As I write this I am finishing up all the loose ends to get ready to leave. Very excited (now that most of the stress or the preparations is done)!
The HSMG Annual Conference is a really big deal within the soapmaking community and for me as the President of the HSMG. Leigh O’Donnell, the Conference Chairman, has everything well under control and I expect that this is going to be a real extravaganza. My jobs are mainly talking with the members and finding out what the Board and I can do to improve the overall experience of being a member and the overall effectiveness of the organization as a whole.
I also preside at the Annual Meeting. I never thought I’d say that Robert’s Rules of Order was my friend, but it most certainly is. Over the years I’ve gotten pretty good with the “There’s a motion on the table, is there any discussion?” and “The motion is ___. All in favor, say ‘Aye’.” Amazing how the guidelines can keep a meeting running smoothly and get lots accomplished in a short period of time.
This year I am also giving a presentation on Labeling Requirements. Having just recently finished the 2nd edition of my book, I don’t expect it will be too hard. After all, I was dreaming about this content for weeks not too long ago.
After the Conference finishes on the 30th, Jere and I will take two days of leisure time in Vermont. Ah, to just do nothing for a day or two seems like luxury of the highest order!
More on the conference when I return!
At long last, the 2nd edition of my book has finally arrived from the printer. Hurray!!
I have to say, I always have palpitations when something has gone to print. Waiting for it to come back, wondering what might go wrong (or what typos I missed) is hard - especially this time when it went to a completely new printer I found over the internet. So to have it in hand is such a relief. It turned out really, really well! I’m very pleased with Bookmasters and would recommend them for book printing without any hesitation.
There are a number of cosmetic changes in the 2nd edition. It’s a little bit larger (6 x 9 instead of 5 1/2 x 8 1/2) and the cover is heaver. The cover design is different, too. Oh, and it’s 30 pages longer!
All the back orders are shipped out. More relief. Everyone who was waiting was so patient, which I really appreciated.
Now on to my next project …
The 2nd edition of my book, Soap and Cosmetic Labeling, is finally at the printer! Hurray!!! They’ve told me it will ship out on March 28th.
I thought it was going to be a relatively easy project to edit and update it, but it turned out to be a much larger endeavor than I had anticipated. Based on questions I received from readers, I had to delve into several long-held beliefs about the difference between labeling soaps and cosmetics and what makes something one or the other. It ended up being a weeks-long exchange with the FDA, new reviews of the statutes and the addition of a completely new chapter in the book.
I also re-did the front cover graphics for it. Rather than having the title as a label on a bottle, I put the title separate and a big ? on the label. That’s what it’s about, right? What do I put on the label?? So I thought the graphic communicated a little better. I’d like to get your feedback on it, if you have any comment.
The new copies are coming here by freight and should arrive about April 7th. I’ll be sending out the advance orders immediately. There’s a special deal if you have already purchased the first edition.
My labeling book got another positive review!
David Fisher, the About.com Guide for Candle and Soap Making reviewed my book, Soap and Cosmetic Labeling, and gave it a very positive review. I’m just jazzed about the positive response it’s getting! Looks like a reprint will be in the near future!
I have to say I am just tickled with the review that Beth Byrne wrote about my book in the on-line soapmakers magazine, The Saponifier. When they said they were going to review the book I was happy, but I never expected such a glowing (and long) discussion of the book!
You can read the entire review of Soap and Cosmetic Labeling (reprinted with permission, of course).
I’ve always been a fan of the The Saponifier. I subscribed to the print version way back when (that was when I first started soaping) and loved getting it. It was a sad thing when it was discontinued for a while.
But now it’s back! Kathy Tarbox, Beth Byrne (and no doubt others) are doing a bang-up job on getting a very professional e-mag delivered bi-monthly. It’s a real asset to the soapmaking community.
Donna Maria Coles Johnson, CEO of the Indie Beauty Network just interviewed me about my book. Check out the online interview!
I’ve been a member of the Indie Beauty Network (formerly the Handmade Beauty Network) for years and have recently had the pleasure to work with Donna Maria in several collaborations, including a joint project to get product and general liability insurance for both the IBN and the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild.
Today I went to town and picked up the first official printing of my book, Soap and Cosmetic Labeling; How to Follow the Rules and Regs in Plain English. Funny, even though I wrote every word and line and have been over the text a gazillion times, it still seems strange to see it as an actual book — just like the ones I buy from Amazon!
I already have an ad paid for and submitted to the Saponifier online magazine. More marketing is planned, too.
