Thank You Bramble Berry

As a soapmaker, I am only as good as my supplies. One of my favorite suppliers is Bramble Berry. There are many reasons why I look to this company as an example of how I want to grow. I love how they offer opportunities to help you grow as a business. Over the past few months, there have been fun blog contests to enter that run the gamut for soap & cosmetic makers (Nail Polish, Bath Bombs, Naturally Colored Soap, Packaging, etc.)

Recently, I was honored with a Photography Challenge- Props Award for my Ocean Soap. The other awesome soaps pictured here were also winners. See how inspiring this is?

 

My Giant Lolly Soaps also were one of the Soap Sculpting Winners. 

 

Looking at other's work is inspiring and trying to come up with a unique, fun entry is a great challenge.

Thanks, Bramble Berry for the recognition and the inspiration!

Happy day,
Jill
Calise Soapworks & Such

Happy Soap Making Inspiration- Bob Ross

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." ~Aristotle

 

...but... our parts contribute to our whole.

 

After rolling out of bed and attending to our girls, one of my first tasks is getting caught up on emails. This morning Google had this great graphic of Bob Ross on their page. After my smile, this image got me thinking. 

 

When I was little and I would come home from preschool and go to my grandparent's house, one of the shows I would watch was Bill Alexander painting shows. I loved his voice and his passion. I was hooked!

 

 

Eventually, I began to watch Bob Ross, too. Bob was a student of Bill Alexander's. Both Bill & Bob would talk about painting "happy little trees" and "happy clouds." I sign most of my letters "Happy day." I wonder if my random use of "happy" comes from these two fellows?

 

 

I also LoVe, LoVe, LoVe landscapes. Below are some photos and paintings I've done.

 

I even create landscapes in soap! Ocean and Desert Soap...

Is this a happy accident or happy influence? I'm leaning to the influence factor. :)

Happy birthday Bob Ross and thank you Bill & Bob for your inspiration. Your influence spans many different medias!

Happy day,
Jill
Calise Soapworks & Such

Making Memories With Handmade Soap and Soy Candles

I'm happy to say that I truly love what I do. Getting up in the morning is often as exciting as Christmas when I get to unmold a cut a new batch of soap. This is when I get to see the end result and I get super excited when the soap turns out beautiful.

Sharing my passion of beautiful, amazing for your skin products with others completes my circle of fulfillment. I recently got a letter (not email!) from a customer that put my feelings into words in ways I've not been able to express.

"Dear Jill,

 I couldn't resist writing you a quick note to tell you a couple of things: ...

Your "Ocean Soap" bar is truly, truly a work of art. Your husband stood in your shop and described the process you use to create the layers of that soap. You, my dear woman, are truly an artist! (He is so proud of you.)

It was such a  pleasure meeting your family! This is one of the things I love about Lincoln City- the chance to buy at "mom and pop" places. Your husband was so gracious and so obviously proud of your talent. And your kids- oh, Jill, you have such sweet little girls! As you can tell by the copy of the fine drawing I'm including, your Elise graced me with the most delightful- an unexpected- gift: this wonderful picture. Isn't this darling? I'm so lucky! I have placed it on my wall, with fond memories of that lovely day when I walked into your shop.

You've probably already had enough experience with the public to know that we (me included) have the unfortunate habit of shopping for "price"- and often price alone. How sad is that, right? Because when we do that- you know, only caring about what is the "cheapest"- we neglect to stop and think about the talent, the skill-- the time!- involved in the creative process.

But your candles are obviously made with such craft- you can tell the minute you light one. The scent is, I don't know, "pure" somehow. (I hate those fake-y, waxy candle scents.) I am so glad I found you.

And it's people like you- and your darling family- who make that city (Lincoln City, OR) so special. Thanks again for sharing your talent with the rest of us!

A.W."

Meeting inspiring people like A.W. reminds me why I do what I do.  It's all about the memories...

I couldn't be who I am if it weren't for my family. Mr. Soapy is often behind the scenes, but he's always there. I am so grateful.

Happy day,

Jill

Calise Soapworks & Such

Making Memories with Soap