Beautiful Soaps from Hawaii: Shaka Soap

Beautiful soaps make a wonderful gift anytime. They look good, smell good, and make a guest feel special. Here’s  Jessica and her shop Shaka Soap, the winner of the 11/11 blog contest.

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)

Mahalo for even choosing me in your list!
My name is Jessica and I am a stay at home mom of two little girls who are 1 and 3. We live on the Big Island in Hawaii and love every minute of it, even when it is rainy and windy. I recently started making soaps in August of this year and haven't been able to stop! It is a blast to create such a unique and functional product that it is always exciting for me.

What are your favorite materials?

My favorite materials are natural oils and natural colorants. I find that knowing what is going on my body and my family's body, makes me feel great! Especially knowing that I made it as well.

What is your favorite color combination?

My favorite color combination is dark tan, ice blue, and ivory white. It reminds me of the sea so that is the color scheme for my company, Shaka Soap, as well.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

The first thing I remember making by hand was a Valentine for my mom. I was very young, so the details are fuzzy, but I do remember that she said her favorite color was pink, so it must've been pink.

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me: sunsets, emotions, other people, and items of nature. Lately I have been inspired by the colors of an abalone shell and would love to try to capture that in a soap!

Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from soaping communities I am involved in online and from my family. I am finding that soap is a very versatile medium.

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?

My greatest challenges are when I have a particular idea in my mind, but I can't quite bring it to fruition. It can be very frustrating, especially being a perfectionist! ;) I overcome them by constantly reminding myself that there is little perfection to handmade items and that is what makes them unique and special.

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration is my very supportive husband. He is very helpful with ideas and designs, and is my 'assistant' when I am making a recipe that requires help.

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?

My favorite thing to do with my creativity is to express myself artistically. I also am finding that I need to research more deeply so that I may create even further.

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?

People should buy handmade for many reasons: they know who is making their product, they know what went into the product, they are able to ask questions directly, and they are supporting a community rather than a corporation. I am pretty new at selling handmade items, but one tip I can give is to put your whole passion into what you do. If you aren't passionate about what you create, no one else will be either.

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?

I have learned from other artists that every experience is a learning one, whether good or bad. Not only is this true when creating a handmade product, but in life as well.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

When I am not creating things, I am rounding up my girls or doing laundry! ;)

What are the Web addresses for your work?

My shop can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/shakasoap. I have a blog I update periodically with my new creations www.shakasoap.blogspot.com.

Are you offering any specials for my readers?

I am offering your readers 10% off their purchase at my Etsy store. Use code MISSEILEEN on Etsy to receive it. Mahalo for this interview. I have enjoyed your questions. HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Jessica Taylor
Shaka Soap
"Created Simply"

Have a happy holiday, too, Jessica. Readers, check out her shop and don’t forget to use the code for your discount.

Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.Etsy (sewing supplies), GoofingOff.Artfire (more sewing supplies) and MissEileen (vintage fun)

Gift Ideas

There are some people ready for the holidays. They have all their gift shopping done, cookies baked, and home decorated. Then there are people like me. Shopping, not a clue. Cookies, not yet. Decorate? I made a couple of stockings and the wreath is half done. So, if you are like me, you need a few ideas, a list, and a nudge. OK, a push. Here's a few ideas from my friends at Etsy.  My Snowflake Pyrex casserole dish is in this one. Beautiful collection.

 

'let it be beach christmas!' by EJbutik

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Winter Photo-Christmas photo... Maddenphotogra... $15.00	Crochet snowflake - Christma... maricatimonsin... $12.00	Santa dreams of a blue Chris... KClarkPhotogra... $7.00
RESERVED FOR LM Last One Chr... CaptainCat $28.00	Porcelain Sea Urchin Bud Vas... blueroompotter... $28.00	CARD "Ho Ho Ho" Or... PhotographyByA... $6.50
Unique Christmas Gift - Canv... MedBeachStones $24.00	Turquoise Stoneware Bell Wit... MyClayDay $20.00	CARD "Starfish Christma... PhotographyByA... $6.50
RESERVED for Sonia - Friends... winkcreations $30.00	Leather medium size cross b... rinarts $36.00	At the Beach Tissue Paper Po... PrettywithSpri... $25.00
CARD "Christmas Breeze&... PhotographyByA... $6.50	Large Beach hut doorstop martinasmith $40.00	Vintage Pyrex Snowflake Turq... misseileen $18.00
Light Sand Color Adjustable ... beliz82 $35.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

  Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.Etsy (sewing supplies), GoofingOff.Artfire (more sewing supplies) and MissEileen (vintage fun)

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks: Count Down to Christmas

Looking for gifts for the guys in your life? Let me give you a virtual hand.
Well, Thanksgiving was yesterday and that means the official start of the Christmas season. It doesn’t matter that the stores have been putting Christmas items on the shelves back in September, this is the REAL start of the season. From now until the 25th, I can watch Christmas movies, like “Miracle on 34th Street” (the original with Natalie Wood) and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as much as I want without feeling weird. It also means the pressure is on to find the right gifts for the people on your list. Ugh, the stress! So much to do! Like you need one more thing to worry about, right? So, let me give you a hand, a virtual one. How about gifts for the guys in your life?

      
       Luxury Steampunk Cufflinks by Time In Fantasy

  
            Vintage Chevy Cadillac Photo by Lisa Russo Photography

  

Unisex Crochet Scarf - Neutral Stripes, Earth Tones, Holiday Gift for Him or Her by Bees House

 

Man Cave Sign by Knotty Notions

 

Black and White Horn Necklace by Eclectic Elements for U

   
                    Circuit Board Geek Tie by Scatterbrain Ties


                Walnut Leather iPhone Case by Eight Seasons

    
                       Stainless Steel Wide Cuff by Mark Kalen Designs

Hope that helps a bit. So, what do you think? Which one, or ones, won your heart? Voting starts today for your pick (I don’t vote, totally unethical). Winner gets interviewed.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Etsy, GoofingOff Artfire, and…………… MissEileen.

Shaka Soap Won!!!

Yes, I am late with this announcement. Sorry, I am red-faced and hanging my head in shame. Ok, that’s enough. I am too happy for Shaka Soap to hang my head too long. Gorgeous soaps. Can’t wait for the interview.

Wonder who will be the winner of last week’s contest. Contest is almost over. There’s still a few minutes left to get your vote in.

Giving Thanks and Feeling Blessed

 

Thanksgiving dinner is over and instead of the turkey being stuffed, I am. I ate until I couldn’t stand it anymore and grounded myself right out of the kitchen. Darn, my hubby’s a good cook. I am destined to be a little round bubbe (that Yiddish for grandma, y’all) as long as he keeps cooking the way he does…..and I’m not going to tell him to stop, neither. Some things you just have to accept.

Did you take a moment to think about what you are grateful for? Health, family, friends? Another day? Freedom? Love? Children? So many blessings to say “Thank you” for.

I am thankful I have a loving family, health, a job (good one, too), a roof over my head, and food on my table. My husband and I have good, caring friends. I am thankful to live in a free society that I may practice my religion and speak my mind without threat of arrest or worse. So many things to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my readers who take the time to read my words.

I am blessed.

Black Friday Sales on Etsy: Miss Eileen’s Picks 11.18.11

Black Friday Sales gearing up throughout the country. The news, print, cyber, and the airwaves are full of Black Friday advertising (what did you think I was going to say?). There’s a number of shops planning Black Friday sales on Etsy, too. Oh, you’ll probably miss a few things, like standing in line in the cold or buying something everyone else has or buying something mass produced. You’ll spend a little more, too, like more time with family and more time hearing oohs and ahhs over a gift that was handmade. No missing turkey dinner and the good feeling of giving a hand crafted gift. I think I like that a whole lot so this week’s Etsy Picks is dedicated to shops with Black Friday Sales on Etsy. Let’s see what’s there:

  Pine Cone Garland by Kzannoart For a little rustic feel.

 

Black Wooden Filigree Earrings by Expressions by Cheree I can’t get over the fine detail done in these wooden earrings.

   Howlite and Silver Button Cuff Bracelet by MV Treasures  Big, bold, and chunky. Destined to make a statement!

   Zebra Stripes and Dots Crayon Roll by Mrs Crafty RVing With so much going on, the little ones need something to do. This fits the bill. Make a good little stocking stuffer?, too.

   Small Seafood Spice Kit by Cook Outside the Box For the foodie.

Cassette Tape Night Light Lamp by Break the Record Unusual and good looking!

 Large Hoop Handmade Silver and Burgundy Paper Quilled Earrings by Honey’s Hive Amazing work. Beautiful, too.

 Aqua Fingerless Mittens by Knit Wit Boutique Love the color.

OK, those are my picks. Got a favorite? Vote for the item you like the most. Winning shop gets an interview with me, Miss Eileen.

Congrats to last week’s winner, Shaka Soap and their amazing Handmade Glycerin Soap Fresh Snow.

Post by Miss Eileen

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks are dedicated to new and upcoming shops. I receive no gifts or money in exchange for inclusion on the “Picks.” If you know of a shop that you think is overlooked and has awesome finds, leave me a comment and I will take a look.

Fat Quarter Challenge: What Do You Do With a Fat Quarter?

Just the other day a friend was looking through GoofingOff and asked me “What can you do with a fat quarter?” Hmmm, I thought, what can you do with a fat quarter? Because I quilt a little, I am familiar with fat quarters. They provide me with just the right amount of color that might be lacking in a block.  A fat quarter is a good way to buy a little bit of fabric, more than a sample but less than a yard, especially if the fabric is a budget breaker.

Here’s the challenge: what do you do with a fat quarter? Here’s a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

If you have ideas or just want to show off, post a link in the comments and I will add them, too.

Bibs and Burp Cloths

Bib & Burp Cloth Set - Polka Dots and Swirls by Sew Knot Expected

Mug Rugs

Quilted Mug Rugs by Crafty Stitches

Crafty Stitches also makes these beautiful jewelry rolls using 2 fat quarters.

Camera Strap Cover

I made this (blush).  Not perfect but I love the colors. It feels like my hubby’s giving me a hug every time I use it (he just bought me the camera. Woo Hoo!).

Pot Holders

I made these, too. Love the pattern. Looks like leaves.  Ok, I am not the greater sewist around but you get the point. Sewist, I always wondered what we were called. Sewer didn’t sound right.

Yarmulke or Kippah

  Disney Toy Story Kippah by Maybe Sew

Wallets

 Butterfly Fabric Bifold Wallet by Tracey Lipman

Post by Eileen

MissEileen

Goofingoff Etsy

GoofingOff Artfire

Metal Woods N Water

Sewing for the Grandbaby

Our children live a little bit of a distance so when they have chance to visit it causes a bit of excitement around here. All my hubby’s been talking about is the granddaughter coming. For me, it means making something special for her visit, maybe a cute outfit she can go home with.

Here’s a cute idea to try that won’t break the bank and looks fairly easy to do. Click on the pictures for the link just in case you want to try it yourself.

These ruffled pants are so adorable I just have to try them. Thank you to Stephanie Japel and Craftsy for the tutorial.

 

Anyone else have an idea or two for me to try or post? Send me a picture with the link.