Sunday 22 July 2012

Special Order Soaps


Some soaps I make for Casa Las Yeseras  http://www.casalasyeseras.com/, a gorgeous, local, rural hotel pearched upon a mountain-top like a castle, overlooking our entire area, all the way to the sea. 
As an anniversary gift to their guests, they offer a locally made Naturalmente Mediterráneo soap.  I provide an assortment of half-size bars, each with a little explanation card tucked under the label band.


Happy soaping, happy summer!

xo
Jen

Friday 20 July 2012

Goat Milk Green Tea Spirulina



This is a remake for a friend who suffers from eczema on her hands.  She has tried out all sorts of my soaps but says that this one is the only one that really soothes and helps her eczema.  I don't make it as a part of my regular line, as I would prefer it to have something local rather than green tea.  I will probably experiment with Nettle and Rosemary again.  

Oh how I wish this beautiful elusive Spirulina green would stay.  The only difference in the photos was that the second one was taken with the curtain closed... I didn't edit them at all.  What a difference lighting makes! It is a lovely green in real life... just wish it would stay!!
Essential oil blend:  Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender, Frankincense

Happy Soaping!!

xo
Jen

Monday 16 July 2012

Studio and Shop Opening Day

What a wonderful day!   So much support from friends, clients and my husband.
  We had so much fun at the opening.  It was one of the hottest and most humid days and I couldn’t get the air conditioning working… didn’t matter.  I felt so excited and proud.

I realized that apart from being a place to make and sell my products, it almost seems like a shrine to this corner of the world that I adore. 
I realized how much I have souced locally… as it is so important to me to support the local economy, friends and fellow artisans.  I look at the walls and see the small local contractor who did the renovations… my husband and I have worked with his sister and his father in a previous job.  Then I see the painting that my husband spent so many hours doing… he painted the entire place. 
 I see the carpenter, who also previously worked with us, who made the shelves, my new molds, my market stand, the round display unit and the little sales area/ desk… 
I see the ceramicist who made the studio sign, some wall hangings, soap dishes and shaving mugs (which sold out)! 
I see the lovely stain-glass artist who made my mirrors.  
 I see the photographer who took photographs of the local ingredients I use… looking at the bare walls only 7 days ago, I called him and explained the project I wanted him to take on.  He and his wife tracked things down, even setting up a bowl of sea salt on the beach… and got the printed photos to me within 3 days….
I see the local 92-year old basket-weaver who made my baskets for me.
I see some of my suppliers as well… Pepe who supplies my local organic jojoba oil, Rafa who supplies the local organic extra-virgin olive oil, Juan who provides the local beeswax and honey…
My husband, the detail freak, insisted that I label things in each of the storerooms, with nice printed labels with my logo.  I love the result.  
(Curing room)

(Packaging Room)

People that came to the opening brought plants, good luck charms, well-wishing cards and great company.   We were overwhelmed and surprised with all the people who came.
We shared drinks and paella outside and celebrated!    One of my friends and her darling daughter won one of the baskets I raffled off.
We only wished our families could have shared this moment with us, but I don’t complain because it was our choice to live so far away.
So thank you again for following my story and being a part of this special moment as well.
Love and inspiration to all!!
Xoxo
Jen

Wednesday 4 July 2012

Studio and Shop Opening


We are opening the shop on Saturday July 14th and even though there is so much left to do.... I am so excited!  It's been a wonderfully long and adventurous journey getting to this point.  And I know there are many more adventures to come...  This is just the beginning!!

Admidst political turmoil and intense economic crisis, Spanish football euforia, heatwaves when it reached 46º celcius last week, a generation of young people without work here and abundant fear and negativity from people who express that we are nuts to be opening a business...   with all the hope and dreams and passion possible - WE ARE OPENING THE DOORS TO OUR STUDIO AND SHOP!!!  Yippee Yahoo!!



Thank goodness optimism comes easily to me. I push away negativity as I don't want it in my life.

My technical advisor and I finally submitted everything required to Health Safety and paid them their fees... and we got permission from Town Hall to open.   So it is official.

Anyone that is nearby, please come celebrate with us on July 14th from 10am to 1pm.  We would love to see you there.  To anyone who it not nearby, but has been supporting me with your lovely comments over the years since I started this blog... hope you can think of me on this special day and send a smile.  To all of you - thank you for being a wonderful part of this journey.


Love, hugs, passion and dreams to you all.

xo
Jen