ScENT Cosmetics
Home of hand-made Soap, Soap Art, Soap-making Workshops and Social Enterprise in Ireland.
- Shop
- About Us
- Soap-Making Workshops
- Residential Soap Making Course
- Social Enterprise - Helping Others
- Blog
- Where we are
- Press
- Contact Us
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ShopGothic Black/purple Soap, glycerin, Soap Art - 4.25 (GBP)Mayan Hunter Soap, oatmeal,119g, glycerin, - 4.00 (GBP)Soap Cinnamon Apple mini loaf glycerin soap. - 7.50 (GBP)Soap Corn Flower, Aloe Vera, Soothing Soap. - 7.50 (GBP)Soap Heather & Sweet Almond Mini Loaf. Soap Art - 7.50 (GBP)Soap Vanilla & Cocoa Nourishing Mini-Loaf Soap Art - 7.50 (GBP)Sandalwood Massage Oil, gold, 100ml. Skin & beauty - 7.50 (GBP)Love Heart Rose Bud Soap - 5.25 (GBP)Jig Saw Puzzle Soap - 3.50 (GBP)St Patricks Day Titanic Soap at Sea - 4.25 (GBP)Citrus Shot Glass Soaps - green, yellow, red, blue - 4.50 (GBP)Fairly Traded & Organic Essential Oil Room Spray - 6.75 (GBP)Eco Soy Candles by Scent - 5.00 (GBP)Sports Ball in Soap - Soap Art by Scentcosmetics. - 3.75 (GBP)Duck Toys in Soap - Soap Art by Scentcosmetics. - 3.75 (GBP)Building block Soap. glycerin. Soap Art - 4.50 (GBP)Heinz Baked Beans Soy Candles Candles by Scent - 6.00 (GBP)Mothers Day decoupaged soap gift box OOAK - 15.00 (GBP)Fish Bone Guest Soaps set of 3 - 2.50 (GBP)Teeth in a Jar Soaps: Soap Art by Scentcosmetics - 8.50 (GBP)Hand-painted Egg Soaps, glycerin. Handmade Soap Art - 4.25 (GBP)Peach Fruit Soap. Hand soap. glycerin. Soap Art - 4.50 (GBP)Pig Soap Children, percy, pink, children - 4.75 (GBP)Mens Shaving Soap Gift set - 12.50 (GBP)Pear Fruit Soap green, brown, glycerin. Soap Art - 6.00 (GBP)Paw Children's Soaps. Glycerin. Soap Art - 7.50 (GBP)Calla Lilly Soap Wedding Favour - Medium - 3.75 (GBP)Calla Lilly Soap Wedding Favor Large - 4.25 (GBP)Lime fruit Soap Set. Soap Art - 10.50 (GBP)Watermelon Fruit Soap Bar Soap Art - 4.25 (GBP)Orange & Lemon Citrus Mothers day Soap Set. Soap Art - 14.00 (GBP)Soap, fruit, plum - three hand soaps. Soap Art - 10.00 (GBP)Peach & Rose Soap Set: Soap Art - 7.50 (GBP)Citrus Fruits Soap. Soap Art - 12.25 (GBP)plum, kiwi, peach, fig - fruit medley soap - 16.00 (GBP)Domino Soap Set: Soap Art by Scentcosmetics - 3.25 (GBP)Lemon & Lime fruit Soaps with soap bar. Soap Art - 10.25 (GBP)Wedding Favor Sheep Soap: Soap Art - 4.75 (GBP)Calla Lilly Soaps favors - small - 2.75 (GBP)Citrus Wedding Favor Orange & Lemon Citrus Slices - 3.00 (GBP)Soap Dish, Willow & Twine - Rustic - 3.00 (GBP)Pink Pig Soap Children, percy pig, - 4.75 (GBP)Soap, fruit, lemon - glycerin, yellow. Soap Art - 4.75 (GBP)Soap, Fruit, Lime - green, glycerin, gift. Soap Art - 4.75 (GBP)Peach & Rose Soap Bar: Pink, Glycerin. Soap Art - 4.25 (GBP)Irish Stout Shaving Soap. Soap Art - 7.50 (GBP)Lemon Bath Moouse, fruit Soap & bar. Soap Art - 13.00 (GBP)Lavender & Lime Hand Salve - 9.00 (GBP)Farm Animal in Soap Children, stress toy - 5.00 (GBP)Granny Smith Apple Green Soap Art - 5.25 (GBP)Teddy Bear Soap - brown, glycerin. Soap Art - 2.95 (GBP)Chicken Soap Children, farm, hen, animal - 4.75 (GBP)Cow Soap Children, farm, daisy, animal - 4.75 (GBP)Key, 21st, New Home, card & Soap Set. - 3.75 (GBP)Forever love Soap and Card Set Soap Art: - 3.75 (GBP)Chocolate Orange Truffle Bath Butter & Soap - 8.50 (GBP)Fruit Pastilles Soap, Children, Sweets, Candy - 3.75 (GBP)Smartie Soaps, sweets, chocolate, candy - 3.75 (GBP)American Hard Gum Soaps, sweets, candy - 3.75 (GBP)Soap, fruit, figs. Four Glycerin hand soaps - 16.00 (GBP)Hand Salve Carrot Seed & Sandalwood - 9.00 (GBP)Stones Soap. Glycerin, grey, white. Gift. Soap Art - 10.50 (GBP)Apple, soap, Red, fruit, Glycerin, gift. Soap Art - 5.50 (GBP)Peach Fruit Soap by Carla for Artists Exposed - 4.50 (GBP)Fruit soap, plum - purple. glycerin. 62g. Soap Art - 3.99 (GBP)
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About Us
- Our story - Hand-made Soap, Soap Art, Soap-making workshops and Social enterprise.ScENT specialises in Soap Art.Having Pioneered a new way of thinking about Soap in the UK ScENT quickly made a name for itself within the crafting community at home and abroad - regularly shipping our soaps to America, Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, South Africa & Australia. Not bad for a cottage industry in the small village of Cloughey on the Ards Peninsula!..We are he only Soap-makers who formally teach soap-making in Northern Ireland and have partnered with Ards Borough Council and Hunter's Lodge to facilitate introductory workshops and international workshops respectively as well as private one-to-one sessions.ScENT facilitates soap parties for children & adults. We often make wedding favours by commission and are happy to make special one-off commissions as well as unique B&B/hotelier guest soaps.More about us.
Carla is the soap artist. She spends her days in the lab perfecting her art whilst enviously gazing out the window to see her three male counterparts bouncing about on the trampoline.
I'm Garreth, the social entrepreneur, coach, facilitator, chief home-maker/child-carer, baker and occasional soap-maker. I come up with the ideas... Carla makes it happen;
Our Story/Our passion?
We are passionate about transformation and until 2010 sought to see transformation happen among the most marginalised and disadvantaged people in society through a social enterpise known as "MORPH". Despite awards and wide-spread recognition (including the Queens' Award for Volunteering) the Global recession, along with some last minute funding being withdrawn left us homeless, expecting a baby and looking around for whats next.Rather than become unemployed and another statistic we decided to go back to our roots - bringing transformation to whatever we do.
Inspired by Brazillian's entrepreneural spirit due to no benifit system we decided to try and generate enough money to make ends meet through making things. We found out that soap art is something uncommon here in Ireland and decided to focus our attention on a product that would truly set us apart from every other Soap Maker in Europe.Initially we launched our company, "Archegos" as an umbrella company allowing me the freedom to work as a free-lance consultant, trainer & facilitator to bring in some money whilst Carla built up the soap business.
Our little dream for "ScENT" was to spread a little of the fragrance of heaven through all the earth and grow slowly into a social enterprise which could bless the local community at a time of global crisis through employment, education and training. However towards the end of 2012 we began to see potential in travelling to less developed countries in order to teach people the art of soap-making, distilling their own essential oils and building sustainable business'. It only sought to further enhance our vision of using soap as a means of bringing transformation to people's lives.
We are passionate about fair-trade, organic and all things sustainable and this influences all we do wherever possible. Our desire for justice, mercy and environment, our pursuit to be transformers, our rejection of cultural norms and focus on hospitality and family all stem from our deep conviction to be agents of change through all the earth.
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Soap-Making Workshops
- Want to Make Soap in Northern Ireland?Private Lessons
We run One-on-One sessions here in Cloughey - these are geared to the needs of the people so please contact us if interested. The price of a full day is from £120 -180 depending on requirements. Half - Day classes are around £85-100. Both include catering.Soap Making WorkshopsTopics covered:- Melt & Pour Soap making using a wide variety of techniques
- Cosmetics - bath products, lipbalms, massage oils/bars, mets, shampoos, moisturisers and butters.
- Legislation & Labelling
- Home made cleaning products
- Mould Making
Courses are tailored to your personal requirements.We do a variety of soap Parties for children. Prices are usually around £13 per head plus travel £0.45 per mile.
We facilitate soap demonstrations and stalls for hen parties, house parties, and women's groups. We also do these as fundraisers for charities where we are willing to look at donating a percentage of our profits. Please contact us if you think you might be interested in finding out more.We usually work in groups of no larger than 8-10 and facilitate 2 hour sessions right up to 2 day sessions.
"My daughter has just had the most marvellous Princess Pamper Birthday Party with Carla. She had thirteen friends at her party. A mixture of four and five year old girls. The girls were each seated at their own Cosmetic Creation Station. From the outset Carla made every girl, especially the birthday girl feel special. Carla ensured that the Party Princess was centre stage and involved all of her friends in making her feel like a proper Princess!! The Birthday Girl had chosen to make Body Butter and Soap on a Rope from the Cosmetic Creation Menu.
Initially Carla demonstrated soap making. Carla's beautiful, soft, Brazilian accent captivated the girls and she involved each and every girl at every stage. She chatted with the girls about penguins and how they cuddle to keep warm and give each other love. She then themed that with the friendship between all of the girls at the birthday party. Each girl then got to place a small penguin soap within the demonstration soap mixture being created. Then each girl added a set of soap lips to the mixture, signifying kisses for their friends. The Birthday Princess completed the soap mixture by adding glitter and her wishes. The soap was then set aside to set. It was later parcelled up and each girl was able to take a soap home for a memory of their special day!! Carla also provided such treasures not only for the Birthday Princess but her extended family too!!!
It was then on to the next stage of the feminine fun!! Body Butter!! Each girl mixed her own body butter base with her choice of brightly coloured lotion as well as beautifully scented oil. There was a huge range of eye-catching coloured lotions and beautiful fragrances to choose from. Glitter was the next addition to the mix. The entire process appealed so much to the girls. Making their own choices was taken so seriously and added to the fun. However, it does have to be said the mixing and transferring of the body butter to its presentation jar was messy, so it definitely held the most appeal!!!
The girls then got involved with their Soap on a Rope projects! I had decided that these would form their party bags which would be a treat for them to complete at home. The girls firstly chose ribbon and beads for their Soap on a Rope. Then they agonised over choosing their soaps from Carla's huge selection of brightly coloured, creatively shaped and beautifully scented soaps to complete their home projects.
Carla's professionalism, talent, organisation, kindness, care, thoughtfulness, generosity and maternal streak made the event the success it was. The experience was perfect for all the girls, as well as for the adults. It was a total delight. Based on my first hand experience, as well as girls and parents feedback, I can not recommend highly enough Carla's parties for adults and/or children!"
Louise.
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Residential Soap Making Course
- Soap Making beside Northern Ireland's beautiful Strangford Lough
Come and stay at Hunter’s Lodge www.hunters-lodge.net this spring and experience first-hand how to make some of lovely Soaps & Cosmetics. Options include 1 day or 2 day workshops in this luxury Bed & Breakfast.
Choose to come for one-on-one tuition or bring a friend or two with the knowledge that you're guaranteed to get personal attention, wonderful food in a gorgeous setting. We believe you learn by doing so be assured that this is a hands-on course and you'll go home with your own products!As these workshops are for individuals or small groups we are capable of tailoring the course to suit your needs especially if you have a particular purpose, interest, skin condition, allergies, requirements etc. Perhaps you just can’t arrive at 10am and want a later (or earlier start time). You may have bees and want to use their honey, goats and want to use their milk or even an Irish stout.
Workshops are run on days that suit throughout the year (weekdays only). Simply e-mail me to discuss your ideal dates and we'll go from there... Courses usually run from 10-4pm, however, we will time the course around you as we understand international visitors may need it to fit around flights whilst locals may want to miss rush hour.
The workshop starts with a warm welcome over some scones and coffee. We will have a full discussion around the table confirming your specifics and what you want from the day and go through a little theory. Next will explore and go through all the raw ingredients that can be used to make soap, then a more tactile touch, feel and smell of the delicious oils and butters as we talk you through your first batch.
Following a delicious light lunch of home-made goodness you will get the opportunity to make your own batches of soap, choosing which nutrients, additives and blends of essential oils you would like to use. The workshop finishes at around 4pm.
Included: All ingredients, overalls, equipment, full course notes, tuition, bed, breakfast, refreshments and afternoon tea are included in the cost along with a well deserved glass of wine come the end of the day.
If you would like to go out for an evening meal there are to fabulous restaurants nearby and a local pub. The Multi-award winning Balloo House has fine dining & restaurant whilst Daft Eddy’s and its gorgeous sea-food is a short walk away.
One on one or small group?
These workshops are perfect either as an intensive session for you, or for you and a partner/offspring/friend or colleague. You could also organise a group to lower the price even more up to a maximum of seven based on shared bedrooms (see our website) - but with another local B&B possibly able to host a few more. The workshops are a great alternative girlie day out: a super soapy hen day making wedding favours together, or a society away day.
Cost:
1 Night:
1 Person: £225
2 People: £160 -180ea
8 People (maximum) £110ea
2 Nights:
1 Person: £275
2 People: £200-225ea
8 People:£160
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Social Enterprise - Helping Others
- Building Sustainable Business here and in Developing Countries.
ScENT as a Social Business: Helping Others
Fundraising Opportunities:
We make branded products for charities and organisations to sell as fundraisers. We also offer teaching workshops for a group of people to make their own products as a fundraising opportunity.
For Schools or clubs we also offer a 6 week course for schools and community groups in business with current education syllabus in mind. This concept involves 5 teaching sessions and one practical session. It is a perfect module for a business project. We supply products at a wholesale price for the school or organisation to sell with money going to the organisation.
Sessions include:
- Health & Hygiene
- Environment, Justice and fair-trade
- Logo design & Name - Branding
- Marketing
- Pricing and profit margins.
- Making of products.
Please contact us if you think you might be interested in this and for a quotation.
Developing Countries:
Enthusiastic about social action and social enterprise we were thrilled when we were first asked if we would consider a mission project to help people set up their own micro-business’ as a means of becoming self-sufficient.
We have taken the broad-view of what organisations may be interested in and are at the minute exploring a few new avenues that may be of use with this part of the business in particular.
Soap-Making
- Cold Process is the easiest choice for a soap business in developing countries as it means you don’t need to ship in expensive base. This is the most traditional form of soap-making and can be geared to the flora & fauna in the country. If need be we can ensure it meets EU cosmetic legislation.
- Melt & Pour: Currently we are exploring making Melt & Pour Soap base from Scratch – As of yet we haven’t got this through the EU Cosmetic Assessment but it is an avenue we are due to proceed with in the near future. The skills and recipes should be accessible to most countries.
- Liquid Soap Making is something we can teach – but with packaging being a major component of this method – it is something that needs to be considered.
Cleaning Products: Traditional Cleaning products made with natural products along with the importance of cleanliness.
Distillation of Essential Oils: This is something we are really interested in exploring further so as to equip and train people to make their own essential oils from scratch rather than purchasing them. We should be able to provide this by 2014. Sooner if we get appropriate funding.
Candle Making:
Business Planning: In all of the above we anticipate being able to take the lead on facilitating the development of a comprehensive Business Plan, design the workshops, source the right equipment, find the best suppliers, provide info on 3rd party manufacturers, natural product information, branding, packaging, design, marketing experience and where necessary ensure EU cosmetic compliance.
If you are interested in perhaps getting us to work on a project it is best to contact us with your idea and allow us to look at the cost involved for what you require. We can then start working together at fundraising for the project or approaching funders with specific applications to suit your needs.
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Posts
- May 03, 13Carla makes some of the most amazing soap you are ever likely to see. I am biased - I'm her husband - but to be honest the images speak for themselves. Each Fruit soap is poured, fragranced, hand painted and coated so as to look like the real thing. No two fruits a identical and yet all of them life-like.
Her art from is unique to us in Europe and even Peter Pavia (our teacher in Brazil) didn't go to the lengths that I have witnessed Carla go to in a bid to get her soap to look so realistic.
So you might understand my frustration with Northern Ireland's Leading Craft Organisation yesterday. It a short but courteous e-mail I was informed us that Craft NI would not be able to support or promote or soap-making workshops or open studio during the month of August (or any time in the future) as soap-making didn't come under their remit.
Our soaps may not be mass produced, may even be hand-painted, celebrated globally for their artistic masterpiece even, but here in Northern Ireland once again we seem to have excelled ourselves at knocking others down before ever celebrating success.
Is it just our culture? NI has a reputation of finding ways to make success something to criticise rather than encourage. We like to think that people and business' must prove themselves before we ever consider supporting them.
And, prove ourselves I feel we have done. Carla's artwork has been celebrated globally. We have people travelling from other continents to learn from her such is her reputation for pioneering a way of Soap Art. We have started small, granted, and have still a long way to go, but in a short time we have become leaders in the field when it comes to how we think about soap.
There is a certain amount of irony too - In Northern Ireland we are covered by two bodies. The Craft Council of Ireland, which does recognise Soap-making as a craft and Craft NI which does not.
Part of it comes from a reluctance to promote anything mass produced or something which can be replicated in some way - but I fear that CRAFT NI both failed to look at the photographs of some of our products nor take into account that we both imagine, design and create our soaps. We accept specific commissions, make one-off "show pieces" and sell internationally. We may still be small - but we are doing our bit to put Northern Ireland on the map whilst the very agencies supposed to support us are failing miserable to help put us on the very same map! I mean it is crazy!
So I got a little miffed on behalf of the beloved and dedicated wife of mine and decided to take a stand. I believe in justice. I know that if we were doing this in the US - we would have agencies bending rules at every possible avenue to ensure they promoted success and encouraged entrepreneurship.
I've rallied a few people to start commenting on CraftNI's facebook page, twitter feed etc., but really I feel I need to do something more. Its the needless use of red tape that needs to go in a bid to support Craft wherever it is found.
So I am asking for more... I am asking if you would be interested in challenging Craft NI's Stance and asking them to review how they categorise "Craft". Say what you like, say what you feel, but at a time of austerity and unemployment surely statutory supported agencies should be doing everything possible to support people trying to get themselves off the ground.
Note too the irony of their strap-line "Champion for Craft in Northern Ireland". It is time to hold them to account!Craft Northern IrelandCotton Court, 42 Waring St, Belfast BT1 2ED028 9032 3059 / www.craftni.orgSOAP LOVERS TO THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL!... PLEASE.Craft Definition.
1. Skill in doing or making something, as in the arts; proficiency.2.a. An occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or skilled artistry.b. The membership of such an occupation or trade; guild.tr.v. craft·ed, craft·ing, crafts1. To make by hand.2. Usage Problem To make or construct (something) in a manner suggesting great care or ingenuity: - May 01, 13
If any of you were reading Carla's Raising Little Hero's blog last year then you will understand the great joy, enthusiasm and pride we both took in celebrating Eli's 4th Birthday and 18 months without hospital admittance and subsequent surgery.
Eli had a particularly difficult beginning to his little life and we never really got a chance to celebrate with friends and family in his first few years.This year we realised he understood what having a birthday party was all about - and with a new interest in the "Octonauts" (which was a much celebrated shift away from cars and trains) we decided to throw our first ever children's party.I say we decided, to be honest, this decision was made for us, as my sister-in-law, Luciana, who runs "Casa de Papel" in Brazil was so desperate to make invitations that she had also recruited my mother-in-law into making some masks that Carla and I had no choice but to invite some children to an event which had yet to be planned.The result was an overwhelming success. Eli' Got the chance to celebrate his 4th Birthday in style. With invitations, masks, bunting and thank you cards having been sent over from Brazil we decided that nothing would do but to make our very own assault course. Bring on the cardboard tunnels, ball pits, spider's webs, stepping stones and plank walks.And credit to Carla for the sheer amount of work and dedication that went into all the catering. The children were treated to some Croissant Crabs, Turtle Watermelon, Clam shell plates, Clam shell cookies and even sea themed sweets!We also need to thank Victoria for one of the best Birthday Cakes I have ever had the pleasure of both looking at and tasting. It was a phenomenal Octonauts Cake.I've also included some of the materials and equipment we used in order to make the party a success - including some of our very own Peso Penguin Soap Favors below. - Mar 18, 13
Well it has finally happened....
The girls at Creative Connections have finally allowed a man into the innermost enchalons of that wonderful event known as 'Craftfest' and they have given me my own team!
Slightly weary of all that pink I was quickly bribed with the promise that I could name my own team and choose a colour of my choosing. Well there is only one way to stand out amongst all that 'CRAFTfest" pink. Black seemed much more masculine, sexy and discerning. It is time to introduce you to the "G Team"!
And my first introduction goes to the great Lori - otherwise known as the 'Scarlet Wolf' from the Crystal Cavern. She is a fantastic promoter, great team player and fabulous crafter. This Fest she is offering two Stalls - one in jewellery and one in supplies Here are some of her items. You will also find Lori on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Wanelo, Blogging and on Stumble.
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections
Next to bring out the bling is "The Very Small Company" which may need to change its name if it continues to grow from strength to strength! Julie offers: "a small selection of my handmade gifts and jewellery. I try to cater for all budgets." Lots more lovelies on their website at The Very Small Company!" You can also follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections
Next up with some fabulous photography and gorgeous items is Makeaholic. Here you will find handmade jewellery, gifts and a whole host of goodies to feast your eyes on. Sarah Plummer can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Stumble . You can also get her on her own site: Here.
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections
Lori again with her Beads & Findings Shop. A wholesale shop with a wonderful array of of things to choose from. Links above.
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Feb 18, 13
This has been quite a month for workshops and last week was our penultimate one for the month of February. A one-to-one session with Stephanie.
So just what does a one-to-one workshop entail for someone here in Cloughey?
Well, it just depends on what you are after - a half day course or a full day course. It also depends on what your specific requirements are. Perhaps you just want to make soap, or you have a skin condition and want to make something natural with organic oils. Perhaps you want to make moulds or learn a specific soap-making technique. What ever the requests we try and tailor to your needs.
And did we mention the food?
We had a great day with Stephanie and there was quite a bit of raving about a certain Carrot cake that you simply must try! - Mar 26, 13ScENT have been organising Soap Parties for a while now but we were more than a little apprehensive when asked to facilitate a workshop for a group of 15 children aged 5.Realising at an early stage that having a group of 15 girls around hot soap was not the best possible Health & Safety scenario we opted for something a little easier.First up: Birthday Girl gets to help make a mini-loaf. Every girl present gets to pick a penguin soap by way of putting a birthday hug into the bar and some lips with their very own birthday wishes for Anna. Next up we colour the base, added the glitter and pour in the soap. Hey presto! One birthday soap.Second task: Bath Butter was an easy choice as no heat source is required. That said, the climate meant mixing the bath butter was a little bit of a challenge for tiny hands on this occasion. The children get to choose their own fragrances, glitter, colours etc and we have their butters put into an already labelled container for each child to take home with them.Task No. 3: Soap on a Rope. Carla had made lots of novelty soaps before the event and provided a ribbon, and some beads to each child. The girls then chose 5 soaps from the selection available and were invited to make their own soap on a rope/ribbon.All the items made were then placed in a gorgeous little Chinese takeaway box for some well earned cosmetic beautifying after a hard day's work.Thank you so much to Anna for the invitation to go to her party to make soap and to Louise, her mum, for organising it and making it such a fabulous event.
Here is some of the feedback we received from Louise:"My daughter has just had the most marvellous Princess Pamper Birthday Party with Carla. She had thirteen friends at her party. A mixture of four and five year old girls. The girls were each seated at their own Cosmetic Creation Station. From the outset Carla made every girl, especially the birthday girl feel special. Carla ensured that the Party Princess was centre stage and involved all of her friends in making her feel like a proper Princess!! The Birthday Girl had chosen to make Body Butter and Soap on a Rope from the Cosmetic Creation Menu.Initially Carla demonstrated soap making. Carla's beautiful, soft, Brazilian accent captivated the girls and she involved each and every girl at every stage. She chatted with the girls about penguins and how they cuddle to keep warm and give each other love. She then themed that with the friendship between all of the girls at the birthday party. Each girl then got to place a small penguin soap within the demonstration soap mixture being created. Then each girl added a set of soap lips to the mixture, signifying kisses for their friends. The Birthday Princess completed the soap mixture by adding glitter and her wishes. The soap was then set aside to set. It was later parcelled up and each girl was able to take a soap home for a memory of their special day!! Carla also provided such treasures not only for the Birthday Princess but her extended family too!!!It was then on to the next stage of the feminine fun!! Body Butter!! Each girl mixed her own body butter base with her choice of brightly coloured lotion as well as beautifully scented oil. There was a huge range of eye-catching coloured lotions and beautiful fragrances to choose from. Glitter was the next addition to the mix. The entire process appealed so much to the girls. Making their own choices was taken so seriously and added to the fun. However, it does have to be said the mixing and transferring of the body butter to its presentation jar was messy, so it definitely held the most appeal!!!The girls then got involved with their Soap on a Rope projects! I had decided that these would form their party bags which would be a treat for them to complete at home. The girls firstly chose ribbon and beads for their Soap on a Rope. Then they agonised over choosing their soaps from Carla's huge selection of brightly coloured, creatively shaped and beautifully scented soaps to complete their home projects.Carla's professionalism, talent, organisation, kindness, care, thoughtfulness, generosity and maternal streak made the event the success it was. The experience was perfect for all the girls, as well as for the adults. It was a total delight. Based on my first hand experience, as well as girls and parents feedback, I can not recommend highly enough Carla's parties for adults and/or children!" - Feb 11, 13
Well as it rapidly approaches valentines day we were working on some themes for last nights workshop.
BIG THANK YOU to those who attended. You were a fantastic group and the soaps looked beautiful!
Here are a few shots of what we got up to....And if you are looking for a few more ideas of what you could give someone this valentines... Look no further!..... Our "Femme Fatal" and "License to Thrill" Gifts could be just what you need.And while we are at it... Were you aware that there is a national Gum Drop Day in the US on the 15th February!? How fantastic! and we have just what you need.... - Jan 29, 13
Our business launched on Etsy just less than a year ago with 10 fruit soaps and a £2000 pound investment (all our earthly money as it turns out along with some kind donations) and a dream to somehow use soap-making to grow into a social business, gain a reputation as soap-makers capable of making unique and exquisite soaps whilst generating a much needed income for ourselves...
This has the potential to be a long post if I don't break it up into a few different manageable chunks.- Achievements to date
- Where we are at
- Where the future lies.
Achievements to dates: Few people like blowing their own trumpet. I'm lucky as I get to blow my wife's trumpet on our behalf. Not only has she made some fine pieces of cosmetic Art - but her creativity has meant ScENT has been discovered by tens of thousands of people all over the globe in just one year.
Internet communities those smitten with a love of Carla's Art have been fantastic at helping to promote our work on newsletters, forums, magazines, blogs and hosting soap parties. People we didn't know a year ago have become some of our most crucial bedrocks of support. Thanks to this blog alone we have had over 5000 visitors, requests for wholesale accounts, soap-making workshops and for editorial photos. People like Linda Cooper, Lu Smith, and domestic sluttery have been brilliant at promoting us in their blogs.
Creative connections (an on-line networking site for Crafters) took us under on our first on-line virtual Craft Fayre known as CraftFEST. Their support launched a huge magazine article promoting Carla's work and resulted in me stepping up to the mark as one of the Leader's of the event and provided a fabulous support base of promoters and supporters of ScENT Cosmetics.
ScENT been featured in magazines, asked to produce an exclusive range for Folksy in the run up to Christmas as well has being featured on WowThankYou, Luulla and Etsy homepages. Oh, and how can I forget the wonderful joy of having the top three most voted for soaps on Craftjuice! Carla even made it into a magazine in South Africa!
So, where are we at?
It was all pretty amazing stuff and not bad for a £2000 investment. So what of the practicalities? Did we break even? Have we got a wholesale client base? Have we made our millions yet?
Crucially, we broke even. The accounts indicate a profit if we take into account our stock - but the reality is that there are expenses we didn't put through the account to ensure the business avoided debt. Things, which if the business is to be a success, require ScENT to pay for in it its own right.
Still, not bad for early days of a business with little or no capital.
Did it account for hours worked? NOT A HOPE. We have slaved our little hearts out day and night to ensure we were on the right path. It is not unheard of me starting on the computer at 6.30 and both of us finally resigning ourselves to beds at 11.30 pm in the evening. That said, it is work mixed with parenthood, life and all manner of other joys. We have been able to fit the business around us to a greater or lesser extent. That both of us are able to be at home for breakfasts, lunches and dinners is a sacrifice worth paying for if we can make ScENT work. There is no doubt the kids suffered a little this year as we both tried to get to grips with our roles within the company but thankfully they are at a great age whereby they are able to play with each other, not really know or see our busyness and young enough to forget.
On the up-side though we have also learnt to make cleaning products, breads, sweets, cut glass, make coat-hangers and endless other distractions.
So much time was spent working on packaging, labelling, legislation, pricing, and setting up Internet shops that only a person doing something similar could possibly understand. Carla toiled countless weeks doing more than she had to because we didn't have the cash-flow for larger equipment or more molds etc - making the first year extremely labour-intensive.
We knew wholesale would be difficult to offer to shops due to the hand-painted nature of the soaps. It seemed ridiculous that Carla and I would only manage to scrape a measly £0.70 per hand-painted apple whilst a wholesaler would manage to make more on it that we did. However, we needed other avenues to sell. Sale or Return was definitely the way forward for us last year. Anything that was returned became vital stock in the run up to the busy Christmas period. We did eventually offer wholesale but the profit margins are definitely not as competitive as a retailer would expect. The reason? Postage. Northern Ireland is penalised heavily for purchasing anything from the UK. Without doubt - the years ahead require that we are innovative in making as much as possible from scratch to avoid these ridiculous extra costs. It is the only means by which we can become competitive.
One other massive out-lay for us was the experimenting required with our packaging. Due to the very nature of our soaps - we had to find a way to package them sensitively and beautifully. No existing soap packaging seemed to work and despite making-do with a few solutions for a while, it was obvious our packaging had much to be desired. It took a product designer telling us that the wooden boxes looked "crude" to get me back onto the packaging band-waggon, desperately trying to find a solution. Packaging immediately added £1.00 per soap if it was to retail in a shop - making the soaps (particularly the small ones) seem ridiculously expensive - despite being worth every penny! Whilst a soap at £9.00 may be fine in somewhere like Liberty's of London. The Kingfisher Craft Gallery in Killyleagh may find it totally impossible to shift any soap on our behalf if we were to charge full price.
One big surprise was the discovery that Craft-Fairs do not work for us! We always got our money back, with just one exception, but it never proved worth the 6 hours of standing at a stall. Craft Stalls are something we are very reluctant to do in the future - with very few exceptions. Perhaps it is down to the economic climate or because stalls are increasingly expensive; perhaps our displays are inadequate.
One other BIG surprise was meeting the need for soap-making workshops. We always knew that if we were really going to make the business work there would need to be an element of teaching and soap-making parties. There is no competition within Northern Ireland for tuition and as we have a name for selling soaps unique to us - easily prove ourselves competent. Our background in community work, youth work and social business only enhance our portfolio. Initially we saw this part of the business as the social aspect (whereby we could teach youth groups etc) but in May an opportunity arose to work with Ards Council in - and we seized our moment. Not only was the course over-subscribed but so did the next 3 workshops. The marketing material that went with these events also led to a number of one-on-one workshops. Creative Peninsula, we salute you!
The feedback from these workshops, one-to-ones and soap-parties have blown us away and ensured that we plan to grow this aspect of the business in the coming year. (More info to follow)
Where the future lies:
We are quite excited with all that is to come in the forthcoming year. There seems to be no end of possibilities. So here is the summary - with more to follow in another post specifically stating how we think ScENT can grow as a social business.
1. Exploration of a new line of Novelty soaps and Gift Soaps. Soaps that are easier to make and a little more profitable - thus ensuring that the Soap Art we are known by can still be produced but without needing to depend on Carla to making every hand-painted soap herself. This will allow others to come on board as the business grows.
2. Cold Process. Up until now we have focused on Melt and Pour soap as it allows us to be creative with the shapes and colours. As time progressed we began to sell some cosmetics too but knew that a time would come when we would have to look into selling Cold - Process Soaps. The reality is that Cold Process Soap can be just as artistic - and we have discovered that you can use an oven to make some gorgeous soaps - something - we haven't seen done over here yet either! Cold Process allows us more control over ingredients. It allows us to make items for those who only want to use natural or organic ingredients. It can be entirely fairly traded. We can make it all from scratch - which will help with the postage costs and we have a young couple hoping to come on board to specialise in this product on our behalf.
3. Aromatherapy. As teaching becomes a core aspect of our little business - Carla is undergoing a course in Aromatherapy. This will allow her to specifically teach on the use of essential oils and their properties in cosmetics - thereby specifically able to offer workshops and products for a wide range of skin conditions.
4. Distillation of Essential Oils: Along with making Melt and Pour soap base from Scratch we are looking at distilling our own essential oils. I'm excited about this. We want to know how to do both of these so we can take this knowledge into a social business idea we have in mind. There is a bit of capital involved - but we are definitely gearing up for this one with gusto!
Here is the course we want to do subject to cash:
http://www.millretreatcentre.com/frame.php?page=info_32
5. Workshops: We offer one-to-one workshops already but we have also teamed up with Hunter's Lodge to offer fabulous group workshops (up to 8) all situated at this gorgeous B&B. They offer an afternoon tea and having had some of Jenny's Lemon Cake I can only say that I'm checking in for some on my next visit!
6. Social Enterprise: And really, here we have found our little niche. Always wanting to be a social enterprise we have been actively looking for ways to grow sustainably whilst also blessing others. We have looked at ways of working with youth groups and are still looking at ways to raise funds for schools and charities but nothing has really clicked by way of offering employment, experience etc. to others in the community around us. Recently we were approached by a couple of mission organisations about facilitating soap-making workshops in developing countries. Initially we got frustrated that Cold Process soap-making was the only real avenue of soap-making that developing nations could pursue as this wasn't an area we were experts in we had to say 'No'. As time has progressed however, we began to realise that we do have experience in social business, soap making and mission. If we could learn how to make Melt and Pour Soap from scratch, distill our own oils and pass that knowledge on - as well as teach how to make Cold - Process Soap then we could really help establish a sustainable social business' abroad.
This thought grabbed both of us. Carla and I got excited! We began realising the potential of what we, as ScENT could achieve globally as opposed to locally. We began to feel invigorated about the incoming year...
To find out more about our social project - watch this space.
You see, I may not have been blogging lately - but we have certainly been active! - Jan 25, 13
Love is in the air!
We are quietly toiling away in the lab at the minute with new products and ideas for the upcoming year but its at this time of year we really need to be rolling ahead with plans and start putting them into place.
Watch this space!!!!
There is loads to come with regards to our plans and how we are taking this little business of ours into its next phase. Its all quite exciting now that we are beginning to piece everything together and we just cannot wait.
In the interim though we needed to update a few of our shops with some new items and what better way to start listing items than our new "Licensed to Thrill" range. I'll take full responsibility for the name! Cheese is my middle name - but with Valentines and James Bond DVD release fast approaching I figured it was a perfect title to our His & Hers Gift Set.
See what you think.Each set contains a candle and pistol massage bar. The Men's Set has some AK-47 bullet soaps and the female set carries the seductive soap heels and a lip-balm. A great way to celebrate Valentines by offering a romantic candle-lit massage come the end of the evening. - Jan 10, 13
Okay, Okay,
I know. BAD BLOGGER G!
I've been missing in action!
Truth is with the last CRAFTfest and Christmas Sales I suffered Blogger Overload.
Still, Back with a bang for the new year and what better way to continue than to bring to your wonderful attention some soaps to compliment our little old sheep. This little best seller has been out on its own for far too long and we have been just waiting for the opportunity to find a way of adding a few friends. We have finally suceeded! The Cow, Pig, Goat and Horse were fairly obvious companions along with a few more exotic animals (such as the croc, the turtle and the little frog).We have also wanted to expand our kiddies range for quite a while. I, personally needed something to appease my all to eager desire to eat chocolates and sweets. Rather than eat them. I now get to bathe in them! Now you can bath in your own soap mix of smarties, hard gums and fruit pastilles.Next up on the kids range are some sports themed soaps - but more of that at a later date!
Happy New Year Everyone! - Nov 22, 12Follow my blog with Bloglovin
This is the very last blog post for the Teal Team
Jewellery:
First up is a recruit I met from a Craft Fayre in Dublin. This is Liga's first Craftfest and she has done a stirling job on her stall Valg
Explore originally designed and handcrafted polymerclay jewelry and accessories. If you are looking for special jewelry then this might be the right place. All our creations are either one-of-a-kind or limited edition. Behind every Valg Studio design is story, care and love.
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There is also the wonderful Patrica Munro of Whimsy Jig
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And last but not least for this Craftfest... Noodle Bubble
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Nov 22, 12
Gorgeous Gifts available from the Teal Team. First up today is Norfolk Woodcrafts "Welcome to Norfolk Wood Crafts, my name is Paul and all my items are handmade in my North Norfolk workshop using reclaimed timber and veneers. I hope you find something to tempt you and thankyou for looking."
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Chandlers Country Gifts "Chandler 's Country Gifts, classic style gifts in traditional colours, is my home based business that I started about 2 years ago. I design and make most of my products by hand using the best materials. I offer a selection of gifts for the garden and home, doorstops, flowerpot feeders, home bags and more, refreshingly different and handmade with time care and love x"
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And Rag Rug Textiles
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Jewellery Again Today with no shortage of talent. First up: Seawitch Sea Glass
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Dream of Silver
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And finally, Mystic Moon,
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Nov 22, 12
Tiara's and Tantrums and a few other things for a Craftfest Wedding. Kwur-kee have the head-dresses... Kwur-kee specialises in vintage-inspired headpieces and complementary accessories, handmade in silk dupion and embellished with fine quality crystal buttons, glass beads or genuine vintage brooches. They are ideal for weddings and other special occasions. Most are one of a kind, so you can be sure to stand out from the crowd. I welcome commissions, so do contact me if you have particular ideas or colour combinations and I will work with you to produce a bespoke item for you. My range also includes brooches, hair slides, cufflinks and jewellery handmade in felt, wool and cotton fabrics.
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Ellorias Boutique Ellorias Boutique is the story of Jacqueline and Shannan, mother and daughter, designers, writer, life-long flower lovers. We are inspired by natural forms and influenced by cultural references from bygone and contemporary eras. We create experimental yet wearable collections of handcrafted one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces, that reference the renaissance and art deco periods and bring a modern edge to vintage style. We’re both spurred on by colour, pattern and surface texture and use a combination of muted and bright palettes to converge and radiate our aesthetic desires.
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And StARTling Creations I am a 24 year old female just trying to live life happily in one of the biggest cities of the world, Los Angeles-CALIFORNIA. From modeling and acting in my spare time to my at home jewelry, home goods, and art store (StARTling Creations) I have truly achieved living my life exactly the way I dreamed of. I take inspiration from all the LA life surrounding me and my personal travels throughout the world. Some of the most impacting aspects of life that I derive my inspiration from are: Beaches, Sunsets, LA Life, LOVE, Graffiti, Fashion, Art, Models, Instrumental Music & Mediation.
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Nov 22, 12
Bath Time!
Introducing...
Revive Holistic and Beauty therapies make wonderful Handmade Soaps, Body & Bath, Hair & Skin Care, Home Fragrance.
Don't believe me?
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Cottage Soap company have some beautiful soaps.
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Fairfield Gardens are the latest "Bath and Beauty" addition (other than myself) to join the Teal Team.
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Nov 21, 12
The Teal team also have a number of great items in the Home Category.
First up one the small number of men to risk signing up to the almost entirely feminine world of Craftfest... Andy however can hold his own. Welcome to Wax Worx
Bespoke candles for all occasions Halloween, Christmas, Birthdays and Weddings or for that someone special. Whatever the occasion why not say it with candles
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Elsie May and Bertha "I am a maker that mainly works with fabric and wool, but I also like to dabble in paper crafts and anything else crafty that catches my eye.I have a shop called Elsie May and Bertha website, which is named after my two grandmothers. I use vintage and new materials to make.things such as cushions, rose and lavender scented hearts, pillows and sachets, bags, quilts, pincushions, pictures, scarves and shawls, tea cosies, wash cloths, christmas decorations and stockings, cards, bookmarks and brooch cushions for displaying brooches."
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And Selenarte Decoupage "Welcome to my decoupage shop. The inspirational place where I make handmade, unique home decorations and gifts using decoupage technique. Acrylic paint, a good quality brush and a piece of unfinished wood or glass are my main work tools through which I transform plain objects into useful, quality, enjoyable, and lasting decorations."
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Nov 21, 12
How about a little more on the Jewellery Front.
Its always the biggest of the stalls and there is just so much talent that it is hard to know where to start.First up today is Maisy Plum by Jo Pearce"We have a love of all things handmade, but our real passion is for handmade jewellery. We work with semi-precious stones, sterling silver and metals including copper. We have recently started a selection of hand stamped jewellery which can be made to order. Our philosophy is to make elegant jewellery that is stylish and easy to wear."
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Lottie of London is a fellow Lilac Lovely that has joined in with the Teals this Fest...
"My name is Clare Lewis, I am a jewellery designer from South London. All my jewellery is individually handcrafted here in the UK, using my favourite medium Polymer Clay. Polymer Clay features in many of my designed pieces and is perfect for allowing me to explore my love of colours. I take my inspiration from everyday life to experiment with colour and I strive to create jewellery that is bold and unique, the majority of my items are original and occasionally I create limited edition themed items. "
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And Finally, Makeaholic
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Now onto my favourite stall of all!
The Old Button by Sharon Lloyd has the most amazing play mats and I've still to get my grubby paws on one for my two boys. "An eclectic mix of hand crafted items for children using both new and recycled fabrics embellished with hand embroidery, applique and buttons. I also have a range of ready made gifts for adults and the home."
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Rainbow Sparkles Crafts also make items that range from baby to the adult. Rainbow Sparkles Crafts is a team of 2 who create a wide range of products, there really is something for everyone! We stock greeting cards, jewellery, baby knitwear and other knitted and decorated products. everything we make is made in a smoke and pet free home. we regularly take orders, be it for a personalized card, a certain colour or sized jumper or cardi or a piece of jewellery in a certain colour. all our prices are competitive, we make them as cheap as possible and use the best quality products we can find.
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Or for the Baby, the Cat or the Dog and more - how about All Things Blankets & More At All Things Blankets & More you'll find a lovely range of fully washable fleece cat beds & blankets and new for this year catnip toys. We also know that cats have 'staff' so if you have a pet we cater for you as well so as we enter the Autumn months blankets; hot water bottle covers, cushions and pet themed gifts will be available too.
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Today's Selection Cards, Art and Fudge!
First up is the Long Collection
A wonderful selection of glamorously vintage cards for any occasion. All are made and embellished by hand and can be personalised to your own requirements
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Or How about some wonderful Fudge from Fantasy Fudge?
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Or some art by Tasteful Tributes
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Nov 20, 12
Today's Fashion Post features some wonderful stalls
First up, in homage to the woman in charge of the TEAL team this Craftfest is Kerri Robberts
Kerri Robberts Designs creates beautiful handmade products from some of the most fabulous fabrics. Her favourite fabric designers are Henry Glass and Robert Kaufman, as is shown in her work.
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Next up: Ruby Loves Flamingos Ruby Loves Flamingos is the place to find hand made scarves. Knitted,crocheted and up-cycled fabric scarves. Much of my work is one of a kind so if you're looking for something no one else will have, come to Ruby Loves Flamingos!
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And finally My Calico Heart My passion has always been creating unique and gorgeous items from many different patterns, textures and colours of fabric. I love to create in fabric. I love to use eye catching fabrics and I can assure you that I never make the same bag in the same fabric twice - your bag will be unique to you and you alone. All my items are handmade, by me in my home based studio, in a smoke and pet free environment. Please be assured that customer satisfaction and attention to detail are my top priorities.
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Nov 20, 12
As CRAFTfest beckons what better way to get yourself ready than start thinking about what kind of gifts you will be purchasing for people. Today's the gift category includes goes to Kozmic Dreams Kozmic Dreams sells uniquely designed and handcrafted goodies such as owls, cats, bags and more. Most are made by knitting and crochet and each design is carefully thought out by Laura, the owner. Laura has had a varied working life as, (in no particular order), a senior marketing executive, qualified social worker and semi-professional singer!
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The Very Small Company I use only the highest quality of goods to create each of my pieces. By employing the use of true Gold(12kt), Sterling Silver, Swarovski Crystals and Rhinestones I am able to ensure each piece lasts a lifetime. I truly appreciate your interest in my jewelry and art
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And Personalised Charmz
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Answer: Teal.
Come on the Teals!
I had been loving the "Lilac Lovelies" on my first CRAFTfest and have quite enjoyed the last few weeks sitting in the Pretty Purps Team - led wonderfully by Gill but it seems Purple is not where I was destined to be. Come on the TEALS!!! I'm stepping up to the mark as a temporary facilitator for the Tealies at CRAFTfest and I'll be introducing all the stalls on the blog. I've just four days to get the introductions done so I'm getting it under way now.
First up: Lorraine Dowdle has been the long-running leader for the Teals. I believe the team have long been used to her prompt replies and organisation skills. They will soon adjust!!!! As one of the dedicated Team Leaders so often they forget to promote their own work due to the sense of responsibility of promoting others. Lola has been one of those at fault at almost every CRAFTfest and has decided to put things right and place some focus on her own jewellery so long neglected. BOY DID SHE MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE! Just look at these.
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Whilst we are on the theme of Jewellery let me also introduce Jellybean Jewellery Hi, my name is Abi from Jellybean Jewellery. I love to make fun, colourful jewellery from lots of different materials such as polymer clay, glass beads, felt, safety pins, and buttons. I am always trying out something new so you will see a wide variety of jewellery from necklaces, bracelets and earrings to keyrings/bagcharms and hair combs. I am always willing to do custom orders if there is anything you would like, so just ask!
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And finally for this installment: Ostra's Creations Hi and welcome to Ostra's Creations CRAFTfest stall, Ostra's Creations was founded by Mellissa Cowx a self confessed addict to all things creative. Ostra's Creations is focused on providing a high quality service and customer satisfaction. All the Jewellery, Accessories and all things creative at Ostra's Creations have been handmade with love to the highest quality, by using high quality beads and findings to ensure a high quality finish.
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That's the first one done - just 12 more to do! www.scentcosmetics.com - Nov 19, 12
With just days to go there is a bit of a dash to make sure we have enough items in our stalls. Crafty Ponies has found the perfect set of items to put in a stall - Ponies!
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Perhaps something from the Crafty Larder
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Or something from this creative stall by Keep it in a frame
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There has been an Influx of people joining the wonderful Purple team! Over 40 people have joined the team in just the last 48 hours. Fabulous. Poor Gill of Personal Space Interiors head must be going round in circles at this moment in time. Still it means there are loads more goodies to tell you about before the wonderful Craftfest begins and its approaching rapidly at this point. Rather than a post every three - four days I've had to step it up to daily to ensure everyone in the purple team gets a mention. First up today is Planetpompom
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Nicole de Brun has some wonderful charms
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Lots of patchwork is available this CRAFTfest with some lovely items from Oakapple & Rose
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Marva Quash has some fab items which are "inspired by Janie"
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FabbyAbbyQ may provide something of interest too...
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and finally for today... How about something from Floppsie Moppsie
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Time for some Prints - hand printed by Inky Prints ones at that - limited edition and simply gorgeous.
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Or some Clay Creations by Tasha at Tasha's Creations
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Or, how about some Christmas Toy Stocking-Fillers by Mammazooms
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Or something from the stall by Kipper Tie and Cake!
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And did you know that there is also some beautiful necklaces from Hoobynoo World for stocking-fillers too!
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Or how about something for yourself by Kooshka.
Find more photos like this on Creative Connections - Nov 16, 12
You can almost feel the excitement. The tension is palpable as CRAFTfest approaches and is on its way. Todays installment features: Tag'e'Line
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Made by me... made for you
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and there are more great items from Sweet Gem Designs
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All items are available on www.creative-connections.ning.com Normally I only usually list three stalls but as time is marching on and I've a list as long as my elbow I've decided to add a few more today. How about Buttons? By The little button company. They are good for Scrapbooking! Granted you would have to buy the whole card to get the button you want - but you get what you pay for!
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Whilst on the topic of cards - Hannahbella Cards & Love Huggles is something to pop over to look at.
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And whilst on the idea of cards and paper - one must remember you need to use some letters. Why not take a peek at Love letters by Debbie Dilly
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Where we are
- Cloughey BT22 1JD, UK
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Press
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