Each week this month, I'll introduce you to some great handmade arts and crafts -- many are made by New Yorkers -- that are perfect for giving as gifts. I hope you will find this shopping guide helpful. Please consider supporting handmade artists in our area.
THIS WEEK: Bath tub treats
Morgan Street Soaps -- Sharon Jenkins makes bathtime luxurious with her handmade soap. She makes every bar of soap from scratch and then artfully adds swirls of color and scents to her creations. Pick up a few of her most popular soaps, including Pumpkin Spice, White Tea & Ginger or anything scented with Patchouli for an unusual bath experience! She also makes sugar scrubs for smoothing rough, dry skin and body lotion too. Visit online: morganstreet.etsy.com
Daisy May Natural Soap – Can you find the soap ornament? Sure, you can hang it on your tree first! Delores Harris makes each batch of soap by hand at her home in Brooklyn. She offers natural soaps in the shape of holiday tree ornaments, gingerbread men, snowmen, and snowflakes to celebrate the season. How clever! These soaps would make great stocking stuffers for children and the young at heart. Visit online: www.DaisyMayNaturalSoap.Com
Kopah -- Kopah means soap in Hawaiian and just one bar of Candice Shelton's soap will transport you to this tropical location. She uses a tried-and-true recipe of olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil combined with orange and lavender essential oils and dried orange peel for exfoliation. It has a light, citrus scent combined with the deeply fragrant lavender oil. It's a delicious combination! To pick up your own, visit online: kopah.etsy.com
Anderson Soap Co. -- While Dennis Anderson sells a variety soaps, I was enticed by his handcrafted beer soap. It's made of the usual soapmaking ingredients with a splash of good 'ole Samuel Adams Boston Lager! It's a great gift for that special beer drinker in your life. For more information, visit online: dennisanderson.etsy.com
Sun Kissed Bud -- Working as a pastry chef for many years in New York City, Ayelet Meshulam felt it was time for some pampering. She started making soaps and other bath products as a way to ease the pain in her back, neck, and feet. She has lots of yummy offerings, but the most decadent is her Valrhona Chocolate Rush and Coconut soap. It has a rich, intense chocolate aroma that will appeal to your senses. When you purchase this soap, it arrives wrapped and ready for gift-giving. Visit online: ayelet17.etsy.com
NEXT WEEK: The best of the rest!
Previously featured in our handmade holiday guide: baby gear and handcrafted jewelry.
Photo of fancy garland, above, courtesy of www.thewreathlady.com
