Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi, My name is Ceri. I live with my hubby and my cat in the North East of England.
What do you make?
I make all natural soaps and bath goodies by hand using only natural ingredients.
Why do you use that medium?
I use only natural ingredients because of their skin benifitting properties, The oils and botanicals I use all feed the skin with vitamins and minerals while the essential oils also treat the skin as well as lift the spirits.
When/ how did you start crafting?
I have been crafting in one form or another for years, I started with art at school, then College, I have also have a Fashion Design Degree, but it was around 5 or 6 years ago I started making soaps and skin balms etc. I gave them as presents and made them for myself. I soon became hooked.
When did you start selling your stuff - where do you sell?
I started selling last year once all the official stamps and seals were completed :O) I sell on Folksy and also at some local craft fairs and some small retail outlets. I am looking to start selling my wares from farm shops and local deli's as well.
Do you also have a day job, or is this your main job?
I work part time as well but would LOVE it if this was my full time day job.
What do you love about your medium, what do you hate?
I love it all, what is there to hate?
Where do you get your inspiration from?
It comes from all around me...sometimes it is as simple as an idea which brews away until I can 'see' the product in my mind, then other times I'll sit down and think of the effect I want something to have on my skin and build the product from the effects of the ingredients and tweak it to make sure it also looks pretty.
What is your favourite music to craft to?
For now I am loving Folky stuff, like Lisa Hannigan, Kate Rusby, Heidi Talbot, Mumford & Sons, Roddy Woomble (ex idlewild), but also love Florence & the Machine, Marina & the Diamonds, Muse, The Smoke Fairies and Imelda May.
What is your favourite piece of your own?
I have just made a glorious red & blue swirled soap which I am calling Red Sky @ Night which I am particularly pleased with. Also a Moroccan Hamam soap which is a very unassuming putty colour from the Rhassoul clay but which is loaded with exotic incense fragrance and has a gold paisley stamped design into the surface. These are curing but will be ready very soon, keep an eye out on my Folksy site.
Where do you do your crafting (specially built studio - sofa??)
I have commandeered the Dining room for now but would love a full workshop at some stage. I have prettified it with bunting and floral wall transfers so it is a restful and inspirational place to be. I have a large pin board where I put up photo's, objects, pieces of ribbon etc that inspire me. The rest is given over to storage shelves, computer desk and work table etc.
One day I'd love my own place in the Northumberland Hills, a bit of woodland and a workshop or two to create in, my idea of heaven.
I love Oakwood soaps, they all look so amazing. But isn't it funny how so many crafters have cats? ;)
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