03.19.09

Run for the Roses

Posted in Blogroll, Everyday Journal at 7:45 am by admin

The last two batches of spring soaps, ready for trimming.
In that short window of opportunity between the Kentucky Crafted Trade Show in February and the opening of spring farmers’ markets in April, two things happen: 1) I entertain the illusion of enjoying lovely, two-day weekends, and 2) I frantically try to fill in “inventory holes” before the next 10 months of six-day work weeks begin.

The illusion of two-day weekends is the best part. I think about it for months in advance … picturing myself on the couch with a great book and a snuggly, warm quilt. In fact, I enjoy thinking about it so much, when the reality hits every year, I really don’t mind. Actually, I do get some of the great-book-warm-quilt experience. But the truth is I invariably decide I need one more work day each week to catch up on (bookkeeping, soapmaking, labeling, design, etc. etc.) And since I get to choose to do this extra day rather than being driven by schedules and deadlines, it doesn’t seem as hard, somehow.

The other part … filling in inventory holes before farmers’ markets begin … is also a double-edged sword. It’s work, no doubt about that. But it’s the part of work I enjoy the most … getting into the soap studio, blending oils, considering new fragrance combinations, weighing new development ideas, and putting my hands in the soap pot. And that’s what I’ve been doing for the last several weeks. Including getting ready for the Kentucky Crafted trade show, I have made 24 double-batches of different kinds of soap or 650 pounds of the stuff. This week saw the last of my big push for spring. There are a couple soaps that will need replenishing soon, but are fine for the time being. However, I have completed batches of all the best sellers and, with all due respect to the gods of unexpected surprise, I’m ready for spring!

And I have a few new soaps to take to market including a series in honor of Kentucky’s equine history and future. The world equestrian games will be held in 2010, and the state is gearing up. So is Anna’s EsSCENTials Bodycare. In honor of the upcoming games, my “Kentucky Thoroughbred” series is finished and being packaged. It includes “Saddlewood Sage,” “Run for the Roses,” and “Mint Julep.” I will just have to test the market and see if horse lovers and soap lovers are one and the same.
Sharon

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03.17.09

First Daffodils & Ann

Posted in Blogroll, Everyday Journal at 6:51 am by admin

I cheated a little. These are last year’s daffodils in full bloom.

The sun is out today and the first daffodils are in bloom in the woods around the cottage. This marks something important, and I think deserves a celebration, which in fact, I plan on having. Those beautiful spring flowers get full-to-bursting with their brilliant yellow heads, and I thought yesterday would be the day they’d pop, but they held off until this morning. In spite of 38 frosty degrees, I awoke to see the first brave daffodil souls raise their open faces to the sun. Here in north central Kentucky, there are other spots where daffodils bloom earlier, maybe along a south-facing wall. And there are other spring flowers such as crocus and snowdrops that are up a week and a half before. But I always feel when daffodils bloom on the hills and under the trees where I live, we have indeed survived a long, cold winter, and that’s got to be a good thing.

My friend, glassblower, and jewelrymaker extraordinaire, Ann Klem, is coming to Owen County for a visit today. Ann’s work is known throughout the commonwealth. We worked together in Kentucky’s Platinum 10 organization and have met each year at the Kentucky Crafted trade show. This spring Ann is traveling to Murano in Italy for a glassblowing seminar, and I couldn’t be more excited for her.

Here’s a small sample of Ann Klem’s work. I thought you’d enjoy seeing something besides soap in this blog. However…much more soap to follow. It’s been a good spring for soapmaking!

So in honor of Ann and my first daffodils, after touring my humble soapmaking studio here, we are headed out to Elk Creek Winery for lunch. Ann’s work is part of a several-month exhibition at the winery, and it will be her first time to see it.

It’s a great day for a celebration!

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