A little update…

I'll start with, I'm still alive!  I've taken a little time away from the blog to concentrate on my Etsy shop.  I've enjoyed the time away.  I admit I had a little writer's block.  I've been doing a lot of thinking as to where and how blogging will fit into my future.  I want to get back to a place where my topics are what I'm passionate about and what I'm learning and creating.  Lately, my time has been devoted to my shop, which I love.  My shop is something I spend a lot of time on and I'm loving all the aspects of exploring my new adventure.  

 

Here is what I’ve been up to… Just a few days ago, I re-shot all the photos of my essential oils for the shop using my lastest background.  This week I'm doing some revamping and bringing in a cohesive look and feel to the shop.  I'd love your opinions or suggestions.  

Over the last few months, I've worked on bringing new products into the shop.  

I've expanded my essential oil line, created some gifts and gift baskets, listed new supplies, and wound a ton of dryer balls.

Currently, I'm working on a large order of dryer balls which are set to be sent to the east coast in the next month.  I'm very excited to work with this group, thank you for this opportunity!

I'm also hoping to restock lavender buds very soon.  I'm just waiting for my supplier to get them in.  I'll let you know when they are back in stock!  Be sure to follow me on Facebook for updates and behind the scenes - https://www.facebook.com/SimpleisPretty!

I also have a huge accomplishment that will soon be public and I can't wait to fill you in! 

Sandra

Behind the Scenes: Shop Studio

I’ve wanted to do a post about my Etsy shop studio for a long time now.  After finally taking photos of the space, here it is!  My studio is always a work in progress because I am continually adding stock to my Etsy shop and need to move things around to get the best fit.

Here is a tour of my studio…


One of my favorite things about my studio is the space gets lots of natural light.  Working in natural light makes it enjoyable and easier to work.  My office in the old house was in the basement and I’m so thankful that in this house we had space available above ground for my studio area.




My studio functions as my home office, sewing room, paint studio, shop stock room, inspiration and creating area.


I use my grandmother’s old china cabinet to hold essential oils.


On top of the cabinet, I keep my lavender in sealed glass jars to preserve the freshness.  I use lavender in sachets and I sell it by the pound in my shop.


Hanging above the china cabinet, I have my paper pom pom vines.  Sarah from Paperwhite Designs created them for me, and I LOVE them!  I originally got the vines to help decorate my table for my next craft show, so until then I have hung them above the cabinet until they are needed.  I love the colors she suggested, thanks Sarah!


I used gift wrap to line the back of the cabinet to brighten it up a bit.  I used the same process I used in the kitchen.


My inspiration board is in between the storage/filing cabinet and the desk.  I recovered the tack board on the desk with drop cloth earlier this year.


Here is my light box and I use it photo shoots for my shop and blog.  To make your own light box, check out my tutorial here.




I use my DIY serving tray tower to hold my thread and other sewing items.


Don’t get me wrong.  My studio is not always this neat and tidy.  I admit I picked up and dusted to take these photos.  But I do find that I work better in a clean and organized environment and this photo shoot gave me a push to take a look at my space in a new light.

I find it easier to snap some pics and then take a look and see what is looking “off” in a space.  Photos don’t lie and if you are looking to restyle a room I always find that taking a few pics and then analyzing them helps to find out what is working for a room visually and what is not.  Don’t be afraid to move things around in a room.  If the item is not working in its new home, you can always move it back.

Here is what the studio looked like shortly after we moved in:




After a year of living with our new office furniture, I love how the space turned out.


Sandra

Lavender Essential Oil is Available in the Shop!

Today, I’m introducing my new line of essential oils!  Currently, I have 4 sizes of 100% pure lavender essential oil from France available.  I hope to have new scents available in the coming weeks, be sure to check back!

You can use essential oil to scent your wool dryer balls.  Lavender has a relaxing and calming aroma, perfect for laundry use!  I use lavender essential oil on my wool dryer balls and I usually rescent my dryer balls every couple of weeks.  A 10 ml bottle holds approximately 200 drops of essential oil.  Therefore, if you have 4 dryer balls and rescent using 2 drops per ball, you will have enough essential oil to rescent your dryer balls 25 times.  If you rescent them every 2 weeks, your bottle will last you almost a whole year!  So much cheaper than expensive dryer sheets and NO harsh chemicals!

You can also use my essential oils in homemade cleaning recipes, laundry detergents, and soaps.  CANADIAN ORDERS - No customs or duties charges to worry about because my shop is in Canada!


Here are a few essential oil safety tips:

Most essential oils should not be used undiluted or “neat” directly on the skin. Unless you know it is safe to use undiluted, you should dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as avocado, grapeseed, or sweet almond. To test if you are sensitive to a essential oil, add 1 or 2 drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil in a small container and mix to combine. Test by placing a dab of the mixture on your wrist or the inside of your elbow and wait for 24 hours.

If you are pregnant or suffering from any medical condition, consult a health practitioner before use.  Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.

To check out my essential oil collection, visit my Etsy shop –> www.simpleisprettyshop.etsy.com.  For $5 off your purchase, be sure to use the coupon code "SUMMER2014", expires September 23, 2014.

Sandra