To the Spa We Go!

Twilight Soaps & Gifts has been a proud vendor at Ultima Bellezza Salon in Stillwater, MN for a few years now and  have enjoyed every minute of it!

Becky Johnson

I started collaborating with one of their new Stylists, Rebekah Johnson, to come up with some specialty Spa products and fragrances you can only get at the salon and with her fabulous pedicures and manicures! After figuring out  what products Becky needed to complete her pedicures, we decided that a Foot Soak, Salt Scrub, and Shea Butter lotion would be the fit for her! The custom scent for the Salon for the Summer is Limoncello! It was inspired by the Tuscan ambiance of the salon! For Fall and Winter, it will be something different, so make sure you book your appointments in advance! 

View of the other spa chair

I went in to test the products and see how Becky does her pedicures about a week ago. I know, it must be rough to have to try my products like that :) I can tell you, I waited too long to get one!  I decided to get the Spa Pedicure which includes soaking your feet in a custom made Foot Soak, Scrub, lotion, and a foot/leg massage!  It was the most relaxed I have been in a long time!

The Spa area is very soothing and the spa chairs massage you as you get your pedicure! It's a must try! I'm so excited that the all natural products provided will be available for people to try in a pedicure! Ultima Bellezza Salon is such a great place and I am loving the new opportunity to share my products!

Getting a fabulous Opi color

For more information or to book an appointment, please go to www.ultimabellezzasalon.com 

Introducing...

I have been making jewelry since I was child. I always enjoy doing something creative and incorporating new and unusual materials. Two years ago my father started making jewelry to give him something to do in his retirement. My line has always been part of Twilight Soaps & Gifts, but in the last year or so, it's really been coming into it's own. I started using unique materials like aircraft parts, safety wire, and other finding to create one of kind creations and it just didn't fit in with Twilight Soaps & Gifts anymore. My dad's line, Pacific Shores Stone Works was having trouble gaining visibility on its own and we got to the point were it seemed like a wonderful idea to merge forces and create one line! That's when we came up with raDesigns!

The name is simple, but we hope the line and each of our distinct collections will be memorable!

We started an etsy shop and have just a few things listed, but you can expect more to come from us very soon with a launch party, website, and more! I want to thank everyone for their support over the years for all of my ventures! I hope you will enjoy our new company as much as we enjoy creating the pieces for it!

http://www.etsy.com/people/raDsigns

hand crafted necklace pic by Heather Lea

hand woven hoops

Aurora25 Collection: Ready to Launch

View from the B-25 Cockpit

It's not always easy to keep on all of the latest trends out there. Sometimes I try to create my own and break away from the pack to create something new and fresh. Something that people haven't seen before.

Minnesota Wing logo

For anyone who knows me, I always have a lot going on, but there are two things in my life that I always have time for because they are important to me and have helped to shape who I am: the Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force which is a WWII Aircraft Museum. It's much more than just a museum, it represents family to me and a part of history that I feel is especially import to preserve. My grandfather was a member and so was my father so the family aspect is deeply ingrained in me. I also met my husband there and we both volunteer for the museum, which makes it extra special. The second thing is the fact that I grew up in Juneau, Alaska. Growing up in such a small town with such a wealth of nature and beauty surrounding me has given me an appreciation for the world around me and all the beauty it holds. It's also given me the chance to be creative and to use things I find around me. Nature doesn't care who you are or what you do, you are a part of it, no matter what!

One of my favorite beaches in Juneau

One of my more recent (by recent, I mean this year) endeavors has been to create a line of jewelry made from Aircraft and car parts, nuts, bolts, cotter pins, etc. Its been quite a unique experience to take something that can be very utilitarian and industrial and turn it into something beautiful and wearable.

I recently started selling my line which I have dubbed as the Aurora25 collection (which represents my love of natural beauty from growing up in Alaska and my love of WWII Aircraft and what they represent) at the Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force Gift Shop. 50% of all the sales go towards the Wing and projects they need to complete.

Clear Lucite w/ Washers

Trying to bring this collection to the masses, I brought a few of the piece to Parc Boutique in NE Minneapolis. The earrings to your right are available at Parc Boutique, but all styles are unique and will not be replicated! A portion of the sales at Parc Boutique, online, or anywhere they are sold will go towards the CAF Minnesota Wing.

In January of 2012, I will be partnering with Vault Denim on a Museum Trunk Show/Open house to show case some of the designs and their fabulous denim. A portion of all the sales will go towards the Minnesota Wing. 

I can't wait to bring this collection into full swing, as it's been almost a year in the making. From design to completion, I think you will all enjoy!

Another new venture..of Vintage Fashion

In my vast amount of extra time between running a non-profit organization, owning a Soap Business, Consulting, a day job, and teaching children's art classes (whew! I'm worn out just saying that)...I decided to start taking some of the wonderful vintage I have been collecting over the years and share them with the world.

photo courtesy of Matt Holland @ matthollandphotography.com

I have been collecting and storing vintage stuff since I was a kid. I remember going through my mom's clothes from the 60s and just thinking how cool it was that she still had some of the stuff. I would try on her green corduroy pants from the Gap (still in mint condition I might add) and an embroidered top and I knew I was set! Not sure how good the combinations actually were back then, but as I got older I learned what retro looks went together and what was worth saving. 

With hosting two WWII dances at the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing, my collections began to grow even more. In addition to Civilian clothing, I started collecting vintage Military items with my husband. I'm finding there are quite a lot of people interested in dressing up for the dances...so I decided to start my own Etsy site for vintage stuff. I only just began posting things...so you will find purses, jewelry, records and such. You can expect to find coats, dresses, and more very soon. Eventually, I will be creating a site for people to rent items specifically for dances and other functions. My thought is that while many people may attend these "Retro" bashes, they may not want to invest in the piece. So, why not rent it for the night just like you would a tux or dress for a formal engagement!

Stayed tuned for that...I'm thinking that is a great Winter project to get going. In the mean time, check out the Etsy site called Amelia's Vintage Closet. The site is named after our little kitten who is enamored with all of the sparkly things hanging in my closet!

www.ameliasvintagecloset.etsy.com

Fabulous lashes at an affordable price

When you think of Wet N Wild, I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind is cheap nailpolish you can pick up at the drug store, but they have evolved so much farther beyond that! I started playing around with a few of their inexpensive bronzers and eye shadows and I was pleasantly surprised. Wet n Wild holds up to the competition in many ways...but lets get to the point of this post- Eye Lashes! Most girls want fabulously long lashes and we have all tried countless brands that leave us feeling less then trilled. They clump, the flake, they burn our eyes...we don't need that kind of abuse! If your like me, you want something simple that is cost effective and works! Simple!
  

After doing a bit a research on some of the Wet N Wild products, I decided to try their Wink Mascara. It's about half the cost of the other name brands and makes my lashes look really long, plus no clumping, flaking, or irritating (yup, I think that just rhymed a bit). You can find the products at just about every drug store across America...so give it try, it wont break the bank at $2.99!

You might be asking why I am sharing this with when it's not related to my soaps or jewelry? It's simple really..you can get a great product without breaking the bank! Plus, Wet N Wild does not test on animals (unlike a lot of the other brands out there).

So here's the link...enjoy! http://wnwbeauty.com/Product.php?Pid=95 

How time flies

It's been longer then I had intended from my last blog post! Sometimes time just gets away from you!

Twilight Soaps & Gifts has been really busy this year so far....2011 has been full of new shops, trunk shows, and new products (coming soon- my fabulous soothing foot soak), and jewelry lines (Aurora25).

Most recently,  Twilight Soaps & Gifts was featured as one of the artists of the 2nd Annual Parc Boutique Designer Jewelry Trunk Show. It was a lot of fun to be had by all! You can check out a few of the pictures at http://www.kittycotten.com/2011/04/parc-boutique.html

Next month, May 28th to be exact, Twilight Soaps & Gifts will take part in Aviation Inspiration Day at Fleming Field in South St Paul- a day devoted to giving girls the opportunity to explore and create an interest in aviation! 
I will be primarily selling items from the new called Aurora25 which is a fusion of polished glass, aircraft parts, and other lovelies!


For more information go to http://www.girlswithwings.com/MNevent.html

Happy New Year

2010 was such a great year for Twilight Soaps & Gifts and me! I met  a ton of new people (business contacts and new friends), participated in Trunk/Fashion Shows, and am have began building a bigger base of stores that carry my soaps and gifts! I couldn't do it without all of the support from my customers, friends, and family!
I hope you all have a very wonderful New Year!

I also have a giveaway for you to help ring in 2011! Simply go to the link below for the Minnesota Etsy Street Team Blog's giveaway for a chance to win one of my sugar scrub and lotion gift sets! Just my way of saying "Thanks for all the support".

http://etsymn.blogspot.com/2010/12/handmademn-giveaway-twilight-soaps.html

New retail locations for Twilight Soaps & Gifts

When you are out and about this Holiday Shopping season, don't forget to visit these great store that carry a wide range of Twilight Soaps & Gifts items!

Ultima Bellezza Salon - Great Salon and retail boutique on 3rd St in Stillwater. Fabulous prices, friendly service!
www.ultimabellezzasalon.com
www.ultimabellezza.blogspot.com


planMYhouse Studio- a great new eco friendly studio that just opened up. Joanna and Michael can create a vast array of plans for your home, office, garage, and so much more. While your there, shop around for some great eco friendly wears! Located on Maint Street in downtown Stillwater, in the Brick Alley

www.planMYhouse.com
www.planmyhousemn.blogspot.com


The Farmers Daughter in White Bear Lake, MN
This is the newest store to carry Twilight Soaps & Gifts! They have a wide variety of hand made items perfect for those Holiday stocking stuffers! 
http://thefarmersdaughterwbl.com/The_Farmers_Daughter/Welcome.html


Parc Boutique
This lovely boutique in NE Minneapolis carrys Twilight Soaps & Gifts jewelry collection.
The store is full on wonderful clothing and accessories for men and women!

http://www.parcboutique.com/

MN Wing CAF Vintage Fashion Show Debut

Twilight Soaps & Gifts was a proud vendor at the Minnesota Wing's 2nd Vintage Fashion Show & Wine Tasting.

Bob & Matt help me man my vendor space

The evening was a huge success featuring clothing from Twilight Soaps & Gifts Vintage Collection (soon to be on Esty); the CAFs PX with new Bags, hats, and women's polo's; and custom creations from The Girl Can't Help It Deluxe Clothing line. Accessories were featured from one of my favorites- Atta Girl by Kedrin; my dad's new line jewelry (yep, that right..it runs in the family)- Pacific Shores Stone Works; the Spectacle Shoppe, Scentsy and more.

Jewelry by Pacific Shores Stone Works & Twilight Soaps

We also had Warehouse Winery and Import Iberia for the sampling portion of the show! For a full viewing of the Fashion show, please check out http://www.matthollandphotography.com/Events/CAF-Vintage-Fashion-Show/13791714_oU4aa#1009909346_dwEz8Matt Holland Photography

Kristal and Jason Velick walk to the runway!

If you missed it this year, stay tuned for next years show which is already in the making!

Photo's are courtesy of Matt Holland Photography!

Weddings on a Budget Part Two: Wedding Favors, Tables Settings and more!

Now at the risk of writing a whole piece on promoting my business for your wedding favors (shameless plug in five, four, three two…Solid Perfumes, candles, Lip Balms, and custom soaps), there are tons of ideas out there to choose from!

In the vast age of the internet, you are not limited to the wedding cake shaped bubbles or those awful chalk flavored hard candies. Be bold with your wedding favors and think outside the wedding box. If you have the time, be creative. If you like an idea that doesn’t fit into your budget, do some research and come up with your own.

Here are some great DIY sites to help get your creative juices flowing!

http://www.do-it-yourself-weddings.com/homemade-wedding-favors.html

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/basformakdif.html

http://www.craftster.org/blog/?p=2106

If you don’t have the time to make your own or you don’t want to, then check out the list below for some of my favorite sites for Favors, Bridal Party Gifts, Table Settings, and more.

All of these can be done on a budget and still be unique. They should reflect your individual style and the Bridal party gifts (in my opinion) don’t have to be cookie cutter, carbon copies for each person! Give them each something with a little flare and that reflects them as a person!

I am huge fan of supporting small businesses and I love all of the one of kind creations on Esty, so the next few sites are from there:

Wedding Favors

Wedding Favor Boxes- fill with your favorite candies, nuts, or a secret surprise! My favorite is the wedding cake favor boxes! So cute!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rachelaakmama?ref=top_trail

Custom Wedding Favor Soaps- great for Favors, to hand out to guests staying with you and so much more!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48433418/set-of-10-french-vanilla-and-amber

Tired of Keeping up with the Jones ? You will have them beat with this fresh idea of Upcycled Match Boxes. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ivylanedesigns?section_id=6064107

Crafty enough to try your own- you can even customize them theses simple products (check out those DIY sites above for details):

Match Boxes

Glue

Scrap Book paper

Sharpie of your choice or sparkly marker

No one can resist cookies as favors. Try these rose creations and attach your own label with the date!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/32850778/pink-rose-cookies-with-chocolate-12

Table Decorations & More

The perfect table decorations from Paper Platypus- simple and elegant:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/paperplatypus

Vintage Wedding Table Numbers can dress up a plane table in a snap.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50793989/vintage-wedding-table-numbers-cottage

The Wooden Owl has great wedding cake toppers, table center pieces and so much more

that are sure to make your wedding special!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWoodenOwl?section_id=6305770

I am in love with these Mr. & Mrs. Fork set! Super cute for any wedding or perhaps for the grooms dinner. They can also be used as place settings!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50832113/vintage-silverware-mr-and-mrs-wedding

Bridal Party Gifts

Bridal Gifts, no sweat! Check out these Custom Flasks for all your girls!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47241617/pretty-in-pink-flask

Another great place to try for some beautiful Bridal Jewelry for you and your Bridesmaids is Wedding Jewels- http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeddingJewels

White Wash Sundries has a great Groomsmen mug for $10! You can’t beat that! http://www.etsy.com/listing/39983126/groomsmen-gift-beer-mug

You can’t go wrong with something like custom cuff links for your groomsmen! Check out this shop for some really unique ones!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCufflinkMaker?ref=top_trail

Of course, there are tons of places to choose from in your local community as well as all over the internet, so don’t be afraid to hunt around and find something that you love and that fits into your budget! Always keep what you want in mind, but be flexible and open to new ideas!

Happy Shopping!
Amy

Weddings on a Budget, Part One: the Rings!

Brides, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a fabulous wedding…you can make it one of a kind event without having to take out a second mortgage on your house!

Here are a few simple steps (and some great websites) to help keep your budget in check.

Traditionally, people go to big name jewelry stores to find the wedding ring of your choice, but times are changing.

Since I am such a huge fan of saving money and hand made wares from Etsy, which is one of the first places I shop. Did you know you can even get engagement rings, wedding bands, and so much more on Etsy? It’s sort of a well kept secret, but I’m letting the cat out of the bag!

What better way to express your individual style then with a one of a kind wedding ring from a local artist…and most of them won’t break the bank. Some are upcylced, some are hand made, but you are sure to find one to fit your style and budget.

Here are a couple of my favorite sites to start your search with:

Elizabeth Scott Designs are simple and elegant. http://www.etsy.com/shop/esdesigns

She does beautiful work and will resize the ring for you if needed for the cost of shipping. She also has other items available which could work as Bridal party gifts!

My husband and I picked out my Anniversary band from Elizabeth and I love it! It’s simple and well made and she will resize if need be all in a short amount of time.

One of her more unique ones is the Twin Ring set which is two rings in one! http://www.etsy.com/listing/41610312/twig-ring-set-in-14k-palladium-white

Elizabeth Scott Designs also has an assortment of great necklaces and earrings which would work great for Bridal party gifts like this Aspen Leaf Necklace ranging at about $50.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47995132/aspen-leaf-necklace-sterling-silver

Kalicat has a wide range of selections to choose from. Some are under $100 and some of the sets can be quiet expensive, but you know they are all unique. http://www.etsy.com/shop/kalicat

One of my favorites from this site is Knight & Day 18K White Gold Band. http://www.etsy.com/listing/39619838/day-and-night-18k-white-gold-band-and

If you are looking for something simple and more affordable, Kalicat can also handle that! Check out

these simple Sterling Silver bands:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/30223328/be-mine-2-wedding-rings-sterling-silver

One more site that I absolutely love is Bend the Fish.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BendTheFish

Bend the fish has simple designs, great prices and FREE SHIPPING. What more can you ask for!

One of my favorites from their shop is the Inverted Pink Pear Ring http://www.etsy.com/listing/36442796/inverted-pink-pearl-

ring?ref=v1_other_2

Bend the Fish also has more traditional rings around $200 like this Solitaire Engagement Ring: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45348904/solitaire-engagement-ring

Of course, there are many other shops on Etsy and in your local neighborhood, so don’t be afraid to do a little digging and find something special to fit your budget! Shop around, take your time, and find something that is really you, oh and cost effective! That's my motto!

Stay tuned for the next installment of Weddings on a Budget: Part two Wedding Favors!!

Have a great day!

Amy

Too Long

Wow, has it really been April 12th since my last post??? Way too long! I had some fabulous things in the works for my next posts, including a 3 part series on affordable weddings in the Twin Cities..so stay tuned for that, hopefully I will finish part one tomorrow.

As for the rest of the things, soap and all...I have a new scent coming out for the Summer- Cucumber Mint! Should be nice and inviting for the hot Minnesota Summer ahead!

Now onto more important things....

I wanted to find a way to help out with the Gulf Oil Spill, so for every purchase on my etsy site I will donate 20% to the efforts at one of the two websites-

http://www.gnof.org/gulf-coast-oil-spill-fund/disaster-on-the-gulf-coast//

http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Conservation/Threats-to-Wildlife/Oil-Spill/Oil-Spill-Restoration-Fund.aspx

It's just one way, Twilight Soaps & Gifts can help give back to the environment one purchase at a time!

Thanks for reading!
Cheers!

www.twilightsoaps.etsy.com

Twilight Soaps & Gifts News

Good Morning,
It's been a few weeks since I have posted anything to my blog..but I am back and there has been a lot going on! First of, Twilight Soaps & Gifts has gone International! I have made my first sale in Canada!! Thanks Mary for your purchase!

Vote for me- from now until April 18th, you can vote for my "Hoops" bracelet made from aircraft washers on http://etsymn.blogspot.com/. Click on the Icon on the right hand side and vote for me (or your favorite one...but I won't tell if it's mine:)

I have several new things posted to my Etsy site and many of them are fund raising items for the Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force. Twenty percent of those items (which are noted in the description) goes towards the Non-profit Aviation Museum.

Lastly, I want to help promote a fellow Etsy creator extraordinaire- Orglamix

I have been searching for a new mineral foundation, one that won't break the bank and doesn't leave my face feeling cakey or chalky. Since I don't have time to start making my own, yet...I decided to try a couple of samples from various shops on Etsy. I came across Orglamix which not only has mineral foundation, but so much more...and it's amazing. It is hands down, the best foundation I have ever used and the pigment eye shadow is amazing!

So for all of you out there looking to try a new, NATURAL make up...Give orglamix a try! You won't be disappointed!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/orglamix

Purchases with a cause

When I am not making soap or jewelry, I spend a lot of my time at the Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force. It’s an all volunteer non-profit group that is dedicated to historical preservation and education. We spend a lot of our time fund raising for the Wing to help keep the WWII aircraft flying and the museum available for people to come and visit at a reasonable cost.

My own business (Twilight Soaps & Gifts) and the Commemorative Air Force are two very important things to me and I thought what better way to bring the two together and help raise some money and awareness for the CAF than by making a line of jewelry made from aircraft parts- washers, screws, and anything else I can get my hands on.

Please check out my website for specific items that are made from these special materials, as I am donating 20% of each to the Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force. I will be posting some more unique items later today… and some of the pieces turned out better than I thought!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41765880

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41766407

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40769245

Enjoy!

Publish Post

On our way...

So this week has been a full week Twilight Soaps & Gifts. I made my first official Facial Bar sale on my Etsy site and couldn't be happier and I became a proud member of the HandmadeMN Street Team. It's a wonderful group of people who support each others creativity and crafting in a great online network! If you are in the Twin Cities area...check them out.

They put together a great blog-http://etsymn.blogspot.com/ which is a collection of entries and crafts from people within the group and they can be found on Etsy as well.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeMN

This weeks entry is a short one, but with a week ending on a positive note!

Happy Friday!