Big announcement inside...HUGE!!

Well hello,

How are we today?

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.

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 'Kirstie's Handmade Christmas' 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 here...or visit Kirstie Allsopp's website here...

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...??!!'
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.

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 'Raise the Roof Productions'  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!

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.

My home set up for the backstory.

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.

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.
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.

The spectacular competition backdrop...so many decs.
Apparently there were rooms full in the attic!!

Trying to concentrate and not being at
 all ready for my close up...crikey!!

My fellow competitors Sammy and Emma...there was one more but he was outside in the workshop.

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.

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.

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.

In case you didn't know, that's me in the grey dress ;) xx

To stay in touch with all that develops, just click the links below to follow me over on:

 Facebook : @OakwoodSoaperie

 Twitter: @OakwoodSoaperie

 Instagram: @oakwood_soaperie

 Pinterest: Oakwood Soaperie

Until next time...TTFN

Ceri

xx

A new place to find my work, and a whole new digital adventure.

Happy February peeps,

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!

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!

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!

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.

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 'Ghosts of Nature' I'll be adding more one of a kind prints and originals soon. Simply click the image below to enter my shop.

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 website and they will also be introduced on my facebook page, take a look at the one I've done already. 

...

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 Heatherslaw Gift Shop 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 'Hang my Hat'. 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!

Well, I think that's about it for now, Stay warm and embrace the days stretching that little bit longer into Spring.

TTFN,

Ceri

x

Eco Printing, campfires and stars...

Hello hello my lovelies,

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.

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.

Laying out gathered Meadowsweet,
Copper Beech and Blackberry leaves onto the silks.

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. 'Wild Northumbrian' 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!!

The View over the Northumbrian Fells.

My husband Phil from Scapeography 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 facebook page or Twitter account (@Scapeograph) for more details of his work and a peek behind the scenes at his current projects.

Our Sweet little Bothy through the Apple trees

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.

Lichen can also be used as a dye,
I might have to try this one day too.

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!!

My kind of neighbors.

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?

These are both from Madder root,
such amazing colours!!

Silk bundles cooking on the stove.

Madder root in the pot, Wild Blackberry,
Copper Beech and Sycamore leaves leaving their
 ghosts on the silk.

Eucalyptus and Oak leaves give a strong
and colourful print.

This little guy kept a close eye on the activities.

Finished Scarves, cushions and mounted prints
 displayed in our Polebarn Bothy during our stay.

 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.

Huge thanks to the fantastic Rob and Vicky at 'Wild Northumbrian Tipi's and Yurts' 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 www.wildnorthumbrian.co.uk, 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 :)))

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.


TTFN and until next time xx

Love,
Ceri x

A touch of eco luxury in some gorgeous new products.

Hello August,

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!

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.

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.

Rose Madder Limited edition soap with silk and rose oil

Herb Patch Limited Edition soap with earth and clay

Gone Adventuring Limited Edition soap with eucalyptus.

Wild Meadow Limited edition soap with floral oils.

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.


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.

Clary sage flowers

Ferns and flowers

Blackberry and Privet leaves

Eucalyptus leaves and Crocosmia flowers

Dogwood Bark

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.

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.

They are available to buy now over on my website, enjoy browsing x

http://www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk/oakwoodsoaperieshop/cat_988477-Ecoprinted-Silk-Scarves.html

Well, I think that's about it for now...happy August...I hope to enjoy a bit of what's left.

TTFN,

Ceri
xx

Winter blues and a drop of golden sun.

Hello again peeps,

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.
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 here and wander around, it's my little haven of prettiness and joy.

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!!


Follow Oakwood Soaperie's board Eco print, fabric and paper on Pinterest.


I hope this will bring a little sunshine into your day too,

Till next time,

TTFN,
Ceri  x