Three things I love on Hyenacart...

1.  Spots!  I love browsing around and checking out the amazing items that have been spotted by other HC shoppers and artisans!

This weeks most spotted item, a collab by RSE, Dwell Wool Knits, Laines Magnifiques, and NatureBabyKNits.


2.  The forums:   A great place to see what's going on in Hyena land!

3.   Cute fluff!

Custom diaper options from Holden's Landing.


Check out Hyenacart today...find out what you love!

Featured Artisan - Relic Soap Co

Lots of people in the WAHM world have heard of Relic Soap Company - and today we get to meet the woman behind the name.


Karen.


In her own words .. 


Relic Soap Company is a family-owned business that specializes in creating one of a kind artisan soap that nourishes the body and dazzles the senses. Our unique blend of oils is the product of years of listening to our customers and providing them with a soap that they come back for time and time again. Our soaps are infused with cultural, culinary, and aroma-based inspiration. Soap is a necessity, but we aim to indulge you with delicious aromas and sumptuous ingredients.
What makes our soap unique?

While other companies are aiming to cut costs and skimp on ingredients, Relic Soap Company is not satisfied with mediocre soap. We strive for extraordinary. We love olive oil for all of its amazing qualities and use it as a dominant ingredient in each of our soaps. We use only top-shelf natural plant-based oils, essential oils, fragrances, botanical extracts, and minerals. We make all of our soaps in small quality-controlled batches using traditional methods. 


Everything is made by hand.

By us.

We opened the floor to a few WAHMs, and passed their questions along to Karen.

Where did you learn to make soap, and what got you started?

I started making soap back in 2002, when I was pregnant with my second child. I was a born entrepreneur who wanted to stay home to raise my children while they're young. I found soapmaking because I wanted something I could make with my hands. I think I'm perhaps a little bit of a mad scientist too. My journey began with books and lots of failed experiments. I am very thankful for the help of many soapmakers that I met online that helped me along my way.

What's your favorite soap from your line and why?

This is a VERY hard question! I get asked it at nearly every market and show I ever do and somehow I flounder through it each and every time. If I could only pick one, it would be my Froth sea salt soap. I'm smitten with vetiver essential oil.

What was the inspiration for your business name?

I wish I could take credit for our name. My husband, Ryan, came up with the name after weeks upon weeks of trying to come up with something that felt right. Relic makes us think of something both ancient and timeless at the same time - much like soap.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone starting on the soap-making journey, what would it be?

Do your own research. Don't rest on the shoulders of others. If you want to truly make good soap, you need to know how the process happens. Until you know that, you can't truly problem solve when the need arises. And it will arise!

What does your workspace/supply/curing-space look like?

A dungeon? Okay, maybe not quite. It's a corner of our basement that allows me to ventilate to the outside. I use my husband's only drafting table, stainless steel work tops, stainless steel racks for curing, and many cubbies for all the tools I use from time to time. We just moved in 18 months ago so we're still working on getting plumbing to my workshop and better lighting. I have fantastic storage racks and built in shelving that came with the home. It's nice to be able to slip down to the shop when the baby naps.

How do you come up with fresh ideas for your products and the copy that describes them?

I am inspired by nature and the culinary world. I am most moved by olfactory memories transport me to some event in my past. Have you ever smelled a cherry pie cooling and had it bring you back sitting at your grandma's kitchen table? That's what I'm talking about. I live for those moments. I have to admit that the copy makes me want to tear my hair out. I find it so hard to describe what you'll experience with each of my scents, especially the very complex fragrances. I get some help from my friends and their impressions. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to have it just pop in my head!

Want a chance to win Karen's giveaway?

Karen is giving away 2 sea salt bars and a sustainable cedar soap dish.

Here's how to go about it:

* Visit Relic Soap Company and reply to this post about your favourite soap.

Additional entries:

* Fan Relic Soap Company on Facebook and leave a comment here saying that you did so.

* Fan Etsy Hyena Team on Facebook and leave a comment here saying that you did so. 

* Blog or FB or Twitter about this giveaway and post the link of this board.

* Make a purchase from Relic Soap Company between now and Sunday, March 21st and 

  post about it here. This will get you 5 additional entries. There is currently a promotion

  going on which you might want to take advantage of.

The winner will be announced on Monday, March 22nd 2010 and the soap shipped shortly thereafter.

International Women's Day

Next Monday, March 8th, is International Women's Day.  In honor of this, the talented women from the Etsy HC Street Team have teamed up to bring you an absolutely fabulous giveaway!







So, what is this amazing giveaway? Well, let me tell you ...


From Holden's Landing: A luxuriously soft organic bamboo velour pillowcase, natural with lavender  satin trim.  Perfect for a peaceful night's sleep - a must for every woman! (retail value $26)


From Love Abounds: Fragrant Coconut Rice™
Fluffy Thai Jasmine rice infused with freshly toasted coconut and coconut cream.  This fragrant rice is an easy way to make your meals extra special. It pairs well with curry dishes, stir fries, grilled fish and other meats. Leftover rice, if there is any, makes a wonderful rice pudding.  (Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4-5)  This kit comes with rice, toasted coconut and a coconut cream mix. It is easy to prepare on the stove top and even easier in a rice cooker. Fragrant Thai Jasmine rice, unsulfured unsweetened toasted coconut, and our own coconut cream mix. No hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, or MSG. (retail value $6)


From Bungalow Bear & Friends: 6"fairy Waldorf doll sachet/ornament (retail value $18)


From Zany Zebra Designs: This pretty pair of panties features a pure white body and feminine pink and white striped cotton/lycra knit waist and leg bands.
About Dundies:
Once you try Dundies you'll never wear store-bought panties again! Dundies won't ride up, pinch or give you a wedgie. The unique cut and stretchy fabrics work together so each size fits a wide range of body shapes and hip measurements. The rise gets lower as they stretch, so a size 8 will have a higher rise on a 34" hip than on a 44" hip.   Dundies are made from soft knits that are breathable and oh-so comfy against your skin. Elastic-free hip and leg bands provide a snug fit without digging in. Seams are serged on the inside to avoid any ugly panty lines. Each pair of Dundies is hand-crafted without the use of industrial machines or techniques by Amy Sue of Zany Zebra Designs. (retail value $15)


From Jujube Baby: One 3.5oz skein Aran BFL in the "Topography" colorway.
About the colorway: "Topography" is kettle dyed on UK BFL using professional acid dyes. A light yellow-tinged green, bright red, black, purple, sea water blue, and earthy brown make up this colorway.
About this BFL: BFL is a sturdy yarn with a soft feel. There are 2 3.5oz. skeins available for a total of 7oz. Approximately 182 yards per skein. (retail value $19)


From Buff Organics: Aloe All Over Lotion, 8 oz. pump bottle
Conditioning lotion with Organic Aloe Vera to soothe and alleviate dry skin. Great as an everyday body and/or hand lotion. This lotion is a wonderful treat for the skin. Apply right after a shower or bath and as needed throughout the day. This lotion feels great and soaks in quickly. Perfect for all skin types. Scented in Lavender & Vanilla, which is made with Essential Oil of Lavender and hints of Vanilla Select. A wonderfully sweet scent! (retail value $10)


From Lilia Designs/GWTF: 1 9" Standard Mini Go With The Flo pad in "Moss" & 1 11" Standard Maxi Go With The Flo pad in "Harvest"
Go With The Flo pads have an organic hemp fleece core topped with hand dyed, organic bamboo velour. They are backed with soft, high performance fleece that provides complete leak protection. Our original wing design wraps around panties and snaps for a secure fit that doesn't shift. Our Standard Minis are suitable for light days and/or IUD backup, and our Standard Maxis are suitable for moderate to heavy flow. (retail value $25)


From Relic Soap Company: 4 assorted half slices of natural, artisan soap, packaged beautifully with a raffia bow and hang tag. Each slice weighs approximately 2-2.5 ounces. The fragrances include: Sandalwood Vanilla, Lavender Mint, Winter Solstice, and Hippie Chick. Each soap is our special blend of top shelf vegetable oils, fragrances and essential oils, and other spa-quality ingredients. Our soaps are specially designed to be mild enough for even the most sensitive skin. (retail value $12)


From Blossom Pads: Blossom Nursing Pads ~ Blossom now offers nursing pads that are absorbent, soft and fun. Our 100% cotton nursing pads are made from multiple layers of thirsty cotton fleece and a topped with a cute knit print. Looking for wool pads? Try our wool nursing pads made with two layers of buttery soft wool interlock ~ excellent at wicking moisture away from the skin. Blossom Nursing Pads are serged together to prevent fraying and to allow the pad to lay smooth and shape itself to your breast. These pads can be hand or machine washed cold and lay flat to dry. (retail value $8.50)


From Gillyweeds Set of 3 crocheted scrubbies, one nylon, the other two cotton, perfect for face or body (retail value $4.50)


From Sweet Slings: Hanging Mama Cloth Wetbag, made with high quality 100% cotton outer fabric and 2 mil PUL inner liner, this bag measures 13" wide by 16" tall.  The PUL liner is attached to the bag twice at the top seam and out exclusive bottom finish means no restuffing the liner in to the bag after the wash! (retail valu $15)


From Daisy Cake Kids: Twin pack of Lavender Bath Bombs (retail value $6)



From Joyful Earth: Teeny tiny tea on the go set - A mini version of our larger tea on the go set, this set features two pockets. Included with your mini set are a PUL wet bag for your used tea bag and one reusable muslin tea bags. (retail value $10)








That's $175 worth of the most amazing, hand crafted goodies to pamper yourself with! You know you want to enter this giveaway!  How, you ask? Well, it's simple ... just leave a comment at the end of this post answering the following questions, in honor of International Women's Day: 
Who has been the most influential women in your life?



Want more ways to enter? No problem!
* Visit etsy and search our team tag (team hyena) and post a reply with your favorite item
*  Follow the team blog and post a reply saying you are doing so.  Already a follower? Post a reply saying so!
* Fan us on facebook and pst a reply saying you are doing so.  Already a  fan? Post a comment saying so!
*  Follow us on Twitter and post a reply saying you are doing so.  Already following? Post a comment saying so!
* Tweet this giveaway, do a blog write up about it, post it to facebook ... and leave a comment with the link




Winner will be chosen using random.com on International Women's day, Monday, March 8th and posted to the blog and facebook.  

** Contest is closed, winner posted above!**

Featured Artisan - Felt Fusion

This weeks' featured artisan is Shadow of Felt Fusion.  She is truly an artist in more ways than one!  Her works are breathtakingly beautiful and one-of-a-kind.  Here is a little bit about Shadow in her own words:


I'm Shadow, WAHM behind Felt Fusion.  Felting is the craft that, basically, takes wool fibres before they have been spun, and pretty much does what you would do if you put a wool sweater in your washing machine and turned it on hot!  I take fibres and create items to order - my favorite way to work.  I work with both specialized barbed needles (needle felting) and warm, soapy water (wet felting) and really love to combine the two!

I see that you are in UK. I would love to know a bit about where you live. Are you a Waldorf (Steiner) family? Do you keep a blog of your own?

I live in the middle of England, in a town called Kettering, in the county of Northamptonshire.  We are quite rural, but being the centre of the country we also have a lot of hubs for major businesses.  We live in a Victorian town house, about 120yrs old and terraced and we live close to the centre of the town.  

We're not a Waldorf/Steiner family, but we do try to keep fairly natural and ethical in most things, toys, food, toiletries, clothing and cleaning products, etc.  We homeschool our 3 children.

No blog at all, I wouldn't know what to write!

What got you interested in felting? 

I'm not quite sure to be honest.  I've always loved the look of felted items, they look strong and sturdy, yet soft and cosy.  I seed grew in my head for a while before I started.  I planned to try out felting once all 3 of our boys started school, but once our youngest started playschool and I had a little time on my hands I took the plunge.  Then when we decided to take the boys out of school I just got on with it.  


What is the most interesting thing you've made using fiber? 

Tricky question, I'm not sure.  I've had a fair few disastrous items that could have turned out interesting.  I don't have much patience and once I've tried something I don't tend to want to work on it again.  I guess one of my favorites has been the leaf blanket which I'm feeling an urge to repeat soon.  Some of my wall hangings have been favorites too.  I'm intrigued by wool dryer balls as I don't have a dryer and have embellished many, many balls for children.  I like the simplicity of some of the crowns I've made. Christmas stockings and bags are great to make too.  I can't choose! 

How long have you been felting?

I started about 18months - 2yrs ago.  I made a few little items that I gave away while I got my confidence and style going. 

Are felted garments easy to care for?  
Yes!  Anything that needs washing can generally be gently hand washed in lukewarm water. Or sponge cleaned.

Where do you come up with your ideas for designs and embellishments?  
I prefer to work to order so my customers come up with most ideas.  For those I make to stock I tend to focus on nature, myths and legends or sometimes I'll see a fibre and buy it with a project in mind, or the name of the fibre give me the vision.
 

What is your favorite fiber to work with?  
I love to work with merino and merino blends.  Angora is a lovely fibre to work with too and Optim merino.  
 

What is the favorite item of yours you've made?   
I'm not sure I can answer with a single item.  My fairy bag is near the top, I still use the original I made and it's going strong over a year on.  I love the leaf blanket mentioned above and really enjoy making scarves and wraps.  The wizard hat I made would be quite high on my favorite list too.

How long does a typical project take? I have always been curious about that. It seems like it would be a long time.   
It depends on the project.  A simple scarf might take an hour, a wall hanging weeks.  Something that needs wet felting and then needle felting, such as Christmas stockings, will generally take longer overall as I wait for it to dry.  I tend to start something and walk away for a while and don't really time how long anything takes.

Do you prefer wet or dry felting? Why? 
I love to combine the two, but if I had to choose one then probably wet felting because I love to play with water and the soap needed adds a new feel to it.  I particularly like cobweb felting.  I find wet felting less predictable than needle felting, you can be quite precise with a needle, less so with wet, slippery fibre.

Want a chance to win a felted soap from Shadow?!?  

Here are some example pictures of her felted soaps: 

 

The winner will be able to choose from a few different soaps Shadow has available, as well as a small picture.

 


Here's how to go about getting an entry:

* Visit Felt Fusion's etsy shop and reply to this post about your favorite item.

Additional entries:

* Fan Felt Fusion on facebook and leave a comment on this blog that you have done so.

* Fan Etsy Hyena Team on Facebook and leave a comment on this blog saying you did so.

* Blog or FB or Twitter about this giveaway and post the link on this blog.

* Make a purchase from Felt Fusion's Etsy shop during the contest and receive 5 extra entries.

The winner will be announced next Monday, March 1st, and the soap will be shipped Saturday, March 6th.