Sunday, June 5, 2011

Artist Feature + Giveaway: Soapdeli

I'm so excited to partner with Rebbeca's Soap Delicatessen for this next giveaway! She sent me some yummy soap and lotion samples and they are really wonderful. I have sensitive skin and have dealt with eczema all my life so I'm very cautious about the products that I use on my skin. I love Rebecca's products so I'm so glad I get to give FOUR of them away to one lucky reader!

Today Rebecca is offering you a bar of her Summer Honeysuckle Soap with matching Summer Honeysuckle Lotion (both pictured below), PLUS a bar of Blue Ridge Rose Soap with matching Blue Ridge Rose Lotion!


Tell us a bit about yourself and your business.
My name is Rebecca and I am currently a single mom of a fourteen year old son who's just discovered the joys of his kissing. I am terrified, naturally, but I'd love to have grandchildren someday so I suppose it all has to start somewhere. I turn 36 this month - the big day is June 10th making me an impossibly unpredictable gemini - and I am still working on figuring out what I want from life and who I want to be. I'm not sure how anyone is expected to know this by the time they graduate college, because every year has been a new adventure for me, and every new decade has made me more self-aware and changed me in some way.

I started Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen in 2001 less than a year after graduating from college with a BA in fine art. Having sensitive skin, I had become a handmade soap addict, and with my crafty background it was natural for me to eventually turn to making my own soap. While my business has evolved over the years, I currently sell a line of shea butter soaps, goat milk lotions and solid shea butter sugar scrubs. I craft all of my handmade soaps using the cold process soapmaking method and always include shea butter, olive oil and rice bran oil in every recipe. My favorite soaps are my luxury soaps which are handcrafted from a recipe I developed several years ago specifically for those who have dry skin.

I recently went solo with my soap shop and have been thrilled with the response so far.



You are an avid blogger who is always updating us with DIY tutorials and recipes. How to stay on top of blogging daily, while always posting fresh and fun posts?
I spend way too much time on the computer. *wink* But seriously, there are days I have free evenings that I just spend time googling things of interest to me to get ideas and bookmarking as I go. However, since I discovered the new site, Pinterest, it has become even easier to find new ideas and keep track of them by categorizing them onto boards where I can see all the pictures in play. Once I have enough material for an article, I'll blog a draft. If I have several ideas for articles at a time, I'll sometimes draft up to 3 or articles in a night and schedule them for publishing later.

You recently created the New Indie Business blog, filled with tips for helping small online businesses grow. Tell us a bit about that.
Basically I had a few - meaning four - good articles I'd originally written for and posted on the etsy forums. I wanted to share these ideas with other small business owners to help them gain both traffic and sales, so I updated the articles for my blog and included links to pertinent information I'd collected that coincided with the articles. I'm still working on coming up with a fifth article - I like to pull from my own personal experience so I can say "hey, this really works" rather than just regurgitating what everyone has said about marketing your business - so I probably won't be posting often there. However, when I do you know it will be something that can 100% work for your small business because I've done it and succeeded at it. I hope that as I find the time I can find other small business owners willing to write guest posts on successes they've had in marketing and what they did to get where they are. I may even include weekly posts that are basically a collective of fresh links on marketing and my take on them. But it's still all new and I haven't quite found my momentum for the blog yet. If you'd like to read my work so far, you can check out Indie Business Blog here. There is a form there for anyone who'd like to pitch an article for inclusion.


To enter to win two soaps and two lotions: (US entries only please)
1. Follow this blog and leave a comment below with your e-mail address.

Extra credit: (leave an additional comment for each for a better chance to win!)
1. Share this giveaway on Twitter/Facebook using the share buttons below.
2. Follow Rebecca's blog.
3. Grab one of my buttons in the left column and share it on your blog.
4. Visit Rebecca's shop and comment here with your favorite item.
5. Like Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on Facebook.
6. Follow Julie Ann Art on Twitter.

That gives you a total of seven chances to win!

Plus, right now Rebecca is offering 15% off any item(s) in her shop just for Julie Ann Art readers! Simply use the code: JULIEANN.

I will announce the winner here in one week!. Good luck!

167 comments:

  1. follow you on GFC as its just me

    itsjsutme62613 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. tweet

    http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/77600977389232128

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. follow Rebeccas blog on GFC as its just me

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. like Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on facebook as misty sunrise

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. i follow your blog. greenway912@hotmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
  6. i shared this giveaway with a group of my friends on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  7. i follow Soap Deli's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  8. i 'like' Soap Deli on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  9. i followed Julie Ann Art on twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  10. follow you on gfc

    christinacovert (at)yahoo (dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. i follow you on GFC as Jel

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. tweet: https://twitter.com/xanjelix/status/77620216267415553

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. followed Rebeca's blog via GFC as Jel

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. FB fan as Maggy Diaz Oro :)

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. twitter follower as @xanjelix

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. blog button placed at http://myonlinebeautydiary.tumblr.com/

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. GFC follower
    roniros (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. followeing Rebecca's blog
    roniros (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. FB fan (Beads by Roni)
    roniros (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. twitter follower (BeadsbyRoni)
    roniros (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I follow your blog.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I shared on Twitter (@kiddo47) and FB.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I follow Rebecca's blog.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Button.

    http://kiddomerriweather.blogspot.com/

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I like Rebecca on FB (Suzanne G).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I follow you on Twitter @kiddo47.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/yulya_shenka/status/77666420737052672
    juletchka78(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. follow Rebecca's blog as YulyaShenka
    juletchka78(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Liked Rebecca on FB as Yuliya Sh
    juletchka78(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. your twitter follower @yulya_shenka
    juletchka78(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love this kind of giveaway. Enter me please...

    GFC follower here.

    lifeis.oceanbliss@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Shared this on facebook https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=191691210881444&id=100001841601042

    lifeis.oceanbliss@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm a fan of Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on facebook. My profile link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001841601042


    lifeis.oceanbliss@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I also follow http://www.soapdelinews.com/ via GFC under the same name -- avatarlady. Nice blog indeed with many home improvement tips.

    lifeis.oceanbliss@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. GFC follower (Dovile)

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I do so love soaps, thanks so much!

    yumihamano@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. GFC follower (Dovile) of Rebecca's blog

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Already follow the lovely Rebecca via gfc, thank you.

    yumihamano@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like on FB (jc loh), thank you.

    yumihamano@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am a GFC follower. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway


    dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Awesome giveaway and article! I am now a follower of this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I follow Rebecca's blog using GFC.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I like Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I follow Julie Ann Art on twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  45. hi, i follow on GFC: florentina.tase@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. i tweeted your giveaway : abpositive

    ReplyDelete
  47. i follow you on twitter: abpositive

    ReplyDelete
  48. tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/Kaziutka/status/77730769526730752

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  49. Follow Julie Ann Art on Twitter (@Kaziutka)

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  50. GFC follower of Rebeca's blog (Katarzyna)

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous7:09 AM

    GFC - Ms. Veronica's

    msveronicas at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous7:10 AM

    Following Rebecca's Blog via GFC
    msveronicas at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous7:12 AM

    Liked SoapDeli on FB - Roanne B.

    msveronicas at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anonymous7:13 AM

    JA button at http://msveronicas.wordpress.com

    msveronicas at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous7:14 AM

    Twitter following - @msveronicasetsy

    msveronicas at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Anonymous7:16 AM

    Tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/MsVeronicasetsy/status/77740394795896832

    ReplyDelete
  57. hi! been following
    inmetaljewelry@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. been a follower of soap deli news too! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  59. liked soap deli's facebook page

    ReplyDelete
  60. I follow you!
    polkaostrich at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Rebecca's soaps are the best! They look, smell and work wonderfully...I follow your blog
    publicly via Google Friend Connect!
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  62. "Tweet!"
    http://twitter.com/cmh512/status/77754395835633664.
    Again, many thanks to you!
    Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Also, I follow Rebecca's Blog via Google
    Friend Connect. (windycindy)
    Merci, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I "Like" Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on Facebook.
    Thanks bunches...Cindi
    Cindi H.
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I follow @julieannart on Twitter...
    Many thanks, Cindi
    cmh512
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I follow you!

    Helen
    amaramorgana at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I follow your blog.

    jeannettefender at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I follow Rebecca's blog.

    jeannettefender at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I follow Rebecca on facebook as Jeannette M Fender

    jeannettefender at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I follow Julie Ann Art of twitter as @jmanmillerbug.

    jeannettefender at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. New follower here!!

    Contact: http://megansbeadeddesigns.etsy.com

    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  72. ...Also following Rebecca's blog!

    Contact: http://megansbeadeddesigns.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I gotta say that my favorite product would be the delightful sugar cube scrubs!

    http://shop.soapdelicatessen.com/category/solid-sugar-scrub-cubes

    They look almost delicious enough to eat!!

    Contact: http://megansbeadeddesigns.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I follow u!
    followurheartblog@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Following via GFC-Arizonagirls

    crockettaz(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Tweeted-GirlsArizona

    crockettaz(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Following Rebecca's blog via GFC

    crockettaz(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Strawberry Champagne Soap

    crockettaz(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Liked facebook page-Arizonagirls


    crockettaz(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  80. Following on twitter...

    crockettaz(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  81. Rachel Leamon1:07 PM

    Having sensitive skin myself, I really appreciate artists crafting new soaps and lotions that smell amazing and actually nourish my skin. A big thanks for sharing this with us!

    ReplyDelete
  82. gfc follower(cpage2323)
    trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. i am following rebeccas blog on gfc(cpage2323)
    trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. i already follow rebecca on fb(tina wofford page)
    trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. twitter follower(@trixie420247)
    trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. i like the idea of the green goddess soap.
    trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I follow you via Google friend connect. Thank you for this opportunity!
    reducefootprints at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I tweeted this giveaway:
    http://twitter.com/#!/smallftprints/status/77857523566247936
    reducefootprints at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I follow Rebecca's blog.
    reducefootprints at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. My favorite item in Rebecca's shop is the Natural Lemon Mint Soap ... bet it's fabulous!
    reducefootprints at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I like Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on Facebook (I'm Sml Footprints)
    reducefootprints at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I follow Julie Ann Art on Twitter (I'm @smallftprints)
    reducefootprints at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I am following you via Google Friend Connect! : )

    Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )

    leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  94. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I am also following Rebecca's delightful blog! : )

    leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I just visited Rebecca's shop and love the Tattoo Sparrows on Girl Zipper Pouch by Bird Trouble! : )

    leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I am following you on TWITTER….username: mamaleahita! : )

    Thanks again!

    leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  98. GFC follower

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. following Rebecca's blog via GFC

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. following Julie Ann Art on twitter @mrsclutterbuck

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. My favorite are the strawberry champagne solid shea butter sugar scrub cubes!

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. Following you :)

    mmmkookiemmm@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. "liked" her on facebook

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/MelissaGHollis?ref=si_shop

    ReplyDelete
  104. Following you on twitter

    mmmkookiemmm@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. Following her blog :)

    mmmkookiemmm@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. manda.24(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I'm following your blog! :)

    reneelasater(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I'm following Rebecca's blog!

    reneelasater(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I'm following you on Twitter!

    @ElfRenee

    reneelasater(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I love the Strawberry Champagne Goats Milk Lotion!

    reneelasater(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I tweeted!

    http://twitter.com/#!/ElfRenee/status/77932442060734465

    reneelasater(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  112. Anonymous1:44 PM

    honeysuckle is one of my favorites
    gloria4869atyahoodotcome

    ReplyDelete
  113. Anonymous5:09 PM

    I follow you as sillycyclops. :)
    sillycyclops[at]ymail[dot]com
    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  114. Following your blog and Rebecca's! finleytrent@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  115. Anonymous11:47 AM

    so lovely giveaway:) I follow this blog!

    landofpoppies at gmail com

    ReplyDelete
  116. Anonymous11:48 AM

    I follow Rebecca's blog too!

    PS happy (early) birthday Rebecca!!:)

    ReplyDelete
  117. Anonymous11:52 AM

    My favorite http://shop.soapdelicatessen.com/product/pink-grapefruit-salt-bar so pretty and sounds good!!!

    ReplyDelete
  118. Anonymous11:52 AM

    I folllow julieannart on twitter @2lovemarie

    ReplyDelete
  119. I am a GFC follower
    puffpastryshop(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  120. I follow Rebecca's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  121. My fave is the raspberry and vanilla soap.

    ReplyDelete
  122. I like Rebecca's Soap Deli on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  123. Anonymous12:47 AM

    follow you on gfc
    Robin Scott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  124. Anonymous12:47 AM

    follow her on gfc
    Robin Scott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  125. Anonymous12:48 AM

    follow her on twitter
    robinlscott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  126. Anonymous12:48 AM

    follow her on fb
    Robin Scott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  127. Anonymous12:49 AM

    tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/79454077045575680
    robinlscott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  128. Anonymous12:51 AM

    fb post
    http://www.facebook.com/robinscott4/posts/125859567496931
    Robin Scott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  129. Anonymous12:53 AM

    this soap looks yummy
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  130. Anonymous12:54 AM

    sorry, I for to to give the link for the soap I liked in the previous post:
    http://shop.soapdelicatessen.com/product/hot-toddy-goat-milk-soap
    hot toddy goat milk soap
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  131. oh i really want to try these soaps.
    flyergal82 AT (yahoo) /dot/ $com#

    ReplyDelete
  132. i love the sugar scrub cubes-good idea.
    flyergal82 AT (yahoo) /dot/ $com#

    ReplyDelete
  133. I'm a GFC follower tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  134. I'm a GFC follower of Rebecca's blog. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  135. I'm a Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen fan on Facebook (Lisa L). tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  136. I like the Handmade Green Goddess Shea Butter Soap. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. I follow your blog with GFC. Great soap. garrettsambo@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. I follow the blog via google

    ReplyDelete
  139. I adore the Falling For You Shea Butter Soap and Pina Colada Solid Cubes Scrub! They all look wonderful though!

    ReplyDelete
  140. I am liking the facebook page via WeEatCrayons :)

    ReplyDelete
  141. Anonymous4:40 PM

    I'm following this blog via GFC. Thanks for the giveaway!

    giveaway.raes(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  142. Anonymous4:42 PM

    I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/GiveawayRae/status/80057102118305792

    giveaway.raes(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  143. Anonymous4:42 PM

    I'm following Rebecca's blog via GFC.

    giveaway.raes(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  144. Anonymous4:43 PM

    The Tequila Sour Salt Bar sounds very intriguing. :o)

    giveaway.raes(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  145. Anonymous4:44 PM

    I like Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on facebook (Rachel E.E.M.)

    giveaway.raes(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  146. Anonymous4:45 PM

    I'm following Julie Ann Art on twitter (GiveawayRae)

    giveaway.raes(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  147. i follow via gfc! jmmccarr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  148. i follow on twitter @jmmccarr
    jmmccarr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  149. Following via GFC publicly.
    Dana Beeman: danabeeman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  150. Shared Giveaway on Twitter
    http://twitter.com/#!/hazelfinn/status/80293981702991872
    Dana Beeman: danabeeman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  151. Following Rebecca's Blog publicly via GFC.
    Dana Beeman: danabeeman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  152. My favorite item is the Tequila Sour Salt Bar. It looks like it'd make my skin feel amazing.
    Dana Beeman: danabeeman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  153. @hazelfinn follows @julieannart on Twitter.
    Dana Beeman: danabeeman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  154. Liked Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on FB.
    facebook.com/danabeeman/
    Dana Beeman: danabeeman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  155. Liked Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on FB.
    facebook.com/danabeeman/
    Dana Beeman: danabeeman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  156. Follow your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  157. Grabbed your button for my blog.

    prettymuchdana.com

    ReplyDelete
  158. I'm a follower!
    Cerena Leigh
    Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  159. I'm a follower on Rebecca on fb!
    Cerena Hammond
    Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  160. The pink champagne sugar cubes look amazing!

    Cerena Leigh
    Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  161. I'm a follower on rebecca;s blog!

    Cerena Leigh
    Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  162. I'm a GFC follower
    jessica sage
    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  163. GFC follow Rebecca's blog
    jessica sage
    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  164. My favorite item in rebecca's shop is the pumpkin pie soap. I bet that smells delicious!
    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  165. like rebecca's soap delicatessen on facebook
    Jessica Sage
    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  166. follow you on twitter
    JessicaSage22
    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for the comment! I read them all and reply when I can. Please be sure your blogger account is linked to your e-mail so I can do so! (Tutorial on how to do that here: http://tinyurl.com/c6gh9fk) xo JA