Are you a fan of artisanal soaps and a wildlife enthusiast? If so, these soap bars are just for you! I'm currently on a mission to raise funds for Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release (WRR). If you're keen on contributing to a cause that aids wildlife, consider purchasing one or both of our unique soaps. Every penny from the sales goes directly to WRR, assisting in rescue operations, rehabilitation efforts, and educational programs.
I'm excited to share that I've added my handcrafted soaps to my online Square account! I'm aiming to raise $500 for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release (WRR) by selling these soaps. Right now, my essential oil soaps are on sale, and all proceeds from these sales will directly contribute to that $500 goal. In the coming weeks, look out for my fancy fragrance oil soaps with decorative tops. Every batch dedicated to WRR will proudly bear a "Wash for Wildlife" tag. So, if you're looking to pamper yourself while supporting a fantastic cause, please consider purchasing a bar. All proceeds, minus taxes and Square fees, will be donated to WRR, a Minnesota-based, all volunteer team of veterinary professionals, wildlife rehabilitators, biologists, and trained volunteers dedicated to the welfare of wildlife. They collaborate with wildlife centers and permitted rehabilitators across the state to coordinate care for wild animals in need.
** If you want a bar of soap, you're local and don't want to pay for shipping, email me.
Join us at the Northfield Earth Day event on Saturday April 26th and discover the magic of eco-friendly living. We'll be showcasing our handcrafted soaps and cozy knitted washcloths, perfect for pampering yourself or gifting to a friend. Each product is made with love and care for our planet. Don't miss out on the chance to support sustainable practices and treat yourself to something special. See you there for a day of fun, community, and earth-friendly shopping!
Don't miss out on your last chance to experience the Northfield Winter Market today at the Middle School on Division Street! We'll be showcasing our handcrafted soaps from 9 am - 1 pm, and we invite you to join us. Among our offerings, you'll find our fan-favorite, Frosted Sea Glass. This soap features a refreshing blend of bergamot, lily of the valley, dewy greens, and hints of lavender and eucalyptus, all grounded by warm notes of cedarwood, oakmoss, resin, and musk. It's the perfect cleanse for anyone seeking a fresh, invigorating scent. Come by, indulge your senses, and support local artisans before the market wraps up for the season!
Next time we’ll be adding our candied citrus batch of soap to the mix of offerings. It is one of my top favorite fragrances for the holiday season.
I absolutely love making these adorable mini soap cupcakes! They're the perfect creation for the Soap Pixie, and they've become a favorite among our customers. This latest batch is made with a yummy smelling maple almond fragrance that will transport you straight to the cozy aroma of freshly baked cupcakes on a snowy Christmas morning. It's simply heavenly! These scrumptious soapy treats will be available for purchase at the Northfield Winter Market on November 23rd. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by the Northfield Middle School between 9 am - 1 pm. Grab yourself a few - you won't regret it! We can't wait to see you there!
At the Soap Pixie, our sparkling snowdrop soap brings nature's beauty to life. Imagine the uplifting blend of Valencia orange and bergamot, harmonizing with wild berry sweetness. Primrose and violet share their gentle secrets, while clove leaf wraps you in its warm embrace. A stroll through a vibrant forest dances in the mingling scents of purple lilac and twigs. Finally, white musk lingers softly, leaving an inspiring trail of freshness. Each bar revitalizes your spirit with a luscious lather - an invitation to indulge.
Join us at the Northfield Winter Market this November 23rd and treat yourself to a bar or two!
I've wrestled with whether or not to speak up about this for what feels like ages. Honestly, calling out other soap makers was never something I wanted to do; it just feels counterproductive and downright uncomfortable. But after a recent encounter at one of my craft markets left me feeling uneasy, and then experiencing a lightbulb moment today, I realize I can't stay silent any longer. I've observed a troubling trend that I believe amounts to manipulation of the public. It's disheartening to watch practices that not only confuse consumers but also undermine the integrity of our craft. So, to those of you who have embraced shampoo bars, whether it's because you love how they work for your hair or you're simply trying to cut down on packaging, it's essential to know this: what you may think is a shampoo bar is often just a bar of soap, and you definitely shouldn't be paying more for it.
A couple weeks ago, while I was manning my table at the Riverwalk Market, a woman approached me with a specific inquiry about shampoo bars. Unfortunately, I had to tell her I didn't carry any. She lingered, browsing my soaps and scrutinizing the labels. I could see her growing confused, and when she pointed out how similar some of the ingredients in my products were to shampoo bars she'd seen, I simply nodded in agreement. When she asked if it was common for ingredients to overlap, I confirmed, which seemed to set her off. "So they just slap on the shampoo bar label," she stated, visibly disappointed. That moment left me feeling uneasy; I didn't want to throw anyone under the bus for questionable selling practices, but I also couldn't deceive her. As she walked away, my mind spiraled into thoughts about how this perception could tarnish the reputation of all handmade body product sellers - including myself. More recently, during a visit to the co-op near my house, I stumbled across shampoo bars that were shockingly overpriced. The seller wanted $10 for a 3 ounce bar. They sparked my curiosity at first, but then the price left me scratching my head - where was the justification for such cost? Sure, people can set whatever prices they want, and I respect that, but it's disheartening to think that some products, labeled as artisanal or handmade, might mislead consumers.
It's become increasingly common to stroll through stores and see products labeled as "shampoo bars" that, at a glance, look strikingly similar to your run-of-the-mill soap. What really gets under my skin is the pricing - these so-called shampoo bars often come with a price tag that's noticeably higher, leading consumers to believe there's something uniquely beneficial about them. Now, I can't say for sure whether the artisans behind these bars are intentionally trying to mislead anyone; maybe they just want their creations to be recognized for hair use and set a price they find fair. That's their prerogative. My concern lies in the message that's being communicated to customers who hop on board the shampoo bar trend, convinced they're purchasing something special that promises to improve their hair's health. When you dig a little deeper, though, and ask folks about the difference, you'll usually hear that these bars are pH balanced and enriched with nourishing ingredients specifically for hair. Yet, a quick look at the ingredient lists reveals that many use the same ingredients as regular body soaps. It creates this weird disconnect that feels a bit disingenuous, and I can't help but feel that consumers deserve more transparency.
It's true that many of the same oils and butters used in handmade soaps are often found in shampoo bars, and some people might shrug it off, thinking, "So what?" But the reality is far more complicated than that, and the conversations happening on platforms like Reddit reveal a growing frustration among consumers. Many users are sharing their disappointment not only with the performance of these shampoo bars but also with the misleading marketing that suggests these products are somehow superior or tailored for hair care. Claims that glamorize a product without full transparency can lead to some serious disappointment. It's not just about the ingredients; it's about the expectations that come with them and when these expectation aren't met, you bet people are going to voice their concerns loud and clear.
The following two images are taken from a Reddit thread.
For years I was all about crafting 100% all-natural soaps, pouring my passion for herbs and essential oils into each batch, but as you might guess, diving into that world was like jumping into a sea of wave after wave of competitors at Farmers' markets and natural food stores; it felt like every corner I turned had someone else peddling the same exact type of soap. So I took a different path and focussed on playing around with fragrance oils and micas, which allowed me to get more creative with my soap designs. It turns out people really love a little pizzazz in their body products. So from then on I didn't really make a lot of natural soap unless someone placed a custom order or the moment called for it, like the Earth Day market I did in Northfield this past spring.
From the batches I made for Earth Day I gifted my doctor a bar of natural lavender soap, and when she noticed my unique blend of oils and butters she really liked it. Next thing I know I'm sending soaps over to be sold at her clinic, and they are flying off the shelf.
It fills me with so much joy to think I'm contributing to someone's well-being, even in a small way. After all, health and healing are super important to me, and seeing my creations be a part of that for someone else truly makes me happy.
Score along the 7 3/4" side at 5/8", 1 3/8", 4 1/4", 5"
Turn the cardstock to the 7" side and score at 1 3/8" and 6 3/8"
Cut out the areas that are shaded in purple
It should look like this after the shaded areas are removed.
Cut along the dark black lines and remove the pieces that are at an angle
Fold along the score lines.
Center where you want your window to be. If using the 1 3/8 circle punch, I found the center at 1 3/8" from edge.
You don't really need to measure to punch a centered circle. You can eye ball it.
To create a frame with a scallop punch you first punch a hole in a different colored cardstock
Then you place the scallop punch around the hole, center and then punch.
Glue the scalloped frame on your window.
this is what the bag looks like after taping the long edge.
Tape the bottom
Pinch both sides of the bag. You only have to pinch the upper half.
Punch a hole through all three layers of the cardstock.
After taking the month of August to focus on home projects, we are excited to announce our return to the Riverwalk Market in Northfield, MN on September 14th. This break allowed us to recharge and tackle a variety of tasks at home. Now with those things out of the way, we are eager to reconnect with the vibrant community at the market.
The Riverwalk Market is a wonderful venue filled with local vendors, artisanal crafts, and fresh produce, making it a hub of creativity and community spirit. We've missed the lively atmosphere and are we're thrilled to engage with fellow artisans and visitors once again. If you find yourself in the area, we invite you to stop by our booth, say hello, and explore our latest soaps. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to share what we've been working on during our time away!
Tomorrow marks the final day of our time at Arts in the Park in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and we'd be thrilled to have you join us if you're nearby. This even has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow artists and crafters as well as to showcase our unique soaps. A variety of amazing vendors are participating, each contributing their own flair and artistry, so don't miss out on the chance to explore all they have to offer. You an check out all the great vendors HERE
This past Saturday we had the wonderful opportunity to sell our handmade soaps at the Festival by the Lake in Duluth. The sun was blazing down, turning the day into a real scorcher, but the host was kind enough to place our booth just a stone's throw away from the shimmering waters of the beautiful Lake Superior. The proximity to the lake not only provided a stunning view but also brought with it the occasional cool breezes that made the day far more bearable. Without that refreshing air, I can't imagine managing to stay outside for the 12 hours that I did!
While the turnout was quieter than I had anticipated, which I suspect might have been due to the heat, the atmosphere was still enjoyable. It was a leisurely day, allowing us to connect with those who did venture out to explore the festival. Even with fewer people, there was a unique charm to the event, and the backdrop of Lake Superior always steals the show. Overall, despite the heat and the relatively low attendance, it was a beautiful day spent in Duluth - our favorite lakeside city with - with our treasured soaps in hand.
We had a wonderful day selling yesterday at Arts in the Park in Forest Lake. This was our first time participating in this event as well as our first visit to Forest Lake, so we were a bit uncertain about what to expect. However, our experience exceeded all expectations. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the park, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and smiles from the many friendly visitors. Our booth was bustling with activity, and we found ourselves engaging with a variety of delightful people who were genuinely interested in our offerings. We truly couldn't have asked for a better day to debut our presence in such a vibrant community.
I must also commend the organizers of the Arts in the Park for their dedication and professionalism. They were incredibly easy to work with, always ready to lend a hand or provide guidance whenever we needed it. Their hard work behind the scenes ensured that the event ran smoothly and was enjoyable for both vendors and attendees alike. It's evident that they are passionate about creating a welcoming atmosphere that brings people together. We found ourselves wishing we could participate every Tuesday! If only the distance weren't a factor, we would undoubtedly be regulars at this wonderful event.
For those in the area, we're excited to announce that we'll be returning to Forest Lake on July 16th and July 30th. We would love of you to stop by, say hello, and check out what we have to offer. Connecting with the local community has been the highlight of our experience, and we look forward to seeing familiar faces as well as new ones.
If you want more information about Arts in the Park, be sure to follow this link CHECK IT OUT HERE We can't wait to see you there!
Almond Oil is said to soothe dry skin and improve skin tone. It's highly emollient which means it can prevent moisture and water loss. It's full of vitamin A and vitamin E which may help heal sun damage and reduce signs of aging, scars and wrinkles.
Babassu Oil is said to be packed full of antioxidants which can help moisturize skin and reduce cellular damage.
Coconut Oil is said to be a hydrating oil so it can prevent moisture loss and be very nourishing to dry skin. It also contains antibacterial properties and is helpful at removing dirt and makeup buildup.
Olive Oil or Rice Bran Oil OO is known for moisturizing the skin and helpful at improving skin tone and texture due to its antioxidant and polyphenol properties. It is also known for easily penetrating the skin to cleanse it by removing dead skin cells. RB is said to be deeply hydrating and helpful at protecting the skin from sun damage. It shares many of the same properties as OO.
Shea Butter is known for being very moisturizing. It easily penetrates the skin and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used after sun exposure or to help reduce acne or calm rashes. It is contains a high amount of Vitamin A & E.
Mango Butter is known for being anti-inflammatory and soothing. It contains vitamin A which is known to reduce signs of aging, wrinkles, and scars. This oil can be helpful at cleaning the skin and unclogging pores.
Cocoa Butter is said to be moisturizing, protective and prevent moisture loss. It is known for being high in antioxidants, protecting against sun damage and good for sensitive skin.
Avocado Oil can be helpful at neutralizing free radical damage and protecting skin cells. It contains a lot of Vitamin C which may prevent wrinkles. This oil is helpful for dry and sunburned skin. This oil moisturizing and helps soften skin.
Now the big question is, will your skin love my soap?
To truly answer the question, there's only one way to find out: give it a try! The transformational power of a good soap lies in its ability to cleanse without stripping away the skin's natural oils. With a luscious lather and a captivating aroma, each use becomes a pampering ritual rather than a mundane chore. As you embark on this journey of discovery, you'll have the opportunity to see how your skin responds - whether it becomes softer, clearer, or simply radiates a newfound glow.
So, why not take the leap of faith? Embrace the trial and let your skin tell the story. After all, the relationship between you and your skin is personal, and it deserves only the best. Find out if your skin will love the soap that I so passionately create. 😃
Maya and I will be at the Northfield Earth Day Celebration this Saturday April 27th from 12 noon until 4 pm selling our handmade soaps and knitted washcloths so if you are in town drop by and say hi, we'd love to see you.
This is going to be a great eco friendly event with educational presentations and workshops. Come out to make a birdhouse, seed balls, and a pollinator box. Learn about growing your own food, creating bee lawns, composting and much more.
We hope to see you there!
