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It’s Never Too Early to Think About Christmas

  • Sherry Norris
  • Jul 17
  • 2 min read

If you’ve ever visited a craft fair during the holiday season, you may have wondered how vendors manage to have everything ready in time.


The secret is simple.


Christmas planning starts long before Christmas arrives.


In fact, while many people are enjoying summer vacations and backyard barbecues, makers across the country are already preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year.


And Country Bathworks is no exception.


Over the next several months, I’ll be working behind the scenes creating inventory, planning seasonal collections, and preparing ready-made gift bundles for holiday shoppers.


Gift bundles have become one of my favorite things to create because they make gift giving simple. Whether you’re shopping for a family member, friend, coworker, teacher, or neighbor, having thoughtfully curated bath and body products bundled together takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect gift.


There’s something special about receiving handcrafted products. They feel personal, meaningful, and carefully chosen.


As I begin planning this year’s holiday offerings, I’m also looking forward to fall and winter vendor events. These events are always filled with excitement, festive decorations, and customers searching for unique gifts they won’t find in big box stores.


The holiday season is one of the most rewarding times of the year for small businesses. Not only do we get to share our products, but we also get to become a small part of your family traditions and gift-giving celebrations.


This year, I’d love your input.


What products would you most like to see included in holiday gift bundles?


Would you enjoy themed scent collections? Spa-inspired gift sets? Stocking stuffer options? Family gift bundles?


Your feedback helps me create products and gift sets that truly meet the needs of customers.


While Christmas may still seem far away, preparations are already underway at Country Bathworks. I can’t wait to share what’s in store for the upcoming holiday season.


Be sure to follow along as new products, seasonal scents, and holiday gift bundles begin making their appearance later this year.

 
 
 

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"Questions from the Front Porch" Nieghbors always have good questions, and we are always happy to answer them. Whether you're new to handmade soap or simply curious about how Granny creates products, you'll find many of the answers here. If you don't see what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out--we're always happy to visit for a spell. What makes handmade soap different from store-bought soap? ​ At Country Bathworks, every bar is handcrafted in small batches using the traditional cold process method. Unlike many commercial soaps, handmade soap naturally retains glycerin, a gentle humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin. Each bar is thoughtfully made with nourishing oils and carefully selected ingredients to create a rich, creamy lather and a luxurious bathing experience. ------------------------------------------------------------- How long does a handmade bar of soap last? ​ With proper care, a bar of handmade soap typically lasts 3 to 5 weeks, depending on how often it’s used and whether it’s allowed to dry between uses. To extend the life of your soap: Keep it on a draining soap dish. Avoid letting it sit in standing water. Allow it to dry completely between uses. A simple soap saver or draining dish can make a noticeable difference. ------------------------------------------------------------- Why does every bar look a little different? ​ That’s one of the joys of handmade soap! Every batch is poured, cut, and wrapped by hand, so slight variations in color, swirl patterns, and shape are completely normal. Those little differences are what make each bar unique. ------------------------------------------------------------- Is handmade soap safe for sensitive skin? ​ Many people with sensitive skin enjoy handmade soap because it is often made with gentle ingredients and moisturizing oils. Since everyone’s skin is different, we recommend reviewing the ingredient list for each soap and doing a small patch test if you have particularly sensitive skin or known allergies. ------------------------------------------------------------- Why do you use oat milk in your soap? ​ Oat milk is valued in handmade soap for its silky feel and the creamy lather it helps create. It complements the nourishing oils in our recipes and fits perfectly with our commitment to crafting gentle, luxurious soaps. ------------------------------------------------------------- What is cold process soap? ​ Cold process soap is made by combining oils with lye in a carefully controlled process that creates soap through saponification. After pouring, the bars cure for several weeks, producing a firm, long-lasting bar with a rich lather. ------------------------------------------------------------- Does handmade soap contain lye? ​ Yes—but only during the soap-making process. When soap is properly made and fully cured, the lye has reacted with the oils through saponification. The finished bar contains soap and naturally produced glycerin, not free lye. ------------------------------------------------------------- How should I store unopened soap? ​ Store your soap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Handmade soap continues to cure over time, and many people find that an older bar becomes even harder and lasts longer. ------------------------------------------------------------- Can I use handmade soap on my face? ​ Some people do, while others prefer a soap formulated specifically for facial skin. At Country Bathworks, we also offer facial bars made with ingredients selected for delicate facial care. ------------------------------------------------------------- Are your soaps made in small batches? ​ Yes! Every bar is handcrafted in small batches in the Missouri Ozarks. Small-batch production allows us to focus on quality, consistency, and craftsmanship from start to finish. ------------------------------------------------------------- Are your soaps made in Missouri? ​ Yes. Country Bathworks is proud to handcraft every bar in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks. Our products are inspired by the landscapes, traditions, and slower pace of country living that make this region so special. ------------------------------------------------------------- How long do your soaps need to cure? ​ Each batch cures for approximately 4–6 weeks before it’s ready to be enjoyed. This curing process allows excess water to evaporate, creating a harder, longer-lasting bar with a richer lather. ------------------------------------------------------------- Can handmade soap be used every day? ​ Absolutely! Handmade soap is designed for everyday use. With nourishing oils and a creamy lather, it’s a wonderful addition to your daily routine. ------------------------------------------------------------- Why is your journal called The Ozark Soul? ​ The Ozark Soul is more than a journal—it’s the heart of Country Bathworks. It celebrates the beauty of simple country living, the traditions of the Missouri Ozarks, and the everyday moments that inspire our handcrafted soaps. Through stories, reflections, and seasonal observations, we hope to share a little of the place we call home.

Why Choose Handmade Soap?

​

 - Small Batch Crafted

 - Oat Milk Formula

 - Cold Process Soap

 - Handmade in Missouri

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