Something Lovely...(A Give-away)

I'm dropping back into this space after what has been an amazing year for Handmade Haven.  After all the hard work and effort that goes in, sometimes it still feels like a dream.  People actually like MY things...MY soaps...and they come back for more.  MY things!  

So, I'm making the time for the blog..and maybe a newsletter once a month.  I won't be attending as many fairs, as I really can't split myself into several people unfortunately, so this seems like the best way of keeping in touch with everyone.

To kick things off  I thought I would have a little give-away...start the new year with something lovely.  For your chance to win the gorgeous soap gift set just leave a comment below.  You may share if you wish, but I won't hold you to it ;)  I'm happy to post overseas too.

I shall draw a winner on 10th January 2015.

Leisure

I was asked by the Artisans In Action if I would like to enter a piece into their exhibition entitled ''Words and Music, Rhymes and Reasons''.  I chose to do one of my favourite poems by W H Davies. 

The exhibition will run from Saturday 28th June to Sunday 6th July in the Lakeside Room at Waters Edge Visitors Centre, Barton upon Humber.  There will be a good selection of pieces by local artisans for you to look through...I can't wait to see what else there is.  Some of the artisans will be there during that week too (I'll be there Tuesday-Friday 10-1).

May???

Well, I'm not quite sure where the month of May went!  I've been super busy, am still super busy, but I have not vanished ;)  

Above is a new flower brooch that a customer requested.  These will be available in the shop asap.

Inspiration

 A new style of brooch, inspired by the wreath I made for our bathroom...

...which then turned into a hair clip (as per a customer's request).  I love my job ;)

First..

The last two weekends have seen my first two events of the year.  The first was the Easter Fayre at Waters Edge in Barton upon Humber over the bank holiday weekend.  I had a fabulous weekend, in a different room to where I normally am, with lovely people.

The next weekend was the Artisans In Action Event.  This was the first time I only had my soaps and bath products with me.  You could even make yourself a bath salt sachet :)  I had a fabulous time here too, with great feedback from people, some of whom turned into customers.  My smile grew wider a couple of days later when I'd had a customer from the event purchase more soap from my Etsy shop as she'd loved the bar she bought originally so much that she had to try some more!  

Update - New Felt

The last two, bringing my normal range up to 80 wonderful colours!  

I'm also introducing these new 'Painters' felts.  Hand-painted using colours typical of famous painters (hence the name).  They are a little bit different to anything else out there, so I thought I'd give them a go.  Here's the first six out of eleven.  If they are popular I'll get the others in the shops too.

Update - Etsy Soap Shop

Lots of new things in here.  Firstly there's the wash mitts...to go with the face cloths.  Organic cotton towelling and gorgeous cotton bias.

We also have six new bath salts for you to luxuriate in.  Made with himalayan and epsom salts, essential oils and botanicals, these are a little bit of bathroom heaven.  If you don't have a bath (like me!) you can use these as a foot soak. 

 -x-

There is also the Extra Special Soaps - Rose, Heavenly (patchouli, sandalwood & bergamot), and Chamomile & Calendula.  

Ready in the next couple of days is the new Activated Charcoal Soap.  This is going to be great for using as a pore cleanser..like a mini face mask..as the charcoal is great at removing dirt and grease from the skin.  I can't wait to try this one!

An instant favourite in the shop are these cleanser pads.  Great for using as a mini wash pad or as a make-up remover pad.  Made with organic cotton towelling and/or unbleached flannel, there are available in three different ways.

Pop over to the Shop for a browse :)

Update - Ebay Shop

I finally succumbed and opened an Ebay shop for the felt.  I really wasn't sure whether to or not as I would have to charge a little more to cover their charges, but it seems to be going great so far!  So, if you can't get to the Etsy shop you can always see me over on Ebay ;)

Routines!?!

My lovely Hubby started a new job a few weeks back...for the same company, but an office based day job instead of a manual based continental shift job.  It's been harder than I ever thought it would be, trying to get used to him being out in the day and having weekends off!  We don't have as much time at all, meaning I also don't have as much time trying to fit my work in.  Hopefully I'll have some sort of routine soon...especially as the craft fairs are coming up ;)

I shall be doing some catch-up posts as I've not had the time to keep you up-to-date with all my makings.

So much going on...

There is so much going on right now I think I shall meet myself coming backwards one of these days ;)  I'm trying to fill up my new, and very exciting shop, on a new website which will be officially launched on 31st March.  Eco-Create is full of lovely things that are all gentle on the Earth.  Make sure you take a look.

I've also got some new stock, including this gorgeous Jute which is so fine and delicate.

These fabulous pieces are my new soap dishes which will be in the shop soon.  They are made by a lovely lady from Pentangle Pottery and they will be exclusive to Handmade Haven.  Can't wait to receive the first 'proper' batch :)

Clearing out....

I'm clearing out my current ribbons, making way for new 'stuff'.  If you'd like to grab yourself a bargain (I'm selling at cost) then pop over to my facebook page for a browse :)

A little Sale

I'm having a little sale on the ribbons in the shop.  Use the code RIBBONS60 when you spend over £5 to get 20% off :)

Manic

It has been a manic week again.  I've got more soaps in the Soap Shop, including the minis.  

I've added these organic face cloths too.  I wanted something different to the face cloths that seem to be popular at the minute, so these are a twist on tradition.

There have been a few custom orders again, but these cushions are my favourite.

And there have been some rainbows amongst all the rain, clouds and miserable weather that still seems to be sweeping the country.

 Phew, what a made week again.  Whoever said January was the quiet month had it wrong ;)

I now have the melts and scrubs in the soap shop.  There's lots planned, and more soaps becoming ready for adding too, so keep popping in.

My lovely Hubby secretly booked a trip to Warner Bros Studio Tour so I could see Hogwarts in snow.  We had a fab time, and we were child free.  Being home-educators it's a complete rarity having a day to ourselves that doesn't involve my work. 

There's also been lots of bunting made this week, but this is the only one I can show you at the minute.

Right, off to make some melts for an order and cut some soaps, then I'm off to visit a craft fair :)

Now Open!

I had intended to add my soaps to a new Etsy shop many, many months ago (March 2012!!) but never quite had the time to set it up properly.  I wanted to keep the two sides to my business completely separate with regards Etsy.  Anyway, over the last month I have been slowing doing bits and now I have the first three varieties of soap in there...Y A Y!

I shall be adding more items over the coming days and weeks, so do keep popping in :)

Hmmm...

*whispering*  Lets pretend it hasn't been two months since I was last here!

I've had the madness that was Christmas...

I've made a burlesque outfit (not for me before anyone comments ;) )...

I've done bulk orders... 

I've got a new soap - Chocolate!! (ready in 10 days time)...

I've made custom orders...

I've re-jigged the swatch card to make colour groups as there are so many to choose from now :D

These last few months have been ridiculously busy,  I just didn't know whether I would get everything done.  It's taken the whole of the Christmas 'quiet' period plus another three weeks for me to be able to want to do anything again.  I love that my business is successful, but blimey, that was madness!  I was hoping for a quiet January but I already have 5 orders in my book plus a list of people waiting for soaps as I just didn't have time to make new stock during November/December, then I sold out.  Madness I tell ya!

Having had a couple of years to get used to the Craft Fair circuit, I've got a few I love doing so I'll be concentrating on those, rather than trying to fit in as many as I can.  I've also got an Artisans Event in April and an Exhibition in June.   The Etsy soap shop will also be open this weekend which I'm very excited about, as I'm planning a couple of new lines too.

Right, now I've ticked this off my list of things to do, I'd best get on with some secret badges ;)