Meet the Maker.........Wendy from "From My Hearth"

Name:  Wendy Bishop

Business Name:  From My Hearth

Rose soaps

Website:  www.frommyhearth.com.au

Online storefronts/s: From My Hearth Madeit store

Facebook:  From My Hearth's Facebook page

Twitter:

Questions:

1. So, tell us about yourself......

I am a Navy wife with four children, aged 29 to 13.  After two years away, we have happily returned to the Peninsula where we try to lead a more simplified and sustainable life.

2.  Why handmade?

I have always loved handmade treasures.  They are often so much better for us and the environment.....There are some amazing crafters out there, etching out a living and putting a lot of themselves into their products.  Who better to support than them.

3.  What influenced you to start your business?

I have always wanted to have a cottage industry and travelling around Australia, I had seen and been inspired by others.  It took a long time to make the decision to take the plunge, to finally register with NICNAS and start to sell what my family and friends had been happily using.

4. What type of products do you sell?

I sell a selection of handmade vegetable oil soaps with essential oils or fragrant oils, felted soap, herbal salves, baby balms, skin care lotions, hand knitted eco wash cloths and dish cloths.  This month I am increasing my range with some eco cleaners, baby massage oils and something to soothe the skin on expectant Mums tums.

Felted soaps

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?

Our well-being inspires me, in a world full of harsh chemicals; I think it is nice to be able to use a product that is not only good for you and mild on the skin, but gentle on the environment.

6.  Where do you sell your products?

I sell on my Madeit store and I have just started selling on my own website Soaps from My Hearth

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?

I make several batches a week.  I am always thinking about soap and skincare, different oils, working scent blends of essential oils, turning soaps that are curing, labelling or felting.

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?

I have commandeered the garage, and have numerous soap drying racks, work benches for measuring oils etc, but when I am actually making the soap I move into the kitchen, where there is running water and the stove.  It is my dream to one day have a house where I can have it all in one place.

Wendy and her gorgeous handmade soaps

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?

I am self-taught to a degree, however I am blessed to have had other soapers who have openly shared their experience and knowledge with me, via forums, e-groups, etc.  Making soap is one of those things that you never stop learning.