This has been a fun ride, watching all the comments and postings to both my Facebook and my blog post.
We hit 1000 fans sometime last night, so as promised, here are the winners:
Facebook Winnner - Jen's Nail Files
Blog post winner - peasncarrots001
And the Clown Puke Winner (for sharing the post) -Kira Williams
If you are a winner, please contact me at sales@kbshimmer.com so I can get your shipping information.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
For the love of free stuff
If you follow me on Facebook, you know that there is a shortage of the base used to create nail polish. The the demand has gotten so high from those in business, and those just making creations for themselves, that our one supplier was tapped out.
There are several suppliers that have the process started to bring in this product, meaning the base shortage will not last for long. And, I have a supply of my own on the way, so in 4-6 weeks, there can be polish !
In the mean time, I have gotten loads of messages and convos asking if I had polish in stock to purchase. I have so few bottles left, that I would hate to list them and create a mad rush, so instead I am going to have a give-a-way!
This give-a-way is going to tie into my Facebook page. I am so close to reaching a 1000 fans, and I think I can do it! If I can reach 1000 fans by midnight EST April 30th, 2012 I will have a give-a-way.
How do you enter you ask? Two easy ways:
1) Like us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/KBShimmerBathandBody and either post a comment there telling me your favorite KBShimmer Product, what product you would like to try or post a picture of using one you have (no naked pictures please and thanks).
2) Subscribe to this blog and post a comment here telling me your favorite KBShimmer Product or what product you would like to try.
I will then choose 2 winners, one from my Facebook Fans, and one from blog subscribers.
Oh, wait, before you do all that, I bet you want to know what you can win.
To the Facebook Fan:
A hand care set from KBShimmer (of course, do you think I would get prizes from Wal-Mart?)
- One Full Sized Sugar Scrub in Raspberry Vanilla
- One Full Sized Lotion w/Pump in Vanilla
- One Bar of Soap in Raspberry Vanilla
- Two KBShimmer Nail Polishes in Proud Peacock and Fire & Ice
- A Matchbook Nail File Set
To the Blog Subscriber:
A body care set from KBShimmer
- One Full Sized Sugar Scrub in Paradise
- Two Bath Bombs in Paradise
- One Full Sized Soap in Paradise
- One Lip Balm in Lime
- Two KBShimmer Nail Polishes in Electric Plum and Party
- A Matchbook Nail File Set
Now for the details. If the KBShimmer Facebook Pages hits 1000 Fans before midnight April 30th, 2012, two winners will be selected by random number generator. All prizes must be shipped to a US (non-military) address. Shipping costs are included with the prizes, and will ship USPS. You must be 18 years old or older to win. Winners will be announced the first business day after we hit 1000 fans. Winners will be announced on here and Facebook, and will need to email me to claim the prize. Prize scents and colors subject to change. Any prize not claimed within 1 week will be forfeit. One entry, per person, per method of entry. If for some reason we are unable to hit 1000 fans, I reserve the right to cancel the give-a-way or offer smaller prizes.
There are several suppliers that have the process started to bring in this product, meaning the base shortage will not last for long. And, I have a supply of my own on the way, so in 4-6 weeks, there can be polish !
In the mean time, I have gotten loads of messages and convos asking if I had polish in stock to purchase. I have so few bottles left, that I would hate to list them and create a mad rush, so instead I am going to have a give-a-way!
This give-a-way is going to tie into my Facebook page. I am so close to reaching a 1000 fans, and I think I can do it! If I can reach 1000 fans by midnight EST April 30th, 2012 I will have a give-a-way.
How do you enter you ask? Two easy ways:
1) Like us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/KBShimmerBathandBody and either post a comment there telling me your favorite KBShimmer Product, what product you would like to try or post a picture of using one you have (no naked pictures please and thanks).
2) Subscribe to this blog and post a comment here telling me your favorite KBShimmer Product or what product you would like to try.
I will then choose 2 winners, one from my Facebook Fans, and one from blog subscribers.
Oh, wait, before you do all that, I bet you want to know what you can win.
To the Facebook Fan:
A hand care set from KBShimmer (of course, do you think I would get prizes from Wal-Mart?)
- One Full Sized Sugar Scrub in Raspberry Vanilla
- One Full Sized Lotion w/Pump in Vanilla
- One Bar of Soap in Raspberry Vanilla
- Two KBShimmer Nail Polishes in Proud Peacock and Fire & Ice
- A Matchbook Nail File Set
To the Blog Subscriber:
A body care set from KBShimmer
- One Full Sized Sugar Scrub in Paradise
- Two Bath Bombs in Paradise
- One Full Sized Soap in Paradise
- One Lip Balm in Lime
- Two KBShimmer Nail Polishes in Electric Plum and Party
- A Matchbook Nail File Set
Now for the details. If the KBShimmer Facebook Pages hits 1000 Fans before midnight April 30th, 2012, two winners will be selected by random number generator. All prizes must be shipped to a US (non-military) address. Shipping costs are included with the prizes, and will ship USPS. You must be 18 years old or older to win. Winners will be announced the first business day after we hit 1000 fans. Winners will be announced on here and Facebook, and will need to email me to claim the prize. Prize scents and colors subject to change. Any prize not claimed within 1 week will be forfeit. One entry, per person, per method of entry. If for some reason we are unable to hit 1000 fans, I reserve the right to cancel the give-a-way or offer smaller prizes.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Shipping FAQ
Shipping can be a major deciding factor when shopping online. I wanted to take a quick minute and explain some of the options I use to help save you money and to ensure that your product gets to you quickly and safely.
For shipping, I prefer to use the US Postal System. It has many cost efficent options and they ship world wide. They also offer free packaging for some of the shipping options, which saves us both money.
First Class Mail:
If you purchase a soap sampler, a bar or two of soap, or almost any product that is under 13 oz, I will usually use first class parcel shipping. This method runs from about $2 to $4 and gets your packages there in just a few days!
Priority Mail:
This is my most used method of shipping. Priorty mail boxes are free from the post office, meaning I don't have to purchase a box for your order. They also offer flat rate envelopes and boxes. I can fit upto 9 bars in an flat rate envelope for $5 anywhere in the US. The same in a box could be over $10!
Parcel Post:
Parcel Post used to be a great option for packages, it was cheap and you could get a package there within a week. But, with gas prices on the rise, the lowest price for Parcel Post is now over $5.50, making it more expenisve then priority in many cases. This is especially true for heavy boxes, shipping in a Priorty flat rate can save a lot of money.
Parcel Post is also the only entirelly ground service that the post office offers. Parcel post cost start $5.39 with delivery confirmation.
Packing materials:
Being that I am cheap, I mean, being I always want to save you money, I often recycle packing materials that I get in packages. This means you may have several colors of packing peanuts, the bubble wrap may be different sizes, or paper I use may be white or brown. But I always do my best to pack your orders so that they arrive in one piece.
In the end, my goal is to ship your item so that it arrives safe and sound, and does not cost you an arm and a leg. Rest assured, if shopping on my website or on my Etsy site, I will always refund shipping overages in excess of $2.00.
For shipping, I prefer to use the US Postal System. It has many cost efficent options and they ship world wide. They also offer free packaging for some of the shipping options, which saves us both money.
First Class Mail:
If you purchase a soap sampler, a bar or two of soap, or almost any product that is under 13 oz, I will usually use first class parcel shipping. This method runs from about $2 to $4 and gets your packages there in just a few days!
Priority Mail:
This is my most used method of shipping. Priorty mail boxes are free from the post office, meaning I don't have to purchase a box for your order. They also offer flat rate envelopes and boxes. I can fit upto 9 bars in an flat rate envelope for $5 anywhere in the US. The same in a box could be over $10!
Parcel Post:
Parcel Post used to be a great option for packages, it was cheap and you could get a package there within a week. But, with gas prices on the rise, the lowest price for Parcel Post is now over $5.50, making it more expenisve then priority in many cases. This is especially true for heavy boxes, shipping in a Priorty flat rate can save a lot of money.
Parcel Post is also the only entirelly ground service that the post office offers. Parcel post cost start $5.39 with delivery confirmation.
Packing materials:
Being that I am cheap, I mean, being I always want to save you money, I often recycle packing materials that I get in packages. This means you may have several colors of packing peanuts, the bubble wrap may be different sizes, or paper I use may be white or brown. But I always do my best to pack your orders so that they arrive in one piece.
In the end, my goal is to ship your item so that it arrives safe and sound, and does not cost you an arm and a leg. Rest assured, if shopping on my website or on my Etsy site, I will always refund shipping overages in excess of $2.00.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Spring is here!
This past winter was very busy for KBShimmer. I did a few shows around Christmas, participated in one of our winter market dates, and spend a good two months living in my packing area shipping out online orders for Christmas gifts.
Now that spring seems to be upon us, it is time to start thinking about craft show season. For us, the first one this year is the Bloomington Handmade Market on April 7th. I attended the fall show and it was one of my best, so I am really looking forward to this one.
Bloomington Handmade Market is a juried show that only allows handmade artists. This means that you will find unique goods all made by small business owners like myself. No one will be pushing Mary Kay or Tupperware here!
Head over to the site to see who else will be attending and to find out more details.
Bloomington Handmade Market
In preperation for the show, I am spending this week packing up soap, making scrubs and nail polish, and labeling lip balms. During the winter rush, I ran out of everything I had pre-packed, so it will be nice to have products ready to pull for orders again, not to mention ready for future shows and markets.
If I can get that all done, I want to spend sometime outside. Many of my spring blubs are blooming, color is popping up all around my yard, and I have had little time to enjoy them. I did manage to snap a few pictures before the mower removed the weeds, so enjoy!
Now that spring seems to be upon us, it is time to start thinking about craft show season. For us, the first one this year is the Bloomington Handmade Market on April 7th. I attended the fall show and it was one of my best, so I am really looking forward to this one.
Bloomington Handmade Market is a juried show that only allows handmade artists. This means that you will find unique goods all made by small business owners like myself. No one will be pushing Mary Kay or Tupperware here!
Head over to the site to see who else will be attending and to find out more details.
Bloomington Handmade Market
In preperation for the show, I am spending this week packing up soap, making scrubs and nail polish, and labeling lip balms. During the winter rush, I ran out of everything I had pre-packed, so it will be nice to have products ready to pull for orders again, not to mention ready for future shows and markets.
If I can get that all done, I want to spend sometime outside. Many of my spring blubs are blooming, color is popping up all around my yard, and I have had little time to enjoy them. I did manage to snap a few pictures before the mower removed the weeds, so enjoy!
Even weeds can be pretty.
These are all around my neighbors yard, so pretty.
I can not believe that March already has our blubs blooming.
Looks like our lilacs will have nice blooms this year!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The hardest part of new products
First, I am so sorry I am such a bad blogger. I tend to do better keeping up with Facebook, where I can post a few lines and be off! I get busy with working, family, and friends, and sleep wins out over posting.
Moving forward, I want to talk about the latest addition to the KBShimmer family of products: Nail Polish!
By now, anyone that has been to my shop or seen my products locally, knows I love color. One thing that you may not know is that love of color extends to my own body, specifically my toes. I love picking out a new color to paint my toes. Blues, purples, pinks, greens; no color is off limits. Even when working in a business environment, you can always have a sassy color hidden under those practical pumps.
One of the newest trends in handmade cosmetics, I think stemming from the popularity of mineral make-up, is "Franken" polish. That is taking store bought polish, mixing colors, adding glitters, and even pigments to create your own unique polish. But now, some of us have taken it one step farther, creating custom polishes from scratch!
As much as I love new products, I am not one that enjoys the testing phase. I like to jump right in and go. But working with a new medium, it is always better to plan ahead, test your components, and take it slow to ensure quality. So I test everything new I get.
For nail polish, this started with testing glitters. I used almost a whole pint of base and bought hundreds of dollars in glitters. You see, making a polish is not as easy as adding glitter to clear polish. Glitters can "bleed" into the base, losing color and dying the polish. They can warp, or curl, leading to lumpy polish. They can flake apart, breaking in the polish, or even cause the polish to thicken. None of these are good when trying to create polish you can duplicate over and over for customers.
See how the red and black polish look? That is bleeding glitter. The white used to have an iridescent glow to it and now that is gone and the polish is very thick. The green and gold are normal.
Testing colors was fun. I have a ton of colorants for soapmaking, so I was able to use a lot of those in polish. Figuring which blended well in polish and offered shades that I loved was one of the best parts of testing. In polish, micas can really shine making for an opaque polish, while oxides and cosmetic neons can make a semi sheer color that allow for glitter to pop. One of my best mistakes was taking a pure dye and adding it to the polish. While the polish did not gain color, my fingers did when I removed it! But that testing assured that those lessons were learned before any polish was sold to you!
After all the testing, I launched the polish about a month ago, and it seems to be going over well! I invite you to go and check out the polish I have available to see if anything appeals to your sense of color. If not, send me a message. I love suggestions!
My Etsy Shop
Moving forward, I want to talk about the latest addition to the KBShimmer family of products: Nail Polish!
By now, anyone that has been to my shop or seen my products locally, knows I love color. One thing that you may not know is that love of color extends to my own body, specifically my toes. I love picking out a new color to paint my toes. Blues, purples, pinks, greens; no color is off limits. Even when working in a business environment, you can always have a sassy color hidden under those practical pumps.
One of the newest trends in handmade cosmetics, I think stemming from the popularity of mineral make-up, is "Franken" polish. That is taking store bought polish, mixing colors, adding glitters, and even pigments to create your own unique polish. But now, some of us have taken it one step farther, creating custom polishes from scratch!
As much as I love new products, I am not one that enjoys the testing phase. I like to jump right in and go. But working with a new medium, it is always better to plan ahead, test your components, and take it slow to ensure quality. So I test everything new I get.
For nail polish, this started with testing glitters. I used almost a whole pint of base and bought hundreds of dollars in glitters. You see, making a polish is not as easy as adding glitter to clear polish. Glitters can "bleed" into the base, losing color and dying the polish. They can warp, or curl, leading to lumpy polish. They can flake apart, breaking in the polish, or even cause the polish to thicken. None of these are good when trying to create polish you can duplicate over and over for customers.
See how the red and black polish look? That is bleeding glitter. The white used to have an iridescent glow to it and now that is gone and the polish is very thick. The green and gold are normal.
After all the testing, I launched the polish about a month ago, and it seems to be going over well! I invite you to go and check out the polish I have available to see if anything appeals to your sense of color. If not, send me a message. I love suggestions!
My Etsy Shop
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Local Local Local
Local Local Local
Increasing product awareness in my home town of Terre Haute, IN is one of my goals this year, and this summer I am doing that in two ways. The first is by participating in my local farmers market, and the second is by expanding my presence in local stores.
Saturdays from 8-12, local vendors can be found in the Clabber Girl parking lot selling fresh baked goods, produce, cheese, eggs, soap, and more. Growing weekly, the market is a great place to support local businesses, and get great fresh items for your home! If I am not away at a festival, you will find me there. The market runs through October, so stop by weekly, selections change as the season does! 
If getting out of bed early on a Saturday does not sound like fun, stop by Modern Charm in Downtown Terre Haute! A fun shop full of handmade wares, unique gift items, and true to its name charming finds, I am proud to be offering a selection of soap, scrubs, bath bombs and lip balms there. Next to the Crossroad Café, at 683 Wabash Avenue, Suite 208, check the website for hours. http://moderncharm.vpweb.com/
Festival Schedule for July
This July, I will be vending at two great festivals! The first is CarmelFest in Carmel, IN. Held in Civic Square, this show is full of quality artisans all helping celebrate the town of Carmel celebrate the 4th of July. Held both the 4th and the 5th, there will be a parade, fireworks, and many events to fill the day. For more information visit http://www.carmelfest.net/ for upcoming details.
July 17th, I am excited to return for my second visit to the city of Brownsburg for the Festival of the Arts in Arbuckle Park. This festival is growing yearly and is the perfect location to start stocking up on holiday gifts. Packed fill of handmade wares, this is a unique festival focusing on shopping! A children’s area and music will make the day a pleasant experience for all. Check out http://www.brownsburgfota.com/ for upcoming details.
Want to get private discounts via email? Sign up for my newsletter: Sign Up Here
Christy
KBShimmer
Email Me
Increasing product awareness in my home town of Terre Haute, IN is one of my goals this year, and this summer I am doing that in two ways. The first is by participating in my local farmers market, and the second is by expanding my presence in local stores.
Saturdays from 8-12, local vendors can be found in the Clabber Girl parking lot selling fresh baked goods, produce, cheese, eggs, soap, and more. Growing weekly, the market is a great place to support local businesses, and get great fresh items for your home! If I am not away at a festival, you will find me there. The market runs through October, so stop by weekly, selections change as the season does! If getting out of bed early on a Saturday does not sound like fun, stop by Modern Charm in Downtown Terre Haute! A fun shop full of handmade wares, unique gift items, and true to its name charming finds, I am proud to be offering a selection of soap, scrubs, bath bombs and lip balms there. Next to the Crossroad Café, at 683 Wabash Avenue, Suite 208, check the website for hours. http://moderncharm.vpweb.com/
Festival Schedule for July
This July, I will be vending at two great festivals! The first is CarmelFest in Carmel, IN. Held in Civic Square, this show is full of quality artisans all helping celebrate the town of Carmel celebrate the 4th of July. Held both the 4th and the 5th, there will be a parade, fireworks, and many events to fill the day. For more information visit http://www.carmelfest.net/ for upcoming details.
July 17th, I am excited to return for my second visit to the city of Brownsburg for the Festival of the Arts in Arbuckle Park. This festival is growing yearly and is the perfect location to start stocking up on holiday gifts. Packed fill of handmade wares, this is a unique festival focusing on shopping! A children’s area and music will make the day a pleasant experience for all. Check out http://www.brownsburgfota.com/ for upcoming details.
Want to get private discounts via email? Sign up for my newsletter: Sign Up Here
Christy
KBShimmer
Email Me
Friday, April 2, 2010
Mystery Boxes
As a child I loved the grab bags at stores. The brown paper sacks sold at a discount, content hidden from my eyes held so many possibilities. When my mom would say yes, I would tear into the bag, looking over each item, full of excitement.
Today, I offer the same experience to my customers. KBShimmer Mystery boxes are your chance to try our products at a great discount. I fill them with soaps that are great, but might be a discontinued scent, the wrong color, or dented. Bath bombs that may have cracked or faded, lip balms with labels that are not on straight, or other items that are great for use, but not perfect will find their way into mystery boxes.
Get one while you can. I don’t always have items to fill them, so quantity is limited!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
In The Pot Swirling - Video!
I though that I would practice a bit for my upcoming swirling demos. You will notice I like to talk.
Here is a two color swirl that I do with my Very Berry Vanilla Soap.
Part 1:
Part 2:
And here the batch is being cut!
Cut bars from another Very Berry Vanilla batch:
Here is a two color swirl that I do with my Very Berry Vanilla Soap.
Part 1:
Part 2:
And here the batch is being cut!
Cut bars from another Very Berry Vanilla batch:
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Our First Newsletter!
Our First Newsletter!
Thank you all to all that signed up for our newsletter, the first copy scheduled to come out tomorrow. I am excited to be able to reach out to you with information about new products, sales, and updates. If you have not yet signed up, feel free to do so. Newsletter Sign Up I promise not to fill up your in-box, as I don't like spam either. Look for newsletters about once a month. Now on to the important stuff, and a preview of our newsletter.
Thank you all to all that signed up for our newsletter, the first copy scheduled to come out tomorrow. I am excited to be able to reach out to you with information about new products, sales, and updates. If you have not yet signed up, feel free to do so. Newsletter Sign Up I promise not to fill up your in-box, as I don't like spam either. Look for newsletters about once a month. Now on to the important stuff, and a preview of our newsletter.Weekend Sale!!
That is right, just in time for the holiday season, KBShimmer is having a sale! Please visit our Etsy store to enjoy 15% off everything in our store. This sale ends Sunday at Midnight, EST. No code needed, I will refund your discount via paypal. If you would like to have a revised invoice sent, or a reserved listing set up for you, just convo me! Discount does not include the cost of shipping, refund is based on item cost only.
If you would like to shop via my direct website, please use the code SAVE15 to enjoy your 15% discount.
New Holiday Items
With a chill in the air, and the leaves almost gone, I start thinking of Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, I have brought back a few favorites, Spiced Pumpkin Soap and Sugar Scrub, and introduced a fast favorite, Peppermint Sugar Scrub! With the sweet and refreshing peppermint scent, this scrub will awaken your senses and having you dreaming of candy canes and peppermint candies. If someone on your list has been a little naughty, or you like a good joke, why not give them a lump of coal? With our Lump of Coal Soap, this is one gag gift everyone will enjoy! Keep checking our website and our Etsy, over the next week several new scents will be added, and our newest product, bubble bars will be made available. Don't worry, if your favorite product is not active on the website, it will be shortly!
That is right, just in time for the holiday season, KBShimmer is having a sale! Please visit our Etsy store to enjoy 15% off everything in our store. This sale ends Sunday at Midnight, EST. No code needed, I will refund your discount via paypal. If you would like to have a revised invoice sent, or a reserved listing set up for you, just convo me! Discount does not include the cost of shipping, refund is based on item cost only.
If you would like to shop via my direct website, please use the code SAVE15 to enjoy your 15% discount.
New Holiday Items
With a chill in the air, and the leaves almost gone, I start thinking of Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, I have brought back a few favorites, Spiced Pumpkin Soap and Sugar Scrub, and introduced a fast favorite, Peppermint Sugar Scrub! With the sweet and refreshing peppermint scent, this scrub will awaken your senses and having you dreaming of candy canes and peppermint candies. If someone on your list has been a little naughty, or you like a good joke, why not give them a lump of coal? With our Lump of Coal Soap, this is one gag gift everyone will enjoy! Keep checking our website and our Etsy, over the next week several new scents will be added, and our newest product, bubble bars will be made available. Don't worry, if your favorite product is not active on the website, it will be shortly!
Newsletter Contest
Sign up before 11/30/09 to be entered into the drawing for a gift set worth $20. From now until the end of the contest, you can earn additional entries. Forward the newsletter or link to sign up to your friends and family so they can enter. Let me know the names of who you referred, and get an additional entry for each person that signs up! It is that simple.
Many happy wishes for this upcoming holiday season,
Christy
KBShimmer
sales@KBShimmer.com
Sign up before 11/30/09 to be entered into the drawing for a gift set worth $20. From now until the end of the contest, you can earn additional entries. Forward the newsletter or link to sign up to your friends and family so they can enter. Let me know the names of who you referred, and get an additional entry for each person that signs up! It is that simple.
Many happy wishes for this upcoming holiday season,
Christy
KBShimmer
sales@KBShimmer.com
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New Newsletter, Contest, and event!
With the busy season upon us, I find it hard to take time to write blog posts. I am to get better with blogging, and have decided to reach out to my customers and friends with a newsletter.
Sign up for my newsletter before 11/30/09, and you will be entered to win a gift basket full of my products, valued at $20 (maybe more, how knows what goodies I will tuck in there!).
I promise not to fill your box with spam, and seeing how much I blog, that is proof enough that I won't. The link to sign up is below.
Sign Up Here
If you are in Indiana, come see me this weekend!
Shop Handmade for the Holidays in Indiana! Our first annual Hoosier Artisan Holiday Boutique, at the Oak Hill Mansion in Carmel, IN. The event is free and will include a fantastic raffle, open bar and food for patrons.
This ev...ent will feature artisans from across the state of Indiana and is being held to benefit the Indiana chapter of the March of Dimes.
Our vendors are very diverse, and have two things in common: they operate shops on Etsy.com and have a desire to honor a fellow artisan's loss by supporting the March of Dimes.
http://www.hoosierartisanboutique.com/
Time: October 17, 2009 from 10am to 3:30pm
Location: Oak Hill Mansion
Street: 5801 E. 116th St.
City/Town: Carmel
Spread this to all your Indiana friends and family, this is a great way to ditch the flea market shows and get real handmade gifts. Never too early to shop for the holiday season!
Sign up for my newsletter before 11/30/09, and you will be entered to win a gift basket full of my products, valued at $20 (maybe more, how knows what goodies I will tuck in there!).
I promise not to fill your box with spam, and seeing how much I blog, that is proof enough that I won't. The link to sign up is below.
Sign Up Here
If you are in Indiana, come see me this weekend!
Shop Handmade for the Holidays in Indiana! Our first annual Hoosier Artisan Holiday Boutique, at the Oak Hill Mansion in Carmel, IN. The event is free and will include a fantastic raffle, open bar and food for patrons.
This ev...ent will feature artisans from across the state of Indiana and is being held to benefit the Indiana chapter of the March of Dimes.
Our vendors are very diverse, and have two things in common: they operate shops on Etsy.com and have a desire to honor a fellow artisan's loss by supporting the March of Dimes.
http://www.hoosierartisanboutique.com/
Time: October 17, 2009 from 10am to 3:30pm
Location: Oak Hill Mansion
Street: 5801 E. 116th St.
City/Town: Carmel
Spread this to all your Indiana friends and family, this is a great way to ditch the flea market shows and get real handmade gifts. Never too early to shop for the holiday season!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Making my mark on the web
Over the last few weeks I have been hard at work creating my website. It is still a long way from finished, and I probably have many typos still to be discovered, but it is all mine and will be finished soon.
For those that want a sneak preview (ok, as sneaky as you can be being out on the web, lol) here it is!
http://www.kbshimmer.com
I hope that the entire site is up and running by May 22nd, so check back then!
For those that want a sneak preview (ok, as sneaky as you can be being out on the web, lol) here it is!
http://www.kbshimmer.com
I hope that the entire site is up and running by May 22nd, so check back then!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sometimes it is worth the wait...
I have been working on a new soap. Patchouli scented with neon colors. One batch didn't turn out as planned, and the other got dropped on the floor. But never fear, I have plans to try again!
Here is a preview of what I plan for it to look like on the tops.
Here is a preview of what I plan for it to look like on the tops.
Batch 1
Batch 2
Here is the inside of batch one. Cool, but not the popping neons I had hoped for, more of a muted version.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Lets Celebrate my new products! Sale at my ArtFire Shop!!
Happy Birthday Wishes Bath BombSALE SALE SALE, from now until Sunday at midnight EST, 20% off all orders and free shipping for orders or $75. I will refund via paypal or send revised invoices, but add a note to me when checking out!
Bad Boy Soap
Whipped Shea Butter w/Jojoba Oil
Very Berry Vanilla Sugar Scrub
Vaild at my ArtFire Shop!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Bath Bomb Bonanza!
Been making bath bombs all weekend. A few new scents coming, so keep watching my shop!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sale @ my Etsy Shop! And, an Interview with the Soap Queen!
As seen on the Storque Article on Etsy, I am having a sale!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Celebrating love this weekend! Enter "VDAY" in the message to seller/buyers notes during checkout and receive 25% off your order total (before shipping)! All orders over $30 (before shipping) will ship for free! Ends am EST Monday Feb 16th, discounts will be refunded after payment, convo me if you perfer a revised invoice ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5895628
Also, this week, I was featured on The Soap Queen's blog. The Soap Queen is Anne-Marie, the owner of Bramble Berry.
I thank her for presenting my interview and invite you to go read it. Interview
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Bath Bombs, fizzing fun in the tub
Bath Bombs are one of my favorite bath and body items. Plop one in the tub, and watch it fizz, releasing scent and oils for you to enjoy while soaking. My bath bombs contain cocoa and shea butter along with jojoba, olive, and sweet almond oil, a true treat for your skin!
I am in the process of expanding my bath bomb line, and would love to hear comments on what scents you enjoy while relaxing in the tub. Love Lavender? Looking for the perfect plum? Florals what you fancy? Let me know what you like in the comments below!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
CPSIA and the threat to handmade
As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy: Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
6 Color Swirl, In The Pot Method, with Log Mold Tutorial
So I when needed to get another 6 color swirl batch in stock, so I thought I would take pics for a tutorial. With the swirl contest upon us, I wanted to share this with other soapers.
THIS TUTORIAL IS SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT LAW AND SHOULD NOT BE REPOSTED WITHOUT MY PERMISSION.
For those that can not see pics here is a link to my photo bucket.
I then mix my lye into my oils. I mix until everything is just emulsified. I do move quickly, and start separating just after emulsified. Maybe the lightest trace. If you are not confident with your fragrance, or recipe, I can not guarantee you will not experience separation.
I quickly pour off my base color into each of the cups with the waiting mica. For this soap, I am pouring about 1.5 cups of raw soap into each cup.
I stick blend each color to combine. Yellow then orange. Then rinse. Then the pink. Rinse. Etc. After mixing, I am still at a light to medium trace.
I then get ready for the In-The-Pot Swirl. For 6 colors, I will pour each color around the bucket, clockwise in rainbow order. If using similar colors, like reds, oranges, and yellows, have each color next to a contrasting one so the colors don't blend. Here I start with the pink, pouring from about -8 inches above the top of the bucket so that the color sinks all the way to the bottom. At this point, I pour about two thirds in the pot, setting the rest aside.
Here you can see the pink, orange, yellow, and green. I am pouring the blue:
After pouring the purple (between the blue and red), I then go back and pour about half of what is left of each color in the center:
To get the colors to actually swirl, you will need to stir the pot. Taking my spatula, I put it in the pot near the red, and go around the pot clockwise 1-2 times. I follow the same path, about 1.5 inches from the side of the pot, right where the color is. I don't head to the center. But, since I am using a larger spatula to stir, it does move the colors more then going through them, so I probably do catch soap toward the middle.The more you stir, the finer the swirls will be. Too much swirling and you risk mixing the colors too much, getting grey.
I hope this inspires a lot of soapers to push with log mold swirls using the In The Pot method. I love it!
THIS TUTORIAL IS SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT LAW AND SHOULD NOT BE REPOSTED WITHOUT MY PERMISSION.
For those that can not see pics here is a link to my photo bucket.
WARNING: I know this works with my recipe, and this scent. Each formula is different, as is scent, so try this at your own risk.
For this, set up is the most important. I have all my containers for colors set up ahead of time. I am making a 64 oz (of oils) batch. Approx 1 tsp of mica is in each cup. I have my oils melted, my lye cool, and my mold all ready. My Fragrance is already mixed into my oils.
For this soap, I have used the pop micas from TKB Trading. My base is uncolored.
I then mix my lye into my oils. I mix until everything is just emulsified. I do move quickly, and start separating just after emulsified. Maybe the lightest trace. If you are not confident with your fragrance, or recipe, I can not guarantee you will not experience separation. I quickly pour off my base color into each of the cups with the waiting mica. For this soap, I am pouring about 1.5 cups of raw soap into each cup.
I stick blend each color to combine. Yellow then orange. Then rinse. Then the pink. Rinse. Etc. After mixing, I am still at a light to medium trace.
I then get ready for the In-The-Pot Swirl. For 6 colors, I will pour each color around the bucket, clockwise in rainbow order. If using similar colors, like reds, oranges, and yellows, have each color next to a contrasting one so the colors don't blend. Here I start with the pink, pouring from about -8 inches above the top of the bucket so that the color sinks all the way to the bottom. At this point, I pour about two thirds in the pot, setting the rest aside.Here you can see the pink, orange, yellow, and green. I am pouring the blue:
After pouring the purple (between the blue and red), I then go back and pour about half of what is left of each color in the center:To get the colors to actually swirl, you will need to stir the pot. Taking my spatula, I put it in the pot near the red, and go around the pot clockwise 1-2 times. I follow the same path, about 1.5 inches from the side of the pot, right where the color is. I don't head to the center. But, since I am using a larger spatula to stir, it does move the colors more then going through them, so I probably do catch soap toward the middle.The more you stir, the finer the swirls will be. Too much swirling and you risk mixing the colors too much, getting grey.
Next, you will pour into the mold. Try to pour from one end of the mold to the other, you will probably need to do more then one pass, but again, if you pour in too many passes, you risk overmixing: 
After pouring:
You can leave the soap at this point, but I like to swirl on the top too. So, sow, I take the rest of the soap we saved from the swirl colors and pour on the top. By now, you are probably at a thicker trace with the left over soap, so you may have to spoon it on, or if you can, pour on the top from 3-4 inches away, so the color does not sink down and ruin the swirls below. Here I start with the pink: 
And continue with other colors:
When done with the pouring, before swirling, it will look like this:
I like to use a thin wooden stick with pointed end to swirl the top. Here you can do lines, circles, what ever your style is:
And when done: 
Here is what it looks like cut:
After pouring:
You can leave the soap at this point, but I like to swirl on the top too. So, sow, I take the rest of the soap we saved from the swirl colors and pour on the top. By now, you are probably at a thicker trace with the left over soap, so you may have to spoon it on, or if you can, pour on the top from 3-4 inches away, so the color does not sink down and ruin the swirls below. Here I start with the pink: And continue with other colors:
When done with the pouring, before swirling, it will look like this: I like to use a thin wooden stick with pointed end to swirl the top. Here you can do lines, circles, what ever your style is: And when done: Here is what it looks like cut:
I hope this inspires a lot of soapers to push with log mold swirls using the In The Pot method. I love it!
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