The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

No.860: Small Biz Showcase // Autumn Themed Crafts

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

It’s been a long time since I’ve browsed etsy for a “Small Biz Showcase” post.  This time, I thought I would focus on fun autumn-themed activities for kids and adults alike.  Anything that can get us off of our screens and into the real and tangible!

Be sure to check out etsy’s Fall Decor Essentials for more autumn inspiration too.

+ A really cute idea for kids is this turkey suncatcher kit from Punch of Color.  Simple and mess free, the kit comes with everything you need to complete the project.  The shop has a ton of adorable options, including everything from fall leaves and pumpkins to hearts, butterflies and Christmas trees!

+ Another craft project perfect for little kids is this autumn leaf bracelet kit from NoPixieNo.  Again, everything you need is included in the package; the shop even includes a tiny clothespin to stop the beads from sliding off as you string them!  So smart.  Be sure to check out the rest of the shop for more bracelet and keychain options.  I think they’d make great stocking stuffers.

+ When I saw these felt ornaments from wild olive, I immediately pictured them as a sweet gift topper.  How cute would it be tucked into the ribbon surrounding a baked good for a neighbor or friend?  The listing is a 17-page PDF file that includes all the instructions you need to make nine felt ornaments.  You’ll have to purchase your own materials but the shop owner shares her sources so you can get just the right products.

+ Do you crochet?  I really liked this simple and understated pumpkin pillow pattern from Seacliffe Cottage.  This is a digital pattern, so you’ll have the ability to choose your favorite yarn and color.  The customer photos are very inspirational – I love the cream, but another buyer made one in a dark forest green and it is lovely.

+ Look at this sunflower mosaic kit from Mosaics at the Farm!  The kit includes just about everything you need – you only need to provide the water and a throwaway container to mix the grout.  I love the idea of using it as a coaster.  So unique.  This is the kind of project that would be fun to do with a friend.

+ I’ve been fascinated by punch needle art, but have never tried it.  This “Autumn Leaves” kit from Sweet Autumn Studio is beautiful!

+ How about a little cross stitch?  I loved this “Hare in Autumn Wreath” cross stitch pattern from Needle Treasures Nook.  Looks simple enough to start and finish quickly and it’s an instant download so you can get right to work.

+ Another activity I would love to learn someday is needle felting.  This mini pumpkin needle felting kit from Felted Sky is perfect for the season and a small enough project to not be overwhelming.  With three pumpkins in the kit, this would be another fun project to do with some friends.

No.633: Small Biz Showcase // Easter Basket Ideas

This post contains affiliate links.

It’s been a long time since I’ve scoured etsy for a “Small Biz Showcase” post!  Since Easter is about a month away, I decided to look for quality, non junky items to put in Easter baskets.  I found three items each for babies, little kids and bigger kids.  Check out what I found:

FOR THE BABIES

+ I love the simplicity of this bunny ear teether from Ribbons and Buttons Co.  Lots of colors and prints to choose from.

+ This bunny lovey from Bunny Lulu Handmade is truly heirloom worthy.  It’s made with organic cotton terry and look at that beautiful Liberty of London floral fabric in the ears!

+ How sweet is this wooden bunny lacing toy from Red Barn Toys?  Designed to last, the maker of these toys hopes that they “help children with their fine motor skills, hand eye coordination and help build longer attention spans.”

FOR THE LITTLE KIDS

+ This picnic themed play dough kit from Happy Life Magic Shop is perfect for the kid who loves sensory things.  The shop has everything from dinosaurs to unicorns, so something for everybody.  I especially love that it comes with a little box to keep all the pieces together.

+ Sidewalk chalk is always a favorite springtime activity around here.  These Easter egg shaped chalks are packaged so nicely and are the perfect size for little hands.

+ How cool are these bubbles wands from The Bubble Connection?  Perfect for the littlest kids, it says that you don’t even have to blow – just dip and wave the wand for bubbles!  Comes in a variety of colors and shapes and they even carry their own bubble solution.

FOR THE BIG KIDS

+ Who doesn’t love s’mores?  1927 S’Mores Company makes beautifully packed gourmet s’mores kits in a bunch of different flavor combinations, including Cocoa Espresso, Whisky Salted Caramel and Moose Tracks!  All of the graham crackers and marshmallows are locally made from scratch and there are no preservatives or artificial flavoring.  So fun!

+ Sawyer & Scout is a great shop for nail wraps.  The reviews are fantastic and they have a color and design for everyone!  The shop also offers a flat rate of $3.99 for shipping, no matter how many you buy, which is nice for stocking up.

+ Have a tween/teen who loves to write?  These leather journals from Mad Tree Woodcrafts are gorgeous and you can personalize them any way you like.

P.S. Another great place to find gifts for kids is at Fat Brain Toys!  They currently have a promotion going where you can get a free Eggventure gift with orders of $65 or more, no code necessary.  Check out the details here.

 

No.543: Three Months Without Amazon Prime // How It’s Going So Far

Back in April, I canceled the Amazon Prime subscription I have had for over ten years.  I don’t think I could come up with a more first world problem, but I’ll be honest and admit that I was a little nervous!  When we’d mention our plan to friends, they would gasp and whisper, Oh, I could never do that.  Their comments gave me pause: would I miss the convenience?  Would my kids miss the streaming service?  Would I miss the little perks included?  Three months later, I can happily answer with an emphatic NO.

I always like to read books where people do something extreme and then share what they learned.  Cancelling a store subscription is most definitely not extreme, but in today’s world, it is unpopular!  Here are a few of my thoughts:

THERE ARE OTHER AWESOME BUSINESSES OUT THERE

Like it or not, my knee-jerk reaction to buying anything online was always Amazon.  I believed that they were the only company to ship quickly and that trying to find what I needed elsewhere was just too much work.  Three months in and I can confidently tell you that those excuses have all been proven false.  An example: my family likes the electrolyte tablets from the company, Nuun.  I used to pop a box into my cart on Amazon without a second thought, but this time I asked the groundbreaking question: Do they ship from their own website?  Yes, yes they do.  This search took all of two minutes!  Once on their website, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were having a sale (#frugalaccomplishment) and I received my order within two days.

OUR KIDS DO NOT NEED FREE REIN TO ALL.THE.SHOWS

One of our issues with streaming shows, even within the “Kids” area, was that my children would inevitably stumble on something questionable.  Sometime last year, my then three-year-old clicked on a (seemingly innocent) animated monster truck show about counting.  Within minutes, I heard the creepy voice of one of the characters and came into the living room to see a demon truck telling the others how bad he was.  I mean, what?!  It was a wakeup call.

With the removal of Prime, we are without cable and any streaming services (not even Netflix!), but my kids don’t seem to feel deprived.  Here’s what we’re doing instead: I’ve been joking with Mark that we’re bringing our kids back to the ’90s.  The kids made a big wishlist and then every payday, I purchase a brand new DVD from the list.  It’s always a big surprise!  And here’s the ’90s childhood part: we watch the heck out of that movie for the next two weeks!  I like that they are losing the constant need for something brand new, the obsession with instant gratification.  Less choices also means less of a desire to stare at the screen all day too.

WE’RE SAVING MONEY

I wouldn’t consider myself an impulse shopper, but I always felt like it was just too easy to buy a little bit here and there on Amazon.  Those purchases add up!  Without Prime, you have to spend a minimum of $25 to qualify for free shipping, so it’s made me more intentional about what I’m actually buying.

In summary, we aren’t anti-Amazon and have actually used their website a few times since.  (Ironically for books, which was the Amazon’s OG product line.)  But there is life outside of Prime and I don’t miss it one bit!

No.481: Where I Buy Books

My last task on this year’s 100 Little Things list is “Use Amazon as little as possible.”  This wasn’t necessarily a “holier than thou” statement about big business, but more of a shorthand way to remind me to look toward other retail places first.  Today I wanted to share six places I look for books before heading to the “Big A” – let me know your favorite little spots too!

1 // Better World Books

When I’m in the market for books, Better World Books is the first place I turn.  Their used book selection is incredible and the prices are generally pretty great.  I can often get hardcovers for less than $4!  They have sales frequently and also have a rewards program for even more savings.  Standard shipping is always free.  In the off chance that my order got lost in the mail, they’ve quickly refunded my money.  I’m a big, big fan of BWB.

Use my link to get $5 off your order of $30 or more!

2 // Ebay

If I can’t find the book I’m looking for at BWB or the price isn’t great, I head over to Ebay.  This is a little hit or miss, but it never hurts to look!  Since larger retailers often use ebay too, I especially like to search out the books that look like a regular person is selling them.  (Typically, a retailer will just use a stock photo, where a “regular person” takes their own photo.)  It means a lot when someone buys my used books and I like to share the love that way too.

3 // Book Outlet

Book Outlet is an awesome source of lower-cost new books.  These are returns or overstock from publishers, discounted only because they usually have a small dot or marking on the edge.  They also have sticker books, puzzles and other bookstore-type things for the kids.  I love browsing their selection and it updates frequently.  Shipping is free on orders over $35.

Use my link for a $10 coupon to use on your first purchase of $25 or more!

4 // Bookshop

A new for me option for book buying is through Bookshop.  I became an affiliate last year and was excited to see some of my blogging friends do the same.  When the price is right, I like to shop through their links  A win/win situation: money is sent to small, independent bookshops and bloggers can get a little kickback too.

Check out some of my favorite books in a variety of topics in my shop!

5 // Directly From the Publishers

Another source I just started using was to shop directly through the publisher.  Often, I’ll hear about a kind-of obscure book that isn’t readily available.  And when I can find it, it costs a fortune!  An example of this is a book I found on Pinterest that I thought would be perfect for my homemaking course called Home Economics.  Checking across websites, I could only find it around $30, which is pretty steep for such a little book.  On a whim, I checked directly on the publisher’s website and found it at a more reasonable price.  I also like to do this with Catholic publishing companies – they sometimes have really great sales and they ship fast.

6 // Usborne

When I’m in the market for books for the kids or school, I often check out Usborne.  Their books are colorful, educational and fun.  Some of the beginner chapter books have been really helpful in getting my elementary kids sucked into independent reading.  And bonus: you can financially help a consultant, who is often a mom.

Two of my favorite consultants are Rosie and Sarah!

** Honorable mentions are thrift stores and my local independent bookstore, although in-person shopping has been greatly reduced these days! **

No.475: #StandWithSmall: A Wintertime Wishlist

This post contains affiliate links.

Over the years, I’ve come to really love winter.  I’ve been going full speed ahead since September, powering through the fall with school and birthdays and extracurriculars and Christmas.  When January finally comes around, I feel like I can finally collapse into my reading chair and relax.  This is the time to reenergize, to get some extra sleep and to catch up on things I put off when there just wasn’t time. 

Winter evokes a lot of feelings for me: coziness, warmth and a general sense of slowing down.  I was recently browsing through etsy with those goals in mind and found so many awesome products from small artisans that I thought I’d share them here.


HOME

+ Daylight is so short these days, so I use candles more often during the winter months.  I have purchased beeswax tapers from Beeswax Candle Company (the same shop I get our Advent candles) and really need to buy some more.  (Also on my wishlist is this candle holder from Stuck in the Mud Pottery.)  This “warm and cozy” candle from Sweet Water Decor sounds interesting too.  
+ Some of my favorite quilts to cuddle up in are the ones my grandmother made.  Not only are they unique and beautiful, but I love knowing that she carried them in her hands.  There are so many vintage quilts online – I love this beautiful blue and white version and this hexagon one is incredible!  (Can you even imagine the time that went into sewing it?)  This pinwheel one is fun and bright too.
+ An easy way to change things up in the winter months is to include a few velvet pillows on the couch!  I found lots of great colors from Pillow Time Girls.
+ This is the time of year for a constant supply of warm beverages!  Since I probably shouldn’t be chugging coffee all day, I return to tea drinking.   This hand-thrown mug is completely my style and this spoon is perfect for me too.

COZY CLOSETS

+ Have you ever heard of cold weather gear made from alpaca fibers?  Me neither!  I’d definitely love to try the socks from Foggy Bottom Alpacas.
+ There’s nothing like a warm, broken-in chunky sweater.  I love all of the vintage pieces that Lisa curates at Betty’s Heart Co. and this wool sweater looks especially cozy.  This camel-colored one is cute too!
+ Look at these vintage knit gloves!  So feminine.
+ Borden Acres is my go-to shop for goat’s milk soap and I’m anxious to try her body lotion next.

HOBBIES AND HANDIWORK

+ I’m just about done with my current cross-stitch project and am looking for something new.  Lilli Violette Cross Stitch Design has a ton of great pieces – I especially love this Anne of Green Gables one.
+ How fun is this keychain painting kit from Jill Makes?  This would be a nice Easter basket gift too.
+ Nature study has come to a complete halt around here, but this printable journal could help us get out of the funk.
+ One of these days, I’m going to learn how to knit, but for now, I’ll just look at all the beautiful skeins!  Three shops I found with beautiful options are Treehouse Knits LLC (she has a yarn of the month club!), Black Sheep Dye Works, and Holly Press Fibers.

No.381: #StandWithSmall: A Gardening Wishlist

This post contains affiliate links.

There are so many people hurting financially right now and small artisan businesses are no exception.  Today I wanted to join Etsy and their #StandWithSmall campaign and share with you a handful of beautiful items that get me so excited for spring and my new garden.  Be sure to also check out Etsy’s Editors’ Picks Page for more cool things!

PLANTS

Lately I’ve been daydreaming about the day that I can go meander through our local garden center, smelling the flowers and reading all of the little care tags.  In the meantime, I’m excited to find some new plant varieties on Etsy!  Most are clippings and will take a bit more growing time, but that’s half the fun.  
  • This Pilea Plant from HorticultLLC has the prettiest, most delicate pink foliage.  I think it would be beautiful in Sophia’s room.
  • I have a Christmas Cactus that was propagated from my great-grandmother’s (my most treasured plant!) but I’m thinking about adding another variety to the family.  This Easter Cactus from s3succulents is gorgeous!  I love the orange blooms.
  • Have someone in your life who could use a little pick-me-up?  Send them this darling Sweetheart Hoya from The Little Jungle!  I may need one for myself.
  • I plan to grab a few of these Maidenhair Ferns from JLPfarmsTN when they come back from vacation.  I think they’ll work great in containers on my back deck.  

BEES AND BIRDHOUSES

GARDEN SUPPLIES

PAPERGOODS

No.294: Small Biz Showcase // What I Bought This Summer

The Small Biz Showcase series is my way to stay accountable to my new motto, “Less But Better.”  I share seasonally the small businesses I found and purchased from.   (You can find the spring post here.)  Sometimes half the issue is that we don’t know any other options, so I’ll share some with you and I hope you’ll share some hidden gems with me!  Here’s what I bought this summer:

1 // JEN OLSON ILLUSTRATION
Someone close to me sadly lost her baby to a miscarriage.  I bought this miscarried baby saint card for her and was really happy with the quality.  Jen’s artwork is absolutely beautiful and I have many more pieces on my wishlist, including these postcards and this print of one of my favorite saints.

2 // THE SPEECH ZONE
Teachers Pay Teachers is a treasure trove of resources for teachers and homeschoolers alike!  I found worksheets and smashmats from The Speech Zone to help TJ with final consonant deletion and they have quickly become his favorite part of the school day.  I love supporting creative teachers.

3 // STEVE SPANGLER SCIENCE
Have you ever watched DIY SCI with Steve Spangler?  My kids love his show, so I was thrilled to discover that he has a website filled with science products.  I bought the energy stick, a geyser tube, and a geodes kit and will use them throughout the year with our science curriculum.  I’m sure I’ll be back for the slime and the botany kit.

4 // JERRY’S ARTARAMA
I needed quite a few art supplies for school, so I was so excited to find this website!  The prices were competitive and they shipped quickly and securely.  I bought a ton of things, but my favorite buys were the DVD curriculum, these colored pencils (comparable to Prismacolors) and these little sketchbooks that we’re using for nature study.


5 // SOUPER CUBES
I like to make my own chicken broth but needed a better way of storing it in the freezer.  Enter this awesome invention: Souper Cubes!  They look like silicone ice cube trays and are separated into one cup portions.  Fill, freeze, and you’re done!  I think this will be perfect for broth, soups, even homemade tomato sauce.

6 // STUCK IN THE MUD POTTERY
Last but not least, I bought this little ceramic hanging pot to hang in my bathroom window.  It’s simple, but so well done and I was so pleased!  I’ll definitely be back soon for a coffee mug or a honey pot or one of these gorgeous plates.





P.S. The links to the etsy shops are affiliate.  Thank you so much for supporting this blog while shopping small.

No.264: Paper Goods From Around the United States

This post contains affiliate links.


I had so much fun with my artisan soap list that I thought I’d do another – this time with paper goods!  I found stationery artisans in 32 different states.  If you have a favorite company in a state I missed, please let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list.

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ALABAMA // Cityfolk Creative
This shop just oozes Alabama pride!  Two favorites on my wishlist: the “Be Still” wall hanging and the Explore Outdoors card set.

ALASKA // Wren and the Raven
Jordan’s beautiful illustrations make me want to visit Alaska!  She makes everything from vinyl stickers to alphabet flash cards to notecards.  This lupine one is a favorite.

ARIZONA // Turtle’s Soup
You’ve got to check out Melanie’s vinyl sticker collection – she has over 100 options!  This kitty cupcake one is too cute.

CALIFORNIA // LoveLight Paper
LoveLight Paper donates a portion of their proceeds to ‘Kids Around the World’, “providing packaged meals that contain all the nutritional requirements for an undernourished child’s physical and mental development.” So cool.

COLORADO // Blue Sky Fine Art
Deb lives “in the beautiful mountains of Colorado and draw much of my inspiration from the landscape, flora and fauna of the area.”  This wildflower card set would make a great gift.

CONNECTICUT // Inkpug
If you like pugs, you’ll love this shop!  Hard to choose, but I think the Puggyback card may be my favorite.

FLORIDA // 9th Letter Press
Nick’s designs are whimsical, fun and hand-lettered.  I especially love the “Happy Birthday from..” state cards. (Here‘s the one for Florida.)

GEORGIA // KT’s Canvases
Katie’s shop is the place for anyone who loves feminine colors, florals and pets!  This thank you card is beautiful.

HAWAII // Pikake Press
“Everything in the shop is printed, cut, assembled and produced by one set of hands with great care and attention to detail.”  Love that!  Check out these tropical mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) cards.

IDAHO // Amanda Holden Designs
There is a lot of Idaho pride in Amanda’s shop – she has 14 cards on the theme alone!  This one is my favorite.

ILLINOIS // Hello Paper Co.
Is there anything more beautiful than a letterpress card?!  All of Jill’s cards are “printed on tree-free, 100% cotton paper made from cotton linters (which are left over from the textile industry). It’s acid free, recyclable, biodegradable, and elemental chlorine free.”  I love this simple heart pattern.

INDIANA // The Illustrated Life
Lydia makes colorful, feminine, vintage-inspired watercolor art and her shop is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen!  These flat notecards on my wishlist.

IOWA // Studio C Design Co.
I just adore the way she combines florals with whimsical characters like teddy bears.  Favorite card on my wishlist: Heart Bubbles

KANSAS // Ruff House Art
Oh man, I have a wishlist a mile long from this shop!  Some of my favorites: this weekly planner, these pencils, and this Mad Libs inspired birthday card.

MAINE // Morris and Essex
Eliza lives and works in an 1800’s farmhouse in rural Maine.  Her work has a folk art feel, which is so cool.  I love this journal and these notecards.

MARYLAND // Phoebe & June
I’ve purchased from Cara’s shop before…and even given away one of her journals here on the blog.  I think all of her work is awesome and this weekly notepad is currently on my wishlist.

MASSACHUSETTS // Albertine Press
Albertine Press has a brick and mortar store in Cambridge that I’d love to visit someday.  These Boston letterpress notecards are gorgeous and for a location a bit closer to me, they have Washington D.C. too!

MICHIGAN // Amy Heitman
Another shop a mile-long wishlist!  Amy’s illustrations are so beautiful and charming and have a bit of a vintage vibe.  A few of my favorites: Floral Bee Gift Wrap, Another Year Sweeter birthday card, and this agenda notepad.

MINNESOTA // Printerette Press
I love the simplicity of these letterpress cards.  This one would be perfect for a summertime birthday.

MISSISSIPPI // Small Pond Print Shop
Hayley’s watercolor art is so stunning.  Mississippi natives will love her “Places” series and this pencil pouch is just too cute.

MONTANA // Noteworthy Paper Press
Taylor’s papergoods line definitely has an outdoor theme, perfect for someone from “Big Sky Country!”  Favorite item going on my wishlist: Honey Bee Notepad

NEBRASKA // The Anastasia Co.
From the about page: “Words are powerful. They write the story of your life. My passion is to design words in a way that resonate with your heart, fill your soul with truth, and bring joy to your home.”  Love that!  I love this journal too.

NEW JERSEY // Paula and Waffle
Paula describes her greeting card line as “sweet and pretty” and I couldn’t agree more!  Favorite card on my wishlist: Just For You Snail Mail

NEW YORK // Happy Dappy Bits
The environment is important to Jane, so she uses “FSC Certified Recycled & Sustainable papers made from 100% to 30% post consumer materials, and all of my packaging are chosen with the earth in mind, too — from clear, reusable, and 100% biodegradable cellophane sleeves, to sturdy recycled rigid mailers.”  This saying hello card is definitely one of my favorites.

NORTH CAROLINA // Hennel Paper Co.
From Jayme: “All of our cards are handmade with love on 100% recycled paper in my Charlotte, NC studio and each one is a little piece of my heart. Every design starts out as a sketch on paper. That sketch is inked with black marker, scanned and brought into Photoshop where I work a little magic and get it ready for print. All of my designs are inspired by real life and are made for exactly that.”  I love all of her cards, but her enamel pins are awesome too.  I think I need this one!

 OHIO // Glass Half Full Art
I have purchased from this mother-daughter team before and was so impressed.  Their work is so colorful!  Love these Mama Bear and Papa Bear cards.

OREGON // Green Bird Press
While all of Susan’s designs are gorgeous, I especially love nature-inspired ones.  How cool are these Cascades topographical coasters?

PENNSYLVANIA // Jennysrainbow Photo
Jennifer’s shop has a variety of items, but I think I love her photo cards the best.  Some of my favorites: the buck, wild blueberries and this set of Pennsylvania nature scenes.

RHODE ISLAND // Rag and Bone Bindery
“Rag & Bone is a 30 year old bookbinding studio located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. We create beautiful books and albums for all occasions – baby, wedding & everyday. Our materials are sourced locally (as local as we can!) and our trained bookbinding staff produces our books to exacting standards. We love books, bookbinding, book arts, paper arts, paper crafting and all things bookish.”  Look at this anniversary journal!

TEXAS // Hello Small World
This husband and wife duo makes “feel-good greeting cards + other goods with quirky characters, things, and sayings all while consuming copious amounts of coffee.”  My kind of people!  This magnetic grocery list is too cute.

UTAH // Alexa Z Design
I adore this shop!  Alexa’s designs are so sweet and colorful.  Favorite card on my wishlist: Book Stack.

WASHINGTON // FunUsual Suspects
This is such a fun shop!  Between her adorable air plant holders to magnetic bookmarks to her punny notecards, there’s something for everyone.  I love this otter card.

No.258: Small Biz Showcase // What I Bought this Spring

Years ago, when I was running Big White Farmhouse, my online gift shop, I would often lament that there was just no way I could compete with the “big guys” who could provide rock-bottom prices and free shipping rates.  Retail is a hard business and I never felt like I had a fighting chance.  Fast forward to today as I make yet another order at the “Big A” (you know who I mean) and I realize my hypocrisy.  It’s time to put my money where my mouth is.

My new motto is “Less But Better.”  I’m willing to save up a little longer, pay a little extra and wait more than two days to receive my order if it means a better product from a hard-working entrepreneur.  Admittedly, this takes a little more research, but if that’s not a first world problem, I don’t know what is!

To keep me accountable, I’d like to share seasonally the businesses I found and purchased from.  Sometimes half the issue is that we don’t know any other options, so I’ll share some with you and I hope you’ll share some hidden gems with me!  Here’s what I bought this spring:

1 // MERCY HOUSE GLOBAL
Mercy House Global provide homes for pregnant girls in Kenya and has an online marketplace to support those efforts.  I bought a bag of coffee and these mini notecards to add to my Poshmark packages.  Mercy House also has a huge selection of jewelry, many made by the girls themselves!  This bracelet would be fun to add to snail mail for a friend and look at these bracelets!  Beautiful.

2 // LONDON LITTLES 
London Littles is run by Janssen from the blog, Everyday Reading.  I bought the Kensington Navy Rain Boot for Sophie and oh my goodness.  I was so impressed with the whole experience – the packaging is amazing and the quality of the boots is great!  If you’re looking for a unique children’s gift that isn’t another toy, this is the shop for you.

3 // POTTING SHED CREATIONS
I used to carry Potting Shed Creations’ products at Big White Farmhouse.  I got the Songbird Habitat Scatter Garden Seeds and after planting a few weeks ago, we are just starting to see growth.  Exciting!  This company has tons of great products – I have this saved for a gift idea. 

4 // FAT BRAIN TOYS
I needed a few birthday gifts for family members and found Fat Brain Toys after a Google search.  I love their story!  I bought the Lego Duplo Numbers Train, which has been a big hit at our house.  I also got Aqua Pals, which I thought would be fun for the bathtub or for playing in the plastic pool this summer.  Definitely saving Fat Brain Toys for upcoming birthdays and Christmas.

5 // BEAUTYCOUNTER
I have been slowly replacing my makeup with better options at Beautycounter and always shop through my friend Stephanie.  This spring, I replaced my blush and got Melon.  Love the color.

6 // SECOND SPIN
Because we live in such a rural area, our Internet can be spotty, especially in inclement weather.  So while everyone’s streaming and keeping their movies in the cloud, we’re kicking it old school and buying DVDs!  Mark found Second Spin and we bought a few movies for the kids for super cheap. 

No.230: Artisan Soaps Around the United States

This post contains affiliate links.

I admit ahead of time that this is such a random post, but hear me out!  I’ve recently ordered a few soaps online and have since been fascinated with the entire soap-making process.  I definitely don’t have time to learn the skill right now, so I’m happy to support the little businesses who do.

Here are three reasons why you should try artisan soap:

  1. Bars of soap seem to last much longer than body wash, so your financial commitment is less in the long-run.
  2. You “miss out” on all the junky ingredients that some of the commercial soaps contain.  Yay for healthier living!
  3. You’re supporting a small business and that money helps them pay their mortgage, keep their farm running or put food on their table.

I live in Virginia, but you probably don’t, so I went on a little rabbit trail and found soap artisans in 31 different states!  If you have a favorite company in a state I missed, please let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list.

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ALABAMA // Black Sheep Bath Co.
Specializing in soaps, lotions, bath bombs, scrubs, and Spa Day gift sets

I love the colorful swirls of these chunky soaps!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Sunrise

ALASKA // Glacier Valley Soap Company
Specializing in all natural soaps made with Alaska spring water
I really respect the mission of this company.  From the website: “Glacier Valley Soap Company STARTS with the goal of being good for what goes down the drain and ultimately ends up in our drinking water sources and the waters from which we collect our seafood – salmon, halibut, shrimp and other goodies. It’s just an added bonus that the soaps are luxurious, a treat to use, and good for your skin too!”

ARIZONA // Pie Town Soap Co.
Specializing in fine handmade soap, natural bath & body and aromatherapy
I’ve never been to Arizona, but I sure would love to try her line of Sedona soaps, made with Sedona Vortex red earth!

ARKANSAS //  Cadron Creek Soapworks
Specializing in handmade olive oil castile soap

CALIFORNIA // Borden Acres
Specializing in handmade goat’s milk bath products
I love how all of the soaps are packaged in 100% compostable seed boxes, so you can plant them and grow flowers!  Such a fun touch.

CONNECTICUT // Herd Supply Co.
This company makes cold process soap with a twist: their soaps feature milk from East Friesian and Dorset sheep!  “My dad and I hand milk the sheep every year after the lambs are born and use the milk in all of the soap recipes.”

FLORIDA // Simple Bliss Bath Co.
Specializing in handcrafted bath & body products
I love Jamie’s mix of fun, whimsical bars and more useful, utilitarian ones.  She even has one for babies!

GEORGIA // Normal Soap Company
Specializing in natural soap and body products, handmade in Athens, GA

Kevin and Jessica learned to make soap as a date activity and haven’t looked back since!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Georgia Peach

HAWAII // Kopa Kauai
Specializing in tropically-inspired soaps handmade on Kauai
Oh my goodness, these soaps are awesome.  She has scents that just scream Hawaii – lychee, mango, papaya passion and more!  I want to order them all.

IDAHO // Ego Soap Company
Specializing in natural and handcrafted men’s grooming products
This soap shop is just for the guys.  I appreciate the care they’ve taken with their products, right down to the packaging.  Adding “Fortitude” to my list for my boys and husband.

IOWA // Thumbprint Soap
This shop’s name comes “from the notion that no two bars of soap are exactly the same, just like snowflakes or fingerprints.”  Love that!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Spanish Fly

KENTUCKY // Rock Bottom Soap Co.
Specializing in handmade goat milk soap & natural products
Amy has been able to put her chemistry minor to work as she tinkers with different scents and soap-making techniques.  Together with her hard-working goats, they create an incredible product.  I love the packaging too!

LOUISIANA // Sweet Olive Soapworks
Soapmaking runs in Emily’s family – she learned the tricks of the trade from her grandmother!  Bonus: her packaging is incredible and would make great gifts.

MAINE // Rocky Top Soap Shop
Specializing in unscented soaps and balms

According to Tony, “I use a variety of plant based oils and butters in my formulations. No pre made bases and absolutely no animal fats are used. All the additives are naturally derived and most are edible. The colorants are teas, coffee, botanicals, purees, juices and clays. The exfoliants include things like corn meal and poppy seeds.  There are no fillers, chemicals or preservatives added to any of the soaps. This makes the ingredients lists read more like a recipe for dinner than a chemical concoction you shouldn’t put on your skin.”  Love that!

MICHIGAN // Little Flower Soap Co.
Specializing in handmade, natural soap, spa gift sets & shower favors
We used to carry Holly’s soaps in our Big White Farmhouse shop and they were always a hit!  Her packaging is beautiful.

MISSOURI // Saco Valley Farm
Specializing in luxury handmade goat milk soaps, lotion bars & more
Melissa has a huge selection of scents in her shop – over 30!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Oatmeal Milk & Honey

MONTANA // b.simply
Specializing in handcrafted bath and body products
Amber set out to create a soap that was “super hydrating and perfect for Montana’s dry climate.”  I love the simplicity of her soaps and can’t wait to try the White Tea & Ginger scent.

NEBRASKA // Wildwood Goat Milk Soap
Specializing in goat milk soap and Nebraska handcrafted products
The owners of this shop are a mother-daughter team who were inspired by their family’s generational farm wives.  The goat’s milk that they use for their soaps come from their own Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goats from their farm!  How cool is that?

NEW HAMPSHIRE // Maple Bee Products
Specializing in cold processed soaps and more
Maple Bee’s soaps are so colorful!  Tons of combinations and cute designs, like this Strawberry Milkshake.  Wouldn’t they make great gifts?

NEW YORK // Gilded Olive Apothecary
Valerie says, “I fell in love with The Great Gatsby in Mr. DeCarlo’s eighth grade english class. I’ve held a place in my heart for Art Deco and the beautiful styles of the 1920’s ever since.”  These soaps are perfect for someone who loves that literary classic!

NORTH CAROLINA // Clean Line Soap Company
Specializing in goat milk soap, buttery bath bombs & more
I’ve ordered from Clean Line Soap before and had a really great experience.  I can’t wait to try the Honeysuckle scent next.

NORTH DAKOTA // Kindak Co.
Specializing in homemade cold process soap & soy wax melts
With names like Warm Flannel, Prairie Rose, and Off the Grid, these soaps will surely make you feel part of North Dakota too.  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Lake Nights

OHIO // Blip and Branch
The owners of Blip And Branch are a husband and wife team!  So many great options; I love this heart-shaped one.

OREGON // 5R Farm Soap
Specializing in natural soaps, lotions, and more!
The story behind the name: “We named the property 5R Farm, after the five chickens that inspired us to make our dream of moving to the country a reality. It wasn’t long before we built a large chicken coop and expanded our chicken flock to 30 chickens, including several roosters. We added bees to the farm in 2013 and added turkeys in 2015. When I’m not making soap, lotion, or candles you can usually find me tending to our growing menagerie, up in the garden, or canning in the kitchen.”

PENNSYLVANIA // Shady Nook Bee Farms
Jill sources all of her wax and honey from her own hives!  Favorite scent I’m excited to try: French Green Clay

RHODE ISLAND // The Blue Sister
Specializing in vegan artisan soaps and slathers
“From sandy beaches to lush green campgrounds, from sweet fruit orchards to aromatic gardens, all soaps are artistically designed with both aesthetics and the senses in mind.”  This is exactly the vibe I felt as I scrolled through The Blue Sister’s soaps!

SOUTH CAROLINA // Old Whaling Company
Specializing in handmade bar soaps, bath bombs, body butter and scrubs
I LOVE the packaging of this soap company.  Favorite scent I’m excited to try: Coastal Calm

TENNESSEE // Free Reign Farm
Specializing in natural goat milk soap, salves, and wood wick candles
I loved the story behind this company: “Foster care is all about healing and when a new mom to three foster babies went looking for natural solutions to their skin and allergy problems, she stumbled upon products that changed everything…We are still involved in foster care and our company raises awareness for kids in foster care. We also donate to a foster care support agency and a humanitarian agency supporting kids in need. Partner with us in offering hope to those who need it most!”

TEXAS // Foster Gardens Bath Co.
Specializing in handcrafted soap & artisan skincare
The colors of these soaps are just gorgeous!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Garden Mint

VIRGINIA // Wildwood Williamsburg
“Wildwood Farm is a local small-scale farm started by a young married couple, James & Paige Ewell. Wildwood produces handcrafted goat milk soaps made with its raw goat milk, essential oils, herbs from the Wildwood Farm garden, and beeswax from Wildwood bees.” So cool!

WASHINGTON // Sweet River Soap Co.
Specializing in handcrafted goats milk soaps and apothecary
Soaps made with goat milk are so luxurious.  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Black Raspberry Vanilla

 

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