The Soap Seduction: Patrice...Gimme that Soap! AKA "A Soapy Review"

I hate commercial soap. I haven't used commercial soap in years...except when I run out of my handmade soaps and have to use slivers of commercial soap until my next soap orders comes!

Handmade soap is so much better for your skin:
1) It is made with all natural ingredients...soap artisans don't use alcohol and chemicals
2) Your skin is so much softer with regular use...no need for a moisturizer unless you want it for fragrance.
3) You are supporting the handmade revolution...and that's a good thing :)

My supply of handmade soap ran out recently and I thought I would try some soap from my dear blogging friend, Patrice of The Soap Seduction. Our package arrived yesterday and when I tore the envelope open, a wonderful array of yummy scents wafted up to my nose. Bad news: Tayelor was at school and I promised her I would wait for her to get home before I pawed through everything. Well, after anxiously waiting for her to come home from track, we finally got to paw through our goodies! She's lucky...I almost didn't wait!

Patrice enclosed such a sweet Thank You card which Tayelor is getting ready to read...


and she had the soaps all wrapped up in pretty pink tissue paper...

One of the things Tayelor was really waiting for is the Skin Softening Balm we ordered for her.

She's half Native American and has the tendency to get ashy skin on her arms and legs. Patrice assured me that this balm would squelch that little problem...


She anxiously opens the balm and twists it up...(how did Patrice get it in there?!)


and Walla! No more ashy skin! You can actually see the natural oils in the lotion penetrate her skin. And it smells out of this world to boot!

So...it's time to dig into the soaps...


Ooooh, La La! Savon Lavende....


Tayelor's Milk & Honey...I thought she was going to eat it for a minute there...


And Tayelor's Favorite...Winter Wonderland!


You know, Tayelor raided the snack cupboard after inspecting her soaps....she said the soaps made her hungry!

I also got Chunka Chunka, but ran for the shower before we could photograph it! And, yes, it was wonderful! Super-creamy lather, wonderful Chunka Chunka scent of cocoa...it was dreamy! I would have shared pics, but you really don't want to see that! I was thinking of a jingle for it while I was washing...

to the tune of "Hokey Pokey"

"You wash with Chunka Chunka
and your lotion will pout....
That's what it's all about!"

Ahem......

The results? No dry skin...no itching...Yay!!!

So I asked Patrice a few interview questions....let me indugle:

Alterity: Soap? Why Soap?

Patrice: "Why not soap?! LOL...Soap is such an underrated luxury. If you're buying your soap from Wal-Mart, the grocery store, or the 99 cent store, then you are doing your skin a disservice! Handmade soap is not only cleansing, it's ultra-moisturizing, and with continued use, you won't be reaching for that lotion bottle as much. I have the ashiest skin on the planet, and using handmade soap has made such a difference in the look and feel of my skin-no more tightness and itchiness after using handmade soap."

Alterity: Couldn't agree with you more! So, where do you dream up the soapy names? Do you set out with the name in mind, or does it sort-of happen after they are made?

Patrice: "I think the naming of my soaps is just as important as the actual soap itself. It's definitely the most fun part of the entire process. Not only do the wacky names set me apart from the competition, but I want to bring a smile to your face every time you use one of my bars. Most often, the name comes about after I un-mold and slice the soap, but then there are a few that just come to me, like Loofahpalooza, and I just have to make a soap to go with the name."

Alterity: Well, you certain accomplish that! Some of your names kill me! What do you like best about making soaps?

Patrice: "The best part about making soap is the not knowing how it will all turn out. Soap is a science. You can follow a recipe to the tee, but if you pick a fragrance that sets up too quickly, it could all be shot to sh*t (sorry.) I even turn my disasters into best sellers, like Ucking Fugly and Verbena Bobbitt. I think the names kinda helped too."

Alterity: Ucking Fugly? Verbena Bobbitt? Back to the awesome names! Where does your inspiration come from in creating new scents?

Patrice: "My inspiration definitely comes from my love of food. While I'm trying to gradually branch out into using more natural fragrances like essential oils, my true love is bakery scents. I find them comforting and inviting, and they make me wash my hands a lot more often, lol. I am branching out because I have to constantly remind myself that I'm just not making products for myself, but for everyone! I also solicit the advice of my customers. I trust and respect their opinions."

Alterity: Okay...here's an idea for you: Black Forest Cake!! Super-rich dark chocolate with dark cherries and whipped cream. Oh, and Tayelor wants to inspire you to do a Twinkie soap!

Thank you, Patrice! You have another repeat customer!

If you haven't tried using handmade soaps as a rule yet, scoot on over to Patrice's Etsy Shop: The Soap Seduction.

I promise you, you won't be disappointed! And, don't forget to pick up on her sales!

Chunka Chunka, You're the one...
You make washing lots of fun...
Cocoa bubbles and no need for danged lotion.....
Boop Boo Bee Doo!

Shopping Sunday...

I have this weird love for primitive black dolls. Is it because I live so close to an underground railroad area? Is it because they just look so different? Who knows. All I know is I love them and have started a collection several years ago. So far, I only have one doll and one black cat, but I plan on adding to them every year for my birthday. So, enjoy some great Etsy finds I found on my Sunday Window Shopping trip:

Primitive Black Ragged Anne
$59.95

Primitive Folk Art Black Doll
$35

Extreme Primitive Black Cat Purffy
$8.95

Primitive Fall Maude Addie with Goose Doll
$25.95

Coral, Anyone?

'Tis the time of year I begin longing for summer. In turn, my tastes in the color "coral" emerge. I love designing with coral colors, however, this color is so hard to come by in beads and such presently, one has to usually turn to vintage stock which is a little harder to come by :(

And there will be no "genuine" coral in my house. I don't condone stripping coral reefs for the beautiful creatures that inhabit them. The only real corals coming into my house are the one's going into my saltwater coral reef tank! Which reminds me, I need to do some work on it over the weekend...perhaps pictures of my little slice of coral heaven will grace my blog next week!

Here are some great "coral" finds I have been eyeing on Etsy:

Coral Plastic Rose Cabachons
MKSupplies

Opaque Coral Faceted FirePolished Rondelles
beadsnsupplies

Vintage Glass Flower Cabachon
BumpershootSupplies

Coral Ginko Fabric
frumafar

Coral Daisy Bouquet Cameos
cmyk

Backyard Nature Photos Feature and Giveaway...

Today we will be discovering Jane of Backyard Nature Photos. Jane's work is inspired by the surroundings of her home in the woods. She offers primarily photographs and greeting cards created with the images she captures.

Bluejay Digital Watercolor Blank Greeting Card $6

Jane resides on a small piece of property nestled amost old plantations. Her love for animals encourages her to be as eco-friendly as she can, which in turn has encouraged lots of woodland animals and plants to find refuge on her property. She decided to begin capturing these images digitally and transforming them into greeting cards for her family and friends. At this point, an artist friend invited her to show her work in her small gallery where they continue to be displayed. It was also this friend who introduced her to Etsy.

Soganofa Sunrise II 8x10 $28

Jane spends about 20 hours a week on her photography which includes the usual business aspects of her Etsy shop. She states that the most satisfying part of this time is taking the actual photographs and deciding how to present them. Jane states that photography at this time of the year is very challenging with the lack of sun typical of this season. In her down time, you can find Jane entertaining Chester and Maya (her cats) or interacting with various other animals that gravitate towards her property. She amuses herself with the sense of humor she sees in the animals.

Flowers on Glass Kaleidoscope Photograph 8x10 $28

I asked Jane if she could win a free life-time account with any one supplier, who would it be? Her response? "Staples is my main squeeze". When she decides to present her art in a wearable form, she will probably seek a supplier right here on Etsy!

Accordian Journal / Greeting Card 5x7 $12

Finally, I asked Jane what her favorite part is of selling her wares during the holidays:

"My intent is to present photographs that evoke reactions/feelings. Generally, when a customer connects with one of my pieces, it's time to smile, laugh, and swap stories. That, my friends, makes it all worthwhile."



Now, on to her Giveaway....



Jane has offered her "Ultimate Greeting Card".

The accordion journal has 8 pages (16 front & back) of acid free artist paper. Room for photos, poems, personal messages ... whatever strikes your fancy. These are perfect for that special family member or friend who's too far away to join the festivities.

Each entrant can earn up to 19 entries for this greeting card.

Please make a separate comment for each entry you cast to increase your chances. If you did 5 things and put them in one comment, you only have one entry.

Please remember to leave your email address or shop link so I can contact you if you are the winner. I DO NOT have outlook, therefore I cannot access your email through Blogger.

Comments will each be assigned a number from top to bottom. The total number of comments will be run through random.org and the comment that corresponds with the number chosen will win the greeting card!

The contest runs today through Monday, December 21, 2009. You can cast one entry, you can cast all entries...the choice is yours. The important thing is that you enter!



Entry chances:

1. Go to Jane's Backyard Nature Photos shop on Etsy and comment here what your favorite piece is for 1 entry
2. While you are on her Etsy shop, shoot a heart her way. Don't forget to come back here and comment that you did for 1 entry.
   
   
3. Purchase something from her shop and receive 5 entries! Please leave 5 separate comments with the first comment including the link of the item you purchased and the 4 remaining comments "purchase2", "purchase3", "purchase4", and "purchase5".
   
   
4. Follow this blog and comment that you did or are already a follower for 1 entry.
   
   
5. Follow me on Twitter and comment your twitter name so I can follow you :) for 1 entry.
   
   
6. Retweet this post (link in post) up to three times and post that you did in separate comments for up to three entries.
   
   
7. Tweet your own twitter up to 3 times. Comment that you did and be sure to include your tweet URL in each comment for up to three entries.
   
   
8. Fan my FaceBook Fan page and comment that you did for one entry.
   
   
9. Blog about this giveaway and earn 3 more entries. Be sure to actually create three comments for this: "blog entry 1", "blog entry 2" and "blog entry 3" with the URL to the post.
   
   

I will contact the winner to get your mailing address so I can forward it to Jane.



With 19 chances to win and nothing to lose, what are you waiting for?

Kit and Caboodle Shop Feature and Sterling Silver Earring Giveaway...

I apologize for running a day late with the weekly feature. I have done an interview with Gayle so that you can learn more about her and what she does...her Giveaway follows after the interview....



Today, you are going to meet Gayle of Kit and Caboodle Shop on Etsy. Gayle's shop is a joint effort with her whole family. Everyone has a part in either funding or creating this jewelry so that a percentage of the proceeds benefit orphanages in Africa.

Wisdom's Worth Freshwater Pearl and 14k Gold-filled Necklace $50 100% to benefit orphanages

Gayle believes that creating jewelry is her way of expressing gratitude for God's blessings and recognizes that God blesses her when she does the work that He has purposed her to. This is evident in a story that Gayle relayed to me about herself that I wish to share with you later in the week, that is if Gayle approves! As she home schools her teen daughters, she finds her business as a great opportunity for teaching them art as well as business management and finances.

Aquamarine Swarovski Crystal Earrings with Sterling Silver $32 100% to benefit orphanages

Since Gayle's top priority is family and her children, she finds her time a little more limited for creating. She figures about 15 hours a week in actual creativity, the rest of her free time for promotion. What she finds most satisfying about this time is the fact that she is helping to supply rudimentary things that we take for granted, like clothing, food, education, medical care and shelter to the children of the orphanages: one in Zimbabwe and one in Tanzania. In her down time, she spends it with her family camping, hiking, biking and traveling overseas when they can.

Fire Crackle Agate and Brass Necklace $18 100% to benefit orphanages

I asked Gayle if she could have a free account with any one supplier, who would it be. Her response? Artbeads.com. If you haven't seen it yet, visit it...you won't regret it!



Finally, I asked Gayle what her favorite part of selling her wares over the holidays is. This is what she had to say:

"I like knowing that my items will be given as a gift to someone special. I create many of my Christmas gifts to give to my own special people, because creating something handmade is like giving a piece of my heart. I also like receiving handmade gifts. In our fast-paced materialistic culture today, it is nice to know someone took the time to make something special for me. "



Now for Gayle's Giveaway....

Swarovksi Crystal, Czech Glass and Sterling Silver Earrings

Each entrant can earn up to 17 entries for these earrings. Please make a separate comment for each entry you cast to increase your chances. If you did 5 things and put them in one comment, you only have one entry. Please remember to leave your email address or shop link so I can contact you if you are the winner. I DO NOT have outlook, therefore I cannot access your email through Blogger. Comments will each be assigned a number from top to bottom. The total number of comments will be run through random.org and the comment that corresponds with the number chosen will win the earrings! The contest runs today through Monday, December 7, 2009, 6am EST. You can cast one entry, you can cast all entries...the choice is yours. The important thing is that you enter!



Entry chances:

1. Go to Gayle's Kit and Caboodle shop on Etsy and comment here what your favorite piece is.
   
   
2. While you are on her Etsy shop, shoot a heart her way. Don't forget to come back here and comment that you did!
   
   
3. Follow this blog and comment that you did or are already a follower.
4. Follow Gayle's Blog - This Artist's Journey - and comment that you did or are already a follower.
5. Follow me on Twitter and comment your twitter name so I can follow you :)
6. Follow Gayle on Twitter and comment your twitter name.
7. Retweet this post (link in post) up to three times and post that you did in separate comments.
8. Tweet your own twitter up to 3 times. Comment that you did and be sure to include your tweet URL in each comment.
9. Fan my FaceBook Fan page and comment that you did.
10. Fan Gayle's FaceBook Fan page and comment that you did.
11. Blog about this giveaway and earn 3 more entries. Be sure to actually create three comments for this: "blog entry 1", "blog entry 2" and "blog entry 3" with the URL to the post.

I will contact the winner to get your mailing address so I can forward it to Gayle.



With 17 chances to win and nothing to lose, what are you waiting for?

Feature with Dana's Jewelry Designs and Earrings Giveaway'

To celebrate Week 2 of the Alterity Holiday Celebration, we will be meeting Dana from Dana's Jewelry Designs. I have planned a brief interview with Dana so you can learn more about her and what she does; her special giveaway follows. Dana comes to us from Tacoma, Washington where she is a writer and jewelry designer specializing in gem trees and wire wrapping. Dana is also a standing member in her local gem and mineral club since 2000.

Lapis Gem Tree $85

Dana has always loved to work with beads and gemstones. After joining the gem and mineral club, she learned everything from wire wrapping to silversmithing to gem trees and beading. After successfully selling her creations to friends and family, Dana turned to sites such as Etsy, Artfire and 1000 Markets to offer her products to the general public. She marvels in the fact that customers love the kits she offers as customers have been trying their hand in creating their own pieces. In fact, her gem tree kits are her biggest seller. Dana has been blessed with the gift of teaching and spends her time teaching others how to make gem trees when she is not designing and creating. Currently unemployed, she devotes at least 4 hours per day designing and about 6 hours per day working on her next upcoming book.

Champagne Delight $25

In her down time, Dana devotes her attention to her dogs, watching SciFi movies and playing application games on FaceBook. I asked Dana if she could have a free life-time account with any supplier of her choice, she didn't hesitate to mention Bend Bead in Oregon. Definitely at gem or silver supplier would top her list!

Wrapped French Coin $35

Finally, I asked Dana what her favorite part of selling her products during the holidays is. Her response?
"Selling items as gifts is a joy. I can just imagine the look on the receiver's face when they open their present. I usually make special holiday boxes for my jewelry so I know that it will be special."

Dana can be found Online on Etsy, Artfire and 1000 Markets.


Now for the Givaway!

Dana is offering readers the chance to win a custom pair of Dana's signature Charm Earrings similar to the one's pictured below. You can find more samples in her 1000 Markets shop. The earrings are created from sterling silver or 14kt gold filled wires and as you can see, the charms are interchangable so you can always change up the look. The winner of the giveaway will have the choice of sterling silver or 14kt gold filled wires and their choice of colored charms. As you can see in her shop, these earrings have a value of up to $25! Perfect for your holiday dress!

Each entrant can earn up to entries for these earrings. Please make a separate comment for each entry you cast to increase your chances. If you did 5 things and put them in one comment, you only have one entry. Please remember to leave your email address or shop link so I can contact you if you are the winner. I DO NOT have outlook, therefore I cannot access your email through Blogger. Comments will each be assigned a number from top to bottom. The total number of comments will be run through random.org and the comment that corresponds with the number chosen will win the earrings! The contest runs today through Monday, November 30 6am EST. You can cast one entry, you can cast all entries...the choice is yours. The important thing is that you enter!

Entry chances:

1. Go to Dana's Artfire shop or 1000 Markets shop and comment here what your favorite piece is. Lucky Dana is currently on a cruise, so her Etsy shop is on vacation :)
2. Jump on over to Dana's Etsy shop and shoot a heart her way!
   
3. Follow this blog and comment that you did or are already a follower.
4. Follow Dana's Blog and comment that you did or are already a follower.
5. Follow me on Twitter and comment your twitter name so I can follow you :)
6. Follow Dana on Twitter and comment your twitter name.
7. Retweet this post (link in post) up to three times and post that you did in separate comments.
8. Tweet your own twitter up to 3 times. Comment that you did and be sure to include your tweet URL in each comment.
9. Fan my FaceBook Fan page and comment that you did.
10. Fan Dana's FaceBook Fan page and comment that you did.
11. Blog about this giveaway and earn 3 more entries. Be sure to actually create three comments for this: "blog entry 1", "blog entry 2" and "blog entry 3" with the URL to the post.

I will contact the winner to link them with Dana where the specifics of the custom piece can be discussed. Dana will be mailing your your piece.

With 17 chances to win and nothing to lose, what are you waiting for? Own a custom piece from Dana....Custom....created especially with you in mind!

Cool Give-Away By SewSillyDesigns of Etsy

What a way to start off our busy Holiday season than with a glimpse into the creative life of Robin from sewsillydesign on Etsy. Sewsillydesign specializes in creations for your child, yourself and your home ranging from kitty toys to baby items to beautiful quilts and quilted items.

Brighten Your Day Quilt
$130

Walking in her mother's footsteps, Robin began sewing as a child under the instruction of her mother. However, 10 years ago she was instructed in the art of quilting and has worked the past 10 years perfecting her skills and techniques. Being the mother of three children from middle school to college age, Robin manages to work in about 10 to 15 hours a week creating her quilted gems. The most satisfying part of this time for her is picking out fabrics for her latest creations and seeing them coming to frutition.

3 Little Fish kitty toys
$6

When she is not creating, Robin can be found reading, spending time with her family and friends, as well as traveling. She stated that her favorite part of selling her creations over the holidays is that she is then able to buy gifts for family and friends with the money she earns.

My Own Everyday Bag
$24

I asked Robin one final question: If you could win a free life-time account with any one supplier, who would it be? She didn't hesitate to answer Fabricworm on Etsy!

Now....for the Give - Away!!!!


To celebrate the holidays, Robin is giving away 4 reversible quilted coasters to readers! Folks, this is a $12 value from Robin's shop you will be getting for FREE! Entering is so easy peasy! You will have a chance to earn multiple entries for multiple fun! You can do one (the first one) or you can do all!


1) Go to Robin's Etsy shop, Sewsillydesigns and comment here what your favorite piece is. This one is a must-do! PLEASE REMEMBER TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT so I can contact you if you are the winner! I DO NOT have outlook, therefore, I cannot access your email from your Blogger profile.

The rest is optional.....

2)Follow this blog and comment that you did. If you are already following, comment this also.

3) Retweet this post (see link at top of post) up to 3 times...be sure to comment each time you do!

4) Tweet your own twitter up to 3 times...comment that you did and include your tweet url in each comment.

5) Follow my twitter and comment that you did.

6) Follow Robin on twitter and comment that you did

7) Throw some Etsy-love Robin's way and give her a heart. Comment here that you did.

Hmmm....the more comments you make, the more entries you get! You have the potential for 11 entries, and as we all know-----> the more tickets in the pot increases your chances of winning!

Winners will be chosen via random.org Monday, November 23 at 6:00am EST and will be posted within the hour. I will contact the winner with details. The winner has until Friday, November 20 to respond or an alternate winner will be selected. If the winner has failed to leave an email in at least one entry, an alternate winner will be chosen.

Okay, get crackin'! Oh, and have fun, too!

After taking a little time off, I am featuring an artisan on Etsy, Amanda from Crafty Dragon a.k.a. Dragon's Den. Dragon's Den offers natural soaps, lotions and candles. Dragon's Den started with Amanda's longing to become more self sufficient as well as offering natural bath products for her family. As fate would have it, Amanda met a friend who taught her how to achieve just this and she took off from there! Amanda has observed her products evolving over time. She finds that she began with very simple ideas, and well, one thing leads to another. Before she knew it, the floodgates opened and the creativity took off. One thing that Amanda would love to learn is Chainmaille. She would love to add this skill to her repertoire at one point.

Yin-Yang Candle Set

(Vanilla)

$16.50

On the business aspect, Amanda keeps her recipes in Word documents on her computer and when she finds new ideas for recipes online, she bookmarks them until she can research them further. When she hits a creative road block, she allows her mind to work through it by not setting expectations for herself. She just allows herself to play around to see what happens. While she is working, she listens to all kinds of music and pod casts. Amanda finds that when she hears music in the background, it prevents her from being distracted by other things around the house and studio. It helps her to focus on the task at hand.

Custom 1 oz. Soaps for Promo or Party Favors

20 Piece

$22.50

Amanda's favorite selling venue is online on Etsy. She loves the fact that she can connect to customers all over the world. Her most memorable moment in her business was when a customer contacted her to let her know how much Amanda's product helped her. The feeling of satisfaction knowing you can deliver a product that the general product cannot get in stores. Amanda feels that her biggest obstacle is driving traffic to her site. She engages in inexpensive advertising and is seeing traffic slowly come to her site. Amanda also feels that blogging is her most productive marketing technique. It allows her to connect with the public while the public learns what goes on behind the scenes.

Cotton Bath Mit

$7.50

I asked Amanda if she could offer any advice to fellow business owners. Here's what she had to say:

"Be patient. It takes time to build traffic and clientele. Success does not come instantly. Stay confident and wait for your hard work to pay off."

Sampler of Tea Lights, Soap and Lip Balm

$5.00

Be sure to stop by to see Amanda...and tell her Alterity sent you!

Feature: Gems by Jerri Artfire Studio

Well, my features are winding down for the year as I will be showcasing just a couple more people before summer is over. Today, we are taking a look at Gems by Jerri's Artfire studio. Who hasn't heard of Jerri? She is all over the Internet! Makes me very happy to add to that with this feature!

Sunflower

$11

Jerri lives in Texas and grew up watching her mother beading. This eventually led to her beading with her mother. She began with seed beads and has branched out to other kinds of beads. Ironically, Jerri works for a jewelry company which deals mostly in silver jewelry as her day job, then she comes home to her own jewelry business. Eventually, she would love to add precious metal clay products to her business. She has seen her art evolve over time in that when she began, her designs were created using patterns in books...it was how she learned to do things. Over time, and after working for the jewelry company, she learned many new techniques and branched out to design her own pieces, including wire wrapping. Currently, she sells exclusively online as working a day job saps much time out of the tasks to preparing for craft shows.

Silver Wire Wrapped Pendant

Pink Fancy Jasper

$9

Jerri doesn't wish to take the time to design her pieces on paper. She tends to more let the pieces create themselves. She begins with an idea in mind, but since she prefers to create pieces with clean, simple designs, she doesn't feel that paper-planning is necessary. When she hits a creative road block, she will walk away and patiently wait for that inspiration to put her back to work. When she is working, she prefers to have the T.V. airing the news for background noise. She feels it fills the void of silence, but at the same time she can follow it even though she can't look at the T.V. itself.

Tea Time Bracelet

$9.50

For Jerri, her biggest accomplishment in her business was making her first sale on Etsy. She was thrilled with the fact that she isn't the only one who likes her designs. Right now, she feels her biggest obstacle is making sales. With the economy down, she tries not to make a lot of supply purchases, only what she needs to create what is in demand. And you are right, Jerri, we are all feeling this, too! As for marketing, she relies on Project Wonderful as well as her blog. She features other sellers to help promote them and feels the connections she makes with her blog really helps her. Jerri even confessed that she promotes her blog as much, if not more, than her shops!

Tiny Butterfly

Czech Glass and a Butterfly

$6

Finally, I asked Jerri if she had any advice for fellow business owners. This is what she had to say:

"Make sure that you have a good quality product and that it is priced right for you. The hardest thing for me is pricing and it is probably the most important thing to any business. If you expect to succeed in your business you must make sure that you are not only getting back what you put in but that you are also paying yourself for your time/labor. No one wants to work for free."

You can find Jerri in her Artfire Shop, her Etsy Shop, her blog, Twitter and Facebook.