In the Kitchen

Decorate your kitchen with these brightly colored home decor items in aqua and green. What better way to give your kitchen a punch of color?

Wooden Recipe Box Shabby
kotibeth$25.00 USD

Fly Away Set of 4 Coaster
MableMae$16.00 USD

Fig Leaf Linen Tea Towel
giardino$22.00 USD

Handmade Butter dish with
Creativewithclay$58.00 USD

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Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Ideas

This holiday season is all about being eco-friendly. But it's not just the gifts that should be environmentally green! Packaging and gift wrap make for a lot of waste. So here are some DIY gift wrap ideas that put recycling front and center.

1. Eco Friendly Mailers in Navy Vines, $9 from Terre Mum

2. Bridal Wrapping Cloth (Furoshiki), $20 from New Hope Bags

3. DIY Eco Friendly Favors - 10x Lime Green Mini Jute Bags, $25 from The Secret Garden

4. Eco Friendly Gift Tags - Little Green Bird (10), $4 from A Hue of Duck Egg Blue

5. Recycled Paper Gift Bows, $4.50 from Sapling Handcrafted (Make It!)

6. Round Tags Sold in Set of 28, $5 from Papier Lapin

7. Gift Tags for Going Green, $3.75 from Through the Woods

8. News from Far Away - India Gift Bag, $8 from Cloudberry Land (Make It!)


More of a do it yourself-er? 

LEH Project, originally uploaded by ivy style33.

1. Stamp homemade paper envelopes made from recycled computer paper then tie off with a bow.

Eco friendly Gift Wrap - Brown and blue, originally uploaded by sygnetcreations.

2. Use fabric envelopes for wrapping books and flats. They can be re-used again and again.

simply wrapped, originally uploaded by lilfishstudios.

3. Use a vintage belt buckle in lieu of a bow with some fabric ribbon. The recipient gets two gifts in one.

Bows & Buttons, originally uploaded by spottedsparrow.

4. Make handmade bows from recycled paper and buttons.

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Check it out!

Stylish checkbook wallets in the season's hottest colors.

The KF Everything Wallet
KrazyFashion$30.00 USD

Sun in ground wallet leat
rntn$65.00 USD

Wallet Checkbook Cover w/
hypernoodle$20.00 USD

Embroidered Wallet Teal Z
LBaccessories$38.00 USD

Checkbook Cover / In Pine
Thirtyone13Desig$8.00 USD

The Bella Wallet in Water
blissbyheather$35.00 USD

The Almost Everything Wal
littleellie$32.00 USD

Wallet with brown branche
PatrisCorner$25.99 USD

Embroidered Wallet Zinnia
LBaccessories$38.00 USD

Melanie Clutch
wusketeer$24.00 USD

Red Swirl Elegance with S
claudiabags$30.00 USD

SALE / LEMON GREEN LEATHE
raydesign$28.00 USD

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Take home a bit of the Appalachia.

Take home a bit of the Appalachia with my Appalachian Trail Shea Butter Soap. Presently on the curing rack, my Appalachian Trail Soap is perfect for cleaning up after a long hike. It contains fine ground pumice, poppy seeds, and apricot kernel meal for scrubbing away caked on dirt from the trail. It also helps to remove grease, paints, and anything else you might get your hands into. Scented with all natural Grapefruit, Cedarwood, Geranium,and Oakmoss essential oils, this soap has a pleasant woody, earthy, masculine scent. My son really likes this one. Shea butter keeps hands from drying out, and a wonderful, rich lather washes all that grit and grime cleanly away! Also try this soap on rough soles, elbows, and knees. Keep an eye out for this soap as I'll be adding it to my shop in the next few weeks.

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2010 Fall Color Trends: What's Hot!

The Pantone Color Institute is the leader in deciding color trends for everything from fashion to home decor. Every year they release top ten color trend reports that set the industry standards for the season. This year's fall colors build off of those from spring with lively shades that are meant to inspire images of travel and adventure. Pantone's Color Fashion Report for Fall lists these colors as the top ten for the season: Endive, Golden Glow, Living Coral, Lipstick Red, Purple Orchid, Chocolate Truffle, Lagoon, Woodbine, Oyster Gray, and Rose Dust. 

Following are just a few handmade fashion forward accessories that fit the bill for this season.

1. Clutch Purse, $32 from Quiltish from Allisa Jacobs
2. Crocheted Lace Scarf, $42 from Baruch's Lullaby
3. We Have Lived Here - Women's Small Hand Printed T-Shirt, $30 from Good Day Studio
4. Flower and Leaf Hair Pins, $14.50 from Hot Pink Chick
5. Purple Orchid Messenger Bag, $85 from Hip Clothing Co. Inc.
6. Sarah in Dusty Pink, $69 from Natalie Gerber
7. Skinny Belt with Brass Buckle, $13 from By The Belt
8. Handmade Preppy Leather Journal, $35 from Peaseblossom Studio
9. Rosy Posy Necklace, $25 from Two Cheeky Monkeys
10. Flower Crocheted Hat, $36 from Mojo Spa Style

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Skip the bin. Recycle paper into everyday objects instead.

Tired of dumping newspaper, computer paper and magazines in the bin for someone else to recycle? Here are ten creative ways you can recycle paper at home in ways that can be re-used again and again.

1. Make gift bows from recycled magazine paper for birthday and Christmas gifts.
2. Create new paper from old for art projects and notes.
3. Make a newspaper basket for storing everyday items.
4. Sew a large fabric storage bin using cereal boxes for the base.
5. Mold decorative map bowls for unique home decor.
6. Create pots for your seedlings with old newspapers. Now's the time for fall planting!
7. Give your knitting projects some pizazz by making handspun recycled newspaper yarn.
8. Make kitty litter that really works.
9. Use a discarded wine box and old corrugated cardboard to create a bug box.
10. Create handled gift bags with the daily news.

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Creating new from old. How to re-style dull accessories into something new.

Vintage Ball Mason Jar Turned Soap Dispenser, $17

This lovely, handmade Vintage Ball Mason Jar Soap Dispenser (left) created by Whippoorwheel would make a great addition to your  rustic kitchen or bath. But you don't have to buy one to own one of these beauties. Heather Bullard provides full DIY instructions on her blog for creating your own Mason Jar Soap Dispenser by combining an old mason jar, used pump soap bottle, two part epoxy and few tools. Click here for the full tutorial.

Looking for other great ways to re-use and re-style old or vintage pieces just lying around your home? Dress up a dull vase using Japanese Washi Tape or recreate boring dinnerware with Porcelain Paint Pens. I also love the idea of  re-purposing baby food jars into a Magnetic Spice Rack!

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One slice or two? Printing out some fun.

I recently ran across this lovely freebie for building your own paper cupcakes. You choose your liner, your cake, your icing and finally your topper from an adorable selection of cut and create pieces. It instantly reminded me of when I was a child stuck inside on a rainy day. I would turn the family hallway into a little restaurant with paper place mats along one side of the wall where the seating would be. I made paper foods like pizza, bacon, eggs, and toast and even a menu for my patrons - or rather parents - to choose which meal they'd like to receive. I always had a lot of fun with paper crafts. 

IMG_0705_ADJ.jpg, originally uploaded by Kendall Bruns.

When I would stay at my grandmother's house very early on I would tape pages and pages of blank paper together and draw an entire city on them. It held grocery stores and parking lots, homes and twisty roads for me to drive my matchbox cars on. Later on I carried that same idea to the pavement in the cul-de-sac in front of my house. I used chalk to design roads and stop signs and even houses that were meant to be three-dimensional. I actually drew couches that looked as if you could sit on them. And of course, there were always toilets and sinks.

Another one of my favorite things to draw were houses. When I was little these houses always had attics. And the entire attic served as the closet filled with dresses, blouses, and pants on a rack with shoes lining the entire length of the floor. While I have gotten to drive on roads and sit on my very own couch and yes, my very own toilet, I never quite managed to own a house in which the entire attic was my closet. But then, I've never lived in a house with an attic. Maybe someday. I mean, an entire attic full of shoes would be incredible.

If you'd like some more printable paper crafts, I recommend Fantastic Toys on etsy. This shop sells an amazing selection of 3-d printable paper crafts in pdf format that includes doll houses, toys, and even party favors.

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Don't be a stinker!

Our neighborhood is a haven for skunks. At least once a week you can smell them lurking around, probably ticked off by a neighbor's dog or a car that cut too close. Last week I was taking my miniature doxie, Jasper, out for a 3am pee just as a fat and happy skunk came waddling down the driveway. Needless to say Jasper and I both went back the way we came and I ended up taking him out at the back of the house. Despite their distinctive and downright disgusting odor, there seems to be a niche market for those with a fascination for skunks. From amusing stuffed animals to home decor to clothing and costumes to art, these woodland creatures might actually be charming if they didn't smell so bad.

Skunk N' Pickle Print - 8x10, $15 from Fall Down Tree

Of course, we ourselves, don't like to smell bad either. So we tackle the dirt with soaps and body washes, and of course deodorant. Not all deodorants are created equal though, and many of us are becoming more consciousness about what type of ingredients we put on our skin. There's long been a debate about the use of aluminum in antiperspirant, but finding a deodorant that can kick the stink? Well, that can sometimes be a challenge. So here's a simple, handmade Quick Stick Deodorant recipe from Little House in the Suburbs Blog. Just click here for the full how to. It's made using natural baking soda, cornstarch, tea tree essential oil, and a tiny bit of coconut oil pressed into an empty deodorant container. Now you can wear a natural deodorant and not be a stinker.

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Homemade Black Bean Dip Recipe

If you've ever been pregnant you know that certain foods - and smells - that never seemed to bother you before, now make your stomach turn. The biggest hurdle for me when I was expecting my son was getting enough protein. I'm extremely picky about my meat, and if it's not the perfect cut and prepared just right, I simply can't bring myself to eat it. Beans, on the other hand, I don't mind one bit. And maybe this was just an excuse to indulge in one of my favorite snacks. But my black bean dip - originally passed down from a co-worker when i worked at Gap and then tweaked - provides some tasty protein. Anyhow, here is the recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Black-Bean-Dip-with-Avo-and-Chips-2, originally uploaded by The Simple Skillet.

Black Bean Dip and Tostito's Scoops

Ingredients:

2 cans Bush's black beans, drained
1 can shoe peg corn
1 cup Pace Chunky Mild Salsa
1 red pepper, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Bag of Tostito's Scoops

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients, except for the Tostito's, together in a large bowl. Mix well, then cover and allow to sit in the fridge overnight. Serve the next day with Tostito's Scoops.

If you try this, please let me know how you like it. This is by far my absolute favorite dip of all time. I hate anything spicy so I always use mild salsa, but you can add some kick by using medium or hot salsa.

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Handmade Pretty in Pink Product Giveaway

Pink is such a girly color and I'm feeling very girly myself. So I thought why not offer up something pink for a prize and have a Pretty in Pink Giveaway!

The prizes for this contest are as follows: She Talks to Rocks - A Sad Eyed Fairy Tale Girl Pocket Mirror from Pinky Toast and two bars of soap from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen in Strawberry Champagne and Pink Grapefruit. The retail value of this prize is $16. 

The handmade, cold process Strawberry Champagne Shea Butter Soap is a deep pink and cream colored decorative soap. It is scented a sweet blend of red fruits boosted by lily of the valley and apple cider. It is a lovely feminine fragrance, and is strongly scented so you are left with a light fragrance on your skin afterward. Additionally it contains poppy seeds for natural exfoliation and gentle scrubbing power.

The handmade, cold process Pink Grapefruit Salt Bar Soap is the perfect soap for all skin types. It smells just like its name suggests, and is scented just like a sweet, delicious pink grapefruit. Great as a facial bar or all over, this bar contains both shea and cocoa butters as well as an abundance of skin loving oils such as Olive and Rice Bran, both known for their moisturizing properties. It also contains sea salt, known for it's healing properties. 

If you'd like to enter to this contest, you'll just need to visit Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen and choose your favorite product from Rebecca's shop.  Then leave a comment with your favorite item. This contest will end on August 22nd, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Limit one entry per person per entry method. Open within the United States of America to those ages 18+. The winner will be chosen at random from among all eligible entries using random.org. Your information will not be shared or sold. 

The first method of entry is required to enter this contest. If you'd like additional entries into this contest, you may complete each of the following tasks for one additional entry each.

1. Fan Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on Facebook. Leave a comment with your Facebook name stating that you've become a fan.

2. Follow Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on Twitter. Leave a comment with your twitter username.

3. Follow Soap Deli New Blog. Leave a comment stating that you're a follower.

4. Tweet this contest on Twitter. Include @soapdeli in your tweet so I know you've done so. Leave a comment stated that you've tweeted this contest.

5. Blog about this contest. Leave a comment with the link back to the blog post.

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What's next on your agenda?

Today I found an incredible shop filled with artful diaries, daily, lesson, and August 2010 to August 2011 calendar planners. An Artful Agenda creates fabulous planners with unique, original artwork from a collaboration of talented artists that is both fun and whimsical. They work perfect for jotting down those dates to remember, spilling out your secrets, or keeping track of homework assignments and reading lists for class.

These quality, artisan books are professionally printed on post-consumer recycled paper. Additionally, 5% of the proceeds from these handy, spiral bound tools are donated to arts education in public schools. So if you're looking for your next journal or appointment book, or even a homework assignment book for back to school, be sure to browse Artful Agenda to see what they have to offer!

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Eco-friendly alternatives to everyday conveniences.

In our effort to save the earth, many of use have turned to recycling and eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products that fit into our lifestyle. Cloth napkins replacing paper towels, handmade laundry soap versus chemical laden detergents, and re-usable grocery sacks in lieu of plastic grocery bags. However, there's one thing our busy life styles are loathe to let go, and that is the convenience of many throw away products. Swiffer Sweepers and Wet Jets are in nearly every household I've ever been in. Even my mom, who is a hard core recycler, owns a Wet Jet. The pads, however, are anything but earth friendly. Fortunately, there is an alternative that lets you keep your cleaning tools and kick the guilt. Canadian Crafter has come up with a very simple knit Swiffer cover for the Swiffer Sweeper. Even if you can't knit, you can complete this project as the majority of the work is done on a loom. Use it once, then throw it in with your wash for the next time you clean. View the full instructions here.  

Cotton Swiffer Cover - NEW - With Baseboard Dusters, $12 from Ollie's Boutique

Instructables even has a solution for your Swiffer Wet Jet made from old t-shirts and a wool blanket. Like the Sweeper pad, this alternative can also be washed and re-used. The details are here. You can also refill the Wet Jet Solution container with your own eco-friendly mix. Just check out this how to on removing the cap on the container. Then try mixing up 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar and 2 tsp liquid castille soap to add to your freshly emptied bottle. You can scent it as desired with a small amount of essential oil if you like.

Here are a few other handmade alternatives to everyday necessities.

1. Instead of zipper bags, enclose your child's lunch goodies in a Reusable Velcro Seal Snack Bag. $6.50 from Rae's Etsy Shoppe.
2. Skip the plastic straws, and opt for Bended Reusable Glass Straws made from the same material as Pyrex. $13 for two from Straws by Carli.
3. Paper napkins just get thrown away. Not only are these Linen Napkins pretty, but they can be used over and over. $43 for a set of four from Celina Mancurti.
4. Don't add more plastic to the landfills. Instead take these Reusable Produce Bags to the grocery with you when you shop. $15.75 for a set of seven from Love for Earth.
5. Don't waste paper pinning notes to the fridge. Keep track of chores and appointments with this Repurposed Eco-friendly Chalkboard. $45 from Half Pint Salvage.
6. Need a catchall for everyday items? This Eco-friendly Repurposed Wool Sweater and Cotton Fabric Bucket is perfect for stashing baby's toys. $25 from Loop Loft.

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Organize your life with these simple clutter cutters.

Anything that helps me to stay organized is something I'm happy to have! Otherwise, between my personal life and my business life co-existing in one space I end up with complete chaos. So I'm always on the look out for products that will make my life easier. Here are just a few handmade organizers that will make your personal life a little bit easier to keep in order.

1. Robots Coupon Organizer, $32 from iSew
2. Frosty Deer Phone Pocket for iPhone 2G/3G/iTouch/iPod, $22 from alliebeans
3. Way Yellow Mini File Box, $33 from Freestyle Gifts
4. Letterpress Recipe Cards and Recipe Box, $46 from one canoe two
5. Handcrafted Wedding Wish Guest Book Address File, $65 from Altar' Designs
6. Whimsical Purple Birds Rack Organizer Clutter Cutter, $32 from Bululu Studio
7. The New Mini Shopper Notepad Clutch, $14 from Sew Fantastic
8. Car Pocket Organizer, $7 from Once Upon A Rainbow

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Handmade soap samples now available for sale.

I have just introduced a sample pack of soaps to those who like to try before they invest in full size soap bars. This sample pack contains three of my salt bars, a new fragrance, and an old favorite.

Each sample pack contains five hefty, handmade soap samples in the following scents: Big Lick Salt Bar Soap, Tequila Sour Salt Bar Soap, Pink Grapefruit Salt Bar Soap, Strawberry Champagne Soap, and Falling for You Soap. The net weight of all samples combined is 5 - 6oz. Each sample soap is individually wrapped in a zip lock bag and labeled. Supplies are limited so be sure to get yours before they're gone. These soaps also serve great as guest soaps and for traveling. You'll find them for sale in the Soap and Lotion Set section of my online shop.

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Don't let August bite.

The school season and the lovely fall colors are right around the corner, but right now we're stuck in the hottest part of the summer season. Temps here in Southwestern Virginia have already been in the high 90's and low 100's through most of July, so I'm leery of what kind of heat August will bring. I'm also not looking forward to the mosquitoes that seem to thrive in this kind of hot, humid weather. Seeing as how my son is involved in soccer and spends much of his time outdoors I've been seeking a natural alternative to chemical bug repellents like Off.

While in the past I've used the lemongrass essential oil that I always have on hand for my soapmaking, I recently came across a better alternative. Good 4 You's End of Time Bug Spray is an all natural catnip based bug repellent that is ten times stronger than DEET. Combined with essentials oils of lemongrass, lavender, cedarwood, red thyme, eucalyptus,  and rosemary, this dry non-greasy spray provides the protection you need for biting insects all summer long. It's reasonably priced at $5.95 for a 2oz. bottle from Good 4 You. Also be sure to check out Good 4 You's other quality items including salves, herbal baths and loose leaf teas.

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