Barony Snippets

Popular Patchwork

2011-11-27T01:12:00.001Z

A while ago I was at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham and met the editor of Popular Patchwork Magazine. We got chatting about my wee shop and she really liked the sound of it so said she would write a piece for the magazine. I wasn't sure if I should believe her or not, my wee shop is not full of thousands of bolts of fabric like many you see in magazines, only a couple of hundred (at the moment - *hears my husband groan*). I didn't think there would be enough to write about, but she did come over to Barony HQ to do an interview and take lots of photos. I still didn't think she would really put it in the magazine, but the December issue is now in the shops, and there is a little piece on me! It features some of my Moda Flurry Christmas Fabrics and some Christmas Bunting featuring letters cut using my Slice Fabrique. I've never been in a national magazine before (although, I was once on the centre page of the Daily Mail for standing on a plinth for an hour!). A big thank you to Jane.

Kona Solids

2011-10-07T21:26:00.000+01:00

It's been a very exciting day today. I've had a delivery of some Kona Solids plain dye fabric. I'm not sure plain is the correct word as they are anything but. I have nearly 40 colours all through the rainbow and have chosen them to match my Riley Blake and Moda ranges. It took me nearly a whole day to decide which of 219 colours in the range were the best match, much to Dave's annoyance as I kept asking for his opinion, not that he was much help. Plain dyes have been the most requested thing from my customers so it is great to finally have some. They are great for backings and edgings and can add extra interest to project when used along side patterned fabrics. I also got myself some Robert Kaufman Metro Living fabrics which are very bright colours with white circles on them. They are another great addition to my range. You can see them all in the photo below, or why not pop in for a closer look.

Crieff and Comrie Quair Special Offer

2011-10-04T00:46:00.000+01:00

I've just seen my ad in the October edition of the Crieff & Comrie Quair, it looks really bright and colourful, just what I hoped. If you're in the Crieff area pick up a copy and bring it to the shop during October and I'll give you a 10% discount when you spend over £25.

Stop Press.......

2011-09-29T23:15:00.000+01:00

Earlier this week I had a visit from Nicole from The Strathallan Times who came to write a piece on me for the paper. The Times runs a regular feature entitled Shop Local which showcases independent local businesses in each issue. I picked up a copy (well 3 actually to show my family) tonight. I was a bit nervous about what it would be like but is was a really good full page colour spread with lots of photos. They even included a quote from one of my customers who was in the shop at the time which was really cool. It's not quite "As seen on TV" but I need to start somewhere!

Click the picture to zoom in and read the full article.

Scottish Quilt Championships

2011-09-28T21:58:00.000+01:00

I paid a visit to the Scottish Quilt Championships at Ingleston in Edinburgh at the weekend. I saw lots of lovely fabrics and quilts including one by Brian from Beechwood Quilting which had some fabric from my shop in it. It was great to see my fabric being used this way. While I was there I also attended a demonstration entitled Creating hand look needle turn effect applique by machine given by Eileen Blood. Eileen was very nice and showed us how to create a notebook cover. At lunch I got chatting to ladies from the St Fillans Quilters Club who were there for the day. All in all a great day out with lovely fabrics, quilts and people all round.

Website Changes

2011-09-21T23:23:00.000+01:00

Dave's been working on the website tonight adding a page for our fat quarter bundles. He's added photos of each bundle in a slide show. I can't decide if I like it but Dave seems to. You can check it out here and let us know what you think.

Christmas is coming!

2011-09-12T23:05:00.000+01:00

OK, I know it's only September, but if you're planning any handmade Christmas presents you need a bit of time to make them. We now have some great Christmas fabrics in stock, Moda Flurry and Riley Blake Christmas Candy. Both are fantastic ranges, ideal for Christmas projects and presents. I think I might use some to make a Christmas Stocking. Why not come and visit and check them out, in the mean time here are a couple of photos to whet your appitite.

Riley Blake Christmas Candy

Moda Flurry

Still Open

2011-09-11T20:57:00.000+01:00

Well, that's Open Studios over for another year. I've had lots of visitors this week which was really great. Thanks for all the nice comments about the fabrics, I'm glad so many of you like them.

Open Studios may be over but I've decided to open the workshop regularly. I'll be open 10 till 4 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday every week and the 1st Saturday of every month. See you soon.

Open Studios Day 2

2011-09-04T23:38:00.000+01:00

We had another busy day today with lots of interesting visitors all with varying levels of quilting experience but all with that recognisable obsession with fabrics and everything crafty. It's always exciting to see who will walk through my workshop door.

A couple who really took me by surprise was Brian and Carole from Beechwood Quilting. They came for a look round and we had a good long chat about long arm quilting and my slight fear of it (not wanting to ruin a carefully pieced quilt top with a pitiful attempt of LAQ). I've had their website on my 'Favourites List' for a long while now and always promised myself to contact them to get some tuition. Having met them face-to-face I know their classes will be superb, They have lots of quilting experience and are really easy to talk to. Hop over to their website for the full run down of what they can offer. I'm already planning a visit to see their studio and get some tips. I also had two commissions today, one from one of the neighbours for a quilted teapot stand, the other for two fabric boxes. We only had one person try the Singer who did quite well due to his wool spinning experience and Dave ate more cakes than yesterday despite me using the till all day!

P.s. I forgot to mention yesterday I met Yvonne from Marshmallow Moon. Yvonne is a needle felter who lives about 7 miles away. I've a couple pieces of her work which I bought from a great gift shop, An Cnoc, in Crieff but had never met her until yesterday. Hopefully she will be doing the Perthshire Open Studios 2012.

Survived day 1

2011-09-03T17:40:00.000+01:00

Well, that's the 1st day of Perthshire Open Studios over. Thanks to everyone who came to visit. It was good to have people in the workshop discussing things, thankfully no questions I couldn't answer. A couple of people did try the Singer sewing machine but no one's achieved the the expert standard of Dave's dad yet (including me). Biggest surprise of the the day was that Dave didn't eat all of the cakes, although he did get through quite a few Quality Street, he said he needed some reward for working the till. Off now for a relaxing night in to prepare me for tomorrow.

Perthshire Open Studios

2011-09-03T10:45:00.001+01:00

Yippee!! We're open.

Perthshire Open Studios starts today and the workshop is just about ready. A few last minute touches this morning including putting up some bunting and setting out the all important cakes. I still have a few things on my to do list, hopefully nothing too urgent. All I need to make it perfect is some visitors, ideally before Dave has eaten all of the cakes, so come and have a browse and a chat, it would be great to see you.

Singer Lessons

2011-08-28T00:33:00.000+01:00

I've had an old Singer sewing machine for a while which I bought mainly because it looks really nice. It was built in 1900 in Clydebank near Glasgow and is the type which you operate using a foot treadle. Dave's parents were visiting today and I mentioned that I was planning to let people have a go during Perthshire Open Studios which is now only a week away and that I needed Dave to fix the bobbin winder which has never worked since I've had it. Much to my surprise Dave's dad said he remembers his mum having the same model when he was young and how he was an expert user. He then set about figuring out why it didn't work. He and Dave spent about an hour mumbling to each other in a language only engineers understand while figuring out how each bit should work, surprisingly without any swearing. Anyway they did fix it and managed to wind thread onto the bobbin, slightly oily thread, but you can't have everything. Then it was my turn and of course I set off backwards and it all went wrong. After a few more attempts I did get the hang of it and wound some more thread on the bobbin this time minus the oil. I don't think Dave's dad was impressed with my technique but I think he has an advantage with his size 12 feet. I'm now trying to persuade him to do the demo's during Open Studios.

Back from the Festival of Quilts

2011-08-22T22:45:00.000+01:00

I'm now back from the Festival of Quilts. We had a fun and interesting day checking out all the exhibitors and admiring the talented quilter's handywork. Much to Dave's relief I didn't spend too much, but did bring home a few metres of Amy Butler fabric which I plan to make into some lovely tunic tops.

Ready, Set, GO!

2011-08-10T23:39:00.000+01:00

My long awaited Accuquilt GO! arrived today. If you've not seen one before this is a machine for cutting fabric shapes for quilting and applique and looks a bit like a mangle. You can select from a huge number of dies which cut a variety of shapes. To use you simply put your fabric on the die, pass it through the machine by cranking the handle and your shapes pop out of the other side. I've bought a range of dies and I'm having to resist cutting all of my fabrics into shapes all at once. It should make my own quilting quicker and easier and I plan to offer shapes for sale and a cutting service for your own fabrics. Look out for details of this service on the website soon.

Festival of Quilts

2011-08-09T00:03:00.000+01:00

Well, I've just booked train tickets and a hotel for a little excursion this weekend. My mum and I are heading down to Birmingham to The Festival of Quilts at the NEC. Now everything is finalised I'm getting quite excited about it. I'm sure I'll come back with loads of ideas and hopefully a few bargains.

P-P-P-Pick up a Penguin

2011-08-06T14:52:00.004+01:00

I've picked up a great pattern from Melly & Me called Penguin Parade to make... yep, you guessed it, Penguins! They're absolutely fantastic and look soooo cute. The only thing is, as soon as I do their eyes, I can't stop laughing at the look on their little faces. It's making it really hard to sew straight!

Don't believe me? Can you look at this photo without giggling?

Polly, Pippa & Pete waiting to get stitched & stuffed

Going round in circles

2011-08-04T20:15:00.001+01:00

I've been going round in circles all week, fortunately all for a good cause. I've been working on a new quilt decorated with dresden wheels. This is the first quilt I have done with circles so I was a bit apprehensive when I started but I've managed to get the hang of it without any major mishaps... so far. The photo shows me sewing one of the nine panels which will make up the front of the quilt. The next job is to sew them all together. I'll post another photo when it's finished.

Barony Fabrics ebay shop

2011-08-01T19:25:00.000+01:00

Dave has been busy this weekend setting up an ebay shop for me. All of the behind the scenes bit is done to get the set up right including all of the info we need to comply with the Distance Selling Regs. It all sounds a bit scary when it's written down but really all it means is that you have the right to return something bought online and get a refund. Everyone who sells online in the UK has to tell people about it on their website. It's actually quite surprising how many don't do it.

Dave is still working away adding our fat quarter bundles but it's starting to look really good. You can check it out at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Barony-Fabrics

Making a clean break with a new fabrication

2011-07-29T21:42:00.004+01:00

Hi everyone.

It's been a long time since I've posted anything, somehow life took over.

Anyway, during the time I've been away we have decided to give soap making a rest for a little while (a story for another day). But don't worry it's not the end of Barony Crafts. We have embarked on a new venture based on another passion of mine... FABRIC.

Dave has converted my soap workshop into a fabric workshop so I can spend my days making quilts, cushions and anything else that takes my fancy. I'm now also selling a small selection of contemporary quilting cottons and sewing bits'n'bobs so you can join me in a bit of creativity.

Dave is still working on the website but we will have some pics soon so you can see what we are up to.

Back down to Earth

2009-07-10T11:38:00.003+01:00

I'm home again and I've had a good sleep (first time in about 3 weeks). Looking over the last post, sent from the plinth, I'm a bit embarrassed about all the mistakes in such a short post. My only excuse is, it was 8m up with quite a breeze, a new I-phone I don't know how to fully use yet, time running out, cameras pointing and nerves like I can only compare to sitting my driving test. Now you try typing a simple sentence.... It's not as easy as it sounds. I did think I would edit the post to correct my mistake but then that would falsify my time up there so I'm afraid they stay.

Let me get all my emails answered and orders sent out and then I'll give you a proper run down of events (with pictures - whoo hoo).

Thanks for all the support. Buy Barony Soap.

On the plinth

2009-07-09T09:51:00.001+01:00

Hello to you all And thAnks for a the support buy barony soap.

What am I doing here?

2009-07-09T08:40:00.002+01:00

I'm nearly there now so better explain what I will be doing.

I will be making some of my Crieff Chranachan bath bombs, containing raspberry and vanilla scents, scots porridge oats and famous grouse whisky.

Weather is fine so hopefully it will go ok.

Waiting to go on the plinth

2009-07-09T08:01:00.001+01:00

Very nervous. Plinth staff are lovely. The portacabin is all decked out on red black and white. Just had my photo taken tons of times and im going to get interviewed now. More from me later on the plinth.

First

2009-07-08T21:23:00.004+01:00

Made it to London, and to Trafalgar Square and seen the plinth for the first time.

I have seen a few of the other plinthers in action at various points during the day, who all seemed to have attracted a fair crowd. Had a nice chat with a couple from North London (a writer for The Bill & Midsommer Murders and a sculptress) who had come to see what it is all about.

Also been to the Science Museum (spotted another Antony Gormley sculpture) and for tea at Hard Rock Cafe.

Feeling quite nervous now, less than 12 hours to go and hoping for good weather so I can make the bath bombs. Now in my hotel room
wrapping some soap samples to give away .

Dave had hoped to update our website with details of what I am doing, but alas our web site can't be updated from the i phone. I will put some more details of my master plan on here later, hopefully people will find it and understand what is going on.

Thanks to everyone who has emailed and left blog comments wishing me luck, it's what I need at the moment.

Bloomin' typical!

2009-07-08T04:46:00.002+01:00

Well, we are on the train to london but have already faced disaster once this morning...no,we didn't sleep in. I woke up at 3:30 and went to have a shower only to find the water scalding hot and no amount of fiddling with the dial would change it. Barony HQ has no running water!!! After a phone call to Scottish Water to report it I managed to find enough cold water in the kettle to get washed and my teeth brushed, thank heavens.

Anyway, i got my new I-phone and I love it (although it has taken from Madderty to Perth to get a reception to even start this blog. I'm away to play with some apps but I'll blog again soon... May even go onto Twitter. Feeling very calm at the moment all things considered. It's sure to change the nearer we get to the Plinth.

One Other Perspective

2009-07-06T22:52:00.004+01:00

This post is written from the perspective of a long suffering husband. His identity has been concealed in the interests of his on going well being and to prevent further suffering. I'm sure you will all recognise the scenario described below. The details of your particular situation are almost certainly different but the underlying theme is still there.

It normally starts innocently enough when the female in the relationship, in this tale we will call her "Claire" ,has an idea. This idea is normally sparked off by something in a magazine or on the telly where the outcome is marvellous and ensured to improve your life in some unimaginable way. It is also normally acheived in the blink of an eye for a very reasonable cost. The idea is then discussed with several female friends who agree it is absolutely fantastic and must be carried out straight away.

At this point the male, we will call him "Dave" is "consulted". The idea is presented in an extremely enthusiastic way by "Claire" with the expectation that "Dave" will agree whole heartedly and will immediately set to work on acheiving this fantastic life enriching plan. After all it will only take 5 minutes.

Unfortunately being a man "Dave" does not see the idea in the same light, and attempts to enlighten "Claire" to all of practical aspects of the fantastic idea which have been glossed over by the source article. After some frank exchanges of views "Dave" realises there is no point in arguing and sets about acheiving the impossible for the 3rd time in less than a week.

So.

When "Claire" is basking in the glory of being part of history, having a great time on the plinth, enjoying the whole adventure and relating the whole thing to every one she knows please spare a thought for "Dave".

He will be the one who figures out how to get half a tonne of equipment to London (by carrying it himself), how to make bathbombs in the open air, in any weather, when he has no idea how to do it in a controlled workshop, how to communicate what is going on to the world when he normally doesn't say more than two words to anyone.

That is before we even get to all of the contigency planning for those what if scenarios, like snipers taking a pot shot at your wifes bath bombs. I'm keeping the solution to that one secret for the moment!

Anyway, I'm sure it will be fantastic and worth the effort, especially as "Claire" can no longer look at me like "that" for being so stupid when I buy another drum kit or mountain bike, or finally get round to building a hot rod!

"Dave"

Barony Reaches New Heights (8m high to be precise)

2009-07-06T10:12:00.009+01:00

Oh ,What Have I Done?

I've really excelled in my stupidity. Yup, I've really done it this time. A couple of months back I was watching the news on Channel 4 and on came an item on Anthony Gormley's new project about using the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square as a living art installation and calling it 'One & Other'. (click on the link to watch the Internet stream live, 24 hours a day)

Well, I thought I'll enter and show my support for the whole project (maybe get a couple of update emails, a link to a blog page, yadda yadda ya) never thinking for a second that out of the so many thousands that would enter I would be picked.

Darn 'n' Blast it, bloomin' random generator computers...I WAS PICKED! (OMG, I now have that butterfly in the stomach, slightly sickie and cold wobbly feeling all over me then on flip side I've a beaming smile from ear to ear, that's making my cheeks ache) and in the first week, only 4 days into the 100 days.

This week, Thursday 9th July 9:00am - 10:00, I will be standing on top of the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. I've had the confirmation email and the short phone interview (well it went on for about 40 mins - short, huh?). And the fear of God put in me by the interviewer - 'Now you know you will be part of history here? And as you are taking part only 4 days into the 100 days the world media will still be very interested. I hope you are not going to back out and let everyone down' Oh, the pressure!

Then... He wanted to know what I'll be doing on the Plinth. I said 'Oh, I don't know... nothing, possibly? There was a lot of discussion about the possibility of soap making on the plinth - not possible as I need electricity so I decided that I could make Bath Bombs (weather permitting! Don't know what I'll do if it's raining).

I'll be making my Crieff Cranachan Bath Bombs and will be taking all the ingredients from Perthshire. Bit worried about taking Bicarbonate of Soda and Citric Acid and whisky in a backpack down to London. Dodgy Looking Couple + Rucksack + White powder + London Underground = A police investigation if ever I've heard one. It's bad enough worrying about the scary amount of Sodium Hydroxide for soap making in my workshop. I'm just waiting to be asked to explain myself (he he).

I've now watched a bit of the live streaming of the event and at the moment a lady is releasing sponsored balloons for charity.

Things worrying me about the whole thing

The trains: late, cancelled... crash (if it's going to happen to anyone it's going to be me!)
The sudden realisation I have vertigo once lifted onto the 4.4m x 1.7m, 8m high Plinth for an hour.
The weather - Bath Bombs fizz when wet, my professional reputation is in the balance here.
Pigeon Poo! (nuf said)
Away out on left field but has been worrying Dave a lot, a mad gunman taking pot shots at me on a very exposed platform in the middle of a big city. Now I'm worrying.

Feel free to add to my neuroses or give me some ideas as how to fill the hour.

I'm hoping to get an I-Phone before Thursday so I can take some photo and blog to you lot while I'm up there. Dave will be videoing it all. More soon....

Claire 'now look what you've done' Robertson

P.s I'm secretly really, really excited and really chuffed to be part of it all.

Award Winning Barony

2009-07-06T08:51:00.008+01:00

Hi All

As always, I've been busy. Here's a quick update of all the things I been doing under the 'Work' banner over the last month... Perthshire Showcase at Perth Racecourse (NEVER AGAIN - last year was well organised and and everything ran very smoothly... This year was a very different story (don't get me started on this one, I'm still fizzing). Talking of fizzing...Bath Bomb making with Buclyvie Primary School as part of their Eco Fair. I absolutely loved, loved, loved getting covered in bath bomb dust with the kids, so much so, I'm doing all again with the Auchterarder Library later this month.

Ok, Ok, I've held out for a whole paragraph before I had to blurt out...

'We've Won GOLD at the Royal Highland Show'.

Wow, talk about gobsmacked. The Judges were mystery shoppers on the morning of the first day (and the stall was looking full and fresh). The award was not only for my stall set up but also for my products, vision for my company's future (more info on that later this month...!?!?) and my customer service.

And we've just got back from the Scone Game Fair. A huge apology to everyone who came along to the stall to get their little stash of Barony Goodies only to find I'd sold out of a few of the favourites. I promise to have lots of my Lemongrass & Lime Hand & Body Lotion at Crieff Market on Saturday 11th July. I've been so busy attending shows that I haven't had anytime in the workshop to replenish stocks. I also have to return lots of emails, answerphone messages and send out orders (both individuals and stockists) that have come in during this week. Arrrgh, Monday morning is going to be hectic.

wee note: All of a sudden everyone is wanting Barony lip balms and my supplier of the cute wee aluminium tins is out of stock. As soon as I get the tins I'll have them back on the stall.

Mud Pack for Cars?

2009-05-13T22:53:00.025+01:00

Well, last weekend was a bit of a washout... Did you see the weather, huh? Our new tent was brilliant, though. It kept us dry through the downpours while others got drenched. At least 3 other traders asked us for the tent manufacturer's details.

So as you can imagine the ground was sodden and quickly churned up into a quagmire. Lots of cars, vans and even 4X4s at the mercy of the towing carts, everyone waiting patiently to be saved.

I looked after the stall on Saturday and when I returned home, in my wee car caked in mud, Dave made a few mocking comments about women drivers and being pulled out of the field by a tractor. I was none too pleased as I thought I'd done particularly well compared to others who were stuck fast as soon as they tried to pull off.

Sunday's weather was a bit sunnier (still with the all too frequent passing downpours!) and a bit busier. Dave helped to man the stall so to cheer myself up I went to get some sinful dark chocolate fudge from Laura's Chocolates and did a bit of Welly Watching!

And lastly, my pair! I love my lime green wellies

At around 5pm I packed away the stall and Dave dismantled the tent. The car was loaded up and we tried to set off. Dave pulled away with a smug grin and all was going well until we got to the bit I needed to get towed out of.... yep, Dave got stuck too. I didn't say anything, just enjoyed the moment!

Loitering within tent

2009-05-02T20:57:00.005+01:00

It's nearly summer, which means lots of outdoor shows on the way. Normally we make use of the tents/stalls supplied by the organisers or use our little green garden gazebo.

Renting stalls can be expensive but not everywhere let's you use a bog-standard garden gazebo (and they tend not to be great in poor weather!).

So... we have bought ourselves a brand spanking new tent which...

complies with the British Standard for fire resistance (as required by some show organisers)
is built with really sturdy poles and less likely to blow over in high winds (been there - not funny!)
keeps out the rain when it's chucking it down throughout our Scottish Summers.

We're using it for the first time next week when we are at the BASC Fair so gave it a trial run in the garden today. Dave swore lots about the lack of instructions, not sure why as he never reads them anyway. We just need to get a sign with our name on the front of it now.

If you're at BASC drop by and I'll give you the guided tour.

(I've just noticed Dave does a mean impression of

'Wilson the neighbour' from Home Improvements!)

Civic Duty?

2009-04-23T19:11:00.011+01:00

Barony 4 Bar Gift Boxes

Dave has been busy over the last few days making 12 of our handmade wooden gift boxes. These are to be used as gifts for dignitaries visiting Perth & Kinross Council. I'm not sure where they will all go to but the first one was needed today for a visitor from France. I'm quite chuffed they chose Barony as it is recognition that my products are good enough to represent Perthshire around the world (wow, little ol' me?). I love all the bows lined up, don't they look so pretty?

This is the second time we have done this type of thing. Back in January we supplied VisitScotland with some of my Scottish themed bars to go into press packs for journalists attending Homecoming presentations throughout Europe. I still can't quite get my head around my soap is being used to give journalists a flavour (or scent) of Scotland to encourage them to publicise Scotland and attract visitors here. I'm not so great at self promotion and I'm still a very small company so when I get order like the ones above I still pinch myself and then spent a few minutes daydreaming about which country my products will end up in. My soap is definitely wider travelled than me!

VisitScotland - Homecoming branded soap

You're fired!

2009-04-15T21:59:00.011+01:00

Just watched The Apprentice which this week had the two teams making soap and was absolutely facinating from the perspective of a soapmaker.

Everything they had to do was instantly recognisable as we've been through every single one many times over. It was also interesting that a lot of essential parts of the process were missed out, but I suppose that's TV and back up from a huge manufacturer, e.g. there was no sign of product certification being carried out.

I must admit that I was encouraged by the many disasters which befell the teams, it gave a bit of perspective to the difficulties we have to go through to get everything to come together.

I won't relive the whole programme but the best bits from the perspective of a soapmaker were.

*One team marketing their soap as 'in touch with nature' but stamping on crabs while collecting seaweed to put in it.

*The other team thinking a lump of honeycomb with the honey dripping out makes a nice addition to a bar of soap.

*Costing products without including the cost of your employees, large factory etc.

*Agressive selling is as ugly on TV as it is in the real world, - and that's why we don't do it.

*Essential oils are expensive, some are very expensive! You need to know that before you add them to your product.

The choices the teams made for their products was also interesting as they were similar to some we make at Barony, although ours are far superior even if I do say so myself.

Our Soothing Honey and Oatmeal bar has the honey thoroughly mixed in so that it doesn't drip on the floor and is soothing on the skin. Although we don't collect our own honey we do get it from a local beekeeper.

Our Soothing Honey & Oatmeal Soap

We also have a bar containing seaweed (All Along The Foreshore) which has lots of minerals which are good for the skin.

Our All Along The Foreshore - Seaweed Soap

Our Sandalwood Soap contains a sandalwood fragrance rather than essential oil. One reason is the cost as highlighted in the show. The other is that good quality sandalwood essential oil is extracted from trees that are at least 50 - 80 years old and concerns have been raised that over extraction to meet demand is badly damaging a lot of trees. Why would anyone want to contribute to damaging these trees when you can choose a cosmetic copy and get the same scent?

I won't be seeking any business advice from the apprentices any time soon, but I am considering applying for next years show ;)

The Information Soaper Highway

2009-04-13T20:00:00.021+01:00

(Hello World)

We have just made a huge technological step forward at Barony Crafts.

We've had a wireless network for a while now so that I can use my laptop anywhere in the house which is great. However I've never been able to use it in my workshop as it is too far from the house - the signal was too weak.

Dave has now laid a network cable between the house and the workshop so I can finally access everything in the workshop too. This is great as it mean no more running back 'n' forth from the workshop to the house every time I need access to a file or order supplies on the internet AND... no more swapping of memory sticks (it's a nightmare trying to remember which one has the most up to date version of everything). This should improve productivity hugely, or so Dave tells me anyway! But the absolute best bit is being able to access my huge iTunes library while working, perhaps not quite so good for productivity!

Soundtrack to work at the moment: Alabama 3, White Lies, Muse & Carter Burwell's Twilight Score. Also really like Zero by Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs and In For The Kill by La Roux.

My Newt

2009-04-11T21:07:00.007+01:00

Last night while getting ready for todays Crieff Market (despite having no shows for weeks we still needed to work til midnight to be ready) I found this outside the workshop door.

It was a bit of a shock as I have never seen anything like it before. We both stopped and spent a few minutes watching and photographing it and trying to guess what it might be.

Our options were

1. A Komodo Dragon

2. A dinosaur

3. An extra from Primeval

Some research on the internet today has helped narrow down the field a bit.

Komodo Dragons only live in Indonesia so that was ruled out.

It appears that dinosaurs are extinct, so not that.

No sparkly anomalies nearby so not Primeval either.

A bit more reasearch has revealed that it is most probably a smooth newt. It is very rare to see one in your garden never mind on your doorstep, but probably more likely than finding any of our original options.

We have now registered our sighting on a website which records where amphibians are spotted to help identify populations and habitats.

Good Crieff

2009-04-11T17:42:00.005+01:00

Had our first monthly Crieff Market of the year today. We hadn't been looking forward to it as the weather forcast was not looking good. The forecast did improve as time went on and we were a bit more optimistic and spent the last two days with our fingers crossed.

This must have worked as this morning we woke up to a nice sunny day which thankfully continued for the whole day although it was a bit breezy at times.

The good weather and the easter holidays meant it was a really busy day with one of the most successful Crieff markets we have ever had. As usual Crieff Cranachan and Lemongrass and Lime were the best sellers but our one off Easter Bunny went well too.

Also selling well were our new range of Hand and Body Lotions which proved very popular. These will be on the website as soon as I take some photos.

So all in all a good day, and my fingers are now crossed that all of this years shows will go as well. After all it worked with the weather this week!

2009 The year ahead

2009-02-08T23:10:00.005Z

It's been a long time since my last post, I just haven't gotten round to writing anything. Anyway I will update some of the things I have been up to.

I expected January to be a very quite month, especially compared to December. It was thankfully a lot quieter than December but not as quite as I expected. I have made favours for several weddings, I had no idea January was so popular for getting married. I've also been making bars for VisitScotland to take to several events in Europe promoting Homecoming. This is a series of events throughout the year to encourage people to visit Scotland. My soap complete with Homecoming logo have been included in goodie-bags for the journalists and travel writers at the events (photos to be posted at a later date)

This week I have been planning my calender of events for the year ahead. It's already looking like a busy year, with events pencilled in all the way to December already. I will be starting to return booking forms this week so look out for updates on the website soon.

Also attended our first event this week, a Ladies Pamper Evening in Stirling. It did take a bit of time to remember exactly how to do everything but once into the swing of it everything fell into place.

Anyway, here's to the year ahead, and more regular posts, I promise.

The Christmas Rush

2008-12-23T23:10:00.004Z

It's been a hectic few weeks for us in the run up to Christmas. We have done 17 days of craft fairs, markets and events since the end of November. This works out at 4.25 days every week, but most done on Saturdays and Sundays with Dave and I doing separate events on the same day. This of course means lots of time spent in the workshop making things for the next show and not much time for anything else. This is why there have not been many posts but I will try to catch up with all that has been happening in the next few days.

Our last show was on Sunday at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh and we were both looking forward to having a bit of time to relax. Sleep has been an item on my whiteboard 'To-Do-List' all week, and the only Christmas present Dave has asked for is a day off! However, since Sunday I have made 52 wedding favours, a rush order of 50 bars for Jamesfield Farm Shop, done all of my Christmas shopping and written all of my Christmas cards. We will deliver these tomorrow, using our 'Just In Time' management principles again! Maybe next year I will be organised! So it is safe to say we are still looking forward to some time to relax.

Soundtrack to work this last month has been: The Wombats - Is this Christmas?, Vampire Weekend - A-Punk (great tune at 2am to keep your spirits high). Anything Christmassy, from good ol' Bing to The Waitresses, including Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You (I mean, for goodness sake!). And for the record... always Jeff Buckley, never Alexandra! You all know what I'm talking about.

It Never Rains But It Pours

2008-12-03T13:00:00.002Z

Our central heating boiler packed in about a month ago. Now usually we'd find the money somehow and get it fixed but this time it died a death and it's never to be switched on again. So a new system for our wee cottage is now going to cost around £800 just to get the boiler, nevermind the gas conection charge. Finding the type of system and the money is the the easy bit sorted out (we'll not the money side, so much) we now need to find the time for David to install it. The run up to Christmas is our busiest time and we really never have a moment to spare. Dave and I have managed to heat ourselves by our open fire (which badly needs swept) in the living room and a wee electric fan heater in the bedroom (I woke up the other day and the room thermostat flashed 7 degrees. It flashes under 10 degrees to warn you there's a hypothermia risk!). So we've been coping and trying not to mump too much, I just keep thinking about how my grandparents managed to lived without double glazing and central heating. I must admit that I love wearing my fantastic 'Icebreaker' thermals - Don't laugh. They were bought for our travels to Spitsbergen and I now wear them as an extra layer at our Winter markets. My Icebreakers are the best thing since sliced bread, especially the boxer-shorts.

Then...

On Sunday the washing machine went wizz, bang, wallop, FLASH while I was standing looking at it wondering why it was making a funny scrapping, gurgling, static noise. Bloomin' fireworks came out of the top as it came to a grinding halt. You've never seen me jump so high! So I've been through my whole wardrobe of clean clothes and I'm now on to the bizarre mix'n'match of clothes that really shouldn't be seen out in public together.

On top of that my cooker (inherited when we bought the house has decided to only allow me to use the smallest ring and half heat one of the large pot rings. The oven thermostate burst many months ago so I haven't baked for ages.

So, the new washing machine is getting delivered tomorrow, the cooker has been ordered and the boiler, well it been ordered and I hope that we will find some time before Christmas to get it fitted. I now have to go out and sell a hell of a lot of soap to pay for it all.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2008-11-30T23:27:00.003Z

Bbrrrrrr! Minus 4.5 on the way home

from Gloagburn Farm Shop

The temperature reached -7.5 on the way out to our craft fairs today. There's a spot on our road on the way to Perth that's always the coldest. Dave clocked it at -7.5 (on the way to Edinburgh at 09:30) this morning and my in-car temp gauge read -6 at 10:15. Although the roads were scary slippy and covered in frost & ice the landscape was a wonderful sight. I didn't have time to stop on the way to take pics and it was getting dark on the way home so I stopped and took the picture above. It's all so Christmassy. The tune on the CD player is a mash-up of several recordings of White Christmas including Louie Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross and The Supremes. Very Cool Yule.

Barony Open Day

2008-11-26T21:09:00.013Z

Wow. It's taken me till to day to get my feet back on the ground after the excitement of Sunday's Open Day. It's only now I can review everything that happened and sum it all up.

At 7am on Sunday morning I looked outside to find an unspoilt fairytale land of peace and quite, glistening whiteness (lovely) with a marquee about to collapse under the weight of snow on its roof (arrrggghh!). I'd managed to pick the only day a freak snow storm rolled into town. It was also the coldest day, I'm sure! However with a silver cloud attitude, it did make my little grotto look all festive and hid the weeds in the garden.

Anyway, this set us back time wise (it took Dave nearly an hour to clear snow from the marquee and fix the roof) and we were very surprised when the first customers came over at 10:10, bright and early. I felt so bad for the first couple of people to look around as I was not as set up as I would've liked to have been. The snow seemed to have everyone talking so it wasn't too bad.

The day was VERY busy and even though I had help from my friend Anne I still could have done with a few more pairs of hands to help out. Dave held the stall as I did wee tours of the workshop but as soon as someone needed a gift box I would be called into action. Anne kept the nibbles stocked up. The nibbles included mulled wine, brie & chutney on French bread and homemade lemon & ginger biscuits made by my friend Linda (gee, they were really good).

Boozy Mulled Wine &

Heavenly Non-Alco Glogg

Linda's Yummy Homemade

Lemon & Ginger Biscuits

I didn't manage to take any pictures during the day as I was so busy but once the last customer went I wizzed round to take some of the aftermath. I should have one of those official observers to take my blog photos. I'm finding that I'm too busy doing something to stop and take an interesting picture for the blog or I think I should have taken a different photo so it ties in with what I want to talk about.

Outside

Inside

As a first attempt at an Open Day I think it went well but there is now a long list of 'what not to do/must remember to' for the next one. I'm now in the middle of making up all the gift box orders taken on the day. Dave will have to get back into his workshop and make more of our handmade gift boxes for me to fill.

Our next stall is at Tullibannocher on Thursday night and I'm sure our Christmas soaps will go quickly. I can't keep up with the demand for our Tipsy Auntie and Candy Cane. If only I could employ some of Santa's elves to help!

Candy Cane (Pepermint Strawberry & Vanilla)

Tipsy Auntie (Mulled Wine)

Thank you to everyone who was able to brave the weather and make it over to Barony, especially those who came from further afield. I hope you managed to tick a few christmas presents off the list. If you couldn't manage over then there'll be plenty more opportunities to catch us before christmas. Or... give me a call and make an appointment to do your gift buying at a time that suits you.

Finally I want to say a huge THANK YOU to David, Linda, Anne & Peter for all the help.

It's A Sign

2008-11-21T19:22:00.004Z

We are slowly getting there with prep for the open day.

Signs are now up on the approaches. They are bright green with arrows on them so should be easy to spot and hopefully easier to follow than in the pic!

We've also stocked up on wine and nibbles, with fingers crossed we have enough.

Still lots to do, making more stock tonight so I can spend tomorrow decorating the marquee, once Dave has put it up of course.

CSTA AGM (and how to avoid eye contact)

2008-11-18T00:39:00.008Z

Tonight Dave and I attended the Crieff & Strathearn Tourist Association AGM in the Drawing Room of Crieff Hydro Hotel.

Barony joined the CSTA last year mainly because members received a discount on their market stall at the Crieff Monthly Market but we also thought it was an ideal way to keep up to date with what is happening in the area and since Crieff is our nearest market we wanted to become a regular stall holder, we have attended every market (come rain or shine, but mostly rain!) since our first one in July 2007. This had been noticed by the CSTA commitee and mention at a meeting we attended last month. As the AGM was looming large there was a call put out for new commitee members to join the board. Tonight the Chair asked for new board members, and always at these sort of things, all of a sudden the carpet pattern seemed really interesting for most of the room or the more daring delegates nominated other people to get the attention away from themselves. I gazed at the swirls!

I thought I got away with it pretty well until our track record was mentioned and all of a sudden I found myself being nominated to help in a working group to suggest ways the monthly market could move forward and improve (as I've seen it from the side of a stall holder and not the market organisers). I was shocked but secretly quite excited. I hope I've time to do my duty to the best I can. Still quite glad I'm not on a commitee.

Oh, and the oatcakes & cheese were lovely too.

My brother-in-law is the Stig!

2008-11-16T22:38:00.006Z

It's been another busy weekend at Barony with the Lanark Christmas Market and The Angus Craft Association Craft Fair in the Perth Concert Hall both on.

This gave us a bit of a logistics problem. Lanark is nearly 2hrs away meaning a 6am start for Dave (who gets all the good jobs). There was no option to set up in Perth on Friday leaving me with two problems. Although I can manage smaller shows in my wee 2-seater car taking all of the kit needed for bigger shows is impossible, and given that our backing is 7 feet tall and I'm not setting it all up is also impossible on my own (why else do you think I married 6' 2" Dave!). Luckily Dave has a brother, Sandy, with a big 4x4 to fit all the stuff into and tall enough to build the stand.

Due to the lack of parking at the concert hall everyone was given an offloading time, ours was 7:40. When we arrived it was the usual pandamonium with cars and vans parked everywhere. Not that this bothered Sandy, who without a second thought reversed his 4x4 (which has no rear window) through the abandoned vehicles, using his mirrors and only one hand, right up to the loading bay. I was very impressed, especially as I had a lot less carrying to do than expected.

If you are still wondering about the title of this post... I was watching TopGear (Ok, I'm a BIT of a Richard Hammond fan) tonight where the Stig used the exact same reversing technique as Sandy had used. I'm sure Sandy is the Stig!

Don't Blame Us...

2008-11-09T22:16:00.004Z

We were at a 3D2D craft fair in Glasgow this weekend with some of our new Christmas range.
We had quite a bit of interest in our new candles in pots and mugs made by the award winning potter John Maguire, but by far the biggest hit was our Typsie Auntie soap. This has a lovely mulled wine fragrance, but judging by the giggles and titters heard around the stall I think the name had a lot to do with it's popularity. Most bars were intended as presents for friends or relatives who could associate with the name, so if you receive one in your stocking this Christmas please don't be offended and remember we only thought of the name, not of you!!!!

Cash Flow Woes

2008-11-04T09:34:00.008Z

I find this time of year such a worry. I know that I need to start building up my stock for the Christmas craft fairs and I've worked hard up to now to make sure that we are booked into craft fairs every weekend right up to 20th December but I have little money to actually buy supplies to make everything. We've recently joined the Federation of Small Businesses and the membership and joining fee is nearing on £200. Product and Public Liability insurance costs a fortune & there're many more hidden payments that the customer never see. I'm really excited about my Christmas range of soaps and new candles, I just hope that I can somehow manage to buy all the essential oils needed. The list includes litres of Cinnamon Oil, Sweet Orange Oil, Clove Oil and our Tipsy Auntie fragrance. The first big show of the season is on Saturday and Sunday at the Glasgow Concert Hall and at the moment I'm trying to design my Christmas-ified stall as well as finding enough space on the table for all the new Christmas products I have. I'll post the photos next week. Until then here is a photo of me in the workshop batch numbering my soap (excuse the dodgy hair net and lab coat!).

2008-11-03T23:32:00.006Z

Trick or Treat

Pumpkins

Spooky

Once Upon A Midnight Dreary...

2008-11-03T21:28:00.012Z

Quoth the Raven 'Nevermore.'

It's been a busy weekend and not soap making. David & I decided not to do any shows on the weekend of Halloween. We LOVE Halloween and are quite well known around these parts for putting on a show for the kids in the village.

Friday night at 7pm (sharp) there was a rapping at the door and the first of the kids presented their costumes and did their little turns. As the second lad (a F1 driver in liveried boiler suit with a bandaged bloody head and 'missing' arm) started his joke when the door went again - 3 more kids. The door goes again - even more kids. Turns out we're the prefered starting point.

I'll explain... David does a convincing Grim Reaper complete with scythe, Dave also rigs up the front door to open 'on it's own' and kids have to cross the smoking skull & severed dragons head to get to the booty. I've been told that all the children from Madderty talk about coming to our Halloween house.

The village hall committee had a Halloween party on the Saturday night some people missed the guising on Friday night so asked to see our house after the party. That turned into nearly everyone coming around to our house (I think the parents wanted to see for themselves what the fuss was about). An impromtu fancy dress halloween party took place by candlelight with lots of high spirits.

Graveyard at the front of the house

Christmas gets earlier every year, ba humbug.

2008-10-21T11:36:00.005+01:00

Well, it's been a long time since I last blogged. I've been busy making stock, ill (just a bad cold), very busy making stock, lots of fairs & markets, very, very busy making stock and... phew!

You won't hear me complain though, but if you do... just remind me of my old desk job. That's enough to boost my enery levels. I did think working from home would mean that I would have plenty of time to make wonderful homemade gourmet dishes everynight for my husband's dinner, homebakes for the girls coming around for the odd morning coffee and lots of jams and pies to give as gifts. Huh, so much for that idea, I'm lucky if I can get a sandwich for lunch and at busy times poor Dave usually ends up with boring homemade soup for his dinner.

Anyway, this week I'll be making my new Christmas Range including Tipsy Auntie (mulled wine), Chocolate Orange, Deck The Halls (holly & mistletoe). Along with some of the old favourites, Three Wise Men gift pack, Candy Cane, Christmas Cracker, Let it Snow & Winter Wonderland.

This weekend is the first of our Christmas Fairs (it's not even Halloween yet!)

Air today

2008-09-14T18:26:00.010+01:00

Attended the Leuchars Airshow yesterday as part of their Scottish Fair.

It was a bit of an eventful day overall, 1st was the 5am start to travel to Leuchars to be on site and ready to trade by 8am. This was a bit of a shock to the system as mornings are not really my thing. It was also a bit strange getting up when it was still dark.

Part of the reason for the early start is the need for security checks before you can enter the airbase. I've never had the car searched by a sniffer dog on the way to a show before (or any other time for that matter).

This was a bit nerve racking as our soap contains a lot of glycerine, but luckily not nitro glycerine. Our Stop Kidding Around soap contains almond oil. Semtex smells of almonds, not sure why I know this as I have never smelt semtex. it must be one of those useless fact you pick up just so you can remember it when a sniffer dog reaches your boot!

Just to top things off I had a large number of bombs in the boot......., well bath bombs anyway. I was very careful to refer to them as bath fizz during the day.

Tick, Tick, Tick......., Tick Booomm!

Anyway the sniffer dog was satisfied that none of our products could be used in the pursuit of evil so I was allowed entry.

The show was very busy all day but due to the weather a lot of the flying displays did not take place which was a bit of a disapointment for the visitors.

Being in an aircraft hanger meant I couldn't see a lot of what was happening but did catch a glimpse of one or two planes including a Spitfire. I was a bit disappointed not to be able to see the Vulcan Bomber (grounded due to low cloud) as I remember these flying over my house when I was a kid. Yes I am that old!

Worryingly it was dark again by the time I got home, the nights are fair drawing in as my dad always says.

Dave

Barony Crafts Mentioned in Homes & Interiors

2008-09-13T01:12:00.006+01:00

Oooh, I'm so grateful to Lisa at Primrose Hill Interiors. Lisa's studio and shop has been featured in the September/October edition of Homes & Interiors Scotland, in their Nooks & Crannies section. As part of the article Lisa mentioned some local crafts stocked in her shop, one of which is Barony Crafts Soap. My heart skipped a beat when I was reading about Lisa's success and there before me was my wee company mentioned in this very posh mag. Have a read for yourself...

Website Updates

2008-09-12T12:50:00.006+01:00

It's about time I overhaul my website. For a start, not all my soaps I have on my stall are available to buy online. I have lots more products now including Liquid Handsoap, Hand & Body Lotion & Shower Gels. I have to admit that I've been so busy with my shows over the summer period I haven't had time to 'spring clean' the website.

The major prompt to do this is the festive season is nearing and my trade stockists are starting to ask about this years Christmas range. So, it time to sit down and charge at it like heading down the Lilliehammer Bobsliegh Run (have I mentioned I've done this!) once it starts there's no stopping it until it comes to an end somewhere miles from where you started.

just before the bobsleigh run

You may find that the words UNDER CONSTRUCTION are peppered over the website for the next couple weeks but you will still be able to buy as usuall. Hopefuly it will result in an easier to use and more pleasing to the eye Barony Crafts website. If you have any suggestions to help or any ideas of things you would like to see... drop me a post.

Love & Marriage

2008-09-12T12:14:00.006+01:00

On Monday I had a bride-to-be pick up her 110 Barony soap favours ready for her wedding on Saturday 13th September. A couple of weeks previously Vicki & her mother came out to my workshop to talk over colours, scents and wording of the labels. I think I enjoyed the experience as much as the Bride. I remember for our wedding day we had Dave's sporran made to his specifications by a sporran maker to the stars!!! We visited Marcus Eagleton's workshop and was fascinated by it all. I was really chuffed when I recogised the same buzz from my guests as I showed off my workshop. I think is great to support talented craftsmen and seek out individual items to make you big day extra special.

matching bridesmaids fabric

Lots To Tell

2008-09-12T10:47:00.018+01:00

This past week (and a bit) has been very hectic and full of ups and downs. On Monday last week I gave a talk about Barony to Logiealmond WRI. I was asked to be a speaker a few months back and all of a sudden there I was infront of a room full of people (isn't it funny how quickly time passes when you are worried about something). Well, I have to say a huge thank you to eveyone for making me feel at ease. It was a great night and I may have spoken for a bit too long once I got into it. Afterwards we had tea, sandwiches and homemade cakes, lovely. A special thank you to Helen for keeping calm before the talk.

Logiealmond WRI

That weekend, over Friday 5th to Sunday 7th, David and I had a couple of large shows as well as supplying a table for a charity fundraiser in Bridge of Allan.

On Friday 5th I set up shop at the Dundee Flower & Food Festival. It was a bit of a slow day (Fridays usually are at these 3 day shows) but by sheer luck I was placed beside Jo Cound, a photographer friend from Crieff Market. Jo's work is mainly of the natural world. Some of her pictures have appeared on magazine covers and loo roll packaging! Don't tell Dave but I did spend much of the day looking through Jo's stall and chatting away. The picture below is one of my favourites and I've told Dave I'd be very pleased with Santa if I found it under the Christmas tree this year...

Bell Cap by Jo Cound

David tended to the stall in Dundee for the rest of the weekend. I wasn't at Dundee on Sat & Sun, I had a stall at Glamis Game Fair and Countryside Festival at Glamis Castle with 3D/2D. What a great time I had & nearly sold out of all my stock. Now that sounds great but I have a view that if I'm running out of stock then I've not made enough! It's great when I have regular customers come up and say 'I was hoping you'd be at this show'.

To add to this busy weekend we had 'Crafty' friends staying over on the Saturday night. Sean & Gillian are known as Hamilton Taylor and are very talented glass workers. Instead of me telling you all about what they do you can visit their webpage. Sean & Gillian live in Glasgow and it's a bit of a trek for them to drive home and come back to Glamis the next day so we offered them a bed for the night. After a long day at Glamis we all headed off to have dinner out (no way was I able to make a 3 course meal in the middle of a show weekend!) and what a joy it was.

My African Delta trinket box and handmade glass beads by Hamilton Taylor

New Stockist - Jamesfield Organic Farm

2008-08-31T01:00:00.006+01:00

Today Jamesfield Organic Farm became our newest stockist. I love Jamesfield Farm Shop, it's got a really cool vibe about it, it's very 'family friendly' which, oddly, gives it a real community centre/local pub buzz about it and it's always busy when I'm there. Then there's the restaurant... it's what I would call relaxed posh! It feels like a treat but not so much that you have to sit up straight and elbows off the table type stuffy. I enjoy watching the adorable little chickens bobbing about out of the restaurant windows. Anyway, here's a photo of the first delivery... soon to be follow by Shower Gels, Liquid Handsoaps, Lip Balms and Bath Bombs.

Loofah Mum & Ladies Who Lunch

2008-08-28T02:19:00.005+01:00

Hi all, again I'm going to start a post with... I really should be making soap but...today I had lunch at Gloagburn with Brenda, my lovely Mother-in-law. I have been supplying my soap to Gloagburn for just over a month and already a second order was required. So, to kill two birds with one stone (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it) I delivered my stock and then settled down to a cheese board with oatcakes (Dave's mum had a very tasty bowl of soup). Well, over at the next table was my neighbours-but-one, Isobel & Charles who are great gardeners. Isobel is growing her own loofah plants (we use loofah in all our Foot Scrubbies) and I've been extremely interested in how the little 'uns are doing. When I got home there was a ickle loofah plant on my doorstep! I'm a loofah mum! I will try my hardest to ensure that Mavis (yes, I've named it) is watered, fed and generally made comfortable ('more than what you do for me' says Dave). If all goes well I'll be using Madderty grown loofahs in my soaps. I'll let you know how it goes... fingers crossed.

Mavis the loofah plant

Anyway, I picked up Gloagburn's monthly newsletter on the way out and I was chuffed to bits to see Barony got a little mention in the local produce section. If you click on the photo to see the newsletter larger, we're mentioned in the second last line.

Gloagburn Newsletter Aug '08

New Stockists

2008-08-23T23:36:00.009+01:00

I'm really pleased to announce that Barony Soaps can now be purchased at Crieff Hydro Hotel Boutique, Crieff and soon to be at Jamesfield Organic Farm, Abernethy. Vicky, Boutique Manager at Crieff Hydro, sampled some of my soap when I was there two weeks ago. I've Got A Lovely Bar of Coconut is her favourite!

Barony Retail Stands

I was invited to have a stall at the Jamesfield open farm day about a month back and as a result I was asked to fill a display there of approximately 7ft x 7ft (yes, you read correctly). Well, I'm a one man band (with the help of Dave) so at that time I couldn't fulfil this amount as well as continue my monthly markets, bigger shows such as Scone Game Fair and private buyers. A couple of weeks passed and then Julien emailed me to chat about how to get Barony Soap into Jamesfield (again customer and staff were asking for us by name - how great is that?) so after a lovely visit out there this morning we've decided to start with one of the 7ft shelves with 20 different types of our soaps, 6 type of shower gels, bath bombs, lip balms and gift boxes, oh, and our soy wax candles. Phew, that's still a lot of stock. Saturday 30th August is delivery day. From then on we'll be able to slowly add to this range and as Christmas nears... gosh, I have to think start thinking about this years Christmas Range. I'm sure the very popular Three Wise Men gift packs are set to make a comeback.

As Promised...

2008-08-22T21:39:00.002+01:00

As Promised... The Workshop

Wrapped & Packed

2008-08-19T00:18:00.003+01:00

I told you all on Friday that my task for the day was to wrap and pack all the soap for the weekends stall. Well, here it is...wrapped & packed.

I love the sight of it all ready to go, all neat and in order. This box is holding approx 24kg of fine handmade Barony Soap. We usually take 2 or 3 boxes like this to market, more if it's a large show. This doesn't include all the stall build up stuff (stall table, cordless drill, duck tape, strong clamps, string etc).

I was a delicate little flower before I started having to humf this lot around (who am I kidding?). I probably got a very good training for lifting huge, heavy, ungainly boxes from my time working in the Virgin record store in Perth (oh, my yoof!). A tray-box full of CDs is not so heavy when you just lift it but by the time you have carried it from the stock room, down two flights of stairs, through a shop full of people and deliver it to its destination... now that's heavy. It's much the same with soap. I don't have rock hard biceps but I can fairly tackle a stuck top on a jar of pickles!

Dave's 1st Post

2008-08-18T23:03:00.004+01:00

The Spider T (Humber Sloop) & The Reaper (Fifie)

at the Arbroath Seafest 2008

Claire has made me write this blog using the excuse that my name is on the signature too. I'm sure it's just that she can't think of anything to write today, not something that happens often.

Spent the weekend at the Arbroath Seafest which didn't get off to a very good start. Somehow the organiser thought we didn't want them to provide a market stall, leaving me with nowhere to display our wares for the day. Thankfully I'm better at improvising than I am at blogging so after a whistlestop tour of a local DIY store I managed to make a stall which got me through the day. Luckily it didn't rain, but I did suffer a bit of sunburn. Sunday was much less stressful being armed with our usual kit, there is a lot to be said for self sufficiency. And just as well as the sun from Saturday was replaced with clouds all day and rain later in the afternoon making me glad to be under cover.

The pic above is of the boats in Arbroath Harbour on Sunday, we were too busy to take a closer look.

Claire will resume normal blog service soon, she's never lost for words for too long, and it will take me weeks to think of anything interesting to write.

This Weekend's Sales!

2008-08-15T12:28:00.008+01:00

Barony Soap Logs waiting to be sliced and wrapped

This weekend Barony will be at the Arbroath Seafest (Saturday & Sunday) and The Fayre in the Square as part of the Crieff Highland Games celebrations (Saturday). I'll be at Crieff and Dave will be at Arbroath. The soap logs in the photo above will make 240 bars as well as 5 more logs setting that didn't make it in time for the photo. My task for today is to get them all wrapped, divided into two lots and packed ready for Saturday. What am I doing writting this blog? I should be in the workshop in a blur of activity.

Todays soundtrack to soapmaking

I'm a huge fan of Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) and his dulcet tones will see me through the days work today. I think I will start with the newest album, The Slip, and work my way back through the albums. I've been a fan for nearly 20 years now, that makes me sound really old. I suppose the type of music you listen to through your teens stays with you. Dave is still a fan of Iron Maiden... nuf said! I often have to tell Dave 'I'm not naming a soap after any heavy metal bands'. His most recent suggestion was Back in Black for a blackcurrant bar, I mean, really, I don't know. In saying all that about Dave's soap naming, to his credit, he did come up with All Along The Foreshore for our Kelp soap. Many customers have commented on how the name takes them to a favourite beach, a romantic stroll. Dave then told me the name was a variation of All Along The Watchtower... by Jimi Hendrix/Bob Dylan. He wins.

from left to right: Lemongrass & Lime, Starry Starry Night, Sparkling Lemonade, Glittering Seas, Tea Tree Scrubbie and Pass The Soap, Sweet Pea!

Lucky Dust on my path

2008-08-10T21:25:00.008+01:00

Last night I was at a bit of a loss as what to do with my Sunday, seeing that the Perth Highland Games trade stalls were cancelled. I suppose I’ll start with telling you about how lucky I was yesterday and how I ended up having a great day selling my soap today.

It was Crieff’s Monthly Market on Saturday and it was a complete and utter washout. The first stall packed up at 11am then more & more slinked off until only the (fool) hardy were left, until around 3pm. We all then decide it was a loosing battle and packed up.

Due to the early finish, I had time to pop into Perth for some bits ‘n’ pieces for the workshop at around 4:30pm. Now, I really grudge paying for a full hour’s parking to nip into a shop for 5 mins but then again I don’t want to park somewhere it’ll get in the way/parking fine/car scratched so I usually swear at the poor ticket machine and pay my hard earned pennies. However, yesterday I parked up and the little boy from the car next door chapped on my window and presented a parking ticket. His father shouted across the seat ‘There’s 15 mins left on his ticket, would that be enough?’ Perfect and perfect timing too! (I know you’re not really allowed to transfer parking tickets but I’m sure everyone does it).

Next, I needed to get some brilliant 'Lock & Lock' storage boxes from Lakeland so I drove to a car park nearer to the shop (really bulky shopping, honest). As I hop-skipped to the penny guzzler, and just before I fed the thing, I heard a car horn peep. I turned around and again a man shouted at me ‘Will quarter past five do you?’ What’s the chance of that happening twice in one day?

I bought a Perthshire Advertiser and a lottery ticket (first time for me, never seen the point before) on the way home. Well, after all the excitement I only got one number, oh well, the lucky streak had run out, or so I thought…

Perthshire Advertiser Friday 8th July 2008

This is the first time I’d heard of the market. I made a wee cheeky phone call to the Hydro at 9:30pm. After a quick chat to the organiser of the event I had a stall for the day.

Crieff Hydro Hotel Summer Market Sunday 10th August 2008

It was mainly dry with a couple of showers but it still made for a really profitable day. I really do think someone sprinkled some ‘lucky dust’ on my path this weekend.

I hope yours was just as good.
C.

Can't think of a witty title

2008-08-08T16:36:00.016+01:00

I received a phone call today to say that the Perth Highland Games have had to relocate to Perth Racecourse on Sunday instead of its usual home of Perth’s South Inch. I take it’s because the Inch is waterlogged…again. So I’m afraid that due to relocation there won’t be any space for Trade Stands, one of which was Barony. Oh well, outside events are such a hit or miss in Scotland.

After our usual stall at Crieff’s Monthly Market tomorrow, our next outing is the Arbroath Seafest at, you’ve guessed it, Arbroath Harbour on Saturday 16th. This will be our second year attending. Last year was two days of glorious sunshine, fresh sea breeze and good company. I hope it’ll be the same again this year.

As you will probably know from previous posts we are trying to ‘do-up’ the workshop up a bit. There’s nothing wrong with it as such, it just when you spend 8 hours a day in your workplace you need it to be somewhere you want to spend time in, am I right? I’ve decide to paint one of the walls a warm brown and hang a couple multicoloured polka dot pictures to add a bit of colour. I’m also considering having some stained glass art put into the bottom panes of the new door. Anyway, running between the house and the workshop (the cordless phone does ring in the workshop but the reception is rubbish) I caught a glimpse of my lavender patch and although it’s a common sight I though I’d say hello to my little garden visitors.

Learning to Blog - Old News

2008-08-05T23:42:00.007+01:00

I think I'm getting better at this blogging thing. So, I've moved a wee report about the Royal Highland Show from the news page on the website to here. After reading it again I did chuckle. They often say 'you'll laugh about it one day'... so true, so true!

We've just come back from the Royal Highland Show...

and we're exhausted!

Claire at RHS 19th-22nd June 2008

This has been the largest show David & I have exhibited at to date and a very steep learning curve on how much preparation is needed for such an event. I don't think I saw my pillow until 3am throughout. You see, we sold out of our 4 most popular bars twice over, which was great. Just when I thought I had enough, someone would buy 5 bars of one type to ensure they had enough until the next time they saw us. (note: you can order online at anytime and we'll post them out to you)

We did have a few 'character building' hiccups along the way...
Our cash box fell off our sack barrow into a big, wet, mud puddle, and yes we did have to fish pennies from the depths!
The night before show-day I decided our stall looked awful. So after a few heated words between Dave and myself, we spent a fortune in a rather famous Swedish store to rectify the stall staging problems.
And we constantly ran out of pound coins for change (extra special thanks to my good friend and erm, 'Marketing Manger' Gill who is now on first name terms with the ladies maning the Bank of Scotland branch at the show - Gill also helped man the stand on the Saturday and I owe her a slap up meal for her help)

All in all, though, we had a super time meeting everyone and chatting about different scents evoking childhood memories, finding the right soap bar for Great Aunt Meg, which teacher was going to receive the raspberry or lemongrass & lime bath fizz and I even christened a new bar.... Monkey Business - soon to be on these pages.

So, The Perthshire Showcase is the next show you will be able to visit us at. Do you think we'll be better prepared for that one? me, neither!

Calling Trinny & Susannah...

2008-08-05T08:57:00.014+01:00

It's about time Barony HQ got a much deserved makeover. Originally a garage at the front and a workshop at the rear (made for the previous owner, a golf professional, to repair and customise clubs) it's now been converted into a soapery at the front and David's wooden gift box/stall display making workshop at the rear (big dividing partition seperating the two).

I'll start by showing you the outside. First, we're getting rid of the dodgy up'n'over brown garage door and replacing it with much more suitable wooden double doors.

From this...

Old door

To this...

Dave hard at work on the new door

Not finished yet, but you can start to see where we're going with this. I'm so excited about it all. We will be painting it a warm brown (nicer than the old door). We're then going to add a couple of plant pots each side of the door and hanging baskets. Next step will be to get a sign made for above the door.

As Dave was busy hanging the garage doors I went for a wander down to the bottom of our garden and saw this...

Double rainbow from the bottom of the garden 04/08/08

I'll post the finished frontage as soon as it's done. Oh, and some photos of the inside.

Award Winning Stand

2008-08-03T23:38:00.009+01:00

New product from Barony

2008-07-31T00:17:00.005+01:00

A quick photo and note to say Barony Shower Gel is going to make its stall debut at the Perth Show this weekend. There's a very limited number of bottles available so make sure we're your first stop at the show (we're in the craft tent). If you can't make it to the show then you'll soon be able to buy online.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-07-28T15:48:00.010+01:00

It’s been a week and a bit since my last post, due to the amount of soap making and summer craft fairs/shows we’ve attended. I’d better give you a quick update.

Friday night, the 18th, David and I headed North for the Inverness Highland Games. We chose the easy option of a Premier Inn for our ‘keeling over and passing out from exhaustion’ sleep over. We got to Inverness around 10ish and tried to check in. No reservations in our names!?! We’d gone to the wrong Premier Inn! Found the right one 10 minutes later, so, not so bad. Saturday and Sunday we set up shop. Struggled with the wind which tried to blow the tent over regularly, but we survived unscathed.

Ewer & Basin by Len Whatley, Crieff Ceramics, made especially for Barony's first Trade Show.

Monday was delivery day. First soap delivery of the day was made to Len at Crieff Ceramics. It was a glorious day so when I arrived Len was outside enjoying the sun and having a wee tea break. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to take him up on the lovely offer of a cuppa… maybe, no definitely, next time. I had to shoot off back to Gloagburn Farm Shop at Tibbermore to delivery their first order. I’ve loved going to Gloagburn for a few years now, and it’s only a few miles down the road from us. I love their café and all their quirky gifts in their shop. I sure Barony Soap will fit right in.

So without sampling any of their yummy raspberry meringues (which I have done on several previous occasions) David and I drove off into wide blue yonder, well Blairgowrie (it could’ve been – I haven’t been to Blair in ages) to deliver the last order of the day.

400 bars - various types - of Barony Soap were delivered to a team heading off to the Interceltique Festival in France as part of a VisitScotland campaign. A bit coals to Newcastle, I know, but some had a distinctly Scottish lilt to them (whisky, heather and oatmeal soaps). Along with a few other companies Barony Soaps were asked to supply products made in Perthshire. It was my friend Lisa at Primrose Hill Interiors who passed my web page details on to the organisers. Thanks again Lisa. Be sure to visit Lisa’s website and blog. She’s a dab hand at this blog thingy (unlike yours truly who’s just started).

So the weekend just past we had three shows, the Comrie Fortnight opening, Arbroath Seafront Spectactular and Hopetoun House Summer Fair. Today I will be making up orders for Tuesday’s delivery to Scone Palace and Buy Designs in Alyth. Next show is Perth Show on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of August. Hope to see you then.

Barony Jute Bags At Last!

2008-07-17T00:43:00.001+01:00

My dinky jute bags have arrived and I love them to bits! They are ethically produced, sustainable, and printed using water-based inks. By buying a Barony jute bag you are making a financial contributions to Climate Care who provide a climate repairing service throughout the world.

Barony jute bags had their first outing on Saturday at the Crieff Market and they went down a storm. Everyone loves the size of them and many people have commented on their really soft handles. I suggest using them as packed lunch bags for work, a handy car tidy or to stash all your lovely Barony goodies. If you have any other ideas let me know. You can buy them on-line here.

Crieff Cranachan Soap Launch

2008-07-12T23:59:00.001+01:00

Today we launched a new soap - Crieff Cranachan - and all went well. The balloons, the ice-cream and the prize draw all came together without a hitch. It's been 1 whole year we've had our little stall at the Crieff Country Market and for our 1st birthday celebration we thought we would launch a really special soap bar and have a bit of a party. Oh, I'd better tell you a bit more about the bar - It smells heavenly, a mixture of Raspberries, Vanilla, Honey & Oatmeal and, of course, Whisky.

The bar is made with Crieff Honey from Dargies, Oatmeal from the Aberfeldy Watermill and Whisky from The Famous Grouse in Crieff.

I asked The Famous Grouse if they could come up with a cranachan freebie for me and it was decided that cranachan ice-cream would do the trick. So, for a 'Thank You' to all our customers and supporters over the year and to help celebrate the launch of Crieff Cranachan we gave away little samples of cranachan ice-cream to everyone. How nice are we?

The Prize Draw was for a huge 9 Bar Selection Box

handmade here at Barony and valued at £35.00.

And the winner is ... Mrs Grubb from Glasgow.

You can buy our Crieff Cranachan soap bar on-line here.

First Post for The Barony Soap Box

2008-07-08T01:15:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone

Well it has to start somewhere! I've been meaning to do this for a long time now but have never had the time. So, what's changed? I'm still super busy and I still have no spare time but I have so much news and photos now, the news page on the website is starting to look like a newspaper.

I think this is the best place to just chat about the highs and lows running my little soap business.

phew! I feel better I've got the first post out of the way.