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You're going to vote anyway so...

If you think you have seen this before it is because I just sent a newsletter with this exact text. I am lazy BUT I did add commentary below! :)

Post a Picture of you and your "I Voted" sticker on our Facebook Page for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree! (and free shipping) Be sure to "LIKE" us while you are there! If you are shy you can just post your sticker, and maybe your voter pamphlet or your hand or something! BE HONEST - it promotes good Kharma! :)

Post until Friday, November 9th at 6pm EST. I guess, considering the circumstances, this is for our USA Subscribers only. Sorry my friends afar!

Want to browse in anticipation of your win?
Etsy Shop
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Just a side note - being an informed citizen is HARD sometimes! Especially when it comes to state issues and local candidates. I personally try and block out the TV ads and mailer bombardment, and do a little independent research to find the truth behind scare tactics and bent truths. I got my mail in ballot weeks ago, thinking I would just go a head and fill it out, mail it in, easy peezy, but I was in for it. It took 3 full days to research all of the propositions in California. I felt like I was researching a term paper! It was hard to get a straight line on any of them and what I found interesting was seeing who paid to get the props on the ballot and how the beliefs of those people fit mine. I'll just say it - I am pretty liberal but have been a registered Republican, Democrat and now Independent. I know that as life and experience press on, beliefs may change but the important thing is that you go out and exercise your right to have your beliefs represented! Happy Election Day everyone!

hugs,
-erin

Labels - one of my many tasks!

Running a small business means you have to basically do everything from designing and producing product to answering the phone and emails, taking orders, shipping, packaging, sales, marketing, and one of my favorites, label design!

I usually start with my logo and a rough color pallet. For the most part I like to keep it simple and let the products shine through, especially when I am doing a clear packaging so you can see the product without too much distraction. An exception are my bar soap labels which are a little fancier since I mostly use recycled paper boxes that hide the soap.

Here is the new square label for the Cardamom Vanilla Marshmallow Cream Soap! (And the old for comparison.) I added some more color to it as you can see - I am on a teal thing lately! All of the information is much larger and clearer. These didn't take too long since I had the old label to work from but my new lip balm labels for instance took 2+ hours to design! Usually the first label in a series of products takes the longest, then it is just a matter of changing color and tweaking text.

new

 

old

The ingredients and my company info will go on a smaller label on the backside. Soap labeling must have the company name, the word "soap", and the weight on the front. The company address can go on the back and I always include my ingredient list.

You may have purchased soap that did not have ingredients and this is perfectly legal but I like to include it so my customers know exactly what the are purchasing. The rule is only for soap -  I won't get into the details, but as soon as you say that your soap is good for anything other than cleaning, like that it is moisturizing for instance,  it is then considered a cosmetic and must be labeled differently. A lot of my soap falls under this category. The FDA defines soap as:

• the bulk of the nonvolatile matter in the product consists of an alkali salt of fatty acids and the product's detergent properties are due to the alkali-fatty acid compounds, and
• the product is labeled, sold, and represented solely as soap

Next is the Chocolate Marshmallow Cream Soap labels and then I can take pictures and get these listed! Look for them June 13th at naiadsoaparts.com!

The 2 hour lip balm label! I'm slow! :)

Mythology Local Eco Boutique - San Diego

I have been touring the local shops that sell my products and a few weeks ago I had a chance to visit Mythology in the South Park Area of San Digeo, home to an eclectic mix of shops, galleries and eateries. Mythology is owned by artist and designer Rickard Frederick who is known for his designer VEGAN belts, organic clothing and T-shirt designs.

 "All of our clothing is made of only organic and/or recycled materials like organic cotton, bamboo, soy composite or hemp.  You’re guaranteed to find these fabrics super soft, yet extremely durable.  We also try to buy from local artists and designers as much as possible.  This not only cuts down on the amount of gasoline spent shipping merchandise around the world, but keeps our selection of merchandise extremely unique."

 Richard's Vegan Cuffs

Mythology carries Naiad Soap Arts Natural Lip Balms, Soaps and Liquid Soaps as well as eco-friendly clothing for children and adults, jewelry, accessories, graphic tees, candles and Richard's signature Vegan belts and cuffs. The store has a friendly vibe and unique selections!

 

Eco friendly clothing for men and women

While I was taking pictures one of Richard's T-shirts stood out for me and he told me the story behind the design (below). A regular customer of his came into the store while looking through the tees and mentioned that one one of the images reminded him of images on the walls of Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia. The customer told Richard that he had rare rubbings from the site that his Grandmother took in the 70's before the temple was closed to the public and offered to give Richard the images. The T-Shirt below is one of those images! A truly unique tee that you won't find any where else.

Angkor Wat Temple Rubbing

After talking more with the customer Richard found out that their family contributes to a college fund so that the next generation has money to go to school assuring that the new generation has a chance to reach their goals and dreams! As part of his thanks for the Angkor Wat images, Richard now contributes $1.00 to the family's college fund for every T-shirt he sells. How cool is that!

You can Find Mythology at 2365 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104 

 Stunning and Studded Vegan Belts

 Naiad Soap Arts Lip Balms

 Kids clothing and accessories

 Ocean Minded Sandals

Print out this promotion and bring it to Mythology for 25% off your purchase!

Lip Balms and Sugar Cubes get a Facelift!

Wow! I hadn't realized it has been so long since my last post! I have been Busy, Busy, Busy for the holidays, I recently got engaged (yay!), am planning new classes at the Nova Studio (more details to come!) and just launched the new package design for the Lip Balms and Bath Sugar Cubes! There are new scents and new flavors like Lemon Gingergrass Bath Sugar Cubes with natural color and essential oils and 100% all natural Lemon Sorbet Lip Balm. Enjoy! xoxoxo

New Sweet Acai Berry and Lemon Sorbet Lip Balms

 

New Lemon Gingergrass Bath Sugar Cubes

And our popular Brown Sugar and Fig Bath Sugar Cubes are back with a feature in HGTV's Handmade Gift Guide under Gifts for Her

To learn how to make these scrubs you can but the eClass from the Nova Studio or sign up for one of two classes I am teaching at the Nova Studio in March 2011!

the Pink and Green Sale

In Honor of over 200 fans on the Naiad Soap Arts Facebook Fan Page, and my favorite color combo, I am having a sale!

For the PINK and GREEN sale - anything in my Etsy shop that is either PINK or GREEN or BOTH with be marked 20% off starting April 1st through April 5th! For Instance:

Happy Shopping!

naiad.etsy.com

Pure, Fantastic Pepo Park

At last year's HSMG Conference I had the privilege of hanging out with Kim Wilton, the little lady behind Pepo Park . Not only is she super cool but she is a super talented soap maker as well! Her products are all natural, simple but elegant, in fresh scents like Ylang Delight, Ginger Spice and Lavender, Lime + Grapefruit. I am using the Ginger Spice now and it makes taking a shower in the morning pure bliss with a heavenly scent and bubbly moisturizing lather!

Oh, and she makes a must have salve for dry weathered skin with Tea Tree and lavender essential oils called No More Rough Patches, as well as bath salts, lip balms and room sprays!

When she isn't making soap or donating soap to Clean the World and other charities you can find her on facebook, Etsy, and her website!

Tea and butterflies - an Etsy Day

Sitting on this hot Southern California October evening, dreaming of cooler weather, a crisp Autumn walk through the woods while sipping tea perhaps? Add some butterflies for Romance and whimsy. These lovely Etsy finds arouse my love of all things tea!

 Black Tea Lip Balm by FlourishBathBody

Set of 4 Teas, all 15-20 cups each, beautiful blends by thelooseleaf

 

Butterflies, Tea and Coffee Tags - Set of 3 by creativevisions

 

Butterfly Teapot and Teacups/Handmade Wheel Thrown Stoneware pottery by patspottery

Tea Time Necklace by wickedpen