Sunday 25 May 2014

A New Toy

Not new soaps, but newly wrapped.
Soapmaking is fun, we all agree on that. I think most of us would agree that packaging can be the biggest pain in the keester. I've been trying to figure out the most cost efficient but effective way to wrap my soaps since they're prone to glycerin dew. I've read about how many soapers like the sealer from National Shrinkwrap, but I thought Holy Hannah, I can't afford that, my soaps aren't worth that much.

Well turns out I can. Or at least the husband thought so (or he got tired of me grumbling about glycerin dew and seeing it for himself). His rationale is if it looks professional, then it will sell. So after much hemming an hawing, I took the plunge and bought it.

The new toy with samples of various poly.

So guess which bright person read this, laughed and then forgot it a few hours later and proceeded to remove the teflon tape?

I love this!

The sealer set up on the kitchen counter.

Do you enjoy figuring out what to do for packaging, or is it just something you have to do to keep your soaps looking good? 

Happy Memorial Day long weekend to my American friends!








18 comments:

  1. It looks really neat and tight,Monica. Also, very professional. You see, grumbling really pays off, sooner or later. Now, would be nice to see these soaps labeled and ready to go!

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    1. Thanks Maja! I'm still learning to use it properly, I've overheated a few and burned holes in the wrapping, but in time, it'll all be good. I grumble lots, I just don't often do it out loud.

      Yes, I need to work on labelling next.

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  2. Whoever wrote those instructions has a great sense of humor! Your soaps look great all wrapped up...is that a stoplight soap? It's so cute!!! I have a love-hate relationship with packaging. I like to fiddle with mine, but it's very time consuming. One day I'm hoping to have a better system! :)

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    1. I think so too Cee, and how doesn't like a company who likes to laugh? I think it should really help with the glycerin dew.

      LOL, no, it's a pea pod, I don't know why I keep putting it on it's end like that, it certainly makes it confusing.

      You have the most darling packaging and knowing you, you'll wow us with whatever you come up with next.

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  3. Glad you got one and that it's working out for you. Sounds like your arms will get a work out from using this thing. I guess that's a bonus?

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    1. It better work Teresa, otherwise, I'll be out of ways to solve that problem. So far, it's not too hard on the arm, except when I have to move the contraption so I can have the space to prep dinner. :)

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  4. oh wow! Look at you, that's a very nice toy!!! Your soap will be nicely wrapped up now. I used to wrap my M&P soaps in little shrink bags and used my hair dryer :)

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    1. It was an expensive toy, but worth it Roxana. I was using plastic wrap and a heat gun, but for the soaps that have a lot of levels, I had a lot of problem trying to wrap it properly. Bet you're glad you've switched to MP soaps. ;)

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  5. That's some serious equipment you've got, Monica! Going pro is the way to go! :) Like Cee, I have a love-hate relationship with packaging. I actually love thinking and finding ideas for better packaging for my soap, but it also gives me a headache! My packaging is a work in a progress. In fact, I am trying out something new right now. :)

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    1. It's a big sucker, that's for sure Silvia. ;) I agree, if you're going to do something, best to do it as professionally as possible.

      I think yours is an 80% love, 20% hate ratio at most. You do gorgeous packaging that is such a great compliment to your soaps. I love how you wrap your soaps, it's always beautiful and creative.

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  6. Wow, I didn't think there was somewhere in this world an equipment to wrap up soaps. Congratulations Monica!

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    1. There's a tool for everything Nat, and if there isn't one, someone's working on inventing it. It's an amazing piece of work in it's simplicity and yet, so effective.

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  7. Very nice, Monica! Looks like you've got the hang of the shrink wrapping, which I know can be tricky. I struggle a little with packaging. I don't put a lot of thought into it since I don't sell my soaps, but I still want them to look nice when I gift them to family or friends. Right now I'm just using a cigar band printed on plain paper. It gets the job done. :)

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    1. Thank you Jenny. It's still not completely perfect, I see the little (or not so little) holes and so some need to be re-wrapped but hopefully I'll get to the point where it's taking no time at all.

      I think the cigar band can look so sophisticated, and I'd love to be able to get away with that, however, that's the joys of MP soaping right? No being able to just wrap with a nice cigar band.

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  8. Great investment. Your soaps look so good =)

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    1. Thanks Anne-Marie! It was a bit of a sticker shock, but what the heck, it's only money right? ;)

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  9. From consumer point of view packaging really matters. I think that it was right decision to invest in packaging equipment. Very soon you will learn how to adjust proper temperature and wrapping will become routine. You will have more time left to work with soap and label designs.

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    1. You're so right about that Gordana, packaging can often make someone pick up a product or leave it on the shelf. I love your positive attitude that I will learn how to seal my soaps soon, I hope you're right. :)

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