Sunday, November 8, 2009

The Soap Barn's New Home



















What a labor of love to reclaim this space and create a
new home for my soap shop. Underneath that lovely pine floor is century old cement . Mr Bill framed & leveled it, installed rigid insulation and installed this great floor with cut nails like the rest of the barn.
Built in 1850, the barn was the Carriage House for this property . Pegged beams and original wood make this a warm & cozy spot.


The glass store front fills the wide open space that wagons, carriages, & horses once used. The huge sliding barn doors still hang outside. While still functional, they're just decorative now. ( A small front porch levels the rise out front)

We've installed thermopane storms on the inside of all the
old windows to keep us a bit warmer. Mr Bill cut all the interior frame pieces so I could conjure up a stain that matched old weathered barn wood.
A Harmon pellet stove was installed for heat, and a ton of pellets stacked along side of the winters hay. We insulated where we could, and I'll be hanging some of my quilt collection on the chillier walls. Once again these heirloom textiles will be keeping out the winters chill .

Its taken several years, countless hours, and more dollars than we expected, but re purposing this wonderful old building was truly a labor of love.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Sneak Peak ( Don't Tell Santa)



I know we've barely packed up the Halloween costumes & eaten the goodies, but here at The Soap Barn we're creating some soap goodies just for the holiday. While not in my shop yet, I could'nt resist sharing these!

"You've Been Naughty...Now Here's Your Bag of Coal" Soap

Cast from a mold made real lumps of coal, 4 nuggets of skin loving glycerine soap that smell like black licorice in a red organza bag. Perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift.

or

"You Can't Catch Me I'm the Gingerbread Man" Soap

A skin softening glycerine soap that looks & smells like the real thing!
Please DONT eat the soap
or if you prefer
Goat Milk & Shea Butter Gingerbread Man shaped soap in yummy Cinnamon Ginger Cookie. What a fun way to nourish your skin!
Will be in my Etsy Shop Soon.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Happiest Vampire


Every year, Miss Johnson wants to be a 'vam power'
Here's the 2009 edition of the Sweetest Kid in the World in her scary "Punk Vampire" get up.

Happy Halloween from all of us at The Soap Barn!!!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Spooky Fun!

"Alas, poor Yorick...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Walker Valley Haunted House


The Walker Valley Fire Department is presenting their 2nd annual Haunted House at the Walker Valley Fire House on Oct 30th & 31st from 7- 10 pm on both nights. Suitable for most children; but parents can use their discretion...This is a Free event for the community, and surrounding areas although any donations will be appreciated. There will be a Ten room haunted house in the pavilion behind the firehouse. Hot dogs & drinks will be available. On Saturday, a Costume Parade has been organized by the Town of Shawangunk . Line up for the Walker Valley Parade starts at 3:30pm at the Cobblestone Quick Mart and will be led by our own Walker Valley Marching Band. Children are encouraged to dress up, and the parade ends at the Walker Valley Fire House (a short walk). Refreshments & costume judging to follow.

This event is organized by our volunteer firemen with help from community volunteers & is a Free Event. One of the many events that make us love living in a small town!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Treasures from the Sea








The natural sea sponges for "Treasures from the Sea" soap are harvested from the Gulf of Mexico near Tarpon Springs Florida.

Our sponges are sustainably harvested by sponge divers who cut only a section of the plant , leaving a large section of sponge to regrow. Careful rotation cutting keeps any area from being over harvested. This results in larger , healthier sponges without destroying a vital part of the ocean environment.

Sea sponges are safer & last longer than synthetic sponges. Synthetic sponges & bath poufs can quickly become a haven for mold, mildew, & bacteria. Sea sponges contain a naturally occurring enzymes that inhibit bacterial growth. Which would you rather wash with?

Our Sea Sponges Soaps are embedded through the whole bar of soap & eliminate the need for a washcloth . Once the soap is gone, rinse the sponge with white vinegar & continue to enjoy. Safe for all skin types, Treasures from the Sea are available in several fragrances and soap types.

Please stop by www.1846housesoaps.etsy.com to choose your own favorite "Treasure from the Sea"

Thursday, October 15, 2009

First Snowfall





While my husband raced to get the leaves cleared away, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of new snow on plants not yet touched by frost.