In Full Swing

Just over a week until the craft show -- my first craft show -- and the preparations are in full swing.

I have spent the better part of the last month trying to figure out how I would like to package my soaps.  I wanted the packaging to reflect the handmade nature of the soap but I also wanted it to reflect me, the soap maker.  There were a few other criteria.  I wanted the packaging to have a natural feel to it.  Not too froo-froo, if you know what I mean.  I didn't want any cellophane or plastic.  I wanted people to be able to smell, see and touch the soap.  Finally, I wanted to use, as much as possible, materials I already on hand.  So yesterday I sat down with a few ideas and various supplies and set to work.

  My one expense has been the above stamp.  I contacted Char, a local artist who recently began making hand carved stamps, and asked if she would be interested in designing and making a stamp for me.  She enthusiastically answered yes and within 24 hours, my stamp was designed and carved.  I have to say I love the stamp.  It adds that little something extra to my packaging that I would not have been able to do on my own.    Thanks again, Char.

For the bars of soap, I am using a strip of paper from an old book, yarn and a tag.  The ingredients are listed on the back of the tag.  I think the stamp looks perfect against the printed words.

For the round bars of soap, I am just using yarn and a larger tag, again with the ingredients listed on the back.

I had a flash of inspiration in the shower this morning for my chocolate fudge soap.  I am presenting this soap as little pieces of self-indulgent chocolate.

I am so happy with the packaging.  I realized last night as I was wrapping more soap ( with still more to wrap)  that the packaging is just me.  The pages of an old book, the yarn and the soap.  Don't forget that sweet little bird.  Outside of my family, these are things that give me immense pleasure, in one form or another.   I am satisfied, knowing that next Saturday I will be presenting a little bit of me on that table at the craft show.