FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SOUTHERN PLEASURES

I'm delighted to welcome Tenisha and her shop SOUTHERN PLEASURES as a featured Etsy shop out here on DZFANTASY. Everyone loves soaps, and I continue to be amazed at all the variety and shapes offered on Etsy. Be sure to visit SOUTHERN PLEASURES to see what delightful soaps are available for your enjoyment! SOUTHERN PLEASURES offers Essential Oil Soaps, Fragrance Oil Soaps, Lip Balms and more!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I first became acquainted with handcrafted soap when I was a member of a popular message board on the net for women. One of the members there started a thread about some Christmas soaps she had made. I remember looking in awe at the beautiful soaps she created and started to question if she really made them. I honestly thought soap was something only major companies were capable of doing. From that point onward I became very interested in learning how I could also make soap. Reflecting back on this, I was looking for something to occupy my time as I had just moved to a new city and didn't know anyone. Soap making seemed like it could be a fun process to pass the time. In several months, I did a lot of research on how to make soap while I made batches. A lot of what I did in the beginning was really a lot of trial and error with many failed batches as a result.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Once I got the basic skills down, I started to research advanced techniques and tried to implement them. The more I practiced what I was learning, the better my skills became. I always wanted to swirl soap because it looked really cool. What I failed to realize at the time it's not an easy task initially. Eventually things started to flow on their own as I gained experience. Lately I find myself inspired with texturizing soaps to create interesting patterns.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I love designing soap with many bright colors just as much as I enjoy creating essential oil blends to scent the soap with. There are just so many limitless combinations one can do. Plus colorful soaps in my shower keep me happy.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Soap making to me can be compared to a bowl of grapes. No matter what season, you can almost always find fresh grapes to enjoy. Soap is a personal care product that is always in season because it's a basic necessity. The grapes on a vine resemble all the different varieties of soaps one can create for others to enjoy.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Definitely an art museum. I say this because there are so many talented soap makers in the world who blow my mind with their creativity with colors and patterns. Many have shattered this industry and gone beyond the norm when it comes to conventional soap making. I have surprised myself within the realm that I have progressed to within the past couple of years. Soap to me is a major art form while at the same time still being functional.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Continue to support handmade items and their creators. Much time and planning has gone into the creation of their items. Handcrafted soap is truly a luxury. If you haven't tried it at some point you really are missing out!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Always strive to create the best product or item you possibly can. Don't cut any corners to sacrifice quality. Believe wholeheartedly that your product is the best of the best. Have confidence in yourself, don't be afraid to take a risk to try something new.

Thanks, Tenisha, for sharing your thoughts and wonderful products with us. Don't forget now....pay a visit to SOUTHERN PLEASURES by clicking on the links below.

TRUNKT

BLOG