Todays Thoughts

As I was browsing around the internet, I found this saying and thought I'd share it. It's a good reminder that each and every day we are givin a wonderful opportuity to create ourselves and our lives. So today I will be spending time creating ME.

Thoughts for Wednesday

As another week is speeding by, I thought it might be a good time to take a moment and reflect on how this year is going and what I would like to get done this year. Well, I made my to do list. It ended up being a mile long so I shredded it and started over. I ended up with a pretty short list that I think is good.

1) Be kind
2) Relax
3) Smile
4) Enjoy each and every moment

Soap For Kids

I love looking at soap of all kinds. Today I was browsing on etsy to see what unique creations other soapers had for kids. Here are some of the wonderful soaps I found





These green egg soaps are made by MelsFunSuds and would make great party favors, and a great gift for those Dr Suess lovers out there.



I just love the way SoapSilkySlim has embedded this rubber toy. I have a feeling that there are some older "kids" who would get a kick out of using this soap!









For those who have a sweet tooth, these cotton canday soaps are made by AJSweetSoap and look good enough to eat. I think these would make great party favors, or for use after going to the Circus.





This cute monster soap is made by EcoChicSoaps and would be perfect for any little bather who loves monsters.

Browsing On Etsy

Today I decided to just browse some of my favorite shops on etsy. My first shop was JanEleven and I was amazed at how many new and beautiful items she has! These are a few that caught my eye


This is what she says about the bracelet: Fabulous is the only word for this gorgeous heavy silver bracelet with matching brooch. What a masterpiece of the silversmithing art! This is one of the nicest bracelets it has ever been my privilege to offer. If you'd like to check it out Click Here



I love these beautiful earrings. This is what she has to say about them:
These are most unusual earrings - they are a pair of Taxco Aztec heads in a fabulous and unusual Mid Century Modernist design. The heads are accented with inlaid turquoise and black etching. Each head is wearing it's own earring! They are in wonderful shiny condition. These earrings will definately make an impression - beautiful art you can wear as well as an investment in collectible Taxco silver. If you'd like to take a look for yourself, Click Here

She even has some recommedations for what to pair these gorgeous earrings with! So head on over to JanEleven and take a look at her other beautiful peices

Making Soap with New Fragrances

Over the weekend, I made 5 batches of soap. 2 of the batches are restocks of a couple of our best sellers - Pumpkin Lavender and Apple Jack and Peel.



I like making new soaps because you just never know how the fragrance is going to turn out. I made 3 new beer soaps - A honey ale, an oatmeal stout and a raspberry port. The oatmeal stout and the raspberry smell devine - my husband really likes the raspberry, but the honey ale, well lets just say I hope it mellows with age.

Its Friday And Cold

Well, welcome to Michigan. Last night we got snow and today its COLD, I mean really, really COLD. My thought for the day, move to Hawaii. This morning I got out my big mirror, the one that magnifies everything about 20 gazillion times. It may be time to break that mirror and get one that makes me look better. I am refusing to think of those pesky little run away hairs as chin hairs. Instead I am going to think of them as stray eyebrows.

I'd rather be making Soap

It's a cold day here in Michigan and we got a bit of snow (yes the S word) today. If it's going to snow, I'd prefer to be snowed in so that I can make soap. But no, not today. We got just enought snow to make the roads slippery and drivers jittery but not enough to stay home. But it's Thursday and that means the weekend is almost here! I LOVE the weekends.

Another Rainy day in Michigan

Well it's Thursday and it's raining. Better that than snow. We are having company this weekend and as usual, my house is in dire need of good cleaning. I'd rather be making soap - some that we ran out of over the holidays and some new ones.

Etsy Purchases

I bought these a while back as gifts for my daughter and now that she has them, I can share!
This is an adorable Chalk Board Journal from Sue over at BoundAndWonderful. She is such a wonderful person and so easy to work with. Her journals are beautifully made and the leather ones smell wonderful. She is also a fellow soap maker and I LOVE LOVE LOVE her soaps. She also has a soap shop that you can check out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/theskinyourein

I also got a couple of beautiful necklaces from Cindi at ClayItAgain. Anna loves this necklace. Awesome isn't it? Cindi also makes one of a kind Art Dolls and Cake Toppers.

Here is one of her custom Bobble Heads

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

New Year - New Soaps

This year we are going to be expanding our line of all natural soaps. We have started with French Yellow Clay and French Red Clay because clays make such great gentle soaps and are also great for shaving with.

Rubber Duck Soaps

We have been very busy getting ready for the holiday season and making new soaps. Lately, we've made a bunch of different Rubber duck soaps that make us happy and hope that they will make you smile as well.





We have added all of these to our etsy shop - http://www.pinkparchmentsoaps.etsy.com/


If you'd like to see more about any one of them, just click on the image.

Happy Friday!

A True Friend

1. When you are sad,
I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!

2. When you are blue,
I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile,
I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared,
We will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried,
I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you
quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused,
I will use little words.

7. When you are sick,
Stay away from me until you are well again.
I don't want whatever you have....

8. When you fall,
I'll pick you up and dust you off--
After I laugh my rear off!!

9. This is my oath....
I pledge it to the end.
'Why?' you may ask;
-- because you are my FRIEND!

InkWear99

Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today our featured artist is Inkwear99

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products? My husband and I own a tattoo shop and we realize that tattoo’s arent for everyone. However, most people love art, whether it is on your skin, a pair of shoes, a shirt, tote, etc…. We thought that we could put tattoo inspired art on shoes and such. My husband had done some screen printing in high school and remembered some of the steps in doing it. We purchased the equipment and started a small family business in the basement. My son and my step kids, 15,15 and 16 are a big help when it comes to coming up with designs and wearing the shoes and shirts to school for advertising. It really is a family business.

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you? Most of the designs have been designed by someone in the family. However, we love custom orders and making someones idea come to life on a pair of shoes or a tshirt.

3. What is the favorite piece you have made and why? I think this is my favorite piece:


Aren't these shoes great?

Here are some of her other favorite pieces:

5. Do you do craft shows?

We have not done any craft shows yet. However, we have been thinking of doing a gun show with some new tshirt designs. We are going to go to one this month, check it out and if everything works out, the show that we do will be in November.

One of the great things I love about Inkwear99 is that they do fantastic custom work! And they really do love custom orders, shoes or shirts. It gives them such a great feeling to make a one of a kind item for a very happy customer. I have to add, that I happen to be one very, very happy customer!

If you'd like to see their other fantastic work, check them out on their Etsy Shop
Inkwear99
You can also find them on facebook www.facebook.com/inkwear99, and Zibbet www.zibbet.com/inkwear99

Halloween Shopping On Etsy

Happy Friday everyone! These are some fabulous Halloween finds on etsy:



1. Halloween Doll by LuLusApple
2. Halloween Favor Digital Collage by AmeliaLuneDigital
3. Boo Halloween Card Holder by BloomAndBarnacle
4. Pumpkin Head Soap by PinkParchmentsoaps (that's us)
5. Trick or Treat Bag by BaffinBags
6. Halloween Candy Box by PoshBox

Happy Shopping!

ShoppeVonShultz

Happy Thursday Everyone!
Today I am highlighting the wonderful photography shop of ShoppeVonShultz

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in taking photos?
When I was going through a hard time, I would take drives because driving was cathartic for me. I started taking my camera along and realized I loved taking photos. I never took any classes, but kept upgrading my equipment and pushing myself to learn more and get better.

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you?
Of course I take my own photos, but I am also looking at other artists' work for inspiration. I would never want to recreate what they do, but there are definitely artists I admire and draw ideas from.

3. What is the favorite piece you have made and why?
Mission II is my favorite photo. I love it because it is the epitome of simple grace. I grew up in central Phoenix and was always able to find beauty in urban environments. Urban fragments are one of my favorite things to capture with the camera. I love the city and the lights and the conglomeration of buildings, adobe, modern, bank and business towers next to old missions. Mission II is a moment of peace and grace in a city where nothing stops and very little stays the same for long.



I love the peaceful colors in this photo!

Here are some of her other favorites:



I love both of these peices as well! And she also makes ACEO's, this is one of my favorites:



She beleives that photography is an extremely powerful record of our lives and what is important to us. If there is something you feel is important, capture it. If you've been putting off that family photo, schedule it!

If you'd like to see more of her work, or purchase any of these, just go to ShoppeVonShultz
If you'd like to see what she is upto, Check out her facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Valerie-Shultz-Photography/139798856055476

And take a look at her blog: thepowerinthestory.wordpress.com

CrazyCraftFrog

Happy Hump Day! Today I am featuring CrazyCraftFrog, another wonderful etsian. She makes wonderful, unique, handmade corsages for all sorts of occasions. One of the great things about these corsages is that you can keep them forever!

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products?
I knew I wanted to make something. At first my goal was to make diaper bags but I quickly realized I lacked the skill and patience. I get frustrated over very long projects. It took me a awhile to find my niche. I tried many different things. Then I had to throw yet another baby shower. I couldn't find a corsage that was modern and cute! So I made one. Then one of my friends at the shower said.. "Hey I bet you could sell those!" Turns out they were right.

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you?
I design them completely. I've never copied anyone or used any sort of pattern. My customers do often custom order them in their specific theme and colors though.

3. What is the favorite piece you have made and why?
I did a farm themed Mommy corsage and Daddy pin and those were my favorite because they remind me the most of home here in Alabama.



Aren't those adorable?

These are some of her other favorite pieces:


All three of these are currently for sale in her shop – just click on the picture and it will take you there.

5. Do you do craft shows?
No I have never done a craft show. I don't think my corsages would do well at a craft show since they are used for special occasions.

Personally, I think she is wrong and that they would sell well! But until she does, you can go shopping at her etsy shop, www.CrazyCraftFrog.etsy.com

And check out her facebook page - www.facebook.com/CrazyCraftFrog where she gives not only post pics of custom orders but give useful tips for baby showers and weddings to her followers.

Thought for the Day

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” ~ John Lennon ~

Holiday Shopping

Well it's Friday and a Holiday Weekend!
I'm going to try to get a head start on my holiday shopping this year - wish me luck! I'm also going to try to buy as much as possible handmade and local. If you have a favorite gift or a hard to buy for person, let me know.



This beautiful necklace was made by JanEleven on Etsy. It's a Rose Pink Rhinestone Crystal Cross that she made with a gorgeous rose and light pink rhinestone cross. She used the light pink to really make the cross stand out. It's perfect for church or to show your faith anytime. JanEleven makes a wide range of beautiful necklaces and also some gorgeous vintage peices for sale as well.



These shoes are not only fun, but I have it on good authority that Inkwear99s shoes are comfortable. These would make a perfect gift for the Kool aid lover! You can find other awesome shoes, t-shirts, tote bags in her shop.



Now this adorable baby shower corsage isn't really a holiday gift, but sometimes we all need a great idea for a baby shower. You can find this and many other Baby Shower Corsages, Bridal Bachelorette Shower Corsages, and Vintage Treasures at CrazyCraftFrog

Happy Shopping!

My Dog

I'm not sure where this came from, but thought I would share it:

It's just dawned on me !!

My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day.
She has her food prepared for her. She can eat whenever she wants.
Her meals are provided at no cost to her.
She visits the Dr. once a year for her checkup, and again during the year if
any medical needs arise.
For this she pays nothing, and nothing is required of her.
She lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than her
needs, but she is not required to do any upkeep.
If she makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
She has her choice of luxurious places to sleep.
She receives these accommodations absolutely free.
She is living like a Queen, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.
All of her costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every
day.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick
.......

I think my dog is a member of Congress!

Raedawn

I'm so happy it's Friday! Today I am featuring another etsian, Raedawn

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products?
I started doing art when I was a little girl, mostly drawing, and then when I was a bit older painting. I always loved art. I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I also loved to crack rocks open, an activity that I link to my later love of making jewelry. I went to Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a BFA in painting. Since then I have show all over the U.S., as far as Oregon and New Mexico and as close as Massachusetts and New York.

2. What is the favorite piece you have made and why?
My favorite piece so far is a tryptich, "Linking to the Three Worlds." I love it because when I did it I felt most connected to the spiritual realm and to myself. My most recent favorite is a colored pencil drawing, "Last Day at the Beach." And my favorite necklace is the Goddess necklace.


Here are some examples of her unique work:




This one absolutely fascinates me and this is what she has to say about it: "Shamans transverse the worlds, bringing back healing and other resources for their communities. They not only pass back and forth between the worlds, but they help to connect them, so that their communities are familiar with the lower world (a place of objective healing resources, such as herbs), the middle world (ordinary reality, Earth), the upper world (a place of energetic healing and knowledge). This assemblage symbolically reflects this process."



This one is sold, but I love all the colors and details!



This is what she has to say about this necklace, "The Goddess reaches up in joy, toward a turquoise sky, which is set off by the quiet inner fire of the copper."

4. Do you do craft shows?
I used to do lots of craft fairs, but since my illness, Fibromyalgia, has gotten worse, I can no longer do them. This was one of the factors in my coming to Etsy.

This is what she has to say about her work:
In my work I strive to stay connected to both the spiritual realm and to the world of people. Both are of utmost importance to me. I believe I was given a gift, and a part of that gift was to share it with others.

I too beleive she was giving a gift and love all the different mediums she works in.

If you'd like to see more of her gorgeous work, stop by her etsy shop Raedawn
You can also keep track of what she is up to by following her blog: www.dreamsandechoes.blogspot.com