My Soap Box

Ballance vs. Shift

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:11:00 +0000

I got in a heated discussion the other day with my DH, C as he is commonly referred to throughout this blog, and he brought up a point that I have been thinking about a lot over the last three days: Balance versus Shift.

I said that I was adding more balance into my days, mixing business with pleasure, getting out more, going running, and enjoying myself more. He said that I haven’t balanced work with life, I have just shifted it.

He believes I still do the same amount of work; I have just shifted the days and the hours I do it in order to be able to fit in some personal time, that this shifting has made my days ultimately longer, more stressful, and more plentiful.

He also thinks my lists of things to do are bad for me, because ultimately, the lists are never ending, and I will push myself to complete a list sometime between waking and bed time, no matter what the personal cost. I believe since I have started putting personal things on these lists that I am striking a balance in my life because I am giving priority to things I would like to do, and that I can find stress reducing.

I have always been a list person. It is the only way I can remember what I need to do. I find that writing things down keeps them from bouncing around my head like ping pong balls, and that if I download them onto paper, I can get some sleep at night. But until recently I never put personal things on the list for the day, so I only went to knit night of everything else was done. Now I consider knit night a thing to do, so I make time to do it. The problem is, making time to go to knit night sometimes means getting up at 4 am, or missing lunch, or even getting home after and continuing to work for a few hours. Yes, shifting my work, not reducing it.

Over time my lists have evolved and gotten shorter. I used to try and accomplish three things an hour, then it became 12 a day, and now 10 (with personal things too). But it isn’t that I have less to do, it is just that I am giving myself more time to do them, more time in a day for breaks (like to eat) and more time to do things I want to do (like go for a run). So again, I shift things onto other days. No more Monday’s off, now I am doing things while I am at craft shows, and getting up early even when I don’t want to.

I think he may be right, I am shifting more than balancing, but I have more balance than I have in the past. I think the road to balance is about the journey as much as it is about the destination, and you can only truly enjoy balance when you find the right balance for you and can enjoy all the things you have learned about yourself along the way. Like my friend Rebecca says “I am a work in progress”, I may have a ways to go, but I am better than I was before, and just that is an accomplishment to be recognized.

Blame it on the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:16:00 +0000

I wonder if there is other vocations that blame the weather for their problems as much has artist/crafters do?

I have heard it all:

People are not here because of the rain.
It is too hard to park in the snow, so attendance is low.
They are not here because it is too nice out and they are all doing yard work
There is no attendance due to the wind, it is scary to people.

My booth location is too: windy, sunny, cold, muddy, etc...

Now I am not saying that the weather isn't a factor in the attendance of shows many days. But I think most days fluctuate only 10-20% except for torrential rain, crazy snow, and tornado wind, then not only is there no attendance, the show should be cancelled in my opinion in order to keep the crafters safe too.

But I have found it to be an excuse for a bad show. It is the "it's not my fault" mentality. It isn't my booth design, it isn't my product, it isn't that this show has the wrong demographic of attendees, it is not my attitude...it is the weather, it is all out of my hands, I am the victim here.

If you set up outside to sell for a living all I can say is GET OVER IT. You will have bad days, you will have good days, and you will have great days, but mostly it isn't the weather that caused it. . Do something to make your booth look more attractive in the weather, keep a smile on your face, and your mouth shut. Complaining to your potential customers just drives them further away.

Weather can help and it can hinder, yes, but look inward first before you blame the rain.

Yay for Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:05:00 +0000

I love May for so many reasons. Getting to celebrate my birthday, watch the farm markets start up, having lots of weekend shows, and gardening are just a few of my favorite things.

This year the garden has already been worked on quite a bit. The peas are up, I think the radishes are almost done, lettuce is up, and the corn is up too. I love the process of gardening. To me there is a sense of adventure I find every day. I was elated when my asparagus came up this year. I had planted it last year and was so happy to see it made the winter. I go out every day or so and see things growing before my eyes. Sometimes things I try work, like learning I love kohlrabi, and some things don't, like the fava bean debacle of 2011. I think my outlook on life is best reflected in my garden- just try it, if you don't like it or it doesn't work, it doesn't have to happen again. I don't take my garden too seriously, and I am pleased for any outcome I get each season. Every bite is a tiny blessing, a tiny way to be proud that some of my food actually is grown by my own hand, I get very proud of my garden.

Now I love that farm markets start soon. We take part in two of them, and they start next week. They are wonderful communities to be a part of and I enjoy the fact that when my garden doesn't produce, I can always get things from people I have come to know so well. The spring craft shows are always so much fun. I can just see the smiles on peoples faces when the sun comes out and you can see their stress lift. I just completed my first outdoor show of the season yesterday and I found it tiring but rewarding. I forgot how much work goes into setting up the booth and then having the breeze whipping at you all day, all I can say is that I slept very well last night. But my favorite part is seeing customers I haven't seen since the fall. I get to see kids grow up, people get married (or divorced), move away or move back home. I never thought when I started crafting that this would be an aspect of my life, having this family of customers. It has been such a pleasant surprise to have happen to me.

So I hope you all have a great Spring. I hope you take care of yourselves and your families. I wish upon you time to relax and enjoy the sunshine and breezes. I hope to see you soon!

Special Orders: Inspiration from Customers

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:52:00 +0000

I love making soap. Now after saying that, I can honestly say that after making Lavender soap exactly the same way for the last 10 years, that particular kind has lost it's excitement factor for me. I no longer think "yippee it's lavender day", it's more like "ho hum, time to make the lavender soap, wonder what else exciting I can make today".

So the way that I break out of the doldrums of day to day production is with two things. First, every year I make 8 new fragrances. The research and development that goes into choosing these 8 and figuring out the best recipe to highlight the fragrance takes me at least two months each year. I keep a list of all the things that are asked for or suggested to me by customers, as well as things I see and hear that inspire me, and try out the things that seem different and well, honestly, affordable.

The second thing I do throughout the year is to make special orders. Typically what happens is that a customer has seen something or used something in the past that they would like me to make or try to replicate with my own spin on it. Often these are things people found on vacation and love the scent of, or have a particular ingredient that is of interest to them, possibly passed down through their ethnic heritage. Once they contact me I research the desired product and work up a price quote. Often we then have to work together to make some decisions: is it OK to use the third pressing of Ylang Ylang, because the first pressing costs $30 an ounce, or can we use sandalwood fragrance rather than the essential oil, wild-crafted rosemary essential oil, or just organic? Once I start posing these questions many customers are amazed by the number of decisions that go into just one kind of soap.

OK, now we have an agreed upon recipe, and a price quote for a 10 bar minimum order. Next the product goes out for a fast buy. I post the special order on my web site and send out a newsletter telling all about it. This helps me in two ways: 1) if enough people join in, then I can waive the 10 bar minimum order for the person who placed the special order, and 2) I can gauge interest in the product overall. Many special orders have gone onto be a new product the next year, and some of those have even gone on to be best sellers (ginger white tea is an example of that).

Once the fast buy has been completed, I order the needed ingredients, and make up the product. Typically 6 to 8 weeks from the initial order, the product ships to the customers who have participated in the fast buy. Any extra soaps then go onto the web site and can be ordered by anyone, but I try to make exactly what I need for an order, so there usually only 3 or 4 extras available.

So thanks to everyone who participates in the special order and fast buy process, I love the inspiration that it gives me throughout the year, and leads me to work with new ingredients and combinations of ingredients that I would have never thought of on my own!

A Week Off, now I need a real vacation!

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:26:00 +0000

So I officially need a vacation to get over my vacation. Typically when we go and take time off, we just vegetate and relax, this time we had the opportunity to see things we hadn't seen before so every day was another excursion, both tiring on the mind and the body.

C and I, with two friends, took a cruise that brought us through Spain, Monaco, Italy, and Tunisia. It was amazing to see the "old world" and to see the architecture. The things that the human race could build hundreds of years ago is an utterly amazing sight to see. The fact that these things still remain is even more amazing to me, not so much because they were built to stand the test of time, but because I think humanity is overall pretty focused on the moment, so the fact we have saved these things and not torn them down is the amazing part.

It was rushed, many times we had just a walking tour and time for lunch in a location before heading off to the next one. I didn't have much time to really soak in the sights and the sounds of each place. All I know is that I would love to go back to Barcelona, and maybe some parts of Italy.

But these are the things that I learned:

1) I know Monaco is the playground for the rich. It was beautiful, but I didn't find it so special. Maybe I am not rich enough to "get" it.

2) St. Peter's Basilica is an amazing piece of architecture and should be seen regardless of your religion. The fact that they have to post signs with a dress code (no shorts, bare mid-drifts, or bare shoulders) makes me loose my faith in humanity, so did the barriers to keep people from damaging things (like playing in the confession boxes).

3) Just because they are European and dressed nice, do not assume they will be a gentleman. Jerks are universal.

4) I was so happy to return to our green landscape where there is so much space between us. Barcelona and Palermo seemed like walls of buildings when overlooking the cities. So very little green space, so many people.

5) If you can wing it in Tunisia you can wing it just about anywhere.

6) Refrigerator magnets are deceptively heavy. Buy enough of them and your bag will get heavy fast.

7) Try on everything before you pack it. Nothing like finding out the new pair of jeans you packed don't fit and you just dragged them halfway around the world. and back.

8) A carriage ride through Florence really is the way to go.

9) Do not bring a lace weight yarn project on the trip. You will mess up. You will pull it all out. You will do this three or four times. Think brainless and big (yarn and needles).

10) I expected more fragrance inspiration. I think of Europe as the home of great perfumes. The only handcrafted soap I saw was in Tunisia, and it wasn't scented with anything I could recognize.

And now I am back in the real world. There is lots of catching up to do. I have orders to send, inventory to deliver, shows to apply to and lots of laundry!

Hope to see you soon!

Closed for Spring Break! April 15-25, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:35:00 +0000

I have been suffering some burnout lately. I think it is a combination of so many different things. This year winter has felt like it was never ending, the work in the shop is in it's most intense time of the year, and I have been pushing myself to get lots of changes done in the office as well as on the website. Then in my personal life I have been working hard on the weekends to get some major projects around the house done before it either gets too warm, or I start show season.

But more than that I have felt a little disconnected for people and even myself. I really was experiencing it a few weeks ago when I posted about being a workaholic. Unfortunately, with that dedication to work, usually there comes some form of burnout. Lately, I just want to turn off my brain. I haven't even been able to enjoy my hobbies, like knitting. I have found personal relationships to be just too tiring to undertake. So I started to isolate myself, which really just fed into my ability to work and work and work, in turn burning myself out more.

So how do I break this cycle? Spring Break. I am closing up shop for almost two weeks and taking a vacation. The trick is taking a real vacation, unplugging the Internet, leaving the phone to ring, and not checking email every ten minutes. I have a bunch of things to do that I think will inspire me to explore new opportunities, both personally and professionally.

So fell free to email me, or leave me a phone message, or even place an order, but I am not shipping anything or making any phone calls till April 25th. I may answer emails every few days, so that would be your best thing to try, but I make no promises.

When I return it is time for craft show and farm market season to get started, and I will be ready, willing, and able to be my usual self: dedicated to making the best products I can, and giving you the best customer service I can as well.

Thanks for understanding and see you in a few weeks!

~Hedge

Out of my comfort zone

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:12:00 +0000

I had a heck of a weekend and now I feel all upside down.

I went to a two day seminar that was all about the business of crafts.But really to me it was about the business of art, or of fine crafts, and not the kind of work that I do at all. It was even kind of belittled a few times during the weekend, both by the presenter and by other people attending the seminar. I am very used to that belittling, unfortunately. Until I can sit down with someone and have a conversation about what I do and how it relates to what they do, I am just a lowly soapmaker, and it is so easy to sell a consumable product, I must not be able to fathom what they go through trying to sell their art.

Oh, but I do understand. So much about selling anything is about the story of the product. I have understood for years that people purchase me and my story as much as they purchase my product. Sales is also about gaining trust, you can't be slick or cheap anymore when it comes to your sales technique. But what I sell is one of the most personal items that someone can buy. You use soap in the most discrete and intimate areas of your body, places that some people don't even discuss with their doctor. So when I gain trust, I have to gain an intimate trust with my customers. When a customer spends the "typical" 15 seconds in my booth, I not only have to get them interested in the products thorough sight and smell, but I have to project an air of trustworthiness from the second they see me. It is often easier to sell a consumable product than fine art, but it is harder to get people to keep coming back time and time again.

The seminar itself is very much a blur. It was almost 8 hours a day of constant information being bombarded at me. I have so many new inspirations for things now. I have so many new things I want to do with my booth design, and with product names, and even things like new product pictures, that no customer may ever see. I have a list of new places to research, and suppliers to check out, and things to do now. But I probably won't get to many of these things for months and months. I need to process my information overload and see how it pertains to me.

But what I think for me was the most important lesson of the weekend was that I have to remember to think outside my comfort zone for knowledge and inspiration. Yes, many things covered in the topics didn't pertain to me, but the things that did, or the things I could bend a little to help me, really did get me thinking in ways that I haven't thought before.

Let them think of what you do as below them and then take all the knowledge you can get and use it to your advantage. In the end you will be the one with a sustainable business that you find satisfying and fulfilling. Never let anyone get in your way.

The Relentless Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:38:00 +0000

It is very hard for an artisan to figure out what shows work best for their product. Last weekend I participated in a fabulous small show. When setting up it had all the bells and whistles and I really expected something fantastic, but it tanked, and not only for me, for so many others as well. Yet there were others that did very well. This always leads me to ask why there can be so much of a variance within just 30 vendors, all in the same place for the same timeframe.

For me it just boils down to two things: demographics and attendance.

This show last weekend was all about the eggs and the art was secondary. I watched many high quality egg artisans command top dollar for a top of the line product. Meanwhile, people with other items struggled to even make booth rental for the weekend.

Artisans that make a product that meet a niche market don’t need a show with high attendance; they need a show with the right attendees. Someone like me who makes a more utilitarian product, often needs a high attendance because I can reach a percentage of those attendees and all the small sales then add up to a profitable show. Sometimes the perfect storm happens for me, I get a show with the correct demographics that give me a small number of high dollar sales, mixed with a large attendance that gives me a large number of small dollar sales. That is when I hit the jackpot.

This perfect storm only happens a few times a year for me and is the elusive show I am always on the hunt for. I have learned over the years that there is no one thing that makes a show like this stand out to me. I know so little about new events when I apply to them: location, cost, projected attendance, and hours. Not all expensive shows bring in the right demographics, and many less expensive shows tend to overstate their projected attendance. All I can do is the most research possible, make the best informed decision I can, and then just go and be at an event. 1 in every 12 typically is something that is profitable; the other 11 hopefully produce a few repeat customers in the future.

This is why my show schedule changes so much from year to year. I am always looking for the best shows that suit my product. This is why my products are always evolving each year as well. But this hunt for the prefect show is one of my favorite things about what I do. I enjoy the relentless challenge.

The workaholic artisian

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:22:00 +0000

So I find myself having a hard time taking time off. After more than a week of long days filled with mentally taxing things to take care of, I was facing another 7 days before I could take a day to rest...unless I took today.

It was something I really wrestled with before being talked into finally just chilling for a day. It is easy for the self-employed to become a workaholic. Maybe it is the other way around and more workaholics are likely to become self-employed.

So I took a work addiction risk test and landed directly in the highly workaholic category. Not only did I answer almost all questions as often or always true, I have no concept as to why anyone would answer anything else!

I can't be the only one who over commits themselves, or feels guilty when not working. Yes I get angry when people do not meet my standards of perfection, especially when it comes to the business. And of course I put myself under pressure from self-imposed deadlines, but without that I would never get anything done, it isn't like I have a boss to tell me what to do.

But I do recognize that it is now the time of year that I need to schedule some time off. With my dearest traveling for work during the week, I tend to work hard thinking that will free me up on the weekends to spend time with him. But now craft shows have stared, so then I have to work the weekends too. This easily becomes an endless cycle where I work for weeks on end until I ultimately burn out and become a raging lunatic to everyone around me.

So a goal for this year is to try and break this cycle. There will be times of the year it is inevitable, due to long shows, and muti-weekend shows, but I started by taking today off. Well, except for writing this blog. Baby steps.

The artisan and the global economy

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:48:00 +0000

This time was primarily filled up by the Lehigh Valley Flower, Garden, and Pool show. A few really long days but I was amongst friends and so it was fun. Last year was the first time I had tried the event and I was very happy with my sales, this year I did just a little better than last year. That is good because the show was just a little more expensive than last year too. so I covered that cost increase.

I think it is difficult any time you mix in artisans with things that are bought wholesale and resold at a profit. Typically retailers will mark up a product by 100-150% so they have a lot of wiggle room in their prices. For example, if I sold a bar of my soap to a shop for $3, they would charge at least $6 or more for that same bar of soap and they did nothing other than buy it ans stick it on a shelf. I understand that they do tie up their money when they make a purchase (and have rent etc...) and that there should be some profit, but sometimes things get a little excessive and the artisan can't compete with the prices, or the selection that a retailer can provide.

This is especially true when the difference between handcrafted and not is not differentiated in people's minds. I find it most at events like this where there is a handcrafter or artisan right next to a booth full of things imported for pennies and sold for a high mark up, but still less expensive than what they could be made for here in the US. Many people don't understand there is a difference, or if there is, why there is a difference. It is actually perceived that that artisan is being greedy because the prices are higher. The prices are higher actually because we can't even buy our component parts for as inexpensive as a completed product from overseas!

So why do we do it? Why do we even try and compete with the global economy? Why don't we all just sit back and work for the big box retailers and let the cheap goods fly right out the door? Because we are what me make. What every artisan does is such a part of our DNA that we cannot imagine ourselves not doing what we do. Through all the trials and tribulations, through all the heartache and sorrow, the stress and the strain of it all is so much a part of us, we wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. I am passionate about what I do and how I do it. I want to change the world one bar of soap at a time. I want my story to be heard and I want people to know that a little bit of mu soul is in every bar I make. The idea of letting all that is wrong with the world (excessive consumerism, the misuse of technology, and the prevalence of chemical laden things in our lives) makes me ill. Making soap the way I do, the way I believe in, is my small way of rebelling against a system that I think is flawed. It is my way of hoping that I can help the world and my community.

Idealistic? Yes. Would I change? No. I don't have an idea of who I would be without this.

Hope to see you at the Egg and Art Show in a few weeks!
-Hedge

March 1-March 6, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:56:00 +0000

I have to say that once in a wile an event happens and it really changes my life. This weekend was just such an event. I gave a soapmaking demonstration at Old Poole Forge in Lancaster County. It was amazing that all the time I spend exploring down that way, I had never found this place and it was literally just three miles from places that I go all the time. There are always such hidden gems that are lost amongst the clutter of the marketing the big places can afford.

The event itself was fun, it was a two hour demo on soap making. We made a simple olive oil soap and it was meant for the participants to be able to learn the basic method, using easily obtained ingredients, and to take some of the scary out of the process being able to see someone else do it first hand. The whole thing was pretty typical for what I do and wasn't that part that changed my life. What it was was the participants.

I did not grow up in Pennsylvania and when I moved here the plain folk (primarily Amish and Mennonite) were like aliens from another planet. I had no idea why they believed what they did, and why they shunned technology and other modern ways. As I lived here I learned and researched all I could, and really just learned the basics, but never got the chance to really have an interaction on a meaningful level. Well here I was giving this demonstration and I had four Mennonite ladies, how exciting! I have to admit I loved the fact that all of my self inflicted stereotypes were shattered! I expected quiet, shy, and well versed in soapmaking. I was amazed how right off the bat we were all more alike than different, and how just like me, they have had things lost through the generations and are trying to regain them and hold onto what they have. Just like I am gaining back canning and preserving, they wanted to regain soapmaking. And I am just like them, trying to live a simple, meaningful life while concentrating on my family and community. After two hours I wished I could have spent days with these ladies.I made friends, it was awesome.

The rest of the weekend was just trying to catch up on so many things. I labeled the remainder of the lip balms, and scheduled the rest of the week. Monday started out a little harsh and I just could not get anything of of my to do list. I really was just stuck in the mud and things were taking much longer than I had expected.

Tuesday my head was in a fog, fighting some sinus something. Not sure yet if it is a cold or the onset of allergy season. But whatever I did it seemed wrong. I missed little things and had to start again or redo it all. It was a frustrating day. That night I had an event at The Knitter's Edge in Bethlehem where I got to give a talk on my products and me and showcase the new fragrances of 2013. It was very exiting and kind stressful. There were so many new faces there and so many I have known for a while. It its funny, having people I know there is more stressful than knowing no one. I think if I don't know anyone, if I make a mistake or leave something out, only I will know, but if I know people and make a mistake, they will know it too!

So that leaves me to today. I wish Spring would just get here! I hope the snow doesn't accumulate much or stay for long. I want to get into the garden next week and get back to running and stop being so cold all the time. But for now we are finishing up getting inventory stocked up, making some new displays, doing some smaller arts and crafts events, and finishing up the web site for the year. I think the next two weeks will be the last of the long, long days and then we can settle into a routine and a balance, I can only hope!

See you soon!
-H

Feb 19-28, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:01:00 +0000

So I try my best to update this blog every Monday but the week has been so very crazy I am finally finding a few minutes now to sit and write this. It will most likely be short and sweet just for that reason!

Last week was my last quieter week I will have for the next month or so. dad and I went crazy and made almost 2000 lip balms, over 1600 bath fizzys and lots and lots of soap. It is a big push to get going and get inventory up to where it should be before the show season starts hot and heavy. There is still so far to go.

I did find time a few days to have lunch with a few friends and that is always great for me because it keeps everything in perspective and keeps me from becoming too much of a workaholic. The weekend was pretty quiet, Saturday was lots of things around the house to do (I am trying to clean a room every weekend, giving it a good spring cleaning, this plan doesn't always work but it has been a good plan to try each week). I knew Sunday was my last quiet weekend day for a while so I just enjoyed sitting and knitting and napping the day away.

This week has started out pretty crazy. Back to making as much inventory as we humanly can possibly do. I was supposed to go running with a friend but found myself relieved when she had to cancel so I could just keep working. Tuesday I had a meeting about a new retail location in Blandon PA. I am super excited because I don't have anything in that area and it will be a great place for people be able to pick up some products quick without having to come so far as Bethlehem. The woman I am working with also has been helping me develop a version of my bug off soap for the equine market. She used the soap on her horses and loved it so once I get the final details ironed out, she will be my sales rep for the product. The only way you will be able to get it is through her, since she is the horse expert, she will be able to answer any animal related questions. She volunteers most weekends at events so she will have plenty of ways to reach an entirely new market for me. SUPER EXCITED! Wednesday I had another meeting with a salon/gallery in Fleminton NJ and this is another situation just loaded with possibilities. Not only will she be carrying some products (starting in May since I am soooo booked up right now), but she plans on attending some local events and farm markets to promote the salon, and will be taking my products with her to those too. It is just a small way to break into a new market and see if anything she goes to warrants me setting up a full stand at next year. WOOT!!

That brings me to today, where I am just finally trying to catch up on everything. So I am going to sign off and get printing labels for those lip balms that I made last week! See ya!

Feb 12-18, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:29:00 +0000

I have been slowly catching up on things and falling woefully behind in some others. I have a huge pile of phone calls to make (have I ever mentioned I hate the phone) and I am way behind in study for my Master's soapmaking certification. I am not sure I can catch up on that fast enough to take the test by May. :(

My list of things to do is much, much shorter, it is just that all the things left on it seem to take up oodles and oodles of time. One little line like "put new product photographs on web site" turns into an all day photo shoot with multiple trips to the store for new background fabrics, three different cameras, and every light source I can think of, including outside. So those are the things I have left, little things like "update photos" and "new products on website" and "2012 taxes" that will eat up days and days before they can be crossed off and considered finished. If I can get one thing done every two days I will be a happy camper, and maybe finished with everything by the end of April!

This is also the time of year where money just seems to fly out of the window, so many supplies to buy, shows to pay for, and yearly debts to pay (like internet and insurance). It really stresses me out because this is just before shows really start and that light at the end of the tunnel seems so far away. Every purchase is scary and overwhelming right now and I have to make sure I don't act with reckless abandon. I have to be sure I am buying only what I really need, but I also have to make sure I don't say yes to a craft show or event just because right now I am stressed and it makes me feel better to know there is a show on the calender three months from now because that means that someday I will have income rather than outgo. I find this is when I pile on shows that later on I wish I didn't decide to do, so I have to plan out my year, keep with my strategy, and trust myself that it will all work out in the end.

But for now I have to go. I have those phone calls to make, 5 of them, and if I just get them done it will feel much better!

Feb 5-11, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:22:00 +0000

OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG!

It has been a whirlwind week and things just are not slowing down!

Today starts a fundraiser by the Liberty High School Band and Orchestra. Between now and March 1, they will be selling soaps, lip balms, and bath fizzys to help them raise money for their trip to the Rose Parade plus other needs. Find a band member, tell them you want soap, and 35-50% of each dollar you spend goes directly to them!

I am also doing a fundraiser for Team Butt-erfly. use TEAMBFLY2013 on the web when you place your order and receive 5$ off, plus 20% goes to my friend Aliyah's team in the Lehigh Valley Take Steps Be Heard Walk for Crohn's and Colitis. Diagnosed at just 11 years old, Aliyah hasn't let this disease define her, instead she proudly walks in the hope to raise awareness, fund a cure, and end the suffering and embarrassment many patients endure. http://online.ccfa.org/goto/TeamButt-erfly2013

I have two stores that need inventory badly, and I haven't even gotten the supplies in to make what they need yet, and one new store pending, well actually two new stores pending. I hope to get to schedule appointments with both of them for early next week so I can start figuring out what I need to make first.

Overall it has been a very good week, I have gotten so many things accomplished. I picked up and ordered almost all the supplies I need for quite a while, I have gotten my spring craft show schedule worked out, I have gotten the fundraisers set up, organized and order forms designed. I am keeping up with orders that roll in daily, and I am keeping up with emails (my goal is an empty inbox before bed each day).

Today I need to finish ordering, get inventory together for stores, mock up a label for a special order, return a pile of phone calls, and then trudge on and see what else I can get off my list of things to do. I have meetings every day this week, that makes this feel so much like a "real job" rather than my usual self-imposed schedule.

OK, off to work! Hope to see you soon!

Jan 28-Feb 4, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:42:00 +0000

There just isn't enough hours in the day sometimes!

The huge list is now just a big list of big things to do. I have finished off most of the smaller more manageable things and have left myself with all the things that will take days or weeks to finish.

The big accomplishments for this past week are:

1) keeping up with order- there has been quite a few and I have to make sure that I don't let them linger for too long. I also have had a few special orders for baskets that take more time to put together than a typical order so that has been fun.

2) The new order form is finished, ok, my part of it is finished, I am just waiting on one more change by my friend who did it for me and then it can go to the printers. It is very spiffy and is all in color and two sided and I can even mail it just as it is. I am crazy excited about this.

3) The new logo is done. Same friend started out revamping and updating my logo before I begged her to move onto the order form. The old one is the top one.

4) All of my supply needs have been determined, listed, and priced. I have searched for new vendors, better pricing, and higher quality everything. There are so many things I was able to source from more local establishments, or at least small business like me. I am really happy to say that I will be able to keep most prices stable again this year.

5) All the new soap fragrances have been made. They are all in the racks waiting to be cured. This means I should be able to start shipping my pre-orders and have the new soaps available on the web site two weeks earlier than I thought.

6) FUNDRAISERS! I have two great fundraisers starting in just a few days and all the paperwork, order forms, description papers, and coupon codes have all been determined and developed.

This week is a little wonky, I took Monday off for my anniversary, and Wednesday I vend at Muhlenberg College, and Friday I have to go get supplies, so I don't have a ton of time to get things accomplished, but I hope to just keep plugging along and hope that I can say that by the end of the month, things will be in really good shape. See you next week!

Welcome 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:14:00 +0000

I am FINALLY back in the workshop after a hiatus for some family trips that had me only sleeping in my own bed for 5 days since Christmas! Man, my back is happy to be in my own bed. It is amazing how you don't really think about how much wear and tear that traveling has on the body and the mind. It is time for me to get back to my routines and get back to a plan.

I don't really make resolutions, I set goals.

This year I have quite a few, but for the business it is to lay back a little and do a few less craft shows. We are hoping that we can keep the days to 125 or under. This means some of the biggies will go away, and in it's place will be smaller and warmer shows spread throughout the year rather than just piled up at the Holidays. I am hoping that spreading out some of the days will allow us some more family time, some more rest, and a more even production schedule. I am hoping that the web site will increase with orders and that will take the place of some of the shows that take lots of energy, but produce little revenue.

I hope to continue taking better care of me this year, watching what I eat, getting more exercise, and plenty of rest. I do wear myself thin. It is hard to turn off work when it is right there in the house with you. The list of things to do is always on my desk and this can be mentally taxing. I am hoping to put in place some new habits that will have me getting out of the house more and giving me ways to burn off some steam in a more productive manner than just venting it verbally. Last year I did pretty good and I even reaped some unexpected benefits (like 18 lbs gone!), so I hope that a continued trend will leave me healthier and happier than ever before.

And finally I hope to take advantage of the above mentioned goals and use the extra time and extra energy to turn to my home and family. They have been super supportive over the past 10 years and sometimes I know I can be very heard to deal with. I hope that organizing the house to run more smoothly, planting a big garden for healthy meals, and having more time for them will be a goal that I can obtain in 2013.

I can't express my gratitude to all of you that let me live my dream to make a product that I am passionate about and to live my life in a manner where I can still have time to help others. Thank you for all of your support during my first 10 years of business and I hope the next 10 are just as rewarding. I love you all!

Dec 10-18

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:08:00 +0000

Every Monday I get up early to hang out with C before he leaves for a business trip. This Monday was different because he didn't have to go till the afternoon, but he did have to go to the Netherlands so that added some stress to my week. I certainly didn't sleep all that well and the time difference makes it hard to have more than a few text communications each day. I didn't even sleep late, I was wide awake before 7 am and started my weekly routine: bank then grocery store, then home to put food in the slow cooker, then mailing orders, packing inventory, paying bills, catching up on phone calls, and of course catching up on this blog.

So Tuesday after a fitful nights sleep it was back to paperwork, figuring out last month's sales tax, entering new emails into the newsletter database, and making some more sachets. Luckily I mixed in a nap and got to chill and watch a movie that night.

Wednesday was delivering inventory to Chriskindlmarkt, putting gas in the van, and then generally trying to chill out the best I could. I am pretty sure there was another nap or two in there.

Thursday-Sunday was Chriskindlmarkt again. It started out really strong on Thursday but the mood dampened considerably after the news came out on Friday afternoon. It was very hard to stand there and continue to smile when all I wanted to do was go home and cry. I think the singer/songwriter Dina Hall said it best in her blog, I just had to be a voice of peace and calm, and goodness. Inside I was screaming "go home, hug your babies, hug your neighbors babies, hug all the babies you can find", but outside I was doing just that, hugging all the children that came in and thanking their parents for letting me pass on a little love that was overspilling my heart. Saturday things kinda returned to normal, some people wanted to talk about Connecticut, many just wanted to enter those tents and suspend their fears and doubts. I just celebrated all that is good and light and love in the world. Sunday was kinda slower than I had expected it to be, but really I had hit a wall, I was so physically and emotionally tired, I just wanted to go home. It was hard to stay smiles and cheer, and luckily the day is shorter, and by then C was home and I knew I could get a good night's sleep.

Dad did phenomenally well at Christmas City Village. But we have decided this will be his last year there. The cold is just too much for him. He needs indoor shows, and shorter hours, and less days in a row. So look for him at other places in town next year. There are lots to choose from for us.

Monday brought on another early morning, and the usual routine. Lots of orders to get out so that they have a chance to make it there in time for Christmas. I finally made it to Pint's N Purls, my weekly knitting group, and we had our Holiday gift exchange. I was so glad I could make it there, I was worried I would fall asleep before I had to leave.

Today I work up later than ever, 7:30 am. This might as well be noon for me, the early bird. And now I am catching up here. This afternoon I deliver orders, and other random errands. But it will be an early night, maybe I can fit in a movie.

Hope you all had a safe and joyous week and I hope to see you this weekend, the last weekend of Chriskindlmarkt for 2012!

Dec 3-9 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:27:00 +0000

So the three days that I have "off" are always such a blur. on Mondays I run around going to the grocery store, bank, and any other errands. Try to get caught up on phone messages, emails, and getting orders out, then do paperwork, like keeping track of taxes and printing any labels I need and all that fun stuff.

Tuesdays I go into the workshop for a few hours. I make up gift baskets, fizzy baskets, any inventory that needs to be made (this week was some bath fizzys to wrap and label), made sachets, and generally tried to keep all that straight so I don't run out of anything.

Wednesday morning I go over and drop off inventory at the show. This makes Thursday mornings easier because I don't have to fight to get in the door while other people are getting there and setting up. I can leisurely park farther way and stroll on in. Then in the afternoon I try to relax, knit a little, watch a little TV, get to bed early and be rested for another weekend at the show.

Christkindlmarkt was fantastic this week. Saturday was by far the best day yet. 2010 was my best year ever and I may actually meet/exceed those sales (but it will take me all 6 weeks, rather than the 4 in 2010). But with some nasty weather looming and who knows what else, I am not planning on it. It would just be exciting to have a great year again after last year's disappointment.

Dad did well at Christmas City Village. His Saturday was by far his best day there so far this year but it still doesn't hold a candle to how well he was doing last year. It is certainly nothing to sneeze at or to not be thankful for, but we will have to take a good look at the show and decide if the days and days of cold and damp on his old bones is worth the deposit slip at the end. Some things money just can't buy and knowing your dad is happy and comfortable is one of those things worth more than money.

So that is it, the quick synopsis of the week.

There was certainly more drama in there. Some things were said in anger and frustration, and although I really wish to share them with you, it isn't in the best interest of the party who said them, so I will hold my tongue rather than wage a war. All I can say is that sometimes things bring out the worst in people and one of these two events has been doing just that. It is sad to see someone you have liked and respected for many years become angry over the hurt they feel. But I am glad I can recognize it for what it is and not take things personally for too long.

That being said, hope to see you this week and if you have already been by, THANK YOU!

November 26-Dec 2

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Monday through Wednesday was "relatively" stress free. I had orders to mail out and things to make (like gift baskets) and paperwork to deal with (like bills), but I got to sneak in a few afternoon naps and a few movies while knitting too.

Chriskindlmarkt for me was the best weekends so far. I think we are really getting into the swing of the holiday buying season. Not everyone has been as blessed as I have been and I really just have my loyal customers to thank for supporting me year after year. I know right now there are more and more places you can get natural soaps (even some grocery stores), so continuing to pay a little more to get a local product and support a small artisan is an amazing thing to be doing. Every purchase has a direct impact on me and my family and allows me to keep following my passion. I am so thankful.

Dad had a strong sales week at Christmas City Village too. It was still down from last year, and sometimes that is just a sophomore slump that new events tend to go through. But I have to say that the overwhelming amount of non-crafts is sending me to start researching for alternative shows for next year. I have too many customers that tell me that they come out to a show that I am at, even if they don't need soap, because I am typically at "good shows". I just don't feel this is living up to my expectations, or what my customers would want to see if they came out to see it. There is not much they can't get at their local boutique. In fact some booths are people who have stores in nearby towns who have brought things from their stores (mass produced) to sell. This is unfair not only to me, an artisan, but to the boutiques and stores of Bethlehem. The fact that the Downtown Business Association has let this happen, and seems to encourage it, is appalling to me. I can't in good conscience come back next year to an event that undermines the very people it claims to support.

The surprise for the weekend was the Handmade Hive. A new boutique style show (where the artisan sets up a display, but the staff sell the product), in Hellertown, PA was FANTASTIC! When I pulled in to drop off my inventory I kinda worried. The hall it was held in was a little off the beaten path and the peg board displays felt a little industrial, but when I came back that evening to finish setting up prior to the preview party I was overwhelmed by the quality of the crafters they had there, how nice it looked, and how amazingly well organized it was for a first time event. Sales quickly exceeded my expectations, in fact I sold the first night what I though I would sell all weekend. I am super happy that they plan on a springtime event and that I get to be a part of that too!

OK, it is time for me to get back to work and stop chatting with all of you. Hope to see you soon!

November 19-25- an exhausting week

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:39:00 +0000

So I came off the fist week of Chriskindlmarkt hoping that I would be able to squeeze in a day off, but there was no such luck.

Monday through Thursday Dad was mostly over at Christmas City Village trying to get the floors in and the shelves on and the hut decorated and loaded in. It really sucked for him. The huts were supposed to be up weeks before and all this work was supposed to be completed at a leisurely pace in warmer weather. But instead he had to rush around and then do extra work we didn't expect like reinforce to roofs so they didn't leak. He did this for ours and for a few of our friends he had been in contact with during the year, but I hate to say this will probably be the last time he does it for anyone else but us. It was just too much and it really started out his show on a sour note and started him out much more tired than he should have been. When you have two people starting a long stretch of shows exhausted, it doesn't always make for the best family moments at home.

So while he worked I made sure I cooked every night so there was decent food for him when he got home and I worked hard in the shop to get out orders, make up gift baskets, and generally catch up on the paperwork, the emails, and the laundry.

Thursday was Thanksgiving and we had a simple day with just the three of us. I made both turkey and ham and three sides (mashed potatoes, corn casserole, and cauliflower casserole) so that there would be plenty of leftovers for the weekend to come.

As for the shows. Christmas City Village opened to a disappointing weekend. Maybe it was the cold, maybe it was all the black Friday sales, maybe it was the fact that the show was looking more like a refugee camp than a craft show, but the sales were just not there. The spirit of the show wasn't being followed and the bulk of the vendors had dragged out tables and bins to sell outside rather than from the huts. They couldn't even cover the tables and look respectable, it was a flea market look, and that brings flea market buyers and flea market prices. The overwhelming dumbing down of today's arts and craft shows is killing an industry by slowly strangling out the places a handcrafted artisan can sell and compete.

This brings me to Chriskindlmarkt. Slowly transforming itself from an arts and craft show to a marketplace is killing us there too. There are artisans not being present at the festival, UPC codes on cottage industry products being sold along side hand crafted works, food samples strewn throughout the event leaving little cups everywhere (often still full of samples, destroying products and displays of other people when they spill). . This dilutes the brand, muddies the marketplace, and confuses the customer. Why should they pay to come into a show that in their mind offers the same thing as a shopping mall does for free?

That all being said, THANK YOU to everyone who has come the first two weekends, and to everyone who plan on coming the next four. My sales have been amazing so far this year and I cannot explain my joy when you like my products enough to give them as gifts and to share them with your family and friends. Thank you for coming every year, thank you for supporting me and my passion, thank you for being there.

Hope to see you all soon!

Chriskindlmarkt Weekend 1

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:01:00 +0000

Well I'll be darned, I did better than I thought I would! So no complaints here.

I adore my new spot, I am by super friendly people, I am not too far from the bathrooms, and I think I have a good location for customers as well. The new display really seems to to be well liked. It really is inviting and easy to maneuver. I have been selling lots of things that I usually didn't sell, like shave mugs and gift baskets, so I think these things really have a highlight and are better seen than past years.

Ed Youtz turned me some shaving brush handles and I sold 5 of the 6 shaving brushes I had this first weekend, and this is supposed to be the quiet weekend! He is busily turning away these days off and I am patiently waiting for the brush knots to arrive so that I can assemble them and get them back out for people to see.. I might have to "take orders" for them this weekend... hmm. that is an idea...

I also get in the felted soaps this weekend. The owner of a local alpaca farm has felted some of my soaps for me to offer this year. She sells them year around, but this will be my first foray into selling some too. I have no idea what the reaction will be.

The mini soaps have been popular, I am already out of the oatmeal and the rejuvenations are close behind. Also have gotten a few leads for personalized soaps for a baby shower and a wedding, so that is really cool if those pan out.

I got another order from Spehericality in Flemington NJ this weekend so they needed to stock up, and that is super exciting!

Well just a quick update for now, I have got to get going. I need to go pick up more shave mugs and soap dishes! Bebe is just emptying out the kiln today!

Hope to see you soon!

November 5-14 The big push

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:20:00 +0000

Yes! All the soap on the to do list is done! I have a few last special orders to ship in the next few days and then then it will just be rolling with the punches and making whatever needs to be made the rest of the year.

I got all the lip balms done too. The only thing left on the list is some bath fizzys and I am going to hold off on those and see how my current inventory sells before jumping in and making more of anything. Some years are great for fizzys and some not so great, and since I need to buy supplies I would rather wait on spending the money until I know I need to make them.

Orders have been rolling in. That is very exciting. I really love the mail orders. There is something validating about getting a mail order. It means that the product isn't just a quick purchase, someone took the time to go online and buy, and so many of them come from far away so it makes me smile to let my soap out into the world past the Lehigh Valley.

Last night I set up (mostly) for Chriskindlmarkt. I am in a new spot and I LOVE it! I love my neighbors and the location. I might not think the same in 6 weeks, but it has to be better than last year.

I also have a new display that I think is that cat's meow. I have to tweak it some with the location of a few things but overall I think it is going to be pretty awesome. I am hoping I set up the booth the right way, that it attracts people in and looks inviting.

So I have a day of vending today and then it all starts. Hope to see you soon!
-Hedge

October 15-Present, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:23:00 +0000

Um, where did the time go? Oh yeah, I have been in the cave I call a workshop making oodles of soap, squeezing in a vacation, and then coming home to the super storm of the century!

So lets do a quick synopsis:
October 15-19 we made oodles of soap trying to get ready for the last few months of the year. Seriously, I mean 4 batches a day, plus lotion bars, lip balms, and anything else that popped up on the radar. The night of the 17 & 19th I helped a friend make boxes and wrap up my soaps for use at a wedding as favors. Jeez I hope they liked them, I haven't had time to ask!

The 20-27 C and I went on a vacation. We explored New Mexico, especially Santa Fe, Taos, the Enchanted Circle and that area of the state. It was wonderful, and beautiful, and I still needed a vacation to recuperate from my vacation, even though we took it easy and tried not to overdo things. Highlights included a visit to an Alpaca Farm, a stay in a haunted hotel (I was too tired for any ghost to wake me up) a visit to a pueblo, and a cool Tram trip.

While I was away Dad took care of the last week of the Lehigh Valley Farm Market, Ottertoberfest at the Zoo, and a show to benefit Habitat for Humanity at Moravian College.

I returned just in time to stock up for and experience Sandy. We were lucky and only lost power from Monday night through Wednesday night. Even then I took the opportunity to finish making all the sachets and I had printed labels so lots of things got labeled too.

Once the storm passed it was time to do the annual Apple Festival at Peddler's Village. Due to the storm, the show was just a shell of what it usually is in terms of sales, put there were dedicated buyers there so I know I made the right decision to go. It was crazy cold too, but the propane heater we didn't have to use during the storm came in handy so I was pretty comfortable except for the final break down.

This week is the last big push. Soap to be made every day, the last of the lip balms, a few bath soaks, and other miscellaneous things to take care of, like gift baskets and list of signage. But I hope to be done by the end of the week so that I can have a few days rest before set up next Tuesday. I have bought a new display, so I think the booth will be eye catching and interesting. Only time will tell and my anxiety is through the roof, I just which the show would start already and stop stressing me out!

Well that is the short story, hope to see you all soon and thanks for reading!

October 8-14, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Whew, the week just flew by! I just found one of my "to do" lists the other day- things I wanted to accomplish in 2012.. guess what, about half are done, the other half- moved onto the 2013 list! I wonder if my dining room will ever get a new ceiling fan?

Monday and Tuesday we made LOTS of soap. I figured out a schedule of what absolutely needed to be made, and what I would like to have made to be sure I don't run out of anything in December. Then I overlapped these lists based on the fragrances and then scheduled in the fragrances from highest number needed to lowest. Whew! Plus, as the month goes on, we still sell, so this list can flux..things I didn't need a lot of in the beginning of the month, I may need more of after just a few orders. So I don't think of it as a schedule of making soap, just a road map to try and follow the best I can, fitting in special orders along the way.

Speaking of special orders, I cannot believe the overwhelming response to bacon soap! WOW!!! I think quite a few people will be surprised this winter with these gifts.

Wednesday I went to Fellowship Community for the last time this year and participated in their heath fair day. It was my best day there ever and I am so excited to see how many dedicated customers I have acquired over just a few short months.

Thursday I started the day at the Dentist. I had chipped a front tooth a few years ago and it finally needed to be fixed. Luckily it was pretty quick and painless. It even cost less than I expected as it wasn't as bad as they thought! I used the extra cash to treat the household to some goodies from Trader Joe's. Yes, my dentist is down by a Trader Joe's, I hate the thought of anyone else touching my teeth, so I just make the drive. After I returned I dropped off an order to The Knitter's Edge. JoAnne has put together the coolest knit kits-cotton yarn or aloo, a pattern for a washcloth, and a bar of my soap. They were so popular she had to make up more. I am sooooo proud and happy that she chose me to participate in this great idea! After the delivery dad and I went and set up the display for Oktoberfest over at ArtsQuest and had dinner at Looper's. Yum!

Friday We made more soap and I made some bath soaks too. Then I went over to the show. It was freezing cold and I was so happy I had my propane heater with me to take the edge off. Because of the weather sales were slow, but that wasn't unexpected.

Saturday was day 2 of Oktoberfest. It was a really good day for me and I had some great sales and lots of people telling me that they would see me in a few weeks at Chriskindlmarkt. The weather was beautiful and I really just had a fun day.

Sunday Dad went and did Oktoberfest. I was a little disappointed because I expected that the nice weather would bring out more people. But overall I did better than I expected to at the show and I am sure we will be back next year, probably for both weekends. While he was there I went to the Chestnut Hill Home and Garden show. It was super windy and my cheeks still are a little wind burned, but sales were much, much better than I expected them to be from a rain dated show. Overall the combination of the two shows lets me pay the bills a few more weeks, and that is always a blessing!

Oh and Sunday I was next to Geek Boy Press . I have seen him at a few other markets and have some buttons on my knitting bag, but I have been coveting a "are you my mummy" sweatshirt for some time now. I asked for it for Christmas, and Carlos got me one and when we got home, he didn't even make me wait till Christmas to wear it!!! AWESOME!!!

So I hope to see you all soon and thanks for reading!!!

October 1-7, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Hedge Sefcovic) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:25:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that in in about 6 weeks I will be loading into Chriskindlmarkt for the last show of the season. I feel like I have come so far this year but that I also have so much more to do and so much farther to go, I feel like I am packing a whole year's worth of doing into the next three months and that I just don't see how I am going to manage to get it all done!

So here are a few highlights of last week:

Monday and Wednesday we got soap made. Monday was tricky because I made 6 tiny batches, which takes as much work as the big ones really, all that switching of fragrances, and cleaning crock pots. It can get a little confusing trying to get it all done and trying to remember how many of each kind needs to be made. So that was the order for the B&B and for an order of wedding shower favors. Wednesday was just a simple batch of Black Cherry Oatmeal because I had to leave to help a friend for a few days.

Tuesday dad dealt with the tree in the yard being pruned, so I just worked on lots of paperwork. I got the new shaving brushes photographed and on the web site. They could use spiffier pictures, but for right now i think they are fine.

Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday I helped B at The Ornamental Lady at the show up at Knoebel's Amusement Park. What a crazy place that is! Over 300 vendors on winding pathways and in pavilions. I totally got lost. I was wondering if it would be a show for me to set up at too, but the density of vendors and people was just overwhelming to me, it found it uncomfortable to walk around. I don't think this will be one I will be trying any time soon.

I have received at least two special orders that I hope to get up on the web site for a fast buy today and get them announced on the newsletter. There is a few more pending after that too:) The special orders are fun, but kinda stress me out a little this time of year because of time constraints. So I have to be on the ball about getting ingredients ordered and things made. I actually need to make a big list of everything today to keep it all straight before I forget something.

Oh, and I think I have a new wholesale account to announce soon. I met with them on Tuesday and they bought some things then and are supposed to have an order to me today or tomorrow. Once it comes through I can announce it and get it up on the web site and blog. But I am super excite because it is a great small business and it is in NJ, so it will really be on a great location for many of my customers who live around there!

Saturday we set up at A Very Merrie Halloween over at the 1803 house, right in my home town. It was a wonderful day with lots of activities for the kids, including a parade! Sales were better than last year, and I think this event will just get better and better each year!

Sunday was supposed to be the Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts event, but it was canceled due to the impending rain and cold. It was rescheduled for it's rain date- October 14. Looking at the 10 day forecast, I am not sure next Sunday will be any better, but let us hope it will be!

That is all for now. I have to get going on the rest of my list to do. It is going to be a busy few weeks. Hope to see you soon!