The Paper is Handcrafted Too?!

Many people are often surprised to find out that the paper band around my soap is also handmade. When I started selling my soap (rather than just giving it away to family and friends), I wanted to find a way to package it that was unique and professional, and a bit kinder to the environment as well. I had made paper pulp before and had used a mold, deckle, and paper press to shape and dry it. So it was a natural extension to use these handmade sheets of paper as soap bands.


These photos are from the backend of the process. The sheets have been drying in the press for about a week, layered in between sheets of absorbant (and reusable) paper towels and dish cloths. After the finished sheets are released from the paper press, they are torn into narrow strips to wrap around the soap bars as bands.

All of the paper used to make the pulp comes from clean, ink-free scraps that I save from around the house. It might be scraps of computer paper, colored paper, or tissue paper. This paper gets a second life rather than just immediately being thrown away. Collecting different papers really doesn't take up that much space, and what a great way to recycle!


I try to make colorful papers that match the scent and/or color of the soap. The first photo is my Orange Lavender essential oil soap with matching, Orange Lavender paper. Once the soap is cured, you'll find it nicely wrapped on my handcrafted soap Etsy shop, Soap Sense.

What do you do to make your craft even more handcrafted?

Friday's FavoriteS

Why is the "S" capitalized this week? Because I've decided to feature three Etsy shops with really cool items and awesome photos! Here are the three lucky shops:

1. Tom, from Etsy shop The View Up Here, is a photographer with a twist. He uses some unique methods to capture his pictures, and that struck me as a very creative and original approach to this art form! Please visit his Etsy shop to learn more, and be prepared to view some beautiful landscapes as well as detailed, closeup shots from Hawaii and Texas.

2. Redhead Diva's Paper Emporium can get you stickered! To quote her shop announcement, "Shop Stickers, Thank You Stickers, Birthday Stickers" - she has them all! Some nice business cards in this shop, too. This would be a great place to shop to help your own Etsy shop look very professional!

3. Amy, from Etsy shop Have Art, specializes in hand painted wall art, with inspiration! Check out some of her colorful and comtemporary crosses.

Please visit these three shops and leave us your comments! Until next Friday...

All images are used with permission and © by the above mentioned artists. All rights reserved.