Just a Little Eye Candy for the Weekend

Per my earlier post, I am currently cranking out massive amounts of soap for a new book I'm working on. It will be published next fall, but the photo shoot is later this month and I need all soap styles made in advance. Here's one that works for The Soap Lab and for Soapylove - which is really rare! I hope you like it!

If you're curious about other soaps that I have made, I have my entire portfolio available for your browsing enjoyment on Flickr. And if you feel like making my day, leave a comment or two! Thanks and have a great weekend!

Writer's Block Soaps Now Sold Out

I am excited to say that the Writer's Block Soap Sets are sold out! I won't be making more for quite a while because I'm working on a soap technique book which you can read more about here. I'll also begin my stint as the Featured Guest Designer on the Soap and the Finer Things blog. So I'll be making lots of soap but not more Writer's Blocks for a little while. But keep coming back to The Soap Lab blog for my thoughts on modern design and lots more!

Thank You!

Purchased Writer's Block Soaps are now arriving at their destinations and I was so pleased to get this feedback today:

Speaking as one of the new owners I love this soap! I really don't want to use it, but I keep stopping to smell it (I'm a dork like that). The coffee smell really smells like coffee but isn't so strong that you smell like you live in Dunkin Donuts. I've had it for less then 24 hours and already people are commenting on it.
-Ang from Ankyworks

Thank you so much! It's exciting to get such nice feedback on my first design. There's more to come!

P.S. If it's dorky to love fragrances, then I'm the queen of all dorks - and proud!

Writer's Block Soaps - SOLD OUT

Since I posted pictures of my new Writer's Block Soap, I have gotten a few requests to purchase them. Instead of getting bogged down in the process of getting my store completely set up and finishing all of the soaps in my collection first, I decided to just set up a way to purchase them as simply as possible. So here it goes...

My new Writer's Block Soap is handmade with a unique graphic design on the surface which is reminiscent of old typewriters and scrawled notes on napkins. The Black Coffee fragrance is realistic and subtle.

Each soap weighs 2.5 oz and comes with a handmade Black Acacia soap dish (shown in photos), which has drainage holes to keep the soap dry between uses. The Soap Lab letterpress tag and grograin ribbon complete the sophisticated packaging.

The Writer's Block Soap Set is $15.00, plus $3.50 for shipping (US only). If you have Paypal you can simply use the "Buy Now" button on the right side of the page, or feel free to email me (debbie@soapylove.com) if you prefer to use your own credit card or live outside of the US. I'm happy to ship internationally as well. Thank you!

Behind the Scenes - Soaps Are In Progress!

I have been working on several styles, preparing to finally open The Soap Lab. I seem to be agonizing over everything! I guess that's because I want every soap in the Lab to be very unique. Sometimes it's hard to execute what I have in my mind.

Today I made these new Cafe Chalkboard Soaps. They smell like hot black coffee and have white chalky text on top. For you tea lovers, I'm also doing a black tea version. I hope you like them! More coming soon!

Packaging Finally Done!

Phew! After a month of designing and ordering, I have finally gotten all of the parts together for my new packaging. Since the line is going to be more upscale I needed something suitable so I'm going with boxes which will have fitted, printed inserts that will hug the soaps snugly.

There will be an option to buy soap dishes as well. This photo shows the light Maple one. There's also a deep Black Acacia style that is really gorgeous. The custom letterpress tags are made by Joie Studios. (thanks Tina!)

Now on to the soaps! I have to make some molds so I'll probably list each design as they're done. I'll keep you posted!

Mini Modern - Pint Sized but Big on Style

Flickr is one of my favorite online places to poke around. There always seems to be some sort of new hobby (ie obsession) to discover. One day I came across Mini Modern's pics, which led me to the Mini Modern blog. I'm afraid the designer doesn't tell us much about himself, but he creates the coolest dollhouses I have ever seen. If only my Barbies could have lived in so much style!

This shot is of a loft space he put together. What's really neat about the blog entries is that you get to see all of his arrangements, whether they worked or not (in my opinion they all do, but he's a tough critic!). He also shares where he got his pieces and tips on where to find some good houses. The last thing I need is a new hobby or reason to buy stuff, so I'll just enjoy Mini Modern!