Time to Start Shopping!

I am in a shopping mood! Not sure why I have this bee in my bonnet (yes, I actually do still talk like this) but for some reason I have that proverbial hole burning in my pocket and I have to kill the fire! The best way to do this, obviously, is to visit my darling Etsy Land.

As I’ve mentioned before I spend much time grooming and tweaking my favorites page and really, at any time, I could close my eyes and point randomly at something I’ve hearted and I would be beyond thrilled to call it my own. With Mother’s Day coming up as well, this really is prime shopping time for me!

As I perused my collection of beloveds, there were a few things that really stood out. I’ve decided to post them for you, in hopes, you know…that perhaps my other is reading this as well – as I mentioned, Mother’s Day IS quickly approaching!

First of all, I am absolutely IN LOVE with these shoe clips from Percy Handmade. I recently purchased a lovely hair clip from this whimsical shop and I can tell you the quality of the craftsmanship is unmatched. I just love these clips because, like many of you, I have a ton of boring old black heels that need a little je ne sais quoi! These ivory blossoms are simply gorgeous, adorned with pearl and glass beads, and measure approximately 2” in diameter. I will be attending a wedding soon and can just picture myself dancing up a storm while wearing this little gems on my tootsies!

My next absolute must have is this collection of fabrics from the Fabric Shoppe. Titled Lovebirds Fabric, the bundle includes five ½ yard sections of 100% cotton. The symphony of polka dots, birdies and luxurious damask is a blend of elegance and fun. I am simply dying to make a mini quilt for my bébé with this listing! I’ve also noticed that the seller has a ‘save on shipping’ feature, available to residents in North America.

I’ve mentioned this next shop a few times before and, really, she’s one of my favorites for a reason! The Back Porch Shoppe has so many great items it’s hard to choose just one. This shabby chic, vintage styled Laundry sign has stood out in my mind for a very long time. In the Hand Crafted Cottage, we are preparing to develop our laundry room into a place of beauty…and yes, I know this sounds strange – laundry and the word beauty in the same sentence. But I kid you not, my future laundry room will be just that…beautiful (I’m talking about a large sink, tile backsplashes, shelves galore, etc)! What better way to put a cherry on the top of this spin-cycled sundae than to include this sign, enticing guests to come and check out my dirty laundry in all it’s glory.

Another item I simply must have in my grasps is this adorable growth chart from Pop Wall. At first I thought it was a giraffe but, to be true to the listing, it is labeled as a tall horse! Measuring 70cm -150cm this would look perfect in a child’s toy room or in their bedroom. It is a vinyl wall decal which is great because when your little one’s outgrown it, it is easily removed from the wall with no damage (plus if you are a bit wary of the vinyl wall decal craze, this shop includes a free practice decal to try out before hand)! The nice things about our tall horse here, is that he can also be customized in size and colour.

And finally, these little hand lettered note cards are pure decadence. I have mentioned this shop in the past but the level of artistry oozing from Primele is worthy of a second glance. I know the intention of these little calling cards is not for what I have in mind but rather to use as place cards, addressing on envelopes, etc. BUT…I would love love love to have a collection of these to paste into my favorite books, recipe collections or wherever I found the need and desire to put them. They are simply gorgeous and the listing indicates that the calligrapher can include personalized printing, edging, flourishing and more. You MUST check out this amazing shop!

So that’s my list. Of course, every day I am finding new and amazing items I would be proud to call my own! I’m still hung up on my soap (as per my previous post) and actually, now that I think of it…I need to get a baby gift too. And then there’s apron from Lover Dovers Clothing that I’ve had my eye on for a while. Hmmm…my list is growing. Well, to my other – if you ARE in fact reading this…you know what to do.

The Importance of Soap

As of late I seem to have the strangest things stuck in my mind. I’m not talking like a quick passing thought, but things that I have been thinking about and thinking about until they have been fully completely and utterly analyzed to the point of ridiculousness.

So, what types of things am I stuck on? Well…the little things, of course. For example, knobs. I want to replace the knobs on my cupboards and I have put so much thought and effort into something as small as knobs I think my family is ready to label me as one…a knob.

Besides knobs, and other equally small detailed type items, soap is another thing on my mind. In my “fancy guest bathroom where you don’t ever dare to use the hand towels ever – because they are for guests” bathroom I am looking to revolutionize my soap position. Up to this point I have been a liquid soap girl. It’s so easy and I never have to deal with a lovely soap that turns all slimy and white. However, as of late, my liquid soap has started to feel, well, sort of industrial and faceless. Not really sure why but nevertheless, soap has become a big thing in my life apparently.

Chocolate Raspberry soap bars (set of 3) from Naiad

As per usual, whenever I get a one of these thoughts, I start to think, “how can I relate this to my Etsy-obsession?”. And it was very easily answered because Etsy provides a wide array of soap options for all your soap needs. But as I began to explore and discover the soap category more questions began to pop up. Yes, in the long run, all I’m looking for is a beautiful piece of soap to show off to all my guests but what is this cold pressed soap versus hot pressed soap and what in the name of the universe is saponification???

This gave me a great idea for a blog post. Every now and then I’d like to take a glimpse into an entire genre of Etsy category and take a look into the wonderful type of artistry available. And, believe it or not, soap is a fascinating genre to start with!

French Milled Chocolate Oatmeal soap from Ultimate Organic Soap

I was surprised to see that soap and the art of making soap dates back centuries, all the way back to 2800BC. Who knew they used soap back then?! The first recorded recipe for soap also dates back to this time, which falls into the ancient Babylonian category, in 2200BC.

As time progressed so did the art of making soap. In medieval times soap making evolved into a higher level of artistry where those involved in this craft were typically members of a special guild. Most people viewed soap makers as kin to carpenters, blacksmiths, and bakers.

A short time later chemistry (and those who practiced it) started to take note and the art of soap making changed once again. Now soap was seeing an injection of vegetable oils, aromatic oils and lye for the first time. As time ticked by and hygiene became more and more important so did the use of soap (this really took off during the industrial revolution!). In 1885 Unilever, the world’s biggest producer of soap, was born.

Wishing soap, inspired by the book Half Magic by Edward Eager from Latherati Soap

As I mentioned before, there are several ways to actually produce soap. Whichever way you make it, I get the impression that handmade is better (when is it not???) because handmade soap contains an excess of fat. This is naturally more moisturizing and isn’t pure detergent, like many of the store bought varieties.

One of the most popular ways to make soap is through a process called the Cold Process Method. As far as I can tell, this method is more methodical and time consuming than it’s sister…the Hot Press Method. Cold Press requires specific calculations on ingredient quantities. Lye is dissolved in water and added to oils, which have been heated and then cooled. This makes a pudding like consistency and opens up the stage for botanicals, herbs, or what have you, to be added. The mix is then poured into molds and is left to saponify (which basically means, to turn into soap) for up to 48 hours. When hardened, the soap is then removed from the mold and cut, however, some may continue to cure the soap for an additional 2 to 6 weeks thereafter.

Allspice Coconut Milk soap, XL Vegan Bar, from the Soap Store

Now, the Hot Press Method is similar in some regards. In this process, a soap maker will boil together the lye and a fat until saponification occurs. A hot, soft soap is formed and is immediately spooned into a mold. From here the same steps are followed as above with hardening, cutting, and curing.

I would like to mention that I am in no way an expert on the art of soap making. All of the details I have provided are simply what I can deduct from my research into this art and I welcome anyone who sees some…shall we say, misinformation, do let me know in the comments section of this post!

cinnamon spice BIG bar, cold press soap from Besem Natural Scents

So, yes, soap is actually very interesting and can really beautify a bathroom! I can almost see it as a little piece of art laying there in a dish saying, “let me clean you!” Now when I go into a friend’s washroom and see their soap I will have so much more appreciation for all the thought that may have gone into this one small detail!