Why do you craft/make? How did you learn?
I make Bath & Body luxuries that are great for pampering yourself with (and great for low-toxin households or those with allergies too) – cold process soaps, sugar scrubs, bath bombs, & lotion bars. I began my learning journey with my sister one day just dabbling with some glycerin soap base, a few Essential Oils, herbs and soap colorants. From there, I was a hobbyist for a few years, making soaps for my friends and family.
I also began formulating lotion bars, a wonderful dry lotion concept that naturally leaves skin richly moisturized without any preservatives. Next I discovered Bath Bombs, one of my passions, then over time learned all the in’s and out’s of true cold process soap making.
Lots of experimentation later, I released my cold process line and have continued to expand on it. I LOVE playing with recipes, tweaking the qualities in a finished soap bar, say, or adding certain ingredients for comfort, aromatherapy or skin softening to bath bombs.
I’m delighted to be able to offer a full range in soaps, from truly all-natural to designs with trendy or seasonal scents and more vivid colors. People really vary in their wants and needs in regards to personal care products too, so I love teaming up with my individual customers to create something just for them.
What is your favorite product or piece you’ve made lately?
I’m totally in love with my most recent version of my signature lotion bar. It bears the same quality ingredients I’ve used in the past, with a slight twist to make it a little more useful for some folks who may have super dry or problem skin. It’s now available with quality Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile Essential Oils.
Feel free to research these Essential Oils to see why I chose them for use in this hard lotion bar. I still offer the lotion bar in the classic trio of Lavender, Palmarosa and Myrrh for those who like something a little more floral/traditional. As always my lotion bars include Calendula-infused Sweet Almond Oil and do not contain any parabens, preservatives, fragrances or dyes.
What sorts of things are inspiring you right now? Where do you look for inspiration?
I love Fall, and have been on quite the Halloween kick for a little while. Right now, I’m intrigued by the change of seasons and all the little details that come along with it. The crisp mornings, the colors and textures of the seasonal veggies available this time of year, a warm fire in the evenings, those sorts of things. Having a little more time inside with family as the days grow shorter.
Scents are big for me, I’m always sniffing things to see what I’d like to re-create (or even improve upon). I’m also always intrigued by the results one can achieve with fully natural colorants and have been doing a few experiments on that front – results will be public soon!
Are you bringing/selling anything special at the craft fair?
Definitely! I will have plenty of my Savon De Marseilles-inspired soaps, a nice clean bath bar, free of colorants or scents of any type, made with quality 97% organic Olive Oil (the other 3% is pure Castor Oil to help achieve a rich lather). It’s enhanced with a bit of real Tussah Silk for a super silky feel and aged over 4 months. They are excellent for families with allergies or skin sensitivities (who cannot use commercial bath bars due to the detergents and surfactants) and for those who want to keep their beauty routines inspired by nature.
I also offer the same clean formula in a bath bar with swirled botanicals (Nettle leaf powder & Olive Leaf Powder) for those who love a naturally simple design. I’ll have plenty of bath bombs, including ultra-decadent aromatherapy bath bombs with Essential Oil blends. I’m also bringing a lineup of delightful holiday-inspired scents such as Peppermint & Lavender, rich Apple Sage, and a duplicate of Lush’s Yog Nog . . . come on out, smell them all and decide which is your personal favorite!
Favorite holiday cookie?
As cliché as it may sound, I love a good buttery sugar cookie – not frosted, just dusted with a little extra sugar.
Favorite holiday song?
Silver Bells – a wonderful classic song.
All I want for Christmas is…?
This is a really tough one for me this year. Of course, there are some things on my soaping wishlist I would love to stock in – soap molds, essential oils, and some herbs for infusions – so I can offer even more natural products in the new year. However, it’s also the case that some of my loved ones are facing some real health challenges right now, so what I really want is for them to get the answers they need and to have the highest quality of health and comfort they can possibly have.
Please join us on Saturday, December 9th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
in Curtis Hall at Sierra 2 Center for our Holiday Craft Fair!
A favorite among neighbors, the Holiday Craft Fair isn’t one to miss! Join us for another wonderful shopping experience that supports 20 local artisans, makers, and crafters, as well as the Sierra 2 Senior Center. Admission is free!