March 29, 2013

Satisfaction

Handcrafted Zebrawood Shave Brush

Recently, we sold this shave brush(and shave soaps) to a very special daughter to send to her dad in Greece. Now, it's always a cool thing to send something over seas-thinking about the voyage your handcrafted item will make is something I think is really neat, but the even sweeter part is the palpable love this daughter has for her father.

I love that this brush traveled over land and sea to a father in expression of a daughter's love. Upon it's arrival, I received a sweet note from the daughter- the following is an excerpt:

"I am very happy to tell you that my father holds my present in his hands, and he is so very happy with it.Thanks so much Michele, my parents say the soaps are wonderful." (this totally made me smile :-)

This to me is really the best reward and reason for putting such care into handcrafting whatever it may be-the pleasure and happiness your item brings others. There is NO substitution for handmade, and there is nothing more satisfying than knowing someone appreciates the love that goes into all you do. This satisfaction is the essence of why we create.

March 28, 2013

Great Gifts For Grad or Dad

 Custom-Wenge wood with Abalone inlay and Super Silvertip Badger knot-$110.00

 Custom-Wenge wood with Abalone inlay and Super Silvertip Badger knot-$110.00-I love how the Abalone sparkles


Looking for a unique heirloom quality gift for Grad or Dad? How about a handcrafted(in house) custom shave brush with handcrafted shave soap. We have a variety of woods to choose from and can meet most price ranges. Shave brushes without inlay are considerably less and you can still have your choice of American Hardwood or Exotic, or pull out all the stops and select from Abalone, or Sleeping Beauty Turquoise inlay (with more options coming soon.)

Woods we offer-
Bubinga
Wenge
Purpleheart
Black Walnut
Quilted Maple
Zebrawood

Inlays-
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Abalone

Shave Soaps-all shave soaps are created using the Cold Process method of soapmaking and feature a luxurious Olive Oil base. All scented soaps contain high quality Essential Oils for great aroma and skin soothing properties.
Clove
Olive Oil and Goat's Milk
Tea Tree
Menthe
Vanilla Patchouli
 Lavender  
     
Feel free to contact us, together we can dream up something special... 

March 26, 2013

It Seemed Like A Good Idea...

Honeyed Ginger- a blend of Citrus Honey, May Chang and Ginger-they look like Gingery goodness, but don't let it fool you...:-)

I always want Ginger to have it's day in the sun even though it's a wonky eo to say the least. Ginger does not smell like one would think (a harsh reality for sure.) My  mind regularly plays tricks on me-I so want it to smell like the stuff of Gingerbread and Gingersnaps,but alas it never really does. I keep thinking there has to be a blend out there that will make the most of this very earthy "rooty" smelling base note-surely there is? I've been pondering on possibilities for something "summery" and came up with Honeyed Ginger- a blend of delicious citrus honey, lemony May Chang and a drop or two of Ginger.. It's the day after cutting the soap, and well I can only say that "it seemed like a good idea." The blend smells predominately like wonky smelling Ginger- instead of delicious citrus honey melded with the lemon drop goodness of May Chang and a hint of Ginger-Oh well, I tried. Hmmmmm, maybe I'll try one more time and literally add only a drop or two of Ginger....hmmmmm????

March 15, 2013

Spring Optimism



Every Spring, when the first warms days arrive, I march full of optimism out to pick up a few plants. Every growing season I think I will be able to keep something healthy and alive, and every year I am a bit disappointed. My daughter has an on going joke "what did those plants ever do to you?" Sadly it's true, but once again just like every other Spring when the first warm days arrive I'm optimistic that "this will be THE summer things will kick in and I will manage to keep my plant babies alive and happy." I mean a girl has to give it a try right? Where would the world be if we always gave up on our dreams??

 I have had some success with succulents btw. lol! I brought these home today. I love them!!

March 12, 2013

Just Listed!!

Handcrafted Black Walnut Shave Brush with authentic Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Inlay

Just listed! Beautiful handcrafted Black Walnut Shave brush with authentic Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Inlay. This handcrafted brush features a coin sized inlay on the bottom as well as a band towards the knot end. See Etsy listing for all the deets.

We typically use only Silvertip Badger knots however, our supplier is in backorder mode at this time. We can upgrade to Super Silvertip the softest most luxurious of all the Silvertips. Have something in mind-drop us a line and we can discuss pricing.

March 8, 2013

Sleeping Beauty Turqoise-Beautiful!!




I love, love, love this shave brush,it's exquisite. Beautiful chocolaty wood inlaid with authentic Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. The turquoise just pops against the dark brown wood. This lovely shave brush features a thin inlaid band of turquoise at the knot end with a coin sized inlay on the bottom-beautifully crafted. This brush will be listed on Etsy soon!

March 5, 2013

New! Black Walnut Shave Brush with Abalone Inlay




Dark chocolaty Black Walnut is perfectly complimented with a shimmering rainbow of Abalone inlay. Each shave brush is carefully created at the time it is ordered-no two are exactly alike. Each piece is truly turned by hand, not a duplicator- this means that each piece is unique, slightly different in shape and size-each one an individual. Hop on over to Etsy to order...

March 4, 2013

Wet Shaving Growing in Popularity?



Wet shaving, once a tradition passed down from father to son seems to be making an “underground” comeback of sorts. While perhaps still a bit “under the radar” more and more “hipsters” are acknowledging the benefits of the traditional wet shave. Perhaps this resurgence of tradition can be contributed to the following factors.

1)      Those who wet shave understand that wet shaving is actually better for your skin. A proper wet shave is far less irritating and thus far more healthy for the skin. Many “natural” products are available that contain nutritive ingredients to comfort, soothe, and protect sensitive facial skin.
2)      Wet shaving with a safety razor is cost effective, after the initial cost of the razor itself (safety razors can be found in a wide variety of price ranges) razors are very inexpensive over time.
3)      Consider the environmental impact. Disposable razors are meant to be used once and tossed; typically a safety razor can be used a few times before the blades will need to be replaced. Blades versus whole plastic disposable razor equal less waste. Using a more natural shaving product greatly reduces hazardous run off and they are often considerably more skin friendly than canned aerosol products.
4)      A traditional “wet shave” is a way of treating yourself to a healthy morning ritual. A few minutes to take care of yourself. Applying shave soap via a shaving brush smells nice, luxurious lather is relaxing as well as skin nurturing. Lifting the whiskers results in a closer shave.

Steps to a proper wet shave

1)      Hydrate your beard; wet shaving is best done “after” a shower. Wet hair means weaker hair and less pulling and irritation. If is shower is not conducive prior to your shave be sure to take the time to wet your beard well with hot water to open pores and allow hair to weaken. Shave with the grain, not against-find the grain by feeling your beard, some beards are swirly and this means shaving in several different directions. Shaving with the grain will mean fewer nicks and cuts and reduces ingrown hairs and razor bumps-far easier on sensitive skin.
2)      Create and apply lather. Wet your shave brush working up a lather using good shave soap-good shave soap will most often contain some sort of clay to allow a good “slip” for your razor to glide across. Use a swirling action to apply lather to beard-this helps lift the whiskers and prepares them for the razor to pick them up. The swirling action allows for the various growth patterns of whiskers.
3)      A double edged safety razor is the “typical” razor of choice. The double edged razor’s gradual reduction of beard is key to less irritation. Be sure to use very light passes (typically 3) and adjust for best optimal angle.
4)      Aftershave comes in liquid, balm or gel and there are many “all natural” formulas that contain conditioning oils such as hemp, vitamin e, and various essential oils with clean soothing properties. Essential oils contribute wonderful natural antimicrobial/soothing properties to shave soaps as well as aftershave.

Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps features several shave soaps in our line up, something for everyone.

Olive Oil with Goat’s Milk- a soap for the purist made especially for the person prefers a conditioning without scent. Loaded with goodness-Olive Oil(a fabulous conditioner), Goat’s Milk (also for conditioning) and like all the new shave soaps-Aloe Vera Juice (for great bubbly lather.) White Kaolin adds a fine slip allowing your razor to glide across the surface of your skin easily.

Tea Tree- soap for those that like “hardcore” clean. Tea Tree possesses a strong medicinal scent, and touts a wealth of benefits that make it perfect for shave soap. As with all Tierra Verde Handmade Soap shave soaps, Tea Tree contains a nutritive base comprised of skin loving ingredients such as Olive Oil, Aloe Vera Juice, Coconut Oil and Castor. White Kaolin is also added to provide “slip” for your razor.

Lavender-herbaceous with a balsamic woody undertone; a fresh clean floral. I love Lavender because while it is a floral it isn’t a cloyingly sweet floral, making it a perfect floral for men also. As with all TVHS shave soaps, Lavender shave soap features a fabulous base of Olive Oil that nurtures your skin while Castor forms a satisfying lather that is given a fine slip with the help of White Kaolin clay. Rumor has it that sometimes wives “borrow” Lavender shave soap from their husbands. 


 "I admit," I stole" a Lavender shave round of yours intended for my hubbie and use it for my legs! Loving it!"



      One dismayed husband = one happy wife (and one new Tierra Verde shave soap customer.) lol!

Menthe- a skin bracing blend of mints; slightly tingly and very refreshing. Clean and white with flecks of green in a traditional shave round. Olive Oil provides a gentle emollient base, while Aloe Vera Juice adds a vibrant lather + extra conditioning. White Kaolin adds “slip” for easy razor glide. The results are a clean, aromatic shaving experience.

Clove- Warm and spicy clove, what more can I say. While Clove is an essential oil that should be used judiciously, a little is all you need to get that lovely spicy hint of Clove. This soap boasts the same fine conditioning base as all the shave soaps, Olive Oil, Castor, Coconut and Aloe Vera Juice create bountiful lather that makes shaving a pleasure.

Vanilla Patchouli-Release your inner hippie; experience a blend of dark sultry Indonesian Patchouli warmed with a lashing of rich warm vanilla creating a delectably earthy unisex scent. I’ll let this customer’s feedback speak for itself.

“I love your soaps. Every time my husband showers with the Vanilla-Patchouli in the morning, it makes me smile. I loooove the gentle smell of the patchouli. Very gentle and warm instead of overpowering. "


March 1, 2013

Necessity is the "Mother of Invention"

Handcrafted (in house) Black Walnut Shave Brush w/ 20.5mm Silvertip Badger knot (Best)

Zebrawood handcrafted shave brush with 25mm Silvertip Badger shave knot $75.00


 So they say that necessity is the "Mother of Invention," I've been drooling over some Annie Sloan paints for awhile dreaming of all sorts of lovely surfaces,but just can't let loose of the $$. Instead, I broke out the fabric dye and gave a surface that I wasn't wild about a "makeover." I was hoping it would have that old pine plank flooring look. I think it came out pretty well-the distressed areas were already there,so I didn't have to add that myself.

This Black Walnut shave brush has just been listed on Etsy. Handcrafted Black Walnut Shave Brush $60.00-Oil finished,this means oil will need to be re-applied on occasion to keep it in good shape. Knot is 20.5 Silvertip Badger (Best) quality.