Friday, April 8, 2011

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.

 

17 comments:

  1. oh tara - you did it! what cool packaging! i love every aspect of it. i would buy soap from you! someday i will.... xo

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  2. I am DEFINITELY buying soap from you!!!!
    Thanks it's GORGEOUS...can I blog about it this weekend!!!
    HUGS and thanks for asking me:-)

    Char.x

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  3. It's all just perfect--especially because it's so you! The details are so creative, fun, and real. How I wish I lived north of the border and could be at that craft show in person. Guess I'll be thankful for Etsy. The chocolate box Fudge soap display? clever and so right, like the bird, book pages, and yarn. Hope you'll take a photo (or many more) of the display table to share!

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  4. Looks fantastic!!!!

    I'm sure you are going to attract a lot of attention at your table...wishing you the very best of luck!!

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  5. Ooo . . . so exciting!!! You did a beautiful job, they look amazing and so tastefully classy!!

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  6. beautiful!!!! I love the stamp. I made those long ago, makes me want to do them again now!!
    (visiting from Lovely World.)

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  7. Absolutely beautiful. It all looks so professional, but personal at the same time. Best of luck with the show. I am doing a show in early May, so I appreciate all the little details you are considering right now.

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  8. Your soap looks so beautiful! Do you sell your soap online too? Best wishes at the craft show.

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  9. Tara what a wonderful job! I love it all so much. I wish you lots of luck and sales too. Jx

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  10. What beautiful handstamps...and beautiful hand made soaps!! You are so talented!

    :)Lisa

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  11. Tara, that packaging is FAN-TABULOUS!!! I love the way the customers will still be able to smell the soaps...and I ADORE your choccy-soap display! YUM! :)

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  12. Oh...I love it all, Tara. I might just have to take a little drive next Saturday. :) Let me know where the craft sale is. xo

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  13. Tara, I LOVE what you have come up with!!
    Just simply perfect!

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  14. Your packaging is so simple and beautiful and "clean"! Have fun at the show. And i always get my best ideas in the shower too!

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  15. Your packaging is perfect! Such a great expression of who you are and what you value. I would love to be there at the craft fair, but barring that, I'd love to see photos of your craft table. Hope you show lots of photos!

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  16. Your packaging is perfect. I am soo in love with the red stamp against the b&w print and the twine. I am in love.

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