Art Fire link to my shop.

http://magnoliasoaps.artfire.com

My Art Fire Shop

I'm now on Art Fire and my shop is slowly getting going...long pause...I'm also learning how to navigate this new site as well. Lots to learn for me. Tonight Louis made me a photo light box so I can take "professional" pictures of my products. We had fun and figured out how lighting can make or break the picture. I need to have four sources of light to avoid shadows and to get a crisp and bright look. Simple and clean is my goal. I'm having tons of fun acting like a photographer though.

ASM '09

I'm returning from the 11th Annual Alabama Soap Meeting held in Prattville, AL for the Alabama Soap and Candle Association. I'm so glad I took the leap and went for my first time. I met wonderful people who were friendly, knowledgeable,and sharing. My table was great. I sat with both veteran soapers and newbies. I have to give a little shout out to Linda Stevens of GA, who was a first timer like me; Regina Mowrer of GA also, who got mudded with me and posted a funny picture of our experience on my Facebook page;Grace Smith,who is a wealth of knowledge and a sweetheart; and Jan and Bob Kelley who compliment one another well by happily supporting each other. I think I sat at an awesome table and just to think I was nervous about going to such a large gathering not knowing anyone. I look forward to it again and maybe my new pals will let me pull up a seat next to them. Thanks a bunch for the memories!

ASM '09

The Alabama Soap and Candle Association held it's 11th Annual Soap Meeting in Prattville, AL. I'm so glad that I took the chance and went without ever having been before. A big leap for me. This group is made up of fabulous soap and candle makers who were friendly,sharing, and knowledgeable of their art. It was a busy two days full of demos, shopping,mingling and some good food. Our keynote speaker, Kelly Bloom gave an informative speech about reaching a point in your small business where having a product that needs to be branded and trademarked well before it is on the market. A small business that is trying to create an image for their product needs to make sure no one has created a brand or logo with what is in your company's line. She explained how to save yourself from a costly disaster by checking your brand whether it be through Google searches or through a government ran website like www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm. Kelly stressed how important brand identity is as well as it must be unique and of your own in that it creates a mental image or feeling for the consumer. Later,Carol Barber went on to give crucial FDA information that lays the foundation for guidelines that as a soap maker,a small body care business needs to adhere to when selling to the public. All the demos performed had me eager to try them. The door prizes where great.Yes,Lady Luck even shined on me.I won this great soap mold made by Cumberland Acoustic that has me wanting to make some round soaps! The vendors all knew their stuff too. I will be going back as long as they allow me to.

At 3 a.m., I've finally decided to set up my blog for mobile uploads! Yay, for me but when will I ever sleep today. Lol.