And Milo Was Born

There is nothing much sweeter than something handmade from a loved one.

My daughter decided that her best friend needed a teddy bear MADE FROM HER for a birthday present. That it would be better than something store bought. I think that was only the case one or two other times in her life. Mostly, Nina has wanted to buy something she herself wanted. I have always urged her to be creative... to dig deep into her heart and to pull from her juicy creative soul because I know that when I receive something made specifically for ME? Well, I melt, just like an M&M in my mouth.

Nina designed, cut, sewed, stuffed and named this bear. She spent many hours planning it, but mostly sewing, and sewing, and sewing. She was very particular about the style the bear had. She didn't want to flip it inside out so the ragged edges were hidden on the inside. He is perfect just the way he is, MOOOOOMMMMMMMM. This was her vision and Milo was born. I think Milo came out great and is one cool bear. Way cooler than those Build-A-Bears. I wish he lived with us, but we do have visiting rights though. Right, Marin?

Felted Soap

Etsy Seller AmeliaMakesArt

I have been avoiding this topic for as long as I could.  Why, you ask? I'm not entirely sure.  Felted soaps have only become noticeable to me personally within the last few months or so, but it is an ancient craft.  

I love to exfoliate....with scrubs, washcloths, seed filled soaps, etc.  Makes me feel extra clean and refreshed.  My nerve ending all feel alive and my skin feels revived.  So why the puss when I look at felted bars?  Well, there is something about the idea of wet wool that makes me physically uncomfortable.  Gives me that "fingernails on a blackboard" shiver.

Since I started writing this soap blog, I feel it is my duty to explore and share all things soap; Trends, styles, techniques, recipes (although for some strange reason, no one has shared their tutorials), so felted soap feels like the next natural topic.  

What I know about felted soap:

1.  It can be very pretty.

2.  It is exfoliating, like a built-in washcloth.

3.  It's not felt, it is wool (apparently Merino wool works best).

4.  Anyone with hands can do it.

Etsy seller lanadeflor

Mike's Fiber Arts has a great looking tutorial with step by step instructions and photos.

A video tutorial below made it feel easier to tackle this project.   I'm big on visual aids, so here is one featuring SuZanna Anna:

If you have felted soaps I would love to see photos!

Knitted Soap Holder?

I noticed today as I was wandering through soapy web pages and came across a cute handmade "Sort of a Soap-Holder Washcloth Type Thingy" posted on the young knitters dream blog: Lickety Knit.

When Manor Hall Soaps sent me the lovely bars of soaps for me to try, she sent along a wooden dish and crocheted soap holder thingy. Brilliant, really. If you need to exfoliate, then use the washcloth thing that holds the bar of soap. Then, when you are finished using the soap in the tub, hang it from the faucet or shower knob instead of letting it sit in water on that lefge for soap where it inevitably turns soggy. This knitted soap holder is the most beautiful and practical and if I could knit, I'd make one for everyone I know who loves soap.

Rachel is the knitter of this fine object. She created her blog years ago and I think she's got spunk. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and lives with her 3 cats, Stupid, Fatty and Whiny.

Small world. One of my cats name is Fatty.

So, for those looking for ideas to use for your next crafty project, make a soap holder out of whatever material you'd want rubbed on your bare skin and if you are a knitter check out Rachel's blog!