Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Let's Hear it for Handmade Soaps!!!

Welcome Everyone!
The other day I received in the mail several soap samples from a wonderful seller on Etsy. I had been eagerly anticipating their arrival, and when they did, I couldn't wait to try them! As I opened each one, I was rewarded with an amazing scent that directly corresponded to the name of the soap. And upon using them, I was so happy with the lather AND cleanliness that each one delivered. I was very impressed with a paper she included that told how to care for and use the soaps, and each sample had the ingredients posted clearly on a card packaged with the soaps.

Obviously, I was so impressed with her soaps that I had to ask her if she would like to have a giveaway on my blog, and she agreed! So, without further adieu... I present to you,
DailyRepose!


The Interview


(Me) "Do you want people to have to follow your blog in order to enter the giveaway?"

(Shelli) "I don’t have a blog but ‘liking’ my Facebook page would be great! Or ‘liking’ my Etsy shop."

(Me) "Do you do any other soap-making process than cold-process? If so, which is your favorite, and why?"

(Shelli) "I only do Cold-Process soap making. The whole cold-process just feels more natural to me and I love the fact that it takes less electricity use compared to other methods. It does take a lot longer for my soaps to cure. Cold Process soaps take 4-6 weeks to cure, but they are worth the wait."

(Me) "How did you first become interested in soap making?"

(Shelli) "After becoming aware of the dangers in the ingredients of commercial soaps and wanting to further my commitment to a more natural lifestyle; I looked everywhere for soaps that were Vegan, Eco-Friendly, Gmo- Free, Palm Oil- Free and made with real ingredients. I quickly realized that the only way to get soap that met those criteria was to make them myself."

(Me) "What is your favorite scent/soap to make?"

(Shelli) "My favorite soaps have always been the 100% Natural Soaps, the ones with no artificial colors or fragrance. I love the ones made with real teas and herbs. I also make 98% Natural soaps because so many people want a scented soap. They are made with the same ingredients as the All Natural bars, but have Phthalate-Free Fragrance and a small amount of colorant added."

(Me) "Do you do any other crafts?"

(Shelli) "Oh my, yes! I also love working with paper, which is why each individual soap label is handmade. I also make scrapbook pages, scrapbooks, invitations, tags, greeting cards, wrapping paper, decorative wreaths, and do some sewing. I am now learning to crochet, being taught by my mother who follows no patterns (just her needle, yarn & imagination)."

(Me) "Soap, like any other craft, is an art form. What advice would you give to others? What is the most important lesson you've learned while on your crafting journey?"

(Shelli) "Just let go and create. Don’t worry about what the outcome will be. If you start overthinking things or feeling frustrated; it’s time to step away and take a break. I’ve learned that you just can’t force creativity."

(Me) "What's next for you?"

(Shelli) "Well, honestly I don’t know. I try my best to be in the moment and since my creative process is a bit Mad Scientist meets Martha Stewart, I never know what will come next, but there will always be soap!"

Wonderfully said, Shelli! Now for the Giveaway!!!

Brown Sugar & FIG Soap Bath Hand Bar SCENTED Vegan- Handmade-Cold Process- Palm free Soy Free-Gmo Phthalate Free


ONE lucky person will win the soap above, plus Shelli will throw in a free soap holder! She will mail directly to the winner via First Class mail. The giveaway will run from Nov 1-Dec 1. On Dec 1, a winner will be chosen at random from all the posts below. Please leave your email address so I have a way to contact you. If you are not comfortable doing so, please come back here on Dec 2 to see if you are the winner. If I do not hear from the winner, a new one will be chosen at random.

Here is what you need to do:

Mandatory Entry:
Become a follower of this blog. Then visit Shelli's Etsy Shop. Come back here and leave me a post letting me know that you are a follower (or have become one) of my blog, and what is your favorite item in Shelli's Etsy shop.

Extra Entry:
Visit Shelli's Facebook and like it. Come back and leave a comment saying you've done so.

It's as easy as that!!! Trust me, you WANT to win this soap... it really IS amazing. I love it, and I know you will, too!!! Good luck, everyone!!!

18 comments:

JulieandMax said...

Great interview; the pink peppermint soap in Shelli's shop sounds amazing!

myeuropeantouch said...

Lovely soaps....♥
Monika

Becky K. said...

A lovely feature. Isn't it great when we can take something we are passionate about it and offer it to the world? Love it.

Niki Jackson said...

Those soaps look wonderful! Niki x

Zuda Gay Pease said...

Oh my goodness...this is a fabulous giveaway! I am using one of Shelli's soaps in my shower right now and it is wonderful! I LOVE it! I hearted her shop some time ago and have just now liked her FB page. I think my favorite item would be the Frosted Pumpkin or the Autumn Magic soap.

MYSAVIOR said...

I just went and LIKED her FB and left a comment.

♥♥♥
Sue

MYSAVIOR said...

I love her shop. I am thinking about the oatmeal soap. I need something that is unscented and 100% natural.

♥♥♥
Sue

Julia Badgley said...

Mistletoe and Ivy? How awesome is that? She has a coffee soap too! Love it!
I'm following your blog now, Jen.

Julia Badgley said...

I just went and liked her on fb.

krafterskorner said...

Nice shop. I prefer unscented soap myself.

GingerPeachT said...

wow this is a great giveaway! So glad I know of her now.
Im a follower of you

GingerPeachT said...

My fav is the autumn gift basket! what a great idea!

Julia Badgley said...

I'm following your blog now. Her soap looks amazing.

Unknown said...

I'm a new follower -- I like this all natural soap:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78426309/sale-steel-cut-oatmeal-soap-bath-bar
my email judyrussi@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Liked her facebook pg

Meghan said...

I am now a follower of your blog and I love this item

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84289825/autumn-soap-collection-gift-basket

Meghan said...

Also following you on Facebook, Fan 221 I believe :)

Unknown said...

Folllowing! And iced apple pumpkin sounds incredible, but so does sugar & fig!