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

Christmas Soaps launch

Well a happy autumnal season to you,

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.

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!!

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!!

First up, 'Snow Drift soap' - 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.

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. 

Snow Drift soap

'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.

We Three Kings soap

'Winter Cabin' handmade soap is woodsy, earthy and smokey. Blended with warming Cedarwood, comforting Clary Sage, spicy Clove and meditational yet smokey Vetiver oils.

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!

Winter Spice soap

'Winter Spice' handmade soap is what Christmas is all about. 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.

Winter Spice soap

Well there they are, I hope you like them. These little lovelies and oodles more are all available to buy from my website, Folksy and Etsy 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!!). 

See my EVENTS 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 Facebook Page each week, so be sure to 'find and follow' me over there too if you're not already. 

If you want to see how they were done, pop over to my You Tube channel for a gander, here's one to tempt you in...enjoy xx

If you're a fan of a flash sale...be sure to sign up to my NEWSLETTER too, I'll be releasing the odd special reward to subscribers as the days get darker and the nights get chillier.

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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. 

Until next time, TTFN

Ceri xx

Everything works better if it's unplugged for a bit...

Well we're half way through June already...how did that happen??
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.

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!!

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!

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!!

We wanted to try lots of new things as it was a significant holiday for us, sooo....we pony trekked 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 horse 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 :(

We took the Steamer 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.

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.

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!

We found our little home for the week on a super website called 'Heart of the Lakes'. 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!

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. 

If you've got this far, well done and thank you for sticking with me ;)

Last but not least, this Sunday June 21st is Father's Day, so as not to let it pass by unnoticed, I'm offering a 15% discount in my online shops and website, Simply enter DAD15 at checkout to claim your discount. Offer is running in my Folksy and Etsy shops too. Happy Shopping :)

Until next time peeps
TTFN

Ceri xx

My Goodness it's been a while!!

Hello, hello....what can I say?

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 newsletter, so in one fell swoop, I'm doing both!!
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!!

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!
 If you'd like to sign up to our Newsletter, please do so on our website here. 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!!

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 !!

TTFN,
Love Ceri xx

Big News...Pt # 2

Hi Folks :)

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

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

The Main Gate.

Lovely view of the Old hall...

Nearly there....

Lovely gnarly old tree on the walk up...

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

My first Rosebud Bath Truffles made 'in-situ'

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

TTFN xxx

Big News...part #1

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

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

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

The Hayloft Door.

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

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

TTFN xxxx

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copper Wrapped Amonite Pendant - Spiral Fountain Jewellery

RoseBud Tote bag - Personal Space Interiors

Child's Pinny's - The Old Button

Pocket Notebook - Handmade in Keswick

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

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

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

Well here in blighty it's a bank holiday...but no rest for the wicked...I have 3 batches of ingredients ready and cooling for today's soaping adventures.

Wylam Beer soap with Patchouli

On the cards for today...Wylam Beer (in preparation for a Village fairs next month),

Turkish Rose Madder soap with Oat potein

 Turkish Rose Madder ( a hot favourite in the last few weeks)

SOS Facial Cleansing Bar with bentonite, charcoal and Essential oils

 and SOS facial cleansing bar with tea tree and lemon.

While the lye water, beer infusions and madder root are all doing their thing and becoming lovely and ready to soap with, I though I'd do a spot of 'research' on facebook, you know keeping the profile up and checking the latest news.

Anyhoo while I was there, I discovered to my delight that my Beddy Byes Bath Milk has been chosen for the UK Handmade's Summer Showcase. so I HAD to tell you about it ;)

Please do pop over for a browse, ther are some beautful UK handmade crafts and gifts chosen, I'm so proud to be one of their selection.

http://ukhandmade.co.uk/showcase/summer

Right back to making and wrapping...lots to do to keep me out of mischief today...Happy May Bank Holiday everyone!!

TTFN ,

love Ceri xxx

My New Spangly Soap Workshop - guided tour

Spring is underway and what better time to reveal my newly re-fitted workshop? It has taken a while but at long last, I now have a fully functioning and lovely (well, I think so) workspace to design, make and wrap all my lovely goodies just for you.

The Design Hub (well,  really just my desk ;)

I love to have inspiration at my fingertips so any beautiful things I find get put onto the heart rack, for reference later on. You can even see one of the lovely calendars I got made up at Christmas time perched to the side of my screen, birdie keeps a close eye on it for me so I don't forget which day it is!!

Storage, Storage, Storage!!

I now have tonnes of MUCH needed space to make, wrap and store everything, it's already filling up nicely. You can see my crates under the bench - these come to my regular craft fairs around the North East...spreading the Oakwood Soaperie lurve out there...I have space for 12 in total, I think this will do me for a while!!
The far side of the bench has an open cupboard for all my equipment and soap oils, better for easy access mid soaping. All my ingredients are over on the racks in the corner (don't look too close, they need a tidy!)  while this side is my wrapping and postage half...with doors to prevent the labels etc. getting all bits on them when I'm making goodies.
At the back are my new curing towers - I LOVE these, lots of space and good ventillation for curing soaps / drying bath bombs / bubble bars etc. Each basket easily holds around 40 bars...that's a lot of soap!!!

Online stock storage for Folksy, WowThankyou and my new Website

Here are my new shelf units too, when you order from one of my online shops or the website, this is where all your goodies have been waiting for you, ready to be re-homed. As well as the storage shelves above, I also have a space specially for larger orders and wholesale / retail allowing me to have everything in one place. It's much easier to see what I have now and what needs replenishing. I plan to get more stacking boxes to utilise the shelves a bit better but that is the easy part.

Well that's it, tour finished...I hope you have enjoyed a sneaky peek behind the doors at Oakwood Soaperie, it may be small but it's mine and I'm very proud to have done every bit myself, including laying a new floor, all the painting and sourcing and building all that storage. I think it's time for a nice cuppa and back to some soaping...thank you all for coming round :)

TTFN xxx

Happy Valentines Day! (and some new makes for our new website)

Today it's been all go here at Soaperie Towers :)
Bath bombs are now drying on the racks and soap is almost ready to pour.
Todays makes include Green Tea and Rice bran Bath bombs and St Clements - Orange and lemon bath bombs ( both with a new secret bubbling ingredient)

Green Tea and Rice Bran Bubbling bomb

St Clement's - all wrapped up

Yesterday I made new batches of our best sellers - Floral Heaven (Jasmine & Ylang ylang) and Heather Honey bath bombs, this room smells AMAZING!! I can't wait till tonight, as I get to use up all the little end bits and crumbs that are left - soapmakers treat :)

Our bath bombs make lovely Wedding Favours and can be tailored to suit the theme of the wedding or special occasion, I can even rustle up some custom labels too, (if i'm feeling particularly clever!)

Floral Heaven Bath Bombs

Heather Honey Bath Bombs

I'll be pouring a new batch of Sweet Pea soap this afternoon too, hopefully it should look like this when cured.

Sweet Pea Soap

These will all be listed on our new website as soon as they are wrapped and ready.

More updates to follow very soon -

TTFN - time for lunch xx