The journey beyond the obvious, with our sellers' stories continues with Kimberly's Candles & More.
What do you create?
I make Votives, Tart Melts, Pillars, Jelly Jar Candles, Tea Lights, Wickless Candles, homemade carpet freshener, aroma bead sachets, and goat’s milk soap. I am hoping in the future to include homemade lip balms and lotion.
Every great company has a great name. How did you come up with yours?
After my husband and son shot down every name I could come up with, I finally said that they where my candles. So I called my business Kimberly’s Candles, and then I wanted the option of being able to do more so I added “and More” hence then name “Kimberly’s Candles and More”
When and why did you decide to start your business?
I’ve been toying with candles off and on since I first made them in 4th grade. I’ve always wanted to go into business for myself and finally got the opportunity to do so about a year and a half ago. I decided to do something that’s fun. I started with just votives and tart melts. Then one thing led to another, and now I’m making all sorts of different candles plus making my own cold process soap.
What are your future plans?
Right now, my plans are just to expand my business, by adding more to my product line, and work on my picture taking (it’s getting better). I’m hoping someday to have my own little brick and mortar candle shop.
3 words for anybody new in this business?
Test (your product), Research (taxes and local codes, marketing etc.), and Learn (from your mistakes)
What keeps you motivated?
It’s not too hard to stay motivated when you enjoy what you do. I have so much fun making candles and creating my own soap recipes, that it isn’t work at all. I wake up in the morning looking forward to my day and creating my products. I also feel really good when someone tells me how much he or she enjoyed my candles or soaps. I just love it when I know that what I am doing is giving joy to someone else or helping them in some way.
Inspiration is not sold at the market. How do you stay inspired? Do you have a secret muse?
My father, when I was a small child, was in a logging accident and had broken his neck. He was at first paralyzed from the neck down and the doctors believed that was how he was going to be for the rest of his life. But he never gave up! At first, he could do nothing, and then he started having some movement. I remember coming home from school and seeing him laying out in the yard weeding. He would get one spot done, and then he would have his friends move him to another spot. This continued until he exhausted himself. His determination was never ending and after a few years, he did what the doctors said he would never do again. He was logging again! Whenever things get hard or I just don’t know how to do something, I think of my father and how he did the impossible. I know that if I have even half the determination that he has, I can do anything.
How do you promote your business?
I give out lots of business cards, join lots of craft top sites, and word of mouth. Word of mouth is by far the best advertisement!
Are you content with your business?
Yes
Who are some of your favorite designers/artists?
Nostalgic Nature Art wood burning designs by Susanne Molyneux. I just love Susanne’s work. She burns pictures of animals in wood. The detail of her work is outstanding! I also love Thomas Kinkade’s artwork. I know that his work is mass-produced, but I just love his designs!
We forgot to ask Kimberly what's her favorite fragrance. With over 40 available in her shop at this time, it's probably hard to set to only one, but would still love to know if there is a special one.
Until we get the answer, you can check them all at Kimberly's Candles and More
SILKFAIR Blog – April 2009
Kimberly's Candles. And More.
Apr 28, 2009
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"Stop Marketing, Start Engaging"
Apr 27, 2009
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We saw this tweet come across our twitter radar this weekend (courtesy of @unmarketing and @mayhemstudios) and it got us thinking - How can we, here at Silkfair, be more engaging? We are always quick to respond to technical requests, but we should be doing more to keep our community healthy, interactive and strong, as well.
We would love to hear from you, our users. Whether you realized it, or not, you are a powerful marketer. Gone are the days of Marketing Directors. Individuals now hold all of the power. You, the individual, have just as much (or in most cases more) information at your fingertips to help you make informed decisions than any ad campaign. Further still, if you are impressed by a product or service, the methods of social networking allow for an individual to quickly spread their opinions, whether glowing or unenthusiastic.
What do you recommend for enriching our community? What can we do differently? What could you be doing differently? How can we better work together to foster community growth?
We have ideas aplenty, but they may sink dead in the water without the right method of engagement. There's no better way to initiate a plan of action for more engaging activities, than by engaging our users to sound off and offer their opinions.
We would love to hear from you, our users. Whether you realized it, or not, you are a powerful marketer. Gone are the days of Marketing Directors. Individuals now hold all of the power. You, the individual, have just as much (or in most cases more) information at your fingertips to help you make informed decisions than any ad campaign. Further still, if you are impressed by a product or service, the methods of social networking allow for an individual to quickly spread their opinions, whether glowing or unenthusiastic.
What do you recommend for enriching our community? What can we do differently? What could you be doing differently? How can we better work together to foster community growth?
We have ideas aplenty, but they may sink dead in the water without the right method of engagement. There's no better way to initiate a plan of action for more engaging activities, than by engaging our users to sound off and offer their opinions.
FACEBOOK and TWITTER
Apr 23, 2009SilkFair is happy to share with you the latest extension of the SilkFair community: Facebook! You are the first to hear about it! We want to make it easier for you to connect, engage and promote your products on the most popular social networking website.
Please become a fan here http://www.facebook.com/silkfair.
Share a link to your store, attach pictures of your products and offer feedback or ask any question—we want to hear from you!
We’re also on Twitter and would love to Tweet with you! Find us @SilkFair.
Please become a fan here http://www.facebook.com/silkfair.
Share a link to your store, attach pictures of your products and offer feedback or ask any question—we want to hear from you!
We’re also on Twitter and would love to Tweet with you! Find us @SilkFair.
Happy Earth Day
Apr 22, 2009
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We would like to wish all of our Silkfair Community a very Happy Earth Day. Because we feel it is important to distinguish our "green" sellers, we created a special Eco-Friendly home page. Sellers who have environmentally friendly products or even organic ingredients have the option of tagging their items "eco-friendly" so that shoppers can easily buy green.
Celebrate Earth Day by visiting some of the sellers here: http://ecofriendly.silkfair.com/
The pendant above is made by Gila Glass (http://gilaglass.silkfair.com) is fashioned from glass scraps and recycled bottle glass. Because of the unique form the glass takes when fired in the kiln, the design cannot be duplicated. This lovely pendant is truly green in more ways than one. You can find the pendant listed here: http://gilaglass.silkfair.com/180135
Silkfair makes it so easy to be a lean, mean, GREEN shopping machine.
Have happy, environmentally healthy Earth Day!
Celebrate Earth Day by visiting some of the sellers here: http://ecofriendly.silkfair.com/
The pendant above is made by Gila Glass (http://gilaglass.silkfair.com) is fashioned from glass scraps and recycled bottle glass. Because of the unique form the glass takes when fired in the kiln, the design cannot be duplicated. This lovely pendant is truly green in more ways than one. You can find the pendant listed here: http://gilaglass.silkfair.com/180135
Silkfair makes it so easy to be a lean, mean, GREEN shopping machine.
Have happy, environmentally healthy Earth Day!
The Tea Caddy
Apr 21, 2009
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Let's go on with the stories of our members. Today, we praise the value of tea and give you a taste of loose leaf tea, teabags and modern teaware in an interview with a veritable tea connoisseur.
Every great company has a great name. How did you come up with yours?
The name The Tea Caddy is very English. A Tea Caddy is the name for a Victorian tin that was used to keep loose leaf tea in before the invention of the Teabag. We wanted something to convey our English heritage as well as tell people that we were a tea company.
When and why did you decide to start your business?
I had always wanted to have a business of my own. Tea was a natural extension having grown up with it at Home in England. Once I researched Tea I was amazed at the different flavors etc and was intrigued by the Health benefits that tea offers. It is such a simple plant but so important to people around the World i wanted to be a part of it and the Industry as a whole especially whan it came to the Organic and ethical tea industry practices.
What are your future plans?
My future plans include opening up a brick and mortar store/stores in Utah and surrounding States, Wholsale and retail to the Spa Industry and just helping educate people about this simple wonderful beverage.
3 words for anybody new in this business
Patience, Fustration, Joy
What keeps you motivated?
I have always been a very self-driven person, bieng the best that I can be and wanting to succeed no matter what. Knowing that I could make a difference in just 1 persons life is motivation for me.
How do you promote your business?
Promotion is probably one of the hardest and most expensive things to do when running a business. Budgets are tight but i use Google Adwords, some local newspaper ads etc, I attend Trade Shows and just really get out there and make a noise at those type of events. I make sure everyone knows who i am. The best type of promotion though is through word of mouth and charity work/sponsorship. It is cheap, effective and you are doing good at the same time, very rewarding!
Which is your favorite tea?
My favorite tea? I have so many but certainly Earl Grey ( a classic), I love 2nd Flush Darjeelings, any Fruit flavored tea as an Iced tea, Any Oolong tea.
Which is the tea everyone should try at least once in a lifetime?
Everyone should try a Darjeeling just once in their lives. It really is 'the Champagne of Tea'.
Everyone should check The Tea Caddy for a modern and full tea experience.
Every great company has a great name. How did you come up with yours?
The name The Tea Caddy is very English. A Tea Caddy is the name for a Victorian tin that was used to keep loose leaf tea in before the invention of the Teabag. We wanted something to convey our English heritage as well as tell people that we were a tea company.
When and why did you decide to start your business?
I had always wanted to have a business of my own. Tea was a natural extension having grown up with it at Home in England. Once I researched Tea I was amazed at the different flavors etc and was intrigued by the Health benefits that tea offers. It is such a simple plant but so important to people around the World i wanted to be a part of it and the Industry as a whole especially whan it came to the Organic and ethical tea industry practices.
What are your future plans?
My future plans include opening up a brick and mortar store/stores in Utah and surrounding States, Wholsale and retail to the Spa Industry and just helping educate people about this simple wonderful beverage.
3 words for anybody new in this business
Patience, Fustration, Joy
What keeps you motivated?
I have always been a very self-driven person, bieng the best that I can be and wanting to succeed no matter what. Knowing that I could make a difference in just 1 persons life is motivation for me.
How do you promote your business?
Promotion is probably one of the hardest and most expensive things to do when running a business. Budgets are tight but i use Google Adwords, some local newspaper ads etc, I attend Trade Shows and just really get out there and make a noise at those type of events. I make sure everyone knows who i am. The best type of promotion though is through word of mouth and charity work/sponsorship. It is cheap, effective and you are doing good at the same time, very rewarding!
Which is your favorite tea?
My favorite tea? I have so many but certainly Earl Grey ( a classic), I love 2nd Flush Darjeelings, any Fruit flavored tea as an Iced tea, Any Oolong tea.
Which is the tea everyone should try at least once in a lifetime?
Everyone should try a Darjeeling just once in their lives. It really is 'the Champagne of Tea'.
Everyone should check The Tea Caddy for a modern and full tea experience.
Gardening Tips
Apr 16, 2009
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A few of us here at Silkfair, when we have the precious time, love to dig in the dirt. Here are few tips for improving or starting your own garden.
~Search for plants, flowers, fruits or vegetables that are best for your zone. Most local gardening centers tend to adhere to this rule, but it is best to do your homework first.
~Try to plan your space to make the best use of space. Try drawing a basic diagram of your yard and planning which plants would be best for which spot.
~Turn all soil before planting. It is best to use a cultivator or spading fork.
~Don't be afraid to move plants around, even after you have planted them. Your garden plan evolves with more experience and with a larger budget.
~If you are not the most responsible gardener or you travel considerably, choose drought resistant, low maintenance plants.
~Pay attention to the plant tag, including where to plant and sun/requirements.
~If you are a true gardening beginner, start by planting annuals. The are widely available at garden stores and very easy to grow.
~Mix moisture controlling soils or compost mixtures to your existing soil.
~Plant high growing plants and flowers and at the back and low growing plants or ground cover at the front.
~Control pests organically rather than chemically.
**Picture of Butterfly weed provided http://greenthing.silkfair.com/ This store is a great place to get your garden started. All seeds are organic and come from Greenthing's own garden.
~Search for plants, flowers, fruits or vegetables that are best for your zone. Most local gardening centers tend to adhere to this rule, but it is best to do your homework first.
~Try to plan your space to make the best use of space. Try drawing a basic diagram of your yard and planning which plants would be best for which spot.
~Turn all soil before planting. It is best to use a cultivator or spading fork.
~Don't be afraid to move plants around, even after you have planted them. Your garden plan evolves with more experience and with a larger budget.
~If you are not the most responsible gardener or you travel considerably, choose drought resistant, low maintenance plants.
~Pay attention to the plant tag, including where to plant and sun/requirements.
~If you are a true gardening beginner, start by planting annuals. The are widely available at garden stores and very easy to grow.
~Mix moisture controlling soils or compost mixtures to your existing soil.
~Plant high growing plants and flowers and at the back and low growing plants or ground cover at the front.
~Control pests organically rather than chemically.
**Picture of Butterfly weed provided http://greenthing.silkfair.com/ This store is a great place to get your garden started. All seeds are organic and come from Greenthing's own garden.
Easter Dresses for Girls
Apr 09, 2009
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Easter is one of the most important annual religious holidays, as it celebrates the return of the savior. Although a moveable feast, Easter is held generally after winter and the emergence of new life after spring is always remembered. But Easter time is most fun with all the activities and dress up.
Cultural elements, such as the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts, have become part of the holiday's modern celebrations. During this holiday, communities dress up in their Sunday best, including the children.
The dressing part is always exciting for kids and their outfits are searched for with as much (or even more) care and time before as for the adult’s wear. Formal wear is the natural parents’ choice for the little ones. Boys are dressed in oxfords, sometimes pastel ones.
Girls, on the other hand enjoy frilly dresses or floral style dresses. They want to dress up according to their personalities and tastes. With plenty of options and variations for each style, a question easily comes up: how to dress up your little girl at Easter?
Today we give you 5 ideas for 5 different girly styles
1. A plainer summery vibe – for the girl who loves flowers and sun, birds, bees and nature.
2. A bold style – for the strong willed, independent little girl
3. A classy choice – for the elegant, sophisticated girl who always liked to try mom’s high-heels and pearls
4. A fun dress – for the funky, outgoing and colorful personality
5. A classic – the white dress that works with any style, as it can be easily accessorized to fit the bold, the classy or the funky.
How are you going to dress your girl for Easter?
Cultural elements, such as the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts, have become part of the holiday's modern celebrations. During this holiday, communities dress up in their Sunday best, including the children.
The dressing part is always exciting for kids and their outfits are searched for with as much (or even more) care and time before as for the adult’s wear. Formal wear is the natural parents’ choice for the little ones. Boys are dressed in oxfords, sometimes pastel ones.
Girls, on the other hand enjoy frilly dresses or floral style dresses. They want to dress up according to their personalities and tastes. With plenty of options and variations for each style, a question easily comes up: how to dress up your little girl at Easter?
Today we give you 5 ideas for 5 different girly styles
1. A plainer summery vibe – for the girl who loves flowers and sun, birds, bees and nature.
2. A bold style – for the strong willed, independent little girl
3. A classy choice – for the elegant, sophisticated girl who always liked to try mom’s high-heels and pearls
4. A fun dress – for the funky, outgoing and colorful personality
5. A classic – the white dress that works with any style, as it can be easily accessorized to fit the bold, the classy or the funky.
How are you going to dress your girl for Easter?
Accessorize for Spring
Apr 08, 2009
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There are so many lovely pieces of accessory art here on Silkfair, that we thought we would feature a few in a Spring accessorizing extravaganza.
~A bold, beautiful handmade scarf adds a spring freshness to even the most drab of winter ensembles. The blue flowered scarf pictured above is a silk handmade scarf from So Very Fancy http://soveryfancy.silkfair.com/181376
~Try stepping out into spring with some bold ear decor. Yana Designs uses bright colors and clever designs for the perfect spring jewelry. These earrings can add bright spring flair to any outfit, even the more conservative ones. http://yanadesigns.silkfair.com/146178
~When in doubt, update your handbag to greet the fresh new season. Scale down the large handbags for something lighter, slimmer and full of peronality. http://jpleasant.silkfair.com/125088
~Think outside of the typical accessory jewelry box. Try accenting with something that clearly makes a statement and welcomes spring at the same time. One of these perfectly beautiful handcrafted silk flowers does just that. http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com/2006
~Accentuate with colors. Consider using colors to not only accessorize your outfits, but your home. Add blues, oranges, greens and yellows in vases, throw pillows, furniture accents, flowers and even lampshades. The bold colors in this raw silk cushion cover by Comfy Haven would add boldness and beauty to your home. http://comfyheaven.silkfair.com/187446
Be imaginative, creative and colorful. Have fun dressing up, dressing down and accessorizing for spring.
~A bold, beautiful handmade scarf adds a spring freshness to even the most drab of winter ensembles. The blue flowered scarf pictured above is a silk handmade scarf from So Very Fancy http://soveryfancy.silkfair.com/181376
~Try stepping out into spring with some bold ear decor. Yana Designs uses bright colors and clever designs for the perfect spring jewelry. These earrings can add bright spring flair to any outfit, even the more conservative ones. http://yanadesigns.silkfair.com/146178
~When in doubt, update your handbag to greet the fresh new season. Scale down the large handbags for something lighter, slimmer and full of peronality. http://jpleasant.silkfair.com/125088
~Think outside of the typical accessory jewelry box. Try accenting with something that clearly makes a statement and welcomes spring at the same time. One of these perfectly beautiful handcrafted silk flowers does just that. http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com/2006
~Accentuate with colors. Consider using colors to not only accessorize your outfits, but your home. Add blues, oranges, greens and yellows in vases, throw pillows, furniture accents, flowers and even lampshades. The bold colors in this raw silk cushion cover by Comfy Haven would add boldness and beauty to your home. http://comfyheaven.silkfair.com/187446
Be imaginative, creative and colorful. Have fun dressing up, dressing down and accessorizing for spring.
Favorite Party Gifts
Apr 07, 2009
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Party decorations, gifts and favors are very important because if you’re not careful you can end up spending a little fortune with all the ideas and possible presents and gift options. If the decoration part is not that tricky as you only have to stick and personalize the location according to your chosen theme, party gifts and favors can make or break a day.
Before diving into the unknown, remember that planning the party in advance and sticking to the budget you set are the details you’re going to win the battle with. Now, let’s get the party gifts ideas rolling!
Considering the season and fashion trends, we're going to focus on handmade gifts, because of 3 main reasons:
-handmade gifts are unique (& can be further customized according to your preferences)
-handmade gifts are beautiful and they usually tell a story (in this case, the story of your party)
-handmade gifts are fashionable statements
After glancing through several handmade stores, we came back with the following great party gifts on a budget:
Customized homemade fortune cookies are great party gifts for a small budget.
Birthday chocolate coins or lollipops,
Personalized handmade pendants or
Funky and fun treats are other lovely presents you may hand out to the guests when they leave.
For a more out of the ordinary vision, you can always go for scented mini albums
or old romance paper flowers gifts – an original statement for the birthday party.
What’s your favorite gift idea? And what else would you add to the handmade gift options?
Image copyright: lilblackdog
Before diving into the unknown, remember that planning the party in advance and sticking to the budget you set are the details you’re going to win the battle with. Now, let’s get the party gifts ideas rolling!
Considering the season and fashion trends, we're going to focus on handmade gifts, because of 3 main reasons:
-handmade gifts are unique (& can be further customized according to your preferences)
-handmade gifts are beautiful and they usually tell a story (in this case, the story of your party)
-handmade gifts are fashionable statements
After glancing through several handmade stores, we came back with the following great party gifts on a budget:
Customized homemade fortune cookies are great party gifts for a small budget.
Birthday chocolate coins or lollipops,
Personalized handmade pendants or
Funky and fun treats are other lovely presents you may hand out to the guests when they leave.
For a more out of the ordinary vision, you can always go for scented mini albums
or old romance paper flowers gifts – an original statement for the birthday party.
What’s your favorite gift idea? And what else would you add to the handmade gift options?
Image copyright: lilblackdog
Eggstraordinary
Apr 06, 2009
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Easter Egg Decorating Tips and Tricks:
~First decide whether you would prefer to boil or empty your eggs. To properly empty an egg, shake an uncooked egg and then puncture the egg to drain.
~For dyeing - When you prefer to venture outside of the typical egg dyeing kits....
1. Purchase a food coloring in the typical liquid form or the cake decorating paste form.
2. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to 20 (or more) drops (or a dab or two of paste) of your favorite colors or color combinations. Then add half a cup of hot water for the paste or tap water for the liquid.
3. Use a spoon to gently submerge the egg into the liquid dye. The longer the egg sits in the color, the bolder the look.
4. For added decoration, draw all over the egg with crayons before dipping in the dye. Children, especially, love adding their own personal touch. This method is not as messy as some other painting techniques, but the results are just as unique.
~For painting
1. It is best to purchase watercolors or acrylic paints to decorate the eggs.
2. Find items around your house that have textures - such as bubble wrap, pasta or sponges - and apply the paint to the objects. Roll the egg over the textures to create various designs on the egg.
3. Use stencils as a pattern to paint various shapes and designs.
~Decoupage and Stickers
1. Find various pictures in magazines and old books or purchase various types of decorative stickers
2. Affix the stickers or cut-outs to the egg
Be creative! Combine any number of design techniques from those listed above or from your own head. There is no limit to the variety of unique creations that will find their way to your child's Easter basket or maybe just on to your Easter plate. Have fun designing your own eggsellent art. Delicious and decorative! That's our kind of holiday.
**Photo and Adorable Handmade Chubby Bunny Egg Hunt Design Courtesy of Becky's Clayful Creations http://clayfulcreations.silkfair.com/195412
~First decide whether you would prefer to boil or empty your eggs. To properly empty an egg, shake an uncooked egg and then puncture the egg to drain.
~For dyeing - When you prefer to venture outside of the typical egg dyeing kits....
1. Purchase a food coloring in the typical liquid form or the cake decorating paste form.
2. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to 20 (or more) drops (or a dab or two of paste) of your favorite colors or color combinations. Then add half a cup of hot water for the paste or tap water for the liquid.
3. Use a spoon to gently submerge the egg into the liquid dye. The longer the egg sits in the color, the bolder the look.
4. For added decoration, draw all over the egg with crayons before dipping in the dye. Children, especially, love adding their own personal touch. This method is not as messy as some other painting techniques, but the results are just as unique.
~For painting
1. It is best to purchase watercolors or acrylic paints to decorate the eggs.
2. Find items around your house that have textures - such as bubble wrap, pasta or sponges - and apply the paint to the objects. Roll the egg over the textures to create various designs on the egg.
3. Use stencils as a pattern to paint various shapes and designs.
~Decoupage and Stickers
1. Find various pictures in magazines and old books or purchase various types of decorative stickers
2. Affix the stickers or cut-outs to the egg
Be creative! Combine any number of design techniques from those listed above or from your own head. There is no limit to the variety of unique creations that will find their way to your child's Easter basket or maybe just on to your Easter plate. Have fun designing your own eggsellent art. Delicious and decorative! That's our kind of holiday.
**Photo and Adorable Handmade Chubby Bunny Egg Hunt Design Courtesy of Becky's Clayful Creations http://clayfulcreations.silkfair.com/195412
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