Countdown to Panic

Thanks to the organizers of the first craft fair I'm going to be attending, I'm keeping track of how much time I have to get all my soaps made. Of course, since this is the first show I'm attending, I'm not sure what's going to be a great seller versus a good seller. (I'm thinking it's all fantastic, but I'm biased that way).

Hubby had told me to keep track of the formulas I use in each of the soaps, and I know that's what I need to do, but I continue with my deluded belief that I can remember what colours I used and the proportions for each soap. Well the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the monkey.

Obviously, my formula keeping skills needs to be improved.

Packaging Design

I'm very grateful that I have a husband who can conceptualize ideas and put them onto, well in this case, foam core board and matting material. As mentioned yesterday, we had to figure out a way to package up the soaps in a way that would be different and enticing. Since the holiday season is coming up, we thought it would be good to have soaps all packaged up so that people could purchase a gift box without having to put in too much thought.

This is his conceptualizing with the soaps.

Bevelling the edge so that it can be folded at right angles.

The completed box with the top being formed.

A completed prototype

Second prototype completed

If you want something done, do it yourself

In keeping with proper practices, I had contacted 3 different packaging companies for quotes on packaging. Two contacted me, one even came to my house to talk about the specifics of what I wanted. After a follow up email immediately after the visit, saying he'd be in touch soon, nothing. Nada, Nil. Zilch. Same with the second company that returned my call, took down the specifics then said they'd be in contact soon. Again, haven't heard a thing. Is there a rash of alien abductions of packaging salesmen that the news isn't telling us about, kind of like the Wall Street occupation when it first started?

So, today, hubby took me down to an art store where we looked at all our options on how to build our own boxes. We finally decided to try using foam core board to make the basic box and then using mat board as a lid. Pictures to come.

A different take on a visit to the optometrist

Is there such thing as the perfect soap for everyone? I don't think so. It's like going for an eye exam, which one works better for you, picture A or picture B? Personally it gets to the point where both diagrams they show look exactly the same to me, and it feels like I'm supposed to guess the right answer.

Just like at the optometrist, there's no right or wrong answer here either, just which is your preference?

Monkey see, Monkey Do
(I know which one Michelle prefers)

You can't hide, your lion eyes

 

No contest with this one.

Adopt a Critter (Soap)

I have two sets of critter molds and I'm trying to perfect the colouring for both. Since they are obviously aimed towards a younger set, I need to make them look more fun and inviting. These are two more that were made today.

I tried to swirl brown and white soap, but it didn't work as you can see. Next time, maybe it'll have a white ear and a white tip on the tail.

 This lion was made using a clear yellow soap and I tried to scratch out spots for the brown soap to show through. Again, not quite the results I wanted. I like the pads though and I think I'll have to do the same for his whiskered face so it stands out better.

Any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated.

The new microwave

It's amazing how we get used to something and when it breaks down, we're just lost. Usually that's my computer I'm talking about, but this time it was the microwave.

We bought a new and improved version the day the old one died, but we had to wait until the next day to pick it up. This thing is huge! 2.2 cubic feet, enough to fit 4 lap dogs in it comfortably, or at least 3 large measuring cups full  of soap for melting. I can't wait to use it for melting two different types of soaps for making a swirly soap.

 

Not everyday's about making soaps

Today was a productive day, not in the soapmaking sense, but in the I have clean laundry and clean floor sense. My microwave oven finally bit the dust after 19 years of service. Pretty darned good if you ask me.

Since I didn't have a microwave to melt soaps, I had time to start other parts of the soaping business I need to do, like make sure my inventory is correct and start writing down more details about what materials I put into each soap.

I did have one more critter soap completed, and here he is.

Pretty cute huh?