Distracted by a new idea

I'm always brainstorming new ideas for Rifferaff. Usually I become obsessed with something for a day or two, I tell Matt and then it's almost as if in the act of telling someone else, I lose all interest. Then a few days later I'll have my next really good idea and go through the same process all over. But here's an idea that's been sticking for a while: soap.

For close to a year I've been really interested in making printed papers to wrap soaps. I contacted a few soap sellers online to see if they were interested in a collaboration and didn't have any luck. So now I'm thinking I should just make it myself. I've been lurking in the soap discussions in the Etsy forums, doing some web research and checked out some books from the Ann Arbor library. And I think this idea is going to stick. I've got alot of ideas for types of soaps and ways to market it (soap of the month club!). Plus I'll be creating all new designs and papers to wrap my bars with.

I probably won't get around to experimenting until some time in the new year, so for now I'm checking out some of my favorite soapers on Etsy and getting excited about the possibilities.

Coconut Lime Verbena Soap from Dennis Anderson

Amber Rich Soap by Adoration

Essential Mojito Soap by Bunny Butt Apothecary

Comments

[Ann]

One thing that I've always been envious of soapsellers on etsy about is that once they have a good picture for their different soaps, they never have to worry about taking that picture again... or writing a new description.

i like the idea and I think your papers would look great wrapped around your soap.

[emily]

I think that's a GREAT idea! I have been dreaming up yummy scented soap ideas for a few months now, even though I don't necessarily have an interest in making soap myself. I want some woodsy smelling soaps - cedar, vetiver, bay rum...mmmm.

[rifferaff]

hey guys, thanks for your enthusiasm!

emily, maybe once i get up and running i could have contests on the blog to suggest new scents. hmm, that could be fun!

[dot]

that's a great idea! a perfect combination :)

[Anna Allen]

Soap sounds like a wonderful idea! And I know what it's like to have a brilliant idea one day only to find out you have quite a different brilliant idea the next day. The unfortunate person who gets to hear about my ideas usually thinks I am crazy for always changing my mind. ;-) But when an idea sticks, you know it's a good one! Have a lovely Tuesday.

[Venessa]

wow! i thought it was just me! the way you described your process of new ideas and then moving to the next is exactly what i do!!!!! the soap wrapped in your paper is SUCH a great idea! i can't wait to see what you've come up with!!!!!!
best wishes!

[donna]

Actually reading your blog was part of the motivation for me to make paper for my daughter's soap company:) I'd see pretty papers in the store all of the time and even on soaps and wasn't sure about how I'd go about using already printed papers an when I came across your site I was like that's it!!!

I'm blessed to be employed @ a place where I'm currently taking web & print design courses towards a cert. just learned how to do patterns in illustrator. After I finish these courses I'll move on to taking a silkscreen course.

And I discovered my daughter isn't quite ready to go the entrepreneur route at the capacity I'd planned on helping her so by the time I'm done courses that'll be some good years of cultivating invested by then:)

[rifferaff]

donna, that sounds great! i'm glad my blog was able to help motivate you to go in this direction. :)

[Brittany]

This looks like fun! Can't wait to see your development :)

[Zaidat]

I have been thinking of custom wrappings for my soaps. It would be interesting to see what you come up with:)