Excitement is building around our offices as the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference quickly approaches. The annual conference draws attendees from around the country, and it’s a great place to learn new techniques, make connections and befriend fellow soapmakers. I’m super disappointed that I can’t attend this year, but it’s for a very good reason: our Bramble Girl is due smack dab in the middle of the conference! To keep everyone in the loop on the fun, we are sending the famously wonderful Kat (see two of her blog posts here and here) to teach an advanced soapmaking class and two Soap Queen guest bloggers to keep us updated with blog posts and photos throughout the conference. Don’t be shy; say hello!
Michele Lang, Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps
“I’m a wife, mother, blogger, and self proclaimed soap nerd living in Lubbock, Texas—a place best known for our expansive horizons, cotton and Buddy Holly.
What began in 2008 as a mere curiosity about the soap making process quickly became an insatiable passion. I fell in love with the intriguing chemical process, the artistic expression, the earthy perfume of essential oils, and the overall connection to the beautiful ingredients. I’m really just a gal who sees handcrafted soap as a beautiful art form. I feel a connection to the ingredients and my goal is to feature them as “the star” of the show.
My style tends to be modest and clean, as I feel this is the best way to highlight the organic, unadulterated nature of the ingredients such as aloe juice, olive oil, essential plant oils, honey, rolled oats and clays. These ingredients provide a correlation to earthy, wonderful things that are beneficial to spirit and skin.”
Connect with Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps on:
or on their Facebook!
And, of course, watch for her blogs in May right here at Soap Queen.
Jean Horn, SoapArt
“I started making soap in 2008 because my sister needed someone to make soap that she could sell in her art studio. I decided to give it a try and was instantly hooked. I love the entire process of making soap (well, maybe not the cleanup!). It’s a rewarding combination of chemistry and creativity. The name, SoapArt, was conceived as a way to combine her art and my soap. The SoapArt mission is to provide quality products at excellent prices.
I like making soap from scratch using the cold process method. It’s also my favorite soap to use. I also enjoy glycerin soap crafting. It’s a wonderful creative outlet. There are so many design possibilities with glycerin base. And there’s also that instant gratification thing going on there as the soaps are ready as soon as they can be popped out of the molds.
Lotion bars and lip balms are a large part of my day to day operation. Adding color and fragrance/flavor keeps it interesting. I currently offer more than 125 flavors of lip balm and seem to always be adding more. Lotion bars are solid lotion without any water added. They are truly a delight for your skin.
My mind is always swirling (pun intended) with ideas for future projects. I have way too many fragrances and flavors (is that even possible?), plus drawers full of cosmetic colors, and a hefty collection of soap molds.
I love what I do, and I hope it shows in the final products that find their way to my customers.”
Connect with SoapArt through:
or on their Facebook!
Thank you to Michele and Jean for jumping into the conference head-first in my stead. Can’t wait to read all about the conference, and see the pictures too! =)
Thanks so much for this wonderful opportunity, Anne-Marie and Bramble Berry! It is such an honor. I am getting giddier the closer the conference gets 🙂
Jen – Looking forward to meeting you!
Michele – your soaps look amazing! I can hardly wait to meet you and the many other soapers that will be there. How fun it will be to spend a few days with other soapers who talk the same language and share the same passion.
Kat – I am so excited to meet you! I love the magic you do with color!
I’m looking forward to learning as much as my brain can hold!
You are going to have so much fun, Jean! We can’t wait for you to return with plenty of new ideas and soaping skills 🙂
-Kirsten
Thank You! I am so very excited to attend and to finally meet so many friends that I’ve met through blogging over the years. What an opportunity!
We’re so excited to have you go Michele. We can’t wait for your updates!
-Kirsten
I love your featured artists. I really love Michelle’s style, as it is similar to what I have been working toward (though I am not anywhere near as talented as she is!) The rose soap looks crisp and divine!
Also, Brambleberry, I just read my new email newsletter and I am psyched!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on the 4″ Silicone Loaf Mold, it is EXACTLY what I have been looking everywhere for! TY!!!!!!!
I’m so glad to hear that. Both of our guest bloggers are fantastic soapers!
And yay, we are so excited to start offering the 4″ mold! Show us pictures of whatever you make with it 🙂
Bramble Berry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrambleBerry
-Kirsten
Three wonderful soap makers, and some beautiful pictures. I’ve purchased soap from Michele and she is also a wonderful person and willing to share with other soap makers. I emailed her asking about something that many soap makers would not have been willing to share and she was so gracious and generous in her response. Have a great time at the conference ladies – surely wish I could attend.
That’s great to hear, Cecelia. We love our guest bloggers too 🙂 And even though you can’t attend, keep your eyes peeled on the blog for their updates. You’ll be there in spirit!
-Kirsten
Absolutely LOVE soap art! Beautiful:)
It’s fabulous to see what people can create with soap. I am consistently amazed too!
-Kirsten
LOVE both your soapy styles. We can’t wait to see you at conference! (maybe Thursday night at the opening reception??) 23 days and counting…woot woot!
We’re so excited too Jen! It’s going to be a great time for sure :)Let the countdown begin!
-Kirsten