheese</div>
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70g almonds or (I used cashews) – roughly chopped</div>
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160ml extra virgin olive oil (I used rapeseed oil)</div>
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1tsp salt</div>
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Method: - simply blitz everything together in a blender and pop into an airtight jar or kilner type if using fresh, if freezing, put in a tuppaware box and defrost as needed.</div>
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I've been scoffing this with pasta, on pizza's and mixed into marinades, it's a little spicy from the leaves, but fresh and delicious, enjoy xx.</div>
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I hope you enjoy making these scrummy autumnal treats, feel free to add your favourite recipes in the comments below, I can't wait to try some out.</div>
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I hope you'd like to check back with me again soon, I have some VERY exciting news to be announced in the next blog post coming in November...EEeePPP!! Watch this space...why not subscribe so you don't miss it??</div>
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But in the meantime, here's to toffee apples, hot chocolate chilly fingers in wooly gloves and frosty walks, a celebration of the coming of winter, wrap up warm peeps, </div>
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TTFN,</div>
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Love Ceri</div>
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xx</div>
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-33834204191918570882017-04-20T11:39:00.000+01:002017-04-20T11:39:20.618+01:00Spring is blossoming ...Hello lovelies,<br />
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Well how did we get past Easter already? I was pretty restrained this year, only 1 chocolate egg...we won't count the handful of mini's snaffled in between digging rows for spuds last weekend.<br />
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It's been a busy ole time here at OSHQ, what with feature interviews, awards, new stockists and a heap of events, my head is in a bit of a spin. I have a fresh pot of chocolate tea (courtesy of <a href="https://www.rosieleatea.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rosie Lea Tea</a>) and I have my typing fingers primed to tell you all about it, so here we go...<br />
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First up, I was delighted to have a '<a href="http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/blog/2017/04/botanical-wedding-favours-oakwood-soaperie/" target="_blank">Meet The Maker</a>' feature over on the <a href="http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/" target="_blank">Natural Wedding Company </a>blog last month. read all about it <a href="http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/blog/2017/04/botanical-wedding-favours-oakwood-soaperie/" target="_blank">here</a> or click the image below.<br />
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<a href="http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/blog/2017/04/botanical-wedding-favours-oakwood-soaperie/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyplY-G05EZ7wOX1n2ZCaER_noaWMc-M3pdzRP0m0jKHtxq4xyFdo80TfyB_tt_oyauqkXn7nwFlmO1M6lutrZGMusx86f8GS_NDI_MAYqx_CxWzevJ05Aqno8xAD6fqXDupmIfxigDVE/s320/meet_the_maker_oakwoodsoaperie14.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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If you've not heard of them before, do go and check out their beautiful Wedding Directory of eco-friendly small businesses who can help with all the doings when planning your wedding day., helping to make it extra special with one off pieces, customisable gifts and even bespoke rings, take a peep.<br />
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On a 'Meet the Maker' theme, back at the end of March, I attended a Trade Event hosted by Northumberland County Council in Hexham, a beautiful traditional market town here in Northumberland, 'Meet the Maker / Meet the Buyer' is an opportunity to bring together local makers, artists and producers with buyers from gift shops, galleries, local guest houses, hotels and independent retailers with the intention to network and drum up some trade agreements. It's never really my thing putting myself infront of someone and saying 'Here...buy my stuff' but sometimes it just has to be done, so with brave girl pants on, I went, set up stall and pitched my wares...I was absolutely bowled over to have come away with the 'Best Stand' award for the day!! With over 120 stalls, all beautifully presented, I was quite speechless, blushing and wibbly after that! You'll spot me I'm sure...*runs and hides behind a cushion* . See the video of the event below.<br />
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In all the whirlwind of the last month's events ranging from the '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/loveartnortheast/posts/1876771942600880" target="_blank">First Friday Steamer</a>' set inside Newcastle Central Station, a regular art based event I'm attending each month, a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/161762304309830/" target="_blank">Beekeeping conference</a>, 2 days <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RivalArtsLtd/?hc_ref=SEARCH" target="_blank">Rival Arts Spring Fair </a>at Ushaw College near Durham, 2 days <a href="https://www.facebook.com/designermakersmarkets/" target="_blank">The Designer Maker's Market </a>down in Barnard Castle and coming up this weekend, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/visithexham/?hc_ref=SEARCH" target="_blank">Hexham Spring Festival</a>, I've had open studio's too, running over the Easter Holidays, so needless to say I'm looking forwards to a little day or two of rest soon.<br />
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If you've not been able to catch me at my events, the website is always open in within easy reach 24 / 7. It's had a little facelift too (a natural one of course), Feel free to take a peek at the new digital products and custom wedding favours query form...oohhh!! </div>
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I'm also really excited to tell you about some new stockists of my soaps and bathtime treats around the North and East too, I was delighted to have a request from the <a href="http://www.dechen.org/buddhist-centres/harrogate/" target="_blank">Kagyu Dechon Dzong Buddhist Centre</a> in Harrogate a few weeks ago, so now you can pick up some of my fragrant lovelies if you're there for a drop in meditation class, sounds pretty perfect to me...</div>
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From Harrogate in North Yorkshire to Alnwick in the North of Northumberland, I'm also absolutely chuffed to be sending soap to play with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/georgeandpiglet/" target="_blank">George and Piglet</a> who are opening a new vintage venture up there very soon, I can't wait to see what they have in store. I met the two ladies who own George and Piglet last year at an event up in Rothbury, they have a keen eye for the quirky and beautiful, so I think Alnwick will be in for a treat!</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/georgeandpiglet/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOjlaLpzs8BdKQn_ljP78V-GUsV0vKfr8-6OPIT6QcmgC3LG2mc19i8q-wldnUxQOwTk1CgxL8M2N_1OneHFrETEq05bgW-L2lTPRiKw8b_gbFLJa1AlBsYLD0DML_KGvoDJ3QPxsVYT4/s320/George+%2526+Piglet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally..I'm delighted to let you know I'm supplying stock to the <a href="https://www.allendaleforgestudios.co.uk/" target="_blank">Allendale Forge Studios</a> as of next week. I'm coming full circle a little as I used to have soap on their shelves back in 2012. Since then <a href="https://www.allendaleforgestudios.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Forge</a> has undergone a big change and now has lots more options for artists and makers, and I'm delighted to be back on board. I'll have a few shelves in the shop or display space to begin with and hope to introduce more work as time goes on, maybe even some of my original eco - prints and silk scarves at some stage, watch this space.</div>
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Well, I think that's it for now, I hope you've enjoyed catching up, I hope you check back with the blog soon, and do feel free to share it amongst friends.</div>
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Enjoy the last of the Easter break if you're one of the lucky ones to be off.</div>
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-48347105337514152602017-02-16T12:48:00.000+00:002017-02-16T12:48:36.086+00:00A new place to find my work, and a whole new digital adventure.Happy February peeps,<br />
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I'm staying inside waiting for a courier who's bringing me a big pile of glass ware for my next batch of candles so while I'm waiting ... and in between cuppas, I thought I'd update my blog, it's been an age!<br />
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Christmas came and went in a bit of a whirlwind of fairs, orders and whizzing to and fro, but we all made it out the other side safely and more or less in one piece, thank goodness!<br />
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January was filled with wonderful orders through the website as I had a bit of a barmy sale on to clear some space and reclaim some studio shelves, mission accomplished!<br />
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In between chilly New Year beach walks and 4 days strolling the snowy hills of Hartsop...(ohh, and some orders and studio work of course ;) I've been planning, learning and catching up with all sorts of things I'd wanted to get going, but never had a moment in the autumn, I feel I'm almost getting there, so wanted to share them with you too.<br />
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If you've followed my blog or found me on social media, you may know I also like to create Eco prints on fabric and paper and have also been learning to make cyanotype prints too, these are delicate prints using only sunlight to develop the images. I've finally got them out into the ether, and you can now buy them online, as well as from me at events and at my studio. Feel free to have a wander in my new Etsy shop, which I've called '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GhostsofNature" target="_blank">Ghosts of Nature</a>' I'll be adding more one of a kind prints and originals soon. Simply click the image below to enter my shop.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GhostsofNature" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIMhG7ZJTG00z4-CREJbfvvGVwfirtguv_GC2Qqy5HbmMY9DKhHsDaj4X3nnGuU8lvk8GMz4py9syvss1mBMbbdRY367pNZZ-1DuVsv94ES21X4ian4cW9Xu4V55wFzwqzzQwdLB3rmG3/s1600/Ghosts-of-Nature-Logo-Square-Avatar.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been learning all about how I can offer digital products as part of my business too. These will be downloadable PDF files that contain ... I'm thinking...product making recipes, essential oil information sheets, planning templates and useful lists for whoever might like them, be they, customers who fancy a go at making, fellow crafters and small business owners or even Jim from the farm shop...who knows!! I can't offer them for free, but they will all to be a very reasonable non bank breaking sum. I'll be gradually making them and adding them to my <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> and they will also be introduced on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OakwoodSoaperie/" target="_blank">facebook</a> page, take a look at the one I've done already. </div>
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In other news too, I'm delighted to be stocking into a new retail outlet in North Northumberland. As from Sunday, my soaps will be available from the <a href="http://www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/shop/heatherslaw-gift-shop" target="_blank">Heatherslaw Gift Shop </a>within Ford & Etal Estates. I can't wait to see what it's like as I've only passed by on my way to the Scottish Borders, I'll be sure to take my camera! I'm also chuffed to bits to be supplying guest soaps to a lovely new and very luxurious holiday company called '<a href="http://www.hangmyhat.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hang my Hat'</a>. They have a growing selection of beautiful cottages to hire in and around the Tyne Valley (my home) on the books, so do check them out if you're heading to Northumberland, they look absolutely gorgeous, I could move in tomorrow!</div>
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Well, I think that's about it for now, Stay warm and embrace the days stretching that little bit longer into Spring.</div>
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TTFN,</div>
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-27811445705518623482016-10-23T19:18:00.000+01:002016-10-23T19:18:10.468+01:00Christmas Soaps launchWell a happy autumnal season to you,<br />
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Here I am, sitting in the cosy studio with a pot of tea, surrounded by box upon box and shelf upon shelf of handmade festive treats such as newly poured soy woodwick candles in festive fragrances, glinting corked bottles of bath oils, dinky little pots filled with luscious rich butters ans waxes as lip balms and perfume balms, tubs of rich creamy body butters and exfoliating sugars scrubs - "Just right for 'chicken legs'" (as the local WI exclaimed at a talk I gave earlier this year). I've been making and wrapping in a frenzy over the last couple of months, so I thought it high time I told you about them.<br />
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But first of all, I just had to give you a little peep into my day...my morning started like this...not bad eh? I LOVE Autumn in the UK. I can't wait to break out the woolly scarf and fingerless gloves in a week or two - a winter event essential teamed with hand warmers, stout boots (pictured) and a good flask, yes sireee!!<br />
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So, without further ado, may I introduce the featured special guests, my festive soaps.....these have been challenging to make as I've employed newly learned pouring techniques, new essential oil blends and a whole streamlined method of production, meaning I can make my soap twice as fast as before!! Oh, and I recorded video's as I made them too! I always like to make things complicated for myself it seems!!</div>
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First up, 'Snow Drift soap' - <span style="color: #5e4a50; font-family: "Crimson Text", serif; font-size: 16px;">Imagine rough woollen socks stuffed into warm leather boots, crisp bright mornings and tramping along a forest path strewn with fallen leaves beneath sparkling frosted pines and the earthy scent of the springy forest floor.</span></div>
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Beautifully yet delicately fragranced with a fresh, crisp scent with top notes of mild menthol with a hint of pine giving way to middle notes of spruce and eucalyptus and grounding cedarwood to complete the blend. </div>
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<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_2308426-Snow-Drift-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank">Snow Drift soap</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #5e4a50; font-family: Crimson Text, serif;">'We Three Kings' handmade soap - Crowned in gold and bronze micas, and sprinkled with real gold dusted Frankincense resin, this truly is a festive treat. Pure, smokey and resinous Oman frankincense essential oils give a beautifully haunting and ancient scent. Each bar is enriched with pure plant oils and butters to soften and feed the skin and lashings of fresh dairy cream for added moisture. Real tussah silk adds an extra luxurious lather and silky feel on the skin.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_5416945-We-Three-Kings-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank">We Three Kings soap</a></div>
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'Winter Cabin' handmade soap is woodsy, earthy and smokey. Blended with warming Cedarwood, comforting Clary Sage, spicy Clove and meditational yet smokey Vetiver oils.</div>
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Imagine a special escape in the forests, it's dusk, a glowing fire built with seasoned pine and dried cones is roaring in the grate, the wind lifts a spray of sparks, an owl hoots from the distant branches. As the sun slips below, a frost decends and glitters on the roof, a warming hot toddy in your hands, a hug from your favourite special one ...bliss! I can't think of a better winter escape!</div>
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<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_5416816-Winter-Cabin-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank">Winter Spice soap</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">'Winter Spice' handmade soap is what Christmas is all about. </span>Spiced steam curls over the lip of a sparkling goblet of amber mulled cider, the glint of candle light on the dampened eastern spices bobbing on the surface, notes of dusty cinnamon, sharp clove and rich sweet blood oranges fill the air.</div>
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<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_5416489-Winter-Spice-Handmade-soap.html" target="_blank">Winter Spice soap</a></div>
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Well there they are, I hope you like them. <span style="text-align: left;">These little lovelies and oodles more are all available to buy from my </span><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">website</a><span style="text-align: left;">, </span><a href="https://folksy.com/shops/OakwoodSoaperie" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Folksy</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OakwoodSoaperie" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Etsy</a><span style="text-align: left;"> shops online and will be available direct from me at the studio or from my events in the big run up to the big day. Numbers are however limited and once they're gone, they're gone so be quick if you want one (or two, or a bundle!!). </span></div>
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See my <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/events.html" target="_blank">EVENTS</a> page over on the website too, for a full rundown of my Christmas events in the North East, I'll have OPEN STUDIO days throughout November and December so keep an eye out for these as well, I'll announce them over on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OakwoodSoaperie/" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> each week, so be sure to 'find and follow' me over there too if you're not already. </div>
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If you want to see how they were done, pop over to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKRFtaoG_1n6B7e6PQxzlQ" target="_blank">You Tube</a> channel for a gander, here's one to tempt you in...enjoy xx<br />
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If you're a fan of a flash sale...be sure to sign up to my <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/page_3203540.html" target="_blank">NEWSLETTER</a> too, I'll be releasing the odd special reward to subscribers as the days get darker and the nights get chillier.</div>
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I can't quite believe I've been this organised and finally feel I'm ready for the big push towards my busiest time of year. I really hope to make a few blog posts before the BIG DAY, but if I get swept up in the whirlwind that is the Christmas countdown, I wish you all the very best for a fantastic Christmas and relaxing New Year ahead. </div>
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Until next time, TTFN</div>
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Ceri xx</div>
<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-32764677102663285132016-09-12T14:48:00.000+01:002016-09-12T21:46:05.703+01:00Eco Printing, campfires and stars...Hello hello my lovelies,<br />
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It's been one busy summer and now, as the season turns it's face towards Autumn, all thoughts here at OSHQ start to revolve around Christmas preparations.<br />
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The festive soaps are well underway already and I'll do a separate post about these soon, but today I'd like to tell you a little about my other product stream, my Eco Printed range of silks and original art pieces. Eco printing is a technique to create a print from plants, leaves and flowers. Each one is unique and original, the colours and patterns cannot be replicated as the print is created from the pigments inside the plant materials themselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOC9mIZsulNpXRRXl82FiFCKEzVqF-091hG9njf-_jsBb_LpiEQ1VMMBfTMTM5adKHSNXiu_MKe8u9CRoTAPlES08Fig2IJCnqHJ1yj1FFps6VzACzakYOvlD6L0wMu2kv9EW96-P7FNn/s1600/Off+Grid+Eco+Print+resisency+Sept+2016-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOC9mIZsulNpXRRXl82FiFCKEzVqF-091hG9njf-_jsBb_LpiEQ1VMMBfTMTM5adKHSNXiu_MKe8u9CRoTAPlES08Fig2IJCnqHJ1yj1FFps6VzACzakYOvlD6L0wMu2kv9EW96-P7FNn/s320/Off+Grid+Eco+Print+resisency+Sept+2016-14.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying out gathered Meadowsweet, <br />
Copper Beech and Blackberry leaves onto the silks.</td></tr>
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I've been extremely lucky to have just completed an artists residency up on the Northumberland fells at a beautiful spot in the remote region of Tarset, near Bellingham. '<a href="http://www.wildnorthumbrian.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Northumbrian</a>' are an eco friendly site providing very comfortable, off grid, luxurious camping accommodation in traditional yurts, tipi's and a handmade shepherd's hut. It's based inside the Northumberland Dark Sky park too, so the night skies were blimmin awsome!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View over the Northumbrian Fells.</td></tr>
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My husband Phil from <a href="http://scapeography.co.uk/" target="_blank">Scapeography</a> was also resident and working on an ancient woodland photography project during our stay. It involved a lot of pre-dawn starts and tromping in the woods, then late night finishes gazing at the glorious plethora of visible stars in one of the darkest skies in the country...no bad way to spend your days eh? Check out his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Scapeography/?fref=ts" target="_blank">facebook</a> page or Twitter account (<a href="https://twitter.com/scapeograph" target="_blank">@Scapeograph</a>) for more details of his work and a peek behind the scenes at his current projects.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Sweet little Bothy through the Apple trees</td></tr>
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During our stay, we had full run of the sweet handmade Polebarn Bothy, with a gorgeous log burner and fire pit to 'cook' my eco-prints over. I spent my days gathering local plant materials, attempting new dyeing techniques with plant materials I'd never used before and using off grid methods of heating so I had my work cut out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lichen can also be used as a dye, <br />
I might have to try this one day too.</td></tr>
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We were there for 4 days and I had quite a crowd at some times with lots of interest about how each print is made, what plants I've used and how each print is created, it was a learning curve for me as well as my visitors too as I don't tend to offer workshops or talks about my work (that's what comes of being a bit of a shy bird with a fear of crowds), but the wonderful feedback I received made me think I managed it quite well...PHEW!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4IqfIxSgjC3INfxUutPGxrPk8BDa8MkMZVsU-UNAlXdYWdeWVnX6F3TJLyRshilgI5mT58MjqF67fSslB0q0CxKRMu1idNAJzyklgROsSTwg2hpWD_czXtJ1dKq0DzZvGZGsmGGP2_R8/s1600/Off+Grid+Eco+Print+resisency+Sept+2016-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4IqfIxSgjC3INfxUutPGxrPk8BDa8MkMZVsU-UNAlXdYWdeWVnX6F3TJLyRshilgI5mT58MjqF67fSslB0q0CxKRMu1idNAJzyklgROsSTwg2hpWD_czXtJ1dKq0DzZvGZGsmGGP2_R8/s320/Off+Grid+Eco+Print+resisency+Sept+2016-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kind of neighbors.</td></tr>
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I'm delighted to say the dying and prints worked out well and I'm extra delighted with the (some surprisingly bright) results, see some of them below, what do you think?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are both from Madder root, <br />
such amazing colours!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk bundles cooking on the stove.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdNKEkgGv3mfke-uvH3nTLMmvlBaSb58vqlV_h00YyYG_6S0r3YiZIRPTyY2I8_1fFBcdagHqW2_3AoOnqJQJKqwM4TFC1pkol2ExAQemLl_Vn8MlhvvE52Wii563rGlcCUE_tatC2zSo/s1600/Off+Grid+Eco+Print+resisency+Sept+2016-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdNKEkgGv3mfke-uvH3nTLMmvlBaSb58vqlV_h00YyYG_6S0r3YiZIRPTyY2I8_1fFBcdagHqW2_3AoOnqJQJKqwM4TFC1pkol2ExAQemLl_Vn8MlhvvE52Wii563rGlcCUE_tatC2zSo/s320/Off+Grid+Eco+Print+resisency+Sept+2016-33.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madder root in the pot, Wild Blackberry, <br />
Copper Beech and Sycamore leaves leaving their<br />
ghosts on the silk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGUoVMSEqEFIP57zruplhE3Y-nn6tTkJNXqgMRfC0_L22rZgvkF3MoXu35sqtTpFxcAqtnX2FI60_vFLQWsPmhGQ1osXwcw1MQAMlFAxJa4bXIGKKw7vLxP8NBdUD-96-p0DoRwInn7xM/s1600/Off+Grid+Eco+Print+resisency+Sept+2016-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGUoVMSEqEFIP57zruplhE3Y-nn6tTkJNXqgMRfC0_L22rZgvkF3MoXu35sqtTpFxcAqtnX2FI60_vFLQWsPmhGQ1osXwcw1MQAMlFAxJa4bXIGKKw7vLxP8NBdUD-96-p0DoRwInn7xM/s320/Off+Grid+Eco+Print+resisency+Sept+2016-37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eucalyptus and Oak leaves give a strong <br />
and colourful print.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little guy kept a close eye on the activities.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Scarves, cushions and mounted prints<br />
displayed in our Polebarn Bothy during our stay.</td></tr>
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As I type I'm soaking the 30+ prints I made during our stay, so I'll add more images once they are fully finished, dried and pressed. The scarves etc will be available to buy direct from my events, my studio and if I get a chance...from the website too...watch this space.<br />
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Huge thanks to the fantastic Rob and Vicky at '<a href="http://www.wildnorthumbrian.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Northumbrian Tipi's and Yurts</a>' for the use of their beautiful site for this project during our stay. The Yurts, Tipi's and Shepherd's huts are available to book via their website <a href="http://www.wildnorthumbrian.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.wildnorthumbrian.co.uk</a>, so if you fancy a taste of off grid, luxury camping, go check them out and book a stay, you'll want to move in...we did :)))<br />
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I'd love to hear what you think about the scarves and eco printing as I love to make them, feel free to leave a comment below.<br />
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TTFN and until next time xx<br />
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Love,<br />
Ceri x<br />
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Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-19479485389920025622016-06-14T15:31:00.000+01:002016-06-14T15:31:01.416+01:00The Skye's the limit!Hello lovely people, how are you today?<br />
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The sun is almost shining here in Northern England and things are good in the studio so I'm one happy bunny.<br />
If you remember back in May I promised not to leave it so long before I updated you on what's been happening in soap land, so here we are...<br />
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I hope you are all avoiding the horrible bug that's been going around, it presented itself as flu for me and pretty much flattened me for over a week, I've never had so many hours sleep in a row in my life!, or felt quite so rotten! I'm glad to say I'm 100% better now and glad to be rid of it.<br />
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Only a week after the bug departed, we were driving all the way up to the Isle of Skye, just off Scotland's North West coast so I'm glad it went when it did!! It was a long drive over 2 days stopping off at Ballachulish on the way up, and Invercoe on the way back down to break up the journey.<br />
I've been to the Highlands and Islands a good few times now but not as an adult, driving...and it was the first time the Hubbs had been at all, we were blown away by the drama of the place, the scenery and the weather, it was glorious!<br />
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Our first day was spent exploring on foot as I really did not want to drive ...again! We strolled along to the local village of Sconser, just about 3 miles along the rugged coastline from our sweet little croft house right on the coast. We were amazed at the views and the heat! Seriously, it was about 28 degrees C. We explored to Sligahan a beautiful alpine plateau behind the Black Cuillin mountains that evening as the sun was lowering in the sky, Hubbs accidentally took a dunk in the peat bog behind the mountains too...his camera had a bit of a drink as well, fortunately they both survived to photograph another day (!!). That evening, we sat out and enjoyed watching 2 Ospreys and a family of Otters playing and feeding right outside the cottage - our first spotting of both.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Cuillin Mountains from Sligahan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflected Black and light </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCracIhjmanVTneMxlYqla1mq2sVGMzVHWlpJ-JZUVy404MPwOOCvAm-0N4TWhP8pmATVfLewai1elyLJSkRgHz46oJItufwdcfHGJCpiPTN20Ay3hEjTCwqPay4r249XVc4R0L7C3_EHT/s1600/Black+Cuillins+and+surrounds+from+Sligachan-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCracIhjmanVTneMxlYqla1mq2sVGMzVHWlpJ-JZUVy404MPwOOCvAm-0N4TWhP8pmATVfLewai1elyLJSkRgHz46oJItufwdcfHGJCpiPTN20Ay3hEjTCwqPay4r249XVc4R0L7C3_EHT/s200/Black+Cuillins+and+surrounds+from+Sligachan-12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muddy pup!!</td></tr>
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The next day we decided to take a trip up to Dunvegan and Colbost beach on the North West peninsular, it was so clear and sunny, and today the car told me it got to 34 degrees!! We had a fab day exploring the coral beach overlooking Harris and North Uist, saw grey seals in the bay and lots of seabirds. On the way back to the cottage, we called into a couple of artists studios, the amazingly talented resident photographers Phil Gordon, and <a href="http://skyescapegallery.zenfolio.com/" target="_blank">Russell Sherwood</a> (part of '<a href="http://www.art-skye.co.uk/" target="_blank">Art Skye</a>', a collaboration of resident artists and makers) who open their doors to passing visitors in the summer season. Both myself and the Hubby were very impressed indeed!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coral Beach nr Dunvegan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking West to North Uist and Harris in the Outer Hebrides.</td></tr>
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Tuesday was our Wedding anniversary, so after a day of beach scrambling at Tallisker bay, a visit to the <a href="https://www.malts.com/taliskerwhisky/index.html" target="_blank">Tallisker Distillery</a> (be rude not to) and an encounter with a hungry peacock, we headed off for tea, we had booked a special meal at <a href="http://www.sconserlodge.co.uk/food.asp" target="_blank">Sconser Lodge Hotel</a>. A local fisherman dives for scallops in the bay, right outside, so we knew it was going to be good...and it WAS!! The seafood was the best I've ever tasted!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aging Barrels at Talisker Whisky Distillery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talisker Bay looking towards South Uist<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand dived, local Scallops, Langoustines and Oysters for our special tea...OH MY!!!</td></tr>
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Next, we headed off to The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing (a huge landslip and part of the Trotternish Ridge) on the most northerly peninsular, which was absolutely mind blowing! The dramatic slopes and ridges were just incredible, you could see for MILES! We also called in at Kilt Rock - a pleated looking cliff face with a waterfall into the sea, on the way back and saw 3 pods of dolphins from the top of the cliffs!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Needle at Storr</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR4pYbVfk3HfKlmHrHa_oDCVGky6b6Kg_bxc0L3fBoMjp2JMWfepDBhCF51QXE5i-HnNjpGNXKNOdCjUGqc405HFKLFKvf1NepT5fp7nO3ljl4kbGvNX66PO_tN71w0ngf-Wfm1gghFkJ/s1600/The+Quiraing-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR4pYbVfk3HfKlmHrHa_oDCVGky6b6Kg_bxc0L3fBoMjp2JMWfepDBhCF51QXE5i-HnNjpGNXKNOdCjUGqc405HFKLFKvf1NepT5fp7nO3ljl4kbGvNX66PO_tN71w0ngf-Wfm1gghFkJ/s320/The+Quiraing-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking South over the Quiraing</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9QQSClXXTINLkD9F7kGw-zr46G3F4VXnAVD5cdOQ8jTVymCJMzGndy-vHgvXHyOtvGUHKn-Y2HMipq8ph9kZSP8umd4RtfzPN2gkjNIqz6TtgTdCn6ANY2WHEfE72ZJvqf97l8uZJ_TN/s1600/The+Quiraing-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9QQSClXXTINLkD9F7kGw-zr46G3F4VXnAVD5cdOQ8jTVymCJMzGndy-vHgvXHyOtvGUHKn-Y2HMipq8ph9kZSP8umd4RtfzPN2gkjNIqz6TtgTdCn6ANY2WHEfE72ZJvqf97l8uZJ_TN/s320/The+Quiraing-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Thursday we decided to explore along the <a href="https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/trust-land/skye" target="_blank">John Muir Trust</a> path from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, it was very dramatic, but quite steep and a bit treacherous for two amateurs with a bit of a wibble with heights and steep steep drops! We made it about half way along before turning back where the path was broken down and dropped away to a rocky beach about 50m below, we didn't fancy a trip in an air ambulance! In the afternoon we went by boat over to Lock Coruisk and the Black Cuillin mountains and saw some beautiful (and very pregnant) common seals, basking on the rocks. I'd wanted to go back to this spot ever since my first visit at 14, where we camped in a storm, I still have the scars on my ankle from that first trip, where I fell and skinned it to the bone! It was exactly as I remembered, if not even more beautiful, I'm so glad we made the trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiVdt4HxAVWGk-nrqKsZpYEGfPUugs8lmCuU5-y4hyCoFBW8pCB3xFScon3jp3YG6odPuql2-CxA8f9k_0CGusevZW1CQTsp1qv8sFT8gy_LAJS0Y7kEH2nCICPzasoAao8CBfCyOiZKf/s1600/Elgol%252C+looking+towards+the+Black+Cuillins+and+Lock+Coruisk-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiVdt4HxAVWGk-nrqKsZpYEGfPUugs8lmCuU5-y4hyCoFBW8pCB3xFScon3jp3YG6odPuql2-CxA8f9k_0CGusevZW1CQTsp1qv8sFT8gy_LAJS0Y7kEH2nCICPzasoAao8CBfCyOiZKf/s320/Elgol%252C+looking+towards+the+Black+Cuillins+and+Lock+Coruisk-29.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Cuillins from Elgol beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnX9_DddQh7TrXh8ED3xVYYbb6gE5g2Vr9zdl1nQ3wN1CYVPOf3jZ6pnYDtnQwGv0-Kg5jM7WKx_0cnAAIPtEIqpZZmlVYsEYbrKH904Venf9hSs2PKEoAhlCGMJDmSAkEdXb9nsqi8EC/s1600/Elgol%252C+looking+towards+the+Black+Cuillins+and+Lock+Coruisk-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnX9_DddQh7TrXh8ED3xVYYbb6gE5g2Vr9zdl1nQ3wN1CYVPOf3jZ6pnYDtnQwGv0-Kg5jM7WKx_0cnAAIPtEIqpZZmlVYsEYbrKH904Venf9hSs2PKEoAhlCGMJDmSAkEdXb9nsqi8EC/s320/Elgol%252C+looking+towards+the+Black+Cuillins+and+Lock+Coruisk-7.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat Trip!!! with the islands of Eigg and Muck in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2jDef65kPXWUh2MzCGFO-0MLiK9R8UmXXLTXhR2sW4ldb1x2NI6JXPyvhcKj0tLoJjFLmUd5T-TuZbHKYZVw5CDMJTx_4E-6BVWQSK6ohzXnO3WGyex3m_B3ju2ozarFkXpOMkdqGH-6/s1600/Elgol%252C+looking+towards+the+Black+Cuillins+and+Lock+Coruisk-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2jDef65kPXWUh2MzCGFO-0MLiK9R8UmXXLTXhR2sW4ldb1x2NI6JXPyvhcKj0tLoJjFLmUd5T-TuZbHKYZVw5CDMJTx_4E-6BVWQSK6ohzXnO3WGyex3m_B3ju2ozarFkXpOMkdqGH-6/s320/Elgol%252C+looking+towards+the+Black+Cuillins+and+Lock+Coruisk-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They looked like they were going to pop!! So full of pups...bless x</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqxUnGPNeBNgAGd4K83otI4-Zl0R4DVCipapIkLnvrq88am9b47M3F8lopXmfeF36sC8vIn1W9WYxRVFgyDzHycJwkL1VKktZEphhLoDsR6wgoi2zZ6BJDkQMHHRFTnBLIPIa451xsBGQ/s1600/13427799_1129602363770097_6357917336765463403_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqxUnGPNeBNgAGd4K83otI4-Zl0R4DVCipapIkLnvrq88am9b47M3F8lopXmfeF36sC8vIn1W9WYxRVFgyDzHycJwkL1VKktZEphhLoDsR6wgoi2zZ6BJDkQMHHRFTnBLIPIa451xsBGQ/s320/13427799_1129602363770097_6357917336765463403_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Cuillins from Lock Coruisk.</td></tr>
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Our last day was spent scrambling around the Fairy Pools and Glen Brittle beach in the rain...our only wet day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0zhqUAeV2iMj_lKr7OsOjmrjd0M5Dli9CQIztAVJkYpuczH__KJmAiDYMs7rkSgNJWgUBxDA4O666awAPwznpzOQw43GOhX36KSOdukHSF9-IaOhJaxS8msIE4iBqam9NkUeCuaNEHGG/s1600/The+Fairy+Pools_-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0zhqUAeV2iMj_lKr7OsOjmrjd0M5Dli9CQIztAVJkYpuczH__KJmAiDYMs7rkSgNJWgUBxDA4O666awAPwznpzOQw43GOhX36KSOdukHSF9-IaOhJaxS8msIE4iBqam9NkUeCuaNEHGG/s320/The+Fairy+Pools_-9.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fairy Pools, usually a lot fuller, but there had been no rain for 3 weeks!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-uzDgae4I1LUJBZLaFCtjxlwO65X1ZsGZhs1ArosOPmWPEkadonG8Tu_HWZmP3Yt0XBE_ZXb_CvOQ7ZreLv7_8z25Cgb-O9ycXRWa4wlJuHPnsFWOmaS0kACci4R4VR5F4HOcdvk2-Ez/s1600/The+Fairy+Pools_-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-uzDgae4I1LUJBZLaFCtjxlwO65X1ZsGZhs1ArosOPmWPEkadonG8Tu_HWZmP3Yt0XBE_ZXb_CvOQ7ZreLv7_8z25Cgb-O9ycXRWa4wlJuHPnsFWOmaS0kACci4R4VR5F4HOcdvk2-Ez/s320/The+Fairy+Pools_-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMPUGNT5sQWFc491IAC6ld7c8lnr3iwXcbYbrN7_TEAPAhq8fYKKZCzsSS-ZfYZLtdV47RmbxxN_aJiVua1P58soMiGNcRlWpLCVSxHSKSA0q7Gw37gih1-YN7e8UNmo-Mq62CjJqYI-G/s1600/The+Fairy+Pools_-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMPUGNT5sQWFc491IAC6ld7c8lnr3iwXcbYbrN7_TEAPAhq8fYKKZCzsSS-ZfYZLtdV47RmbxxN_aJiVua1P58soMiGNcRlWpLCVSxHSKSA0q7Gw37gih1-YN7e8UNmo-Mq62CjJqYI-G/s320/The+Fairy+Pools_-14.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such gorgeous colours in the water!<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Wherever I go, I find textures, I can't resist, I think it's the textile fanatic in me...I have a growing collection of images that might become inspirations for things sometime...here are a few more I gathered while we were away....<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiregbUCBcbibpdfE5eoCi8n7NYSyFClvAWALWMfwp9HgS421gStyzWjx8gYPT62IXGmlvQSggooZE2_1AAkwN34bZQQyZxfD1q4oFFvREjTnaDOKcp1lHs-2K6XfGa85nGcm15-WXFGqkc/s1600/Lock+Brittle+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiregbUCBcbibpdfE5eoCi8n7NYSyFClvAWALWMfwp9HgS421gStyzWjx8gYPT62IXGmlvQSggooZE2_1AAkwN34bZQQyZxfD1q4oFFvREjTnaDOKcp1lHs-2K6XfGa85nGcm15-WXFGqkc/s320/Lock+Brittle+Bay.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I really hope we can go back there again someday soon, I'm sure I have iron filings in my blood, lining up to steer me northwards...it's like a tug, pulling me back already...sigh...one day...</div>
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Sunset over Raasay island...our cottage view.</div>
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http://www.wildernesscottages.co.uk/property.php?id=345</div>
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I hope you've enjoyed our adventure, let's hope there are many more to come...</div>
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TTFN, Love Ceri xx</div>
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Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0Skye, Highland, UK57.5359261 -6.2262725000000556.4396876 -8.80805950000005 58.632164599999996 -3.6444855000000502tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-85772075810679863752016-05-13T13:19:00.000+01:002016-06-14T15:37:34.513+01:00It's been a while...but I have some amazing news!!Hello lovely people, how are you?<br />
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I'm ashamed to say it's been quite a while since my last update, I hope you will forgive me.<br />
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We're well into 2016 now and I finally feel almost settled into the year. I had quite a rocky start and was very unsure what direction my business should take going forward. I've suffered quite a bit from exhaustion and insecurity surrounding my business but I finally feel I have a path to follow now, it's been quite a journey!<br />
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I have spent the last few months building up stock and getting back out there to a whole host of new events and exciting venues including a pop up artists showcase in a city centre railway station, a music and exhibition venue in Barnard Castle (Co. Durham) and a well renound, historic green space in the centre of Newcastle. These have all been quite an adventure but are proving to be great spaces to sell my soap...who knew! (see my <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/page_2604000.html" target="_blank">events page</a> for the where's and when's for the next few months).<br />
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Along with trialling higher profile events and venues, I've been working on raising the barre on social media too, I've noticed there seems to be a shift towards revealing a bit more behind the scenes in a small business enabling the customer to make an emotional bond with the maker and their products because they can see the time, dedication and skills involved in creating a product, so ...despite crippling cameraphobic shyness, I've been making some little 'behind the scenes 'videos. These show little snippets from my studio, my processes, and snapshots of my events and fellow makers who attend these too. I hope I'll be brave enough soon to do a 'straight to camera' one soon...not making any promises though ;).<br />
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You can find these on my new You Tube channel, my most recent one is below.<br />
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I'd love it if you watched them subscribed to my channel and shared them, I promise I won't overload you x.<br />
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In other news....I have a NEW STUDIO!!! Sorry to shout but I'm so excited as I've needed more room for the best part of two years. I've only moved next door but I now have much more space to make, store and even have room for a little shop area too. It's still a bit of a work in progress but this is how it looks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s1lfrYMo6yG_Po6_JzyDfCylsAE18crED1kHgoORRNF-bEnctJjLXCMr8wx5bRmslyYbTEmtV4it_gENoLzeevOb7ZQ2LnLnpWwL8srvL5rk0ziJ3C1yfTXuBk6rRlIY3TpGHo6ARQcA/s1600/Studio+May+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s1lfrYMo6yG_Po6_JzyDfCylsAE18crED1kHgoORRNF-bEnctJjLXCMr8wx5bRmslyYbTEmtV4it_gENoLzeevOb7ZQ2LnLnpWwL8srvL5rk0ziJ3C1yfTXuBk6rRlIY3TpGHo6ARQcA/s320/Studio+May+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looking in from the door.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidL_3Hijp1bdVFTpDd2_I0J3xGLqZq5V73_f8sTKkwotcen3Zi0achOVfO51U9uZTUPvhU3VSXQssHAlid75eG5Ebyf7ZUTUWz5V-ba4qA6iYpsx5SSHSziuwaF5rs0oTHHQ9sR6d0L2Z/s1600/Studio+May+16-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidL_3Hijp1bdVFTpDd2_I0J3xGLqZq5V73_f8sTKkwotcen3Zi0achOVfO51U9uZTUPvhU3VSXQssHAlid75eG5Ebyf7ZUTUWz5V-ba4qA6iYpsx5SSHSziuwaF5rs0oTHHQ9sR6d0L2Z/s320/Studio+May+16-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My little shop and display area.</div>
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And finally, I'd like to let you know about two fabulous new stockists who are selling my wares, first up '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePeacockBlues/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Peacock Blues</a>' in Haltwhistle, a lovely little rural town almost at the border of Northumberland and Cumbria. They are based at the 'Whistle Art Stop' just off the high street. The lovely Sarah who runs the shop and exhibition space also hosts furniture restoration workshops, every time I visit I want to 'rehome' her lovely custom pieces.</div>
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My other new stockist is the beautiful 'Corbridge Larder'. They stock oodles of locally produced foods and goods, and also have a super little cafe upstairs, the cake is to die for!</div>
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<a href="http://www.corbridgelarder.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_Ha3FBqUcdxgOKNL2VmwR-8m4b5L9klfesytITlXWwSWe3YZ8l2jbNL95xvl9tH-ydlKRMd4xfV3-L3l9PANBxEC6g80gZ2dbZpMc-tf9qzOV-s65gU-mxUlHfc45-h0wFz3jnGNqQ-k/s200/Corbridge+Larder+logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to sign up to my <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/page_3203540.html" target="_blank">newsletter</a> for regular updates, exclusive special offers and flash sales throughout the year. </div>
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Also, take a peek at the UK Handmade Summer Showcase...two of my soaps were selected from a whole host ok UK maker's products...I'm made up :)</div>
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I'll try not to leave it so long next time,</div>
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TTFN,</div>
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Ceri x</div>
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-16323971956449188312015-11-18T11:07:00.000+00:002015-11-18T11:07:46.383+00:00It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeDLbJl786RMdZ_1oyHvlE5821yeo3DZ2chLPegNSkNyQecuLpnzLLR34qeAJNXGnYKm7SqQOTglb7Cb4l75waXU0sBgflhxozalVdiG-OTJHt9GRpONTsfbMuCX26W9J1oqNm8wHr9Lg/s1600/Dark+festive+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeDLbJl786RMdZ_1oyHvlE5821yeo3DZ2chLPegNSkNyQecuLpnzLLR34qeAJNXGnYKm7SqQOTglb7Cb4l75waXU0sBgflhxozalVdiG-OTJHt9GRpONTsfbMuCX26W9J1oqNm8wHr9Lg/s400/Dark+festive+trees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Good morning and Happy November!</div>
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How did we get here already? </div>
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Since my last post back in August, the new limited edition soaps and scarves have been launched and selling well, I've been delivering to new stockists <a href="http://www.maison-royale.co.uk/" target="_blank">Maison Royale</a> in Darlington - stocking beautiful homewares and work from local makers and artists, and I've even squeezed in a little holiday in the Lake District before it all gets too frantic.</div>
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These last few months I have also been busy busy busy making up some wonderfully festive soapy bathtime treats for the cold and damp wintery days ahead. Some products have been discontinued to allow time and space to bring these to you, I hope you like them. </div>
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These are available now over on the <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> and make the ideal gifts for friends, loved ones or even a little treat for yourself. </div>
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<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_1027451-NEW.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunHG4pAmztL4ZkSlNjXi0Mh3bGGfn-Z-MrOEfS_GPQSPhrSzyCNGtR-cn3vVyLxkhJVyuk_Q4V8p4A8Zwn_QIt7ZVIKkpaFl8zTnl0LyA1lemKaodIplexvOQn_gHpiST8rXCMrdV4J9m/s320/NEW+collage+Noc+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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NEW for Autumn, </div>
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Top Left - Solid Perfume oils made with pure plant butters, </div>
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nourishing oils, our own Northumbrian honey and beeswax</div>
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and high grade essential oils.</div>
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Top Right - Mini Bath Salt Shots gift box. Use them </div>
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individually or cocktail them together for fragrance, </div>
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skin toning and muscle relaxation.</div>
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Bottom Left - Triple Whipped Body butters and Exfoliating Sugar Scrubs.</div>
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Rich and buttery and incredibly softening and moisturising, </div>
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these are perfect for scrubbing up winter skin in time for party season.</div>
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Bottom Right - Luxurious Lip Butters.</div>
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Flavoured with essential oils blended with rich, plant butters, </div>
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oils our own honey and beeswax to keep lips soft and kissable all winter.</div>
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My Christmas range is also available now on the <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_660276-Christmas-products.html" target="_blank">website</a>, and in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OakwoodSoaperie?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy</a> and <a href="https://folksy.com/shops/OakwoodSoaperie" target="_blank">Folksy</a> shops too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RMKAn4n1DAEfnQJv-CARtQSC3M4bewIONKgDNksLiJUH9XvctEIZHD_BjtOcE1jlqbwJ0P8M0_9apbmXVxL6t6EbJmqqY1vBrxF1J_Zx6QfBU5lp2-7adN1j5UQTyJAw_rKflwMuh62u/s1600/Xmas+soap+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RMKAn4n1DAEfnQJv-CARtQSC3M4bewIONKgDNksLiJUH9XvctEIZHD_BjtOcE1jlqbwJ0P8M0_9apbmXVxL6t6EbJmqqY1vBrxF1J_Zx6QfBU5lp2-7adN1j5UQTyJAw_rKflwMuh62u/s320/Xmas+soap+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Numbers are limited but the website and online shops so to be sure you can get what you need, place your orders in good time. I have a range of delivery options available to chose at checkout, you can even collect from one of my Christmas <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/page_2604000.html" target="_blank">events</a> if you are local to the North East.</div>
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With the introduction of the 5p charge for shopping bags back in October in the UK, I've seen sales of my hand printed eco-shoppers soar, They are 100% cotton, and hand screen printed by a friend of mine who has her own design company <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StitchInTyne/" target="_blank">'Stitch in Tyne</a>'. They are tough and durable and can hold all your Christmas shopping. Get yours today.</div>
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<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3992050-Hand-printed-100-Cotton-shopping-bags.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYe2A_q2HxKrLK4WiHFwPtz0iZOQnfrCrjRiY3n2x_uPmIYqDWcIOgqY3W_WJ66IcAeKiwoo8ADWZaX0_4NRDpU9U-dz8G-OZyE037wLA6uYUcFmovmmD8eE2Dg3DkqXMMBYYvyb1SyKI_/s320/Cotton+Shopper+bags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Keep your eyes peeled for a sprinkling of festive <b>special offers</b> being launched on the website and online shops very soon. Find out about them by signing up to my <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/page_3203540.html" target="_blank">e-mail newsletter</a>, or following me over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oakwood-Soaperie-179777858722194/?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/OakwoodSoaperie" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - Thank you x</div>
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Anyhoo, I think that's about it for news, so I'm taking the opportunity for a few hours rest and relaxation before a very busy 3 days of Christmas fairs this weekend, and every weekend right up to the BIG DAY!! </div>
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I guess I'd better start making my own Christmas lists too, can't forget about that!</div>
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Until next time, TTFN</div>
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Ceri</div>
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xx</div>
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-67636221106632249202015-08-14T15:21:00.000+01:002015-08-14T15:21:24.889+01:00A touch of eco luxury in some gorgeous new products.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello August,<br />
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Time is absolutely flying here at OSHQ, I can't believe were in mid August already! I think I'm making myself just too busy as the days are whipping by!! I blinked and the fields have filled with huge golden bales, the swallows are circling ready to start their epic journeys south, and the evenings are gradually darkening earlier...note to self to slow down....I never learn!<br />
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I've been busying away behind the scenes with so many new elements to my soap business this year including new logo's, labels, Limited Edition, luxurious soaps and a new exciting sideline project...more on that in a bit.<br />
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I'd like to show you a little peek at a few in the new range of soaps if I may...I've listed them on the website already, but they will become available to buy at the end of August, I hope you like them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3953243-Rose-Madder-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwoEjqJeEWVZAafx1qw5qUavr6ruUmk48iebGJ5DoMrszmXcxJkRYcNXOb27dV2e755o-9iglpY5sntEX6ngqXPT7pbZq-fUduP1VemP9aCWWY810fp3WoafFuP_vAakjUHOBKhtSbs9_/s200/Rose+Madder+soap%252C+Ltd+edition+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3953243-Rose-Madder-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank">Rose Madder Limited edition soap with silk and rose oil</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3953253-Herb-Patch-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMUEAeLITEOPA_DXtW0rC8wB0jtkB8pd6MzKgxofhZyji9Yr4ukW2Nv68XOhxYlXlREpJJPTaOzRfGdjsqyQWezfFtasUI-lUJaAAcxddpK0EvR1MM3tN94Hi3J8Mh6K3czqzwMRGlndW/s200/Herb+Patch+soap+Ltd+Edition+%25283%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3953253-Herb-Patch-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank">Herb Patch Limited Edition soap with earth and clay</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3953231-Gone-AdventuringHandmade-Soap.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAUkkdplo9IzAv86vclfUj7cV8js6E-zzdGgjm3-UKU1BFROVqxBxSfrzQh2YOM_JO7L7pQIbubEldZ8aE5n4XHm44athOrvBfTXKRub0cnoPpHndkvTBWECfTXf2vIT3PBPwrVczTdzM/s200/Gone+Adventuring+soap%252C+Ltd+edition+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3953231-Gone-AdventuringHandmade-Soap.html" target="_blank">Gone Adventuring Limited Edition soap with eucalyptus.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3953260-Wild-Meadow-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69_kbfUgku0Nj8kkjY94O91wFvAhbaFO6XwKCEKhE-XNqofGRcoiTV0K6Vu8P96O1ezaZDMcb69v3pq6FPGNIJ29tUf4VqKHvkMeD3iagDkJUeGLU9yIy-S0hpyRS4HZB_bbYJkFcf3Q-/s200/Wild+Meadow+soap%252C+Ltd+edition+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3953260-Wild-Meadow-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank">Wild Meadow Limited edition soap with floral oils.</a></td></tr>
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I've really pushed myself technically with these beauties, employing new techniques, new blends of essential oils, plant oils and luxury ingredients, all of which come with their own challenges in the soap making process. Thankfully everything seems to have worked and I'm delighted with the results, I hope you are too.<br />
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My other project that I've been working on in my spare time (what's that??) is my capsule range of Eco printed silk scarves. Back in my student days, I studies Textiles and Fashion design at Northumbria Univeristy, Textiles have always been a bit of a love of mine but a very neglected one I'm afraid. Earlier this year I decided to change all that and bring it back. I've been really enjoying researching and experimenting with plant materials, flower petals and various techniques of printing and treating the silk to achieve some really lovely effects.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966735-Clary-Sage-and-Crocosmia-Flower-printed-Silk-Scarf-90-x-90cm.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iRAwiMMh4oZL6zjhehb5cP01EIOqps7h9rLRLmkQuna6eN6b96SAKih9e6iHInSpbO7JAONrVz0XdZrDqAaPUgTOtBMduntwPho_N4wz_-gmI7ij3sH70NElz7imxB37e4qRPuLMkD0z/s320/Eco+Print+Scarves-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966735-Clary-Sage-and-Crocosmia-Flower-printed-Silk-Scarf-90-x-90cm.html" target="_blank">Clary sage flowers</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966797-Fern-and-Clary-Sage-flower-printed-Silk-Scarf-90-x-90cm.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDr3r2ZzT8HUwupUvru0i2BFfqEOFPX3BwKOlhYW7BKhegWoFK3rFTdSqiceY5ZYuSQBBzOBYfOK41UyC28HqR4Cwp2I0oVD3xA4yGjvLw_Od_GjeZaQ4HSt2hVtb7h5_HFlNWxvMS55Iw/s200/Eco+Print+Scarves-46.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966797-Fern-and-Clary-Sage-flower-printed-Silk-Scarf-90-x-90cm.html" target="_blank">Ferns and flowers</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966725-Blackberry-Leaf-and-Privet-printed-silk-scarf-90-x-90cm.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj5iTVAUTv3l_24TPL6prmoZFg1qQTXUbPghVKjC2hjoExeEBPkm1nbMS68ij8-gbSQvMIDhI5G1SOvUv82WhS-U7TvanMlZKAcPOlIlET8oLXUrQ-68Zr_oaqVdMBhMZuTXtpaK24l43/s200/Eco+Print+Scarves-72.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966725-Blackberry-Leaf-and-Privet-printed-silk-scarf-90-x-90cm.html" target="_blank">Blackberry and Privet leaves</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966744-Eucalyptus-and-Crocosmia-printed-Silk-Scarf-90-x-90cm.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuDxf08Yk-JycfV0BSuJiISC1iVnCZNrDMgV4bSUfI61Nlvf97sPF3c73eRspxJ8f83xyHrynJ0THanjpKEHYEG7ZYVT1q10lDU2X8BS79-AGEVxwigQMlSZQTUyInnpbMIO3s_3s8le6/s320/Eco+Print+Scarves-138.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966744-Eucalyptus-and-Crocosmia-printed-Silk-Scarf-90-x-90cm.html" target="_blank">Eucalyptus leaves and Crocosmia flowers</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966827-Dogwood-printed-Silk-Scarf-30-x-110cm.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuoxRvQfiS6FiEdzr4slh4hXw6ljIqIisy5tFQRrU-o8OTmL1BUGrkiKn04KRdYHacOctd9gwuEBhbb7enArGidvVUmDv0bA5Jj22epW5rzgF_gWvANQt2kTAJ6hnwtd-VSh-YjgqQzom/s320/Eco+Print+Scarves-207.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_3966827-Dogwood-printed-Silk-Scarf-30-x-110cm.html" target="_blank">Dogwood Bark</a></td></tr>
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I cannot replicate the results so this makes each one totally unique and one of a kind. It's a delight to see each bundle come out of the dye pot and unravel it to reveal the often beautiful results achieved on the cloth.<br />
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As the years pass, I find myself seeking out one off, beautiful, handmade items more and more. I'm really happy with how these have turned out, and knowing that no one else will have one makes them feel extra special.<br />
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They are available to buy now over on my website, enjoy browsing x<br />
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http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_988477-Ecoprinted-Silk-Scarves.html<br />
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Well, I think that's about it for now...happy August...I hope to enjoy a bit of what's left.<br />
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TTFN,<br />
<br />
Ceri<br />
xx<br />
<br />
<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-31376182189207560162015-06-17T11:29:00.001+01:002015-06-17T11:29:26.870+01:00Everything works better if it's unplugged for a bit...Well we're half way through June already...how did that happen??<br />
It's been a little while since I blogged apart from being really busy with lots of new ideas (more on that in a bit) I've been away on holiday...I know...what a cheek eh? We had such a fab time I thought I'd tell you a bit about it.<br />
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June the 7th was our 10th Wedding anniversary so we treated ourselves to a lovely little break away in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The weather was perfect, topping 20 ish degrees on 3 of the days. That's really good for Northern England in June!!<br />
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We really love to get out into the hills whenever we can, so we chose this little haven as we could do many high, hilly walks right from the door...no need for the car practically all week..bliss!<br />
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Our first few days were spent exploring the fells and mountains around the cottage, making it up onto the tops to climb 'The Knott', and walk along 'High Street' (the highest Roman Road in England at 2,718ft (828m). The views were spectacular from the summits, we could see the sea!!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We wanted to try lots of new things as it was a significant holiday for us, sooo....we <a href="http://www.rookinhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">pony trekked</a> the next day...Minstrel and Misty our horses were lovely...so chilled out and ploddy along the forest tracks and paths around the centre. So much so it took a LOT of encouragement to get them to trot, cantering was out of the question..they were far more interested in the cow parsley (now named <i>horse </i>parsley) and greenery all around to consider anything like hard work, but to be honest that suited us down to the ground. Two hours of slow clip clopping was just what was needed. Sadly no photos as I left my camera in the car :(</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We took the <a href="http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Steamer </a>from Glenridding accross Ullswater the next day up to the lovely little village of Pooley Bridge at the Northern end where we stopped for a bite before taking the Steamer back to Howtown where we walked about 7 miles back along the shore line to Glenridding. The walk was amazing! It was quite a challenge with horsey stiff legs but we made it, and rewarded ourselves with a fab pub tea before heading back to the cottage.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">The next day we really needed to give our legs a bit of a rest as we had big plans for later in the week. We'd noticed that there was a boat hire place nearby, and amongst the motorboats and yachts they had Canadian flat bottomed canoes...yup you guessed it...we HAD to give these a try too. After a somewhat ziggy zaggy start, and a few 'beaching' incidents, we kind of got the hang of it, ish. We wouldn't win any prizes, but the novelty of serving a packed lunch to my hubby on an oar will stick with me for some time. Ice cream was an essential component of the day as it was a bit of a scorcher, our arms and faces nicely browned by the end of the day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By now it was the eve of our last full day so we headed home for a good sleep before the BIG one the next day...climbing Helvellyn (950m, 3120ft). It might not seem a big thing to most people but it was for us. I've climbed a few mountains in my youth, but not for a VERY long time so neither of us were sure we'd make it all the way to the top but we DID! It was truly spectacular up there, and those views!!. We played safe and took the zig zag route up avoiding Swirrel and Striding edge, two very steep sided, scrambly ridges leading to the summit. It took us a total of around 6 hours in all, but we felt very proud of ourselves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We found our little home for the week on a super website called '<a href="https://secure.heartofthelakes.co.uk/cottage-details/6016" target="_blank">Heart of the Lakes</a>'. It was part of a converted farmhouse nestled amongst the hilly surrounds near Brother's water in the tiny hamlet of Hartsop. Beautiful isn't it? We could have moved in without changing a thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This week, since we got back, has been pretty admin full, I've attended an event, written an article about my soap business and my use of natural materials in my products for a high profile craft website, placed large orders for supplies and re-designed labels, all in preparation of a new, even more luxurious range of pure, natural soaps which I've been working on (more next month). The next few months will see quite a few changes to my range, some things will go, but lots of new things will come in, I'm so excited to begin to share them with you very soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you've got this far, well done and thank you for sticking with me ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Last but not least, this Sunday June 21st is <b>Father's Day</b>, so as not to let it pass by unnoticed, I'm offering a <b>15% discount</b> in my online shops and <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_529279-Fathers-Day-Gifts.html" target="_blank">website</a>, Simply enter <b>DAD15</b> at checkout to claim your discount. Offer is running in my <a href="https://folksy.com/shops/OakwoodSoaperie" target="_blank">Folksy</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OakwoodSoaperie?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shops too. Happy Shopping :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time peeps</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">TTFN</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ceri xx</span><br />
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-68152838839414132042015-05-08T12:04:00.001+01:002015-05-08T12:20:55.385+01:00Flower moons, seedlings and special offers for you xHappy May peeps!!<br />
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How are we all?<br />
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If you've checked in recently, you'll have seen that I'm a busy little bee in the garden(s), my own and my botanical plot at <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/" target="_blank">Gibside</a>.<br />
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I'm determinedly making time for myself this year, regardless of how busy I am with Oakwood Soaperie. This year has started off incredibly well, with an amazing 5 new stockists around the region, more markets and trade events than I've ever attended in the early part of the year, an increase in online orders, and special custom wedding favours, so it's no surprise I'm feeling a little wiped out by it all already. It's fantastic to be kept so busy but I also feel it's more important than ever to look after myself as well, and not beat myself up over the occasional product being out of stock for a short period of time.<br />
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With this in mind, I'm trying to slow down and actually give myself the odd days off, doing what lifts my heart and re-energises me allowing me to really focus when I'm back in the studio. This includes walking, cycling, gardening and enjoying the outdoors, in all weathers, well I live in the North East of England, so the last bit is essential really!! I've never really been a sitting around kind of person anyway.<br />
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It was a <a href="http://www.space.com/28251-full-moon-names-2015.html" target="_blank">Flower Moon</a> or Milk Moon a few days ago, apparently the perfect time to sow seeds, so I did.<br />
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My home plot is now built and planted up with dwarf beans, heritage carrots, colourful beetroot, spuds and mange tout, I have rows of seedling pots on widow sills and this makes me very happy indeed knowing I'm making things grow and bringing new life into my urban town garden. Much as I'd dearly love a house on a hill somewhere in the wilds, it's not happening any time soon. But I've decided for now, to be content with what I DO have already, space to grow, feed us and bring more green into the world.<br />
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I've even made a little bee & bee for our winged friends too, do you like them?</div>
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Just because....I've made a special 15% discount offer over on my website, this applies to all orders, simply apply the code 'May15' at checkout for discount on your whole order, no minimum applies, runs until May 31st 23.59.</div>
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http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/</div>
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Happy sunny May people, get out there and enjoy your green spaces, be them your own or a shared space, slow down, feel the green grass beneath your toes, and the sun on your face, dig your fingers into the soil and smell it's sweetness, feel new life awakening...get out there and live it!!</div>
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<span class="bqQuoteLink" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif !important; line-height: 26px;">'<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/lillielang307406.html?src=t_soap" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="view quote">Anyone's life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit.</a>' </span><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lillie_langtry.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" title="view author"><span style="color: #444444;">Lillie Langtry</span></a></div>
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Till next time,</div>
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Love, Ceri</div>
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-34556717757821425882015-04-15T11:22:00.000+01:002015-04-19T09:46:08.209+01:00All things garden'eyHappy Easter Peeps!!<br />
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I hope you've all had a lovely time out and about during this gorgeous little spell of sunshine.<br />
Unfortunately I've been battling a horrid cough the last couple of weeks so have had less 'studio time' than I'd like, but it has given me the chance to do a spot of much needed gardening at home.<br />
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I found out today that it's 'National Gardening Week' so I thought it quite apt to do a wee post about my gardens. I'm lucky enough to have some outdoor space at home, and a lovely plot in the walled garden at the <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/" target="_blank">National Trust's Gibside Estate</a>, where my studio is based.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdf6cWwDA_eVfeBqrPP4LYYKpRuIP3xVh5Xkv9JDur-gPq_2WjoWSA0nHefjh5-rAFxD4wm_auFV4QM8LaP99DbneYr1u7LdsCyWy9K2X-Xa_ZsIFzzRVoRBwChZ2rk_tpE7AmHgD0cur4/s1600/Botanical+plot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdf6cWwDA_eVfeBqrPP4LYYKpRuIP3xVh5Xkv9JDur-gPq_2WjoWSA0nHefjh5-rAFxD4wm_auFV4QM8LaP99DbneYr1u7LdsCyWy9K2X-Xa_ZsIFzzRVoRBwChZ2rk_tpE7AmHgD0cur4/s1600/Botanical+plot.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely Botanical Plot at Gibside Estate</td></tr>
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My home garden has seen lots of weeding and clearing happening this week, in between bouts of coughing!! I'm planning to make up a couple of raised beds to grow veggies this year, making space by expanding my meagre herb bed and getting rid of some gravel and (sadly) a tree...but it's blocking all my veggie growing light, and the lovely evening light that dances in the sun catchers hanging in my window. I've always grown herbs, spuds (in re-claimed tea chests), and the odd crop of chard, carrots and salad greens but nothing substantial. Hopefully this year will prove more fruitfull (veggiefull!!). The spuds are in, spinach, shallots and sweet pea seeds are in the propagator, and the tree felling should hopefully happen next week, then I'm good to get really cracking. Watch this space.<br />
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Do you Pinterest? I love to gather inspiration for things here, take a peek at my gardening board if you like...it's a bit of a guilty pleasure.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20data-pin-do=%22embedBoard%22%20href=%22https://uk.pinterest.com/oakwoodsoaperie/garden-gubbins/%22data-pin-scale-width=%2280%22%20data-pin-scale-height=%22200%22%20data-pin-board-width=%22400%22%3E%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20Follow%20Oakwood%20Soaperie's%20board%20Garden%20gubbins%20on%20Pinterest.%3C/a%3E%3C!--%20Please%20call%20pinit.js%20only%20once%20per%20page%20--%3E%3Cscript%20type=%22text/javascript%22%20async%20src=%22//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js%22%3E%3C/script%3E" target="_blank"> </a><a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/oakwoodsoaperie/garden-gubbins/"> Follow Oakwood Soaperie's board Garden gubbins on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <br />
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Meanwhile in my botanical plot at Gibside, the ground is being cleared ready for the lovely ripe seeds of blue and red cornflowers, marigolds, chamomile, poppies and lots of lovely lavender plants going in over the next few weeks. They are all organically grown without the use of any pesticides or artificial fertilisers specifically for me to use in my soaps, bath salts, bath bombs, truffles and bathing bubbles..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpneDrrMYmWg1UVBYjMDAjazs_vz9QEya_prFEdJrJ64d-qTOnZIlC0GYGh80oQITEcfzXk8eK3TTZHfs5U4121UXR5vK6IsUxS33hHeWy3oAZpmQVIZ_qiXeN2GwEwGHiGE5z6xrddE7/s1600/Ring+O+Roses+Bath+Bombs-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpneDrrMYmWg1UVBYjMDAjazs_vz9QEya_prFEdJrJ64d-qTOnZIlC0GYGh80oQITEcfzXk8eK3TTZHfs5U4121UXR5vK6IsUxS33hHeWy3oAZpmQVIZ_qiXeN2GwEwGHiGE5z6xrddE7/s1600/Ring+O+Roses+Bath+Bombs-5.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural and handmade bath bombs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gibside Gardener's soap with my beautiful botanicals lashings of fresh honey from our bees, clays and pumice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsi964FyY1VwBxydexJPBbbTDp0JOzZS8z7yvy72fxdaQ-93HK3uLCg2PYHb1aN60pLYxwT83LgBNgyk4-WwhrMyOBRDCNI67hUQGtuWMKjA4Zdp9I_KgFJu8HsT1h7MKIJW61wkgWkeP/s1600/361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsi964FyY1VwBxydexJPBbbTDp0JOzZS8z7yvy72fxdaQ-93HK3uLCg2PYHb1aN60pLYxwT83LgBNgyk4-WwhrMyOBRDCNI67hUQGtuWMKjA4Zdp9I_KgFJu8HsT1h7MKIJW61wkgWkeP/s1600/361.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soap making in action...freshly poured and decortated batches setting overnight.</td></tr>
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The real heroes (apart from the beautiful blooms) are the National Trust gardening volunteers who do all the hard work tending and tidying the plot and generally looking after them for me. I'd love to be able to do more in there, but running my little soapmaking business takes over. I do however help with the weeding, watering and do all the harvesting and drying later in the year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n6UjTxgGiGfscDyakbkfYva9-loHT7HRSLTR8yuLwfHTXvTSAktq6I2_SldzapwZdWMLRKXeycZGoe9Cb5o1OUqZ3v7OSRYfBPuRcMNyKMdFYpup324l1Tze7j99fhXcCGyfXdmXgj93/s1600/342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n6UjTxgGiGfscDyakbkfYva9-loHT7HRSLTR8yuLwfHTXvTSAktq6I2_SldzapwZdWMLRKXeycZGoe9Cb5o1OUqZ3v7OSRYfBPuRcMNyKMdFYpup324l1Tze7j99fhXcCGyfXdmXgj93/s1600/342.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosty spring morning looking towards the Chapel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Cottage at Gibside in the morning sun</td></tr>
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Here's a little shot of the plot earlier in the year, and then once it was in full bloom last summer, fingers crossed for lots of sunny summer days ahead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnwHWouAPbrn_pQYgS7I1iDZbAI2rxHqSBMO_MNGsP8kyZksvvg0t3W9fElNVttyDryn-Dxk67oXsasC8JLM-kMba-mNX6XZs5-rVHmZRR0zFDLGzH8uS5K02gt1vlX24tmnx5AU0YGkI/s1600/Botanicals-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnwHWouAPbrn_pQYgS7I1iDZbAI2rxHqSBMO_MNGsP8kyZksvvg0t3W9fElNVttyDryn-Dxk67oXsasC8JLM-kMba-mNX6XZs5-rVHmZRR0zFDLGzH8uS5K02gt1vlX24tmnx5AU0YGkI/s1600/Botanicals-3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers flowers everywhere</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYsEWuWQOXJAZ-NMxplXqUiX5nd81nTBP1E1XzAHBXiXsTGfIgE8f9fHva8bgRM2Qyl1F8BBMueHvhyphenhyphen_-Gn0ysbgiF8-O6oil4sb3h6cTr4C-DMg5dqVtL9Z_r04PIbt9rvWCyLMdegeA/s1600/Botanicals-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYsEWuWQOXJAZ-NMxplXqUiX5nd81nTBP1E1XzAHBXiXsTGfIgE8f9fHva8bgRM2Qyl1F8BBMueHvhyphenhyphen_-Gn0ysbgiF8-O6oil4sb3h6cTr4C-DMg5dqVtL9Z_r04PIbt9rvWCyLMdegeA/s1600/Botanicals-7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornflowers and Calendula</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj796d1w6TFirds-Abm_QtGieTfTD_FjRFtApNl64qCCWwJrj2ZybobM-gttrvhtHFbTOSYgcf9zAFzN8S3JcLdqTFbjBjqhesBHwCCsp6pUkSY5OjNLy9Ey2kpadun1QFX8XeVJQ_nKVA_/s1600/Botanicals-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj796d1w6TFirds-Abm_QtGieTfTD_FjRFtApNl64qCCWwJrj2ZybobM-gttrvhtHFbTOSYgcf9zAFzN8S3JcLdqTFbjBjqhesBHwCCsp6pUkSY5OjNLy9Ey2kpadun1QFX8XeVJQ_nKVA_/s1600/Botanicals-13.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjyT4TmOPUtQxC8k502wuxvo7yiWE3LJRuw-XNEGRhSSlxKXgW68pEvDDIqJQZppvmvJAUS70dHqrjk2VFv8nUsxzBGFKnUPZwPd_GF-VKWcrDMF0U3pq-tSS3fq2e_6L2eYXXNRKJWKL/s1600/Botanicals-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjyT4TmOPUtQxC8k502wuxvo7yiWE3LJRuw-XNEGRhSSlxKXgW68pEvDDIqJQZppvmvJAUS70dHqrjk2VFv8nUsxzBGFKnUPZwPd_GF-VKWcrDMF0U3pq-tSS3fq2e_6L2eYXXNRKJWKL/s1600/Botanicals-17.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The studio, festooned in drying blooms</td></tr>
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Continuing on the garden theme of this post...a date for your diaries...I'll be holding a stall at the beautiful <a href="mailto:http://www.blagdonestate.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blagdon Estate</a> just north of Newcastle on Sunday 17th May as part of their National Garden Scheme, garden's open for Charity. The event runs from 1 - 4pm. I'll have lots of flower related soaps, bathing goodies and more on my stall, pop along if you fancy a day out, hopefully the weather will be kind.<br />
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Well, that's all for now, I'm off to make candles...Enjoy your garden time folks...I'd love to hear what you're planning in your gardens this year.<br />
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TTFN<br />
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Ceri<br />
x<br />
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-58159509928451158072015-03-19T12:22:00.000+00:002015-03-19T12:22:55.383+00:00Our little sneak away...Well, it's been a pretty busy start to the year so far, I can't complain, but sometimes...just sometimes...I need the odd bit of down time to recharge the batteries and refresh my brain so I can come up with oodles of new goodies for you, my wonderful customers.<br />
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Last weekend, we were lucky enough to be able to go and stay in a Mongolian Yurt at <a href="http://www.wildnorthumbrian.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Northumbrian</a>, a beautiful little haven of tranquillity, way up on the moors just outside Kielder Forest in the Northumberland National Park.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK8qFZ4m-xv-jOD4wItR1jxsf6FHVnr50Juvc0a9h8nuqSoG-8t1k_vrU5k3eMlsxgyLOVTdzgivZt9T7qyv477yyptMkBQgh-u9c1tuGEZf8622fgpZ9em-Q6jltLl_v91BOwoq2TMV7/s1600/North+Tyne+16+for+brochure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK8qFZ4m-xv-jOD4wItR1jxsf6FHVnr50Juvc0a9h8nuqSoG-8t1k_vrU5k3eMlsxgyLOVTdzgivZt9T7qyv477yyptMkBQgh-u9c1tuGEZf8622fgpZ9em-Q6jltLl_v91BOwoq2TMV7/s1600/North+Tyne+16+for+brochure.jpg" height="153" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The surrounding Northumberland moors, such a gorgeous setting!</td></tr>
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Our incredibly cosy home for a few days was 'Brock Yurt' a 16ft traditional Mongolian tent, settled next to a babbling stream within a little woodland clearing in a meadow...bliss!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G-MFkU9NRAz57S6SwFowZNMowFCSDIJsEmvJaem-I1fRy0iGAQCzsySXbk4NDbJda91e7aEbs2m5Fqj3EUtJUfDL3s1s0UFV0OkgHDfqYFGKRaDH268LOrilkEr51YUwL7_cdL7OLUid/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G-MFkU9NRAz57S6SwFowZNMowFCSDIJsEmvJaem-I1fRy0iGAQCzsySXbk4NDbJda91e7aEbs2m5Fqj3EUtJUfDL3s1s0UFV0OkgHDfqYFGKRaDH268LOrilkEr51YUwL7_cdL7OLUid/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" height="122" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brock Yurt</td></tr>
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We arrived on a sunny Sunday March afternoon and were very keen to go exploring. It was our 4th visit, but we'd not seen the delightful 'Brock' before. After unloading our car and winding through the free range ducks and hens, we found our way over the meadow and settled in to our gorgeous little hideaway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkLUiL4OhG85Vx32d-4mtQm3cbMVq34j4t3sNk5F4TeZojYgQEAu9PeKJmGBhyVpnjSzrYP1zztbfEhAW3CM1ML46lmTTk_cpvCGyXxS-xhJb4Eo3bZQGlhcP8LzqAuFmH4_tPp7AQ0CP/s1600/WN+March15-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkLUiL4OhG85Vx32d-4mtQm3cbMVq34j4t3sNk5F4TeZojYgQEAu9PeKJmGBhyVpnjSzrYP1zztbfEhAW3CM1ML46lmTTk_cpvCGyXxS-xhJb4Eo3bZQGlhcP8LzqAuFmH4_tPp7AQ0CP/s1600/WN+March15-39.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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That afternoon we had a stroll up to Sidwood approx a mile away, up the track and into the very edge of Kielder forest. We found an unexplored track (for us) that climbed up over the crest of a hill, to a stunning view over to 'Black Middens' a Bastle house dating back to the bloody battles of the Border Rievers. The sun kindly decided to show up again, this was the view!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11bt62bLXAbwrt9_O9kIfSLaAwgX5E2XujnvzDk-7NrX6s_0k4Onm_VIJj-_JqKysJIWxQkHqW43l4pVgXX38aDTom6xDAd5GqtcDkXEvs-6OnxK633NiOzTO4M_Ek7sPwY80KPR2nTFA/s1600/WN+March15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11bt62bLXAbwrt9_O9kIfSLaAwgX5E2XujnvzDk-7NrX6s_0k4Onm_VIJj-_JqKysJIWxQkHqW43l4pVgXX38aDTom6xDAd5GqtcDkXEvs-6OnxK633NiOzTO4M_Ek7sPwY80KPR2nTFA/s1600/WN+March15-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Middens Bastle House.</td></tr>
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After winding our way back down the track to our little haven, we decided to get a camp fire lit in the handmade fire pit, it was starting to get pretty chilly by now and we were getting hungry, so we were very grateful of all the logs and kindling left for us inside the Yurt, We soon got a good blaze going to cook our tea on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoS5uDrbSabmEJdjwW0mJ1Fi17VC2v7Hdsgr9Gr4wb8rH57tDDfNvppawyQbKWFO0sK1NmC-CkgZ3ZLC6Mwsxubu1MZJomv51Hr4vc32-2hEXS9cbviiV3ENHVlnZfj0B81cA6FBcAw1v/s1600/WN+March15-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoS5uDrbSabmEJdjwW0mJ1Fi17VC2v7Hdsgr9Gr4wb8rH57tDDfNvppawyQbKWFO0sK1NmC-CkgZ3ZLC6Mwsxubu1MZJomv51Hr4vc32-2hEXS9cbviiV3ENHVlnZfj0B81cA6FBcAw1v/s1600/WN+March15-7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As the light was fading fast, we lit up the candles inside too, doesn't it look so pretty! Once the log burner was going inside, it was really toasty too. No need for the lovely hot water bottles (provided).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pV3YTT9rGvJmxgu1OdJUoEWLyeBetqEJUBdBOQmQ7Q8tT9JUD4L3_TKvbTLnm6uYxJ-V9ZHm84vp94PE3buY8V802zcd0mfQvD6_oXrWNUBUAk3e4YRkp0crXi-kukIy9FRkpNGBak3K/s1600/WN+March15-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pV3YTT9rGvJmxgu1OdJUoEWLyeBetqEJUBdBOQmQ7Q8tT9JUD4L3_TKvbTLnm6uYxJ-V9ZHm84vp94PE3buY8V802zcd0mfQvD6_oXrWNUBUAk3e4YRkp0crXi-kukIy9FRkpNGBak3K/s1600/WN+March15-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Cosy...I want to move in!!</td></tr>
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During the night, we listened to owls, deer and the stream twinkling away to us which was extremely relaxing and comforting out in the wilds. We even had a decent sleep...which for me is a rarity!!<br />
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The next morning, I was hoping to be brave enough to test the outdoor Bush Shower, just along from the Yurt...but I'm afraid to say, it was just too chilly a morning for me...and it was raining, so we hopped up to the shower block instead for the luxury of underfloor heating and warmth, sorry Rob & Vic, I promised myself I would too, maybe next time ;) x<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOXTIqWIS3eWekUmX374zGDwlMMu8Nw8tPmGg-Floow75pnuuXj-6kuflc6uJ2G2kMHBw7uUVV_QcBLyFCDHZK_btjn5HVRc-B2a3epeVcHSuXZmzuqoCxLacgQaKe_-O6XNkuO5RSu65/s1600/WN+March15-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOXTIqWIS3eWekUmX374zGDwlMMu8Nw8tPmGg-Floow75pnuuXj-6kuflc6uJ2G2kMHBw7uUVV_QcBLyFCDHZK_btjn5HVRc-B2a3epeVcHSuXZmzuqoCxLacgQaKe_-O6XNkuO5RSu65/s1600/WN+March15-37.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Aussie Bush shower, with special cupboard for your smalls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk7NG8iwqFQj3Go9GQAmXwkNZXufAYl1lWTAGOsDO_fA3VSs7WDgNxXXO_0hqATTNcJkYM1vgdWNZv6efUigms0FX60gqhl7YDX3Z5HpnTTkPVDdLKdKTm_m9o6-8PGvZE8vRJUOQgaU1/s1600/WN+March15-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk7NG8iwqFQj3Go9GQAmXwkNZXufAYl1lWTAGOsDO_fA3VSs7WDgNxXXO_0hqATTNcJkYM1vgdWNZv6efUigms0FX60gqhl7YDX3Z5HpnTTkPVDdLKdKTm_m9o6-8PGvZE8vRJUOQgaU1/s1600/WN+March15-35.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eco friendly compost loo (left) and bush shower (right)</td></tr>
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The next morning we decided to go adventuring up to Kielder Water to explore the North side of the reservoir, so off we went in the car, picnic packed...forgetting the hot chocolate (my fault!!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLmb6wPTfoDZGoQVB1ntTeZgrXMCJCzAmiN_d1sKMCfZsH47FGWQNTd9HvCr1EGtsGaQXMWlLPZ1PgjVKTMo7r4P4JXHSP6LRblB0auUqDGji3lAr2jRiCa6PcFNJtJwBttkXPMqNd-pJ/s1600/WN+March15-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLmb6wPTfoDZGoQVB1ntTeZgrXMCJCzAmiN_d1sKMCfZsH47FGWQNTd9HvCr1EGtsGaQXMWlLPZ1PgjVKTMo7r4P4JXHSP6LRblB0auUqDGji3lAr2jRiCa6PcFNJtJwBttkXPMqNd-pJ/s1600/WN+March15-27.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We chose a route from the '<a href="http://shepherdswalks.co.uk/store/walking_guides/northumberland/walk_14_-_kielder_water" target="_blank">Shepherd's Walks</a>' taking in the lakeside, sculptures and a forest track and had a really lovely day, and quite a challenging walk, Despite hail and more rain, we headed back with smiling faces, we were well prepared with woolies, waterproofs, warm boots and lots of layers, just without a warm drink.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9HOJbBmLbZdXK4x_wvB7WlceEeMKeDbvgooQYhnRruWWftaLNaCWjikA2DCpsL1njRsUkXn-KHpFsqefM6IjngF2f8J3pxq9QV94FysqN8TtZTvqohqf2pzVWrh_cNIYczTtpRGVgQh0/s1600/WN+March15-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9HOJbBmLbZdXK4x_wvB7WlceEeMKeDbvgooQYhnRruWWftaLNaCWjikA2DCpsL1njRsUkXn-KHpFsqefM6IjngF2f8J3pxq9QV94FysqN8TtZTvqohqf2pzVWrh_cNIYczTtpRGVgQh0/s1600/WN+March15-12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secluded inlet at Kielder Water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhQZVuDAWqYRIoVaXN8oT_mY396ZNPehiIQ1t1Gd0UwCb7yQzEb1fm3u2JHprHU2mqexuteWH_jnFdpZH_O4vdB5TYJmTd85pvH4N6ptuB_RNnm2SZ7OktPmsTbmHN2MF3f-aDQgkPsLX/s1600/WN+March15-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhQZVuDAWqYRIoVaXN8oT_mY396ZNPehiIQ1t1Gd0UwCb7yQzEb1fm3u2JHprHU2mqexuteWH_jnFdpZH_O4vdB5TYJmTd85pvH4N6ptuB_RNnm2SZ7OktPmsTbmHN2MF3f-aDQgkPsLX/s1600/WN+March15-10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the texture and colours in this tree stump.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVZ6bOWKtYgjr8_IqmxlPvv7Ogo6vuSi05lUxAB823yhVyED_y3loQxWPqPKQhg3lNIV6_S3nuhWZ2LH8weErcZyKkN4_H7v593Jv2ySRrA6K9dZkdACB6hLoEDtTMmswNrkwvZaLWfE4/s1600/WN+March15-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVZ6bOWKtYgjr8_IqmxlPvv7Ogo6vuSi05lUxAB823yhVyED_y3loQxWPqPKQhg3lNIV6_S3nuhWZ2LH8weErcZyKkN4_H7v593Jv2ySRrA6K9dZkdACB6hLoEDtTMmswNrkwvZaLWfE4/s1600/WN+March15-11.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Lichen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature taking over<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Kielder Forest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone textures...these colours really shone, despite the rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin & Freya's Hut.</td></tr>
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To reward ourselves for our efforts, we headed off to <a href="http://www.hollybushinn.net/" target="_blank">The Hollybush Inn</a>, a 300 year old coaching inn, just a mile from our Yurt...I think we'd exhausted ourselves too much to campfire cook that night! Besides we felt we'd earnt a pint of local brew by that stage, and some hearty grub.<br />
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Heading back to our cosy yurt, we were looking forward to a snuggly night infront of the log burner again, and it lived up to expectations again, lighting with only 1 match!<br />
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We'd hoped to take some Dark Sky photographs while we were here but the clouds were against us this time, Guess we'll just have to come back for a 5th visit sometime...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprpppXls4HS3Tnu89l2O6mi729suTclEIS4_ceD5CE5ObR04e9mkEG67lNmMRuoGcZC51Ys_1jjzH71NPLKRVP2l4_xgUhkfpUkKpGuEbjwaDf-Eza_nM7gfkDz4C_Ev8fAASK2kU_2wn/s1600/WN+March15-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprpppXls4HS3Tnu89l2O6mi729suTclEIS4_ceD5CE5ObR04e9mkEG67lNmMRuoGcZC51Ys_1jjzH71NPLKRVP2l4_xgUhkfpUkKpGuEbjwaDf-Eza_nM7gfkDz4C_Ev8fAASK2kU_2wn/s1600/WN+March15-29.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful real tree bed!! Feather pillows and duck down duvet too...BLISS!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gorgeous Spring welcome awaited us...we had some beautiful, colourful ducky eggs too, but had scoffed them by this point, sorry x</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little kitchen area...better equipped than home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful handmade door...with hatch.</td></tr>
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<br />I wish we could have stayed longer, but I'm sure we'll be back again. If you get the chance to visit...DO IT!! You need to experience it at least once to know the real rural beauty of this fabulous place, and the gorgeously helpful and generous people who run it all. <div>
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Until next time peeps,</div>
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TTFN xx<br /><br />
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Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-49985522437035359252015-02-17T10:29:00.002+00:002015-02-17T10:29:06.664+00:00Winter blues and a drop of golden sun.Hello again peeps,<br />
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I'm sitting here contemplating after what was a horrible day yesterday! Nothing to do with where I am, what I'm doing or how to progress with my business, but with tiredness and I admit quite a dose of stress.<br />
I put it all down to unnecessary fretting, the darkness of winter and the lack of sun on my face, so to cheer myself up and banish those winter blues I wandered into Pinterest, my happy place. If you've not found it yet, go take a peek <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and wander around, it's my little haven of prettiness and joy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJk6Mf0098HJKNG12PSg16wNlWeMXiHoZzcQ7wJbomPUKHRyp24e8t1qSNdoCGX0HnKJLfQEQ6CmHGGnJUkpc7QXssGZeJazup-ncx8a3vocCcX8hwof4rwxn1z3TwsEwQpTyloNBIwsX/s1600/Cyanotype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJk6Mf0098HJKNG12PSg16wNlWeMXiHoZzcQ7wJbomPUKHRyp24e8t1qSNdoCGX0HnKJLfQEQ6CmHGGnJUkpc7QXssGZeJazup-ncx8a3vocCcX8hwof4rwxn1z3TwsEwQpTyloNBIwsX/s1600/Cyanotype.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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My 'other' obsession is textiles (I have an Honours degree in Textiles and Fashion Design from a million years ago), so I started wandering around boards dedicated to all things textiles, and found some beautiful boards on natural printing techniques, I kept being drawn back to images of eco printing with leaves and flowers, rusty nails and even sunshine (cyanotype)!! It must have been my lucky day, I found just what I needed to banish the blues, a good dollop of the sun. I now have a positive and lovely thing to look forwards to trying and can't wait to try experimenting with some of these techniques, once I give myself a few sunny days off from soaping that is, ROLL ON SUMMER!!<br />
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<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/oakwoodsoaperie/eco-print-fabric-and-paper/">Follow Oakwood Soaperie's board Eco print, fabric and paper on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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I hope this will bring a little sunshine into your day too,<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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TTFN,<br />
Ceri xOakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-61041749274160421812015-02-09T17:55:00.000+00:002015-02-09T17:55:51.730+00:00Happy February...<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
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<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well hello again, I hope you had a lovely January. Here at OSHQ it's been a busy old month, below is just a snippet of what I've been up to amid the making and wrapping of stock and orders, events, deliveries and general soap fettling.<br /><br />Don't miss out on our special Valentine's 15% discount offer below xx</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" valign="top">Super special Valentines's discount offer* on our <span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', 'marker felt-thin', arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_932257-For-your-Valentine.html" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">website</a></span> for ONE week only. Enter 'Valentine15' at checkout for 15% discount on your order, because I love you xx<br /><br />*offer ends 11.59pm 13.2.15</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_932257-For-your-Valentine.html" target="_blank">http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_932257-For-your-Valentine.html</a></div>
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In other news...I've been getting the word out there a little with directory listings. Sooo, you can now find our details in the beautiful '<a href="http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/directory.html" target="_blank">Natural Wedding Company</a>' Directory as an official supplier of Natural soap wedding favours and Botanical Confetti cones (YAY!!) </div>
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Check out their gorgeous website <a href="http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>....</div>
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As you may know, I'm also a member of '<a href="http://ukhandmade.co.uk/makers-directory" target="_blank">UK Handmade</a>' too. It's another lovely directory of British makers and high quality crafters. I took the Handmade Pledge to support a UK maker when it comes to buying gifts and have done so for the past 3 years, it's so easy when there are so many beautiful handmade goods available from top quality artisans all over the UK. Next time you're in need of inspiration, why not pop over and browse the directory, you're bound to find something to suit.</div>
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Also this month, I've been a busy little bee stocking up some new outlets with my soapy goodies. You can now find my products in '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/theglamorousowl2?fref=ts" target="_blank">The Glamorous Owl</a>' a new gift shop and gallery space full of locally made products, jewellery, artwork and photographs in Newcastle upon Tyne,</div>
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I've also begun supplying my medieval inspired '<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_2725030-Four-Thieves-Handmade-Soap.html" target="_blank">Four Thieves soap</a>' to the <a href="http://www.hexhamoldgaol.org.uk/" target="_blank">Hexham Old Gaol</a> and Woodhorn Museum as it is based on a 15th C blend of essential oils known to kill bugs and germs on the skin...to read more, please pop over to my website. </div>
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Other new stockists include:</div>
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<a href="http://www.creaturecandy.co.uk/" target="_blank">Creature Candy</a> - 10% of sales go to Wildlife Conservation Charities</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanangeltherapies.co.uk/" target="_blank">Urban Angel Therapies</a> - Natural Spa therapies and bathing products.</div>
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So...all in all, it's been a pretty full on and busy month for me, now I need to knuckle down and get making more scrumptious goodies...so enough of this chitter chatter...I need to make soap.</div>
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TTFN,</div>
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Ceri x</div>
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Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-36410114298209033232015-01-31T11:46:00.000+00:002015-01-31T11:46:11.114+00:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4061896/?claim=ap9dnhx6rte">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-38287981126683734212015-01-15T18:15:00.004+00:002015-01-15T18:15:45.210+00:00My Goodness it's been a while!!Hello, hello....what can I say?<br />
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It's been FAR too long since my last post but one of my New Year's resolutions for 2015 is to revive my blog and start a <a href="http://eepurl.com/bbAVtH">newsletter</a>, so in one fell swoop, I'm doing both!!<br />
How are we all doing?
Since my last posting I've properly settled in to my studio at Gibside and feel truly at home. I'm there most days busily making, wrapping and generally getting covered in bits of bicarb, flower petals (Grown in my plot in the walled garden) and plant oils....BLISS!!
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I've LOTS to tell you but will break it up a bit over the next few months, so fear not, you won't be getting bombarded!<br />
If you'd like to sign up to our Newsletter, please do so on our website <i>here<a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/page_3203540.html"></a></i>. As a Thank you, I'll send you a special voucher code to use on our website, it even works for the SALE...giving you an amazing 40% off sale goodies in total!!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKCRTvFC_znxXf1Dt3HxWVQ0AKGFWrjuMstbd3X2RP70ejYZ4MfMdgIgQUjrYYvAfdI6jIyMMzvxOmtKPAGvJURr0eK3OVLtzSwD_C6eoInutnbL7Hhv28BLuWeXE5qT3kUJHG6IsS0a8/s1600/SALE+hang+tags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKCRTvFC_znxXf1Dt3HxWVQ0AKGFWrjuMstbd3X2RP70ejYZ4MfMdgIgQUjrYYvAfdI6jIyMMzvxOmtKPAGvJURr0eK3OVLtzSwD_C6eoInutnbL7Hhv28BLuWeXE5qT3kUJHG6IsS0a8/s320/SALE+hang+tags.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anyhoo, That's it for now, I hope your resolutions are going well, and that you've not broken yet...c'mon, if I can stick to them !!<br />
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TTFN,<br />
Love
Ceri xxOakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-55911917989312227152013-05-31T12:34:00.000+01:002013-05-31T12:34:13.939+01:00Behind the scenes...paper trails and tea... Well, the sun has got his hat on...and soon I'll be coming out to play :)<br />
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Today is an enforced admin day (well morning) as my car is having a 'wee bit service' at the garage, so I'm at home catching up on all those things that I keep putting off...like paperwork and admin...sigh. I'd much rather be making more soap in my workshop, but needs must.<br />
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You may not know this but to enable me to bring lovely handmade soap and bath goodies into being, there are an awful lot of legal aspects to consider...PIF's, MSDS, SA's and now a new EU Portal, not to mention a whole host of new regulations to adhere to from July....WHAAAA...??? I hear you cry...fear not, this mumbo jumbo is just for me to worry about...and make sure I get right!! so I can continue to bring you some lovely all natural and (hopefully) beautiful creations to pamper yourselves with.<br />
Sooo...this is what has been keeping me awake at night...and is where the grey hairs have been coming from too I'll bet...well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!!<br />
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As a natural soap maker I have to keep records of every single item I make with batch numbers, manufacturing and use by dates, full ingredients (including Latin names) and allergen declarations for each essential oil I use in every single product. Each record also has to state the individual ingredients batch number form my suppliers too...so you can only begin to imagine how many files I have on the shelves and my computer now!! This is all so I can comply with current standards and guidelines of soap and cosmetic manufacture...I just have to remind myself that without doing this, I cannot play and make soap for you lot...so it's WORTH it! I just thought you might like to know a little about how much also goes on in the background as well as all about the products I make.<br />
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I'm almost done now and my eyes are squaring up as I type, so how do you fancy a peek at some of my new LIMITED EDITION summer soaps...(and yes, I have done my paperwork for them too). I'd love to hear what you think :D<br />
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Find them on my website to order now... <a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/">www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsD29mk5a02Q6Y5MSkJW6k9GqTrOO0HJDNOt0fYlN4lGx3Bk4GzH-VaNrJXSXV3YQxrQC7NawFQfvEs2bWeWmD_KzLAq46H6FqaK00odFdDNYYYQv49q7Qy6LbDE2saOyvy-2WszcImMa/s1600/15+March+makes+2013-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsD29mk5a02Q6Y5MSkJW6k9GqTrOO0HJDNOt0fYlN4lGx3Bk4GzH-VaNrJXSXV3YQxrQC7NawFQfvEs2bWeWmD_KzLAq46H6FqaK00odFdDNYYYQv49q7Qy6LbDE2saOyvy-2WszcImMa/s320/15+March+makes+2013-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_2666552-Summer-Fayre-Soap.html" target="_blank">Summer Fayre - LIMITED EDITION</a> with Rose Geranium, <br />Clary Sage, Rosemary and Thyme essential oils</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxsYJRNrDrJbKbNu8b4H9G0ToB8VIpUReUfD_J2MKovOKb2Au7fxXJghhrHjhG88eNtWSK615CoJlIXBG9jy-LSwBdMuPERqmhgKRUQoY42MbWaD0-Xztun0zOLJPq5wThNopajGZyxsL/s1600/Lemon+Myrtle,+lavender+and+peppermint+March+2013+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxsYJRNrDrJbKbNu8b4H9G0ToB8VIpUReUfD_J2MKovOKb2Au7fxXJghhrHjhG88eNtWSK615CoJlIXBG9jy-LSwBdMuPERqmhgKRUQoY42MbWaD0-Xztun0zOLJPq5wThNopajGZyxsL/s320/Lemon+Myrtle,+lavender+and+peppermint+March+2013+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_2638290-Lemon-Myrtle-and-Lavender-soap.html" target="_blank">Lemon Myrtle and Lavender - <br />LIMITED EDITION insect deterrent soap</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YNqRxHI4RIXx2JGMmoX01jTmvlIIMlwxwq80LwO9M67vR-nmXBfr4-Dh5lgoXW45ysIfmriP8lnadDFSboYgernOdLBDrnKkETzLFhd-Iuv0k2xzqz-jwZh1Uqxm3Ru5KLkShr912pvB/s1600/Lemon+Myrtle,+lavender+and+peppermint+March+2013+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YNqRxHI4RIXx2JGMmoX01jTmvlIIMlwxwq80LwO9M67vR-nmXBfr4-Dh5lgoXW45ysIfmriP8lnadDFSboYgernOdLBDrnKkETzLFhd-Iuv0k2xzqz-jwZh1Uqxm3Ru5KLkShr912pvB/s320/Lemon+Myrtle,+lavender+and+peppermint+March+2013+(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of Lemon Myrtle soap<br /> - with heather flowers for prettiness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYCKinM5GgNElum8WG8Hn3nAqyVP2Ub4QoZn9jTnhQACnJe1IeLFeel5SmnMrzKAoL84NNE42vxOD9BEVm2eoONInzW3AEtW6h0mi_vUwV7OHk0jowD8sZnbSJV7dWMKAaOP1PiCLKcuA/s1600/Safflower+and+Sweet+Orange+soap+Sept+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYCKinM5GgNElum8WG8Hn3nAqyVP2Ub4QoZn9jTnhQACnJe1IeLFeel5SmnMrzKAoL84NNE42vxOD9BEVm2eoONInzW3AEtW6h0mi_vUwV7OHk0jowD8sZnbSJV7dWMKAaOP1PiCLKcuA/s320/Safflower+and+Sweet+Orange+soap+Sept+2012.jpg" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/prod_2322674-Safflower-Sunset-Handmade-soap.html" target="_blank">Safflower Sunset -<br /> Sweet Orange, Ylang ylang and Patchouli</a></td></tr>
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<br />I think that's enough screen time for the day, time for a bit of fun...I'm off into the garden to give it a bit of TLC...it's been a LOOOONG time coming, Hope the sun stay out for me!<div>
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TTFN soapies xxx<br /><br />
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Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-16539406347806495202013-03-11T11:58:00.000+00:002013-03-11T11:58:23.083+00:00Big News...Pt # 2Hi Folks :)<br />
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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?<br />
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This is my new commute....see what you think...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAwHmm1cNz7uTiYRmal4V-O76J1DkX6Ynx9yqwqhjsQOaP13biZBh3eOdkboNzrCh-Aj7b8ppr3JOBvYgLf5M25odInK87Kn_j9vJww93onjb6KdfWHUh2Rusyc_Q-YzzwcGMy0fR-h40/s1600/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAwHmm1cNz7uTiYRmal4V-O76J1DkX6Ynx9yqwqhjsQOaP13biZBh3eOdkboNzrCh-Aj7b8ppr3JOBvYgLf5M25odInK87Kn_j9vJww93onjb6KdfWHUh2Rusyc_Q-YzzwcGMy0fR-h40/s320/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Main Gate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmgkQ8I4eaQNX-o3cF7OXq8l0MU_D9SlAoren46ixHfrK2Sg-R_KniEVgQSGM5UDm49NFfgkcqNp9OzoEOLCyrloo6uX6yGRncK69gDU0yqt71DLeJm7keUeSs3w0kpmeW2xNKIcF01JM/s1600/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmgkQ8I4eaQNX-o3cF7OXq8l0MU_D9SlAoren46ixHfrK2Sg-R_KniEVgQSGM5UDm49NFfgkcqNp9OzoEOLCyrloo6uX6yGRncK69gDU0yqt71DLeJm7keUeSs3w0kpmeW2xNKIcF01JM/s320/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely view of the Old hall...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzXr8mNrU4YAnHMI9P-aoL3Y97-rQ0fkBJyMAHOnK9HtKW6HKvNC8h2HNOnKpi_Zh0CmzfJGo_Wp9zMFANLVV6lCa92wsNBb4MvW0rVQcIg2JZZVNvDP20fLhUmPvsrnBUhvQkk8hIPkI/s1600/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzXr8mNrU4YAnHMI9P-aoL3Y97-rQ0fkBJyMAHOnK9HtKW6HKvNC8h2HNOnKpi_Zh0CmzfJGo_Wp9zMFANLVV6lCa92wsNBb4MvW0rVQcIg2JZZVNvDP20fLhUmPvsrnBUhvQkk8hIPkI/s320/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly there....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNFTmUeiTsNN1Z9eovzjAJsfYdCY6pXHdiUulw03zazYWxJYkB2z60NrZIRFsTk4by-RUoFZ2nXsKEEVs6kzFS5zjqZBZ-8d73EVoXanZdf43dmVCPDye3B3KDQ37t2-ygKjHydVAoA1X/s1600/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNFTmUeiTsNN1Z9eovzjAJsfYdCY6pXHdiUulw03zazYWxJYkB2z60NrZIRFsTk4by-RUoFZ2nXsKEEVs6kzFS5zjqZBZ-8d73EVoXanZdf43dmVCPDye3B3KDQ37t2-ygKjHydVAoA1X/s320/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely gnarly old tree on the walk up...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9APgjiz_NcPRayUqSoe2_KvpOW4G1UvDKM6JtcExQ255zBPXDqZ4fgfzXSzH0Dw0jtoVNzpmev7cM7uLmCYkR70I3-Blz7lcbrV8g6NzHBP2f_0LaE8FiG6gFNMmhsF4LZ4ztjULoiR8s/s1600/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9APgjiz_NcPRayUqSoe2_KvpOW4G1UvDKM6JtcExQ255zBPXDqZ4fgfzXSzH0Dw0jtoVNzpmev7cM7uLmCYkR70I3-Blz7lcbrV8g6NzHBP2f_0LaE8FiG6gFNMmhsF4LZ4ztjULoiR8s/s320/Oakwood+Soaperie+March+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side elevation of the Stables...my workshop is upstairs on the far left wing!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Rosebud Bath Truffles made 'in-situ'</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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TTFN xxx<br />
<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0Rowlands Gill, Tyne and Wear NE39, UK54.917079361842056 -1.736183166503906254.907953861842053 -1.7563531665039063 54.926204861842059 -1.7160131665039062tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-10474634793865917732013-02-23T17:50:00.000+00:002013-02-23T17:51:39.919+00:00Big News...part #1 Well, here we are on a wonderful wintry Saturday...the snow has been falling overnight and everything looks crisp and clean.<br />
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!!<br />
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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 <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/">Gibside Estate</a> - a National Trust property near Rowlands Gill, right up in the North East of England. It is part of the <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/eating-and-shopping/page-3/" target="_blank">Garden Shed project</a> in association with Gateshead Council which is supporting small, independent craft based businesses right here in the North East.<br />
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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!!<br />
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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?<br />
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Wish me luck peeps.....bring on Moving in Monday....<br />
I'll be sure to let you see some 'After' photo's too, please pop back soon...<br />
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TTFN xxxx<br />
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-29055420777404236282013-02-03T17:50:00.000+00:002013-02-23T17:54:22.778+00:00Massage Candles and Luxury bath and Body Oils Hi Folks,
Today was such a grotty day I decided to make some lovely NEW products.<br />
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...<br />
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The 100% natural massage candles can be used in a number of ways,<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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!! <br />
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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.<br />
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TTFN....more new goodies coming soon xxx<br />
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Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-70672597215308136302013-01-05T12:00:00.002+00:002013-02-23T17:58:56.668+00:00Etsy Favourites I think I've found a new addiction!<br />
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...<br />
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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?<br />
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<script src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(28984146, 'favorites','gallery',5,3).renderIframe();</script>Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153105574759496216.post-7969061926384958192013-01-03T18:05:00.002+00:002013-01-03T18:05:09.105+00:00Happy 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 :)<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Mjg5ODQxNDZ8MjcyMzc3OTYxNg/the-cold-heart-of-winter?index=0" target="_blank">The Cold Heart of Winter - Etsy Treasury</a><br />
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Why not pop on over for a peek at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OakwoodSoaperie?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">shop</a> while you're over there too...happy browsing :)<br />
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<br />Oakwood Soaperiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904445222011742253noreply@blogger.com0