Introducing the very talented Artisan, Soaping in the Shed. Vicki loves to make handmade soaps, lotions and skincare using grass fed tallow from local organic properties in the Central Highlands of Queensland.
Find out why Vicki started creating and why handmade matters so much.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
My Madeit store is packed with handmade soaps, lotions, creams, lip balms, deodorants, shampoos, body washes, beeswax wraps, plant based fire starters, crochet wash cloths, pot holders and more. I love using grass fed tallow from local organic properties here in Central Highlands for many of my products.
I try and make everything as natural and safe as possible with simple recipes, flowers and herbs from my large country garden, and source great products from various Australian suppliers, from oils, packaging, and raw materials to add to my local tallow and beeswax.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I have always been an outdoors person, being a farmer, with a love for growing flowers, herbs and veggies. It was only natural that I wanted to use these products to their fullest, so I started infusing Australian olive oil with calendulas, rosemary and lavender for body lotions for myself.
Then soaps crept in as I had a good supply of suet which, when rendered down, makes the perfect ingredient in handmade soaps and creams. I have gradually added more and more products to my store, and spend many happy hours creating the perfect lotion or hand wash for everyone. My family happily accept new products to trial and are quite honest critics.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by other artists and soap makers on the many social pages I follow and the local markets I attend. I do come home from markets excited about creating a new product or using a new ingredient after chatting with customers who are interested in skin care and suggestions.
Where did you learn your craft?
I can't say I am self-taught, but with the generosity of others, sharing their tips, photos, recipes and valuable experience, I have been able to adapt and create many unique products in my Soaping Shed.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Handmade artistry is important to me because it reflects individuality, it encourages creativity and, most important of all, it preserves traditional type crafts.
Vicki is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Soaping in the Shed make sure you join our FB Group and say hi!
