San Diego resident Debbie Chialtas has raised soap-making to an art with her line Soapylove, which mixes fragrance, color, craftiness, and fun.
"My obsession with soap crafting began over four years ago when I was pregnant with my son," Debbie explains. "I wanted to create my own belly butter but once I tried glycerin soap crafting, I was hooked! I love the colors, scents, shapes, and all of the amazing techniques of glycerin 'melt and pour' soap. I began selling my soaps on Etsy and now sell them on my own site to shops all over the world."
"My signature item is my Soap Pop, and I have over a dozen varieties available online," she says. "I also love to play around with new designs all the time, since there seems to be no end to the fun things that can be done! Since many of my designs are very time consuming or labor intensive, I prefer to write tutorials and teach other people how to make them. I often travel to teach at soap making workshops and classes; check my blog for the latest schedule of classes and events."
"Soapylove is my second full-time job, which I juggle with mothering two young kids," she says. "My husband and I are a power team with the kids since we're both self employed. I sell my signature soap pops, write tutorials for blogs and my eZine Let's Get Soapy, have a line of licensed supplies coming soon from Bramble Berry and am very excited about my first book from North Light Books! As you can see, I have really gone off the deep end with soap crafting!"
"Soapylove is an exciting and colorful tutorial book, full of 25 full-length projects, 12 additional project variations, and tons of helpful tips!" Debbie enthuses. "It's organized by technique including cutwork, unique ways to use molds, playing with color, and unusual tools and materials. The book is packed with super-clear photos to show you how each step is done. Both newbies and experts alike will learn something new from Soapylove. Don't miss it!"
