Tuesday, January 29, 2008

A Little of This and That

I spent months pouring over books from the library,and websites researching all of the latest soapmaking techniques. I read recipes, and became intimidated about making my own. Have you ever seen a lye calculator? There's math involved in this, people! Still, I really wanted to try it. Soapmaking is not a hobby that you should enter into lightly. But guess what? I love it! I started selling on my Etsy, and to some friends. Now, Verne has taken some to work, and I'm about to approach a local business about putting my soap in their shop. (Actually, Verne has already approached the owner, and she was very interested.)

All of that to say that making soap is far different from packaging soap. I want it to look pretty. Good soap, packaged poorly is not likely to sell. Autumn and I have spent hours at the computer making labels, and I'm finally happy with the results. They'll need a little tweaking here and there, but they are attractive.

Speaking of Autumn, she's on pins and needles. Last night, we met with a cello teacher. She sort of "tested" Autumn. This teacher offers group classes that run $175 per semester. There's a beginner class, and an intermediate class. Classes started in September, and Autumn is too advanced for the beginner class, but not quite where the intermediate class is. Ughhh... So, we can do private lessons. For $22 per half hour. Woweeee!!!! We will work that all out, I've no doubt. Where there's a will there's a way.

So, the lessons aren't Autumn's big concern right now. It's the cello itself. The woman that Autumn got the cello from is wanting to sell it to us for much less than what she paid for it, which is extremely generous of her. The bad news is, that after the teacher looked at the cello last night, we feel that the price is still too steep. Not that we can't afford to pay that, but is it worth it? Oh, the dilemma! Autumn called the owner of the cello this morning, and explained to her that we didn't think the cello was worth what she was asking, and the woman is "thinking" it over. I know she is in shock, poor girl. She didn't know how badly she had been taken when she bought the cello 9 years ago.

It's so difficult when you want to believe the best about everyone, and everything, and things don't turn out to be what they seemed. We've been taken before. I bought a piano off an elderly woman when the children were small. (I have no musical background, and didn't know any better.) When I had the tuner come to the house, he told me that the piano couldn't be tuned because the pegs had been pounded on and the piano was worthless. I called the seller and told her that I would like for her to refund my money and she refused and hung up on me.

That is not the case with this cello. Yes, it could work for Autumn, but we don't want to overpay for it.

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22 comments:

Sharon said...

I'm sure everything will work out for Autumn. :-) It's so wonderful to see what talent God has given to our children!

Your soap labels look so pretty! That's exciting that you may be able to put them in a shop!

Anonymous said...

Your new soap packaging will help market your product nicely. ;o) The soap is **marvelous** by the way!

As to Autumn's cello debacle. Oh gosh. Praying. <><

weavermom said...

The soap labels are beautiful!

I hope everything with the cello works out!

Seawashed said...

Your soap line is lovely...best wishes with your little business venture.

About "being taken" (the cello & piano) this verse may help- 1Cor.4:7b. The LORD spoke this verse to my heart when we sold our first home. We we're being "cheated" and I knew it. When I took the situation to the LORD in prayer this verse is what He spoke to me and it gave me peace. He knows, He sees, and He will bless. Keeping our hearts pure in every situation, even when we are being cheated it is most important. The family that was cheating us in the house sale knew what they we're doing. But God knew too. Several years later, after they had given their lives wholly to the LORD, the husband came to my husband in repentance. I hope this helps. Bless you<><

GranthamLynn said...

Thanks for visiting me too and your comments about the music. I'll have to keep working on it.
I am so sorry you have had such problems with the instruments. I hope that all works out with the cello. Your labels look great good luck!

Tracy said...

Fairmaiden,

Thank you for the verse.
I didn't mean to imply that I thought this Christian woman with the cello was trying to "take" us. I think that she was taken when she bought it, and thought the price that she was offering it to us for was fair. The cello instructor that we met with last night told us that she should have only paid HALF of what she paid for the cello brand new. I truly think that she is trying to be honest. We just don't want to pay more for something than it is worth.

And thank you for the compliments on my soap!

Darlene said...

Your soaps look lovely...I'll be off to visit your Etsy shop!

I've tagged your blog and if you would like to play please visit my blog for the rules.

Stacie said...

Hi,
I hope that everything works out for Autumn, and that the owner will come down on the price for the cello! I'll be praying!

The labels for the soap is awesome! =)

Mimi said...

your soap looks very pretty, and I'm sure it smells nice also... I am praying for Autumn and her cello problem...
because the lady wants to get rid of it any way surely she will drop the price to what it's worth...

Beck said...

The soap looks LOVELY!

Gena said...

From what I can see, your soap packaging is really pretty.

Also, I'll keep you and Autumn in my prayers. I know that God will work it all out for you.

Darlene said...

Thanks for visiting and I totally understand. I just didn't go back far enough on your blog to see that you had been tagged before.

I'll be visiting quite often.

God bless!

randi said...

I love your new packaging--so very cute!

I hope everything works out for Autumn. Since she is spending her own $$$, it would be nice to see her get her money's worth!

Beemoosie said...

Oh boy, can't wait to check out your new soap! What a wonderful adventure!

Blessings to you and yours!!

Kelley said...

Hi Tracy!
Sounds like the soapmaking is going well...
I have been making soap for over 5+ years and giving it as gifts and get raves but haven't sold it...
Everyone keeps telling me too but I am a BIG chicken! Ü

I am praying about the cello situation!

Have a blessed day!

nannykim said...

The soap packages look pretty--sounds like a hard job! So how does it smell and have you tried it out for a while? I buy some natural soap that is just made of soponified olive oil (don't know what that "s" word means!), water, Sodium Chloride and that is it. I guess the "s" word must make it congreal? Anyways it is such a nice soap--moist! The also make another one with lavender added. Soap is cooooool!!

Tracy said...

Kim,
Yes, I've been using my soap exclusively for several months now, and I love it! It makes my skin feel wonderful, and not at all dry. Saponified means that the oils were turned into soap. Soap that you buy in the store isn't really soap, but detergent. You know, oil alone wouldn't clean you. :0)

Rebecca said...

You girls did such a great job on your soap packaging!! Thanks for praying for the prayer requests mentioned on my site. I'll have to visit your store and try some of your soap soon.

Jennifer said...

Oh I LOVE the look of your soap!

Hang in there, Autumn! Everything will work out :o) keep us posted

Unknown said...

Your soap labels look really nice. I pray things will work out for Autumn and the Cello>

Kelli said...

I will pray everything works out for Autumn *and* that your homemade soap business is very success. The labels are really beautiful, so soft and delicate. The carrots are too sweet!
Hugs,
Kelli

Anna said...

That is so cool! I love it. I also like the labels...

Very nice Autumn!