Homemade Soaps

I'm pretty excited - my soap order has come in and I can't wait to get started testing some small samples. I figure I'll make a bar or 2 of each sent I like and use it in the shower and make sure I don't go too heavy on the pigment or the essential oils.

I'm planning on making each of my guests an aroma therapy bath soap bar as a wedding favor. I figure that's exactly what people need after a day grinding their muscles on the hill.

I purchased my base, my pigment and my scents but there are a few things I still need. I need a soap mold and a soap cutter. I'd love a mitre and soap cutter, but if I can't, I'll make due with a silicone mold, though I've heard some people have issues with sticking.

I also would like a food scale, but if I can't I'll make due.

What I absolutely need are a small spray bottle, rubbing alcohol, cellophane, and a mold of some sort ... any mold would do to test small batches. Maybe a brownie mold with a coupon at AC Moore.

Hopefully my soap making can begin this weekend and will be a hit! Small batches ...

I also need to start thinking of the packaging. The overall mold will affect this. Cellophane will need to be used 1st to ensure the soap won't dry out or sweat with changing temperatures. Then maybe ivory paper with a navy belly band and thank you sticker or stamp.

My 1st Craft Sale

Today is the craft sale. I didn't even count how many headbands I have but there are quite a few. I'm wearing part of the inventory. I suppose that's advertising. Too bad I can't sell it.

Wish me luck!

Here is our flier... with a few things blurred out

Craft Sale #2

Is fast approaching and I have 1 blanket and 1 hat for sale... I have 1/2 a scarf and 1/2 another blanket. What will I do??

I have a few left over headbands but I'll need to pick up the pace and go into full hat and scarf making mode!

Yikes!

My cousin offered to help... and I know she's going to read this... but I refuse for her to help and not reap the benefits of her labor. If she makes a hat and sells it, that money should go to her! But she refuses!

AHHHHHHHHHHH

I am currently not a happy hooker but a frantic one!

My 1st Granny Square Blanket

Rather than starting with a full sized blanket, I've been making hat's, scarves, headbands and baby blankies. After all - my patience level couldn't keep up with a project that'd take months.

I love this blanket... the bright citrus colors are so refreshing!

Donations Meet Crafts

Donations Meet Crafts

I've been crocheting for only a few months now but it's already become a fun hobby and I've even made sales from my little creations.

My crafts have gotten bigger and better since I've started and I decided that I wanted to crochet for charity. I was going to begin making chemo caps but the weather has been warm and this September I have a craft sale I need to hook tons for. So instead I decided to sell each one of my hats with a little note - that tells each customer that $1-2 of their purchase price will go directly to ACS - American Cancer Society.

I think it's a good way to still get my quota in for the craft sale, but still contributing to causes I believe in.

Maybe for every hat I sell, I will donate to ACS and for every blanket or purse, I'll donate to AHA - American Heart Association. Or maybe I can ask each customer which Charity they'd prefer their money to go and just keep track and send it all in at once.

As written in the Bible:

"And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance,
so that by always having enough of everything,
you may share abundantly in His good works."

- II Corinthians 9:8

Crafting Update

Today I went to Joann Fabric like planned. While there I bought quite a few pieces of fabric all on sale. I also purchased a rotary cutter with ruler & board for 50% off and some doodads I thought I needed... but probably don't. Oh and another skein of yarn.

This might be my 1st official attempt at sewing something perfect. I've done a few pillow cases and the like... and they always had imperfections... but I was attempting at sewing items that I could give as gifts or even sell.

My 1st attempt was to sew the lining to the 1st crochet bag I made... it came out too small and too big at the same time... turns out I flipped the pattern by accident... and I almost did it again on my 2nd attempt... luckily I caught the mistake before making the 1st stitch.

Here is the finished bag. I'm going to make a flower pin as an optional accent for the bag. I'll probably get on that after I post this.





I also made my 1st attempt at a tote bag... it's The Twenty Minute Tote from The Purl Bee I have to admit... it took me just 20 minutes to cut the fabric correctly and measure everything.
I suppose everything in time. Crocheting is definitely easier to me than sewing.

Here is that tote. I think my cousin would like it. It's a pink bandanna type fabric (100% cotton).





Who woulda thought, the fabric was cheaper by the yard than the handle.

as always - you can click the pictures to get a closer look

Crochet Handbags

Crochet Handbags

I've been working on these clutch bags. I haven't posted pics b/c I was neglecting the WIP posts so they are almost done. The actual bag is complete but they are awaiting lining and a snap closure.