Day 68

Well spring break is over tomorrow, so I should get back on a better blogging schedule. I'm sorry I haven't been posting as much. But I have good news, our 10 day dry spell is over. I got two orders yesterday, and a customer wanted to know my wholesale info to sell some of my items in her gift shop in New Jersey, how exciting is that? Also yesterday alone I had 125 visitors come to my shop, that is by far the most I've had in one day. Things have been slow, but that's okay since I've had so much going on lately. I have a feeling things our going to start picking up again very shorty. But for now I've gotta get.

Holly

302 days to go!

A couple days ago we made it past the 2 month mark and we're going strong. The last few days have been kind of slow though. I've been super busy with sick kids, and with my new classes that started yesterday. It is also spring break which means no school for the kiddos. I'm gonna try and get some soaps listed today because we haven't had a sale since the 10th which was six days ago. That just goes to show if you want to be successful no slacking is allowed :). Another bummer is a big custom order I sent out over 2 weeks ago still hasn't been received. I have to get on the phone with the post office to try and find it. Thankfully I have the receipt! I think on all large orders I better get tracking numbers, because that could be costly.

Please Help

It's day 59, and until April 4th 2010 all proceeds will be donated to a very special cause! I just found out that my second cousin, a very special little girl's mother is in desperate need of kidney surgery. If she doesn't get the surgery she only has about 6 months to live. I have never met this woman, but her daughter I have, and she has the greatest spirited I have ever known and I would hate for something so devastating to happen to her. If you want to read her story you can go to http://www.giveforward.org/justtosavealife/. Thank you so much!

Holly

Day 58

Wow it's been 58 days so far and things are going so great! I have been averaging a sale every other day which is amazing, and I've had 2 international sales! As far as my registry goes I haven't earned more than the $100 I've spent, but my husband says I've already made a profit if you count my inventory, and the value of all my tools and molds.

What's been really exciting is all the custom orders I've been getting. A couple of weeks ago I made a custom order of 30 little ducks that were just pink and yellow, and the day before yesterday that customers party grew and she needed another 30 in a hurry. I was having a great time making them, especially for an already satisfied customer. I was also glad that I could hurry up and get them to her in time for her party.

All day today I have been working on reorganizing my house getting ready for the new baby, and I've still got lots to do tomorrow. I did make these great massage soap bars last night and got two listed this afternoon. I'm really excited to use one myself because my back has been killing me. You can see them here Well it's getting to be my bed time but I will check in soon, have a good night everyone!

Holly

Day 55

Today I was working all day on a custom order of 80 tea bags, but this wasn't just any custom order, this was an advertising opportunity! Sampler Village was the one to place the order and use my tea soaps as thank yous, they also agreed to send along a little coupon that I made up to each recipient. The coupon is good for 10% off any item, and there is a coupon code on it so I can see how many come from the Sampler Village's fans and friends. Just another exciting experiment with in the experiment! I'll keep you posted on how this goes. The coupon expires July 31st so we'll have all the info then. In the meantime you should definitely check out the Samplers Village's blog at www.samplervillage.blogspot.com, they were nice enough to mention my soap and my shop in it today :)

Well I was planning on going to register for two more classes tomorrow, but that looks like it might be postponed for another day. My oldest daughter has a little fever tonight, and I'll probably keep her home with me tomorrow. I do need to register for these classes this week though. I only have 13 weeks till my baby is due, and the classes are 8 weeks long. I guess tomorrow will be a good day to get my house straightened up and take care of my babies.

I do have a idea for a tutorial I want to get working on tomorrow too! I finally got all the supplies I need, and I'm super excited! I fill you in on more details after I get it started.

Holly

Now on Youtube!

It's day 54 and I finally put a video up! Make sure you check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_1Y7J3fiQ8 The song is by one of my favorites by Amos Lee. Every time I hear it I can't help but smile, and realize how great life is! I hope you all enjoy it!

Holly

Tea Time Day 51

I finished up making the most adorable soaps, well actually it's the most adorable wrapping! It's peppermint tea soap wrapped in a faux tea bag. They smell so good, you almost think you could really steep and drink it.

So my husband and I were looking over my sales today, and we've come to a conclusion that simplicity seems to sell the best. The soaps I try to make look fancy kind of just sit on the shelf, but my hearts and ducks are my most popular sellers. So I think today I'm going to try and promote custom orders more. Show my customers the different colors and scents they can choose from for soaps like the hearts, flowers, ducks, etc.

Other than making soap and taking pictures, I need get studying! I have my math final coming up on Saturday, and my final English Paper due Monday. I better get to work!

Holly

316 days to go!

February was a GREAT month for sales! All together I sold $153.70! That is amazing, but my budget allowance is still pretty low at $13.38. I was on a roll get a couple sales or a sale everyday, but now it's going on day four since we've got a sale so lets cross our fingers we get one today.

I came across another tutorial of another soap I can't wait to make, it is made with tea. I saw these really cute tea cup planters at the hobby lobby that I would just love to display them in at a craft show. I also have a great idea on making a display rack. As soon as I get enough funds for the materials I going to make it and turn my idea into a tutorial.

I have made a lot of soap in the last couple days, hearts, butterflies, and I finally got those darn eggs out of the mold. That was so difficult that they might just be one of a kind! Here's a pic though, because they did turn out great.


This weekend I learned a new technique on blending colors, that is turning out pretty cool. I'm gonna mess around with this technique a little today and I'll try and get some pics soon. I better get going for now.

Holly