I've been working on the shop all week and it's coming together.  Recently it had gotten a bit messy as I hauled soap back and forth to farmer's market and everything was in totes and containers.  Since my only Christmas show was cancelled I've decided to make it pretty and invite people to come to me and shop.
​The shop is on my front porch.  It's small......about 8 x 10 ft, so I'm only allowing 2-3 people who come together inside at once.  I'd appreciate it if customers wear masks.  I've got a lot of really neat new things this year and I am so excited to show everyone!

The men's section has really expanded!  There are 7 different fragrances of beard oil and balms.  There are matching soaps for them as well.  I have old fashioned shaving kits with a handmade pottery bowl, boar bristle brush, shaving soap and a wood comb for $40.  I also have beard care kits with a bag, wooden comb, and beard oil, balm and soap in your choice of fragrance.  Those are also $40.  I only have 6 of them, so get yours right away!  Another new addition is beard beads for that Viking look!  There is a kit with a plastic tool for getting the bead on your beard, 2 rune beads and elastics to hold them for $10.  You can also get just a set of beads and elastic for $5.

Wool hats!  These are made from 100% wool in a Viking knitting technique called nalbinding.  They are very warm and long lasting.  Must be hand washed so they don't shrink.  

These are wood inkle looms, used to weave narrow bands.  I include 2 lessons with each loom so you can get started.  This is a great way to learn basic weaving and lots of fun too!  Bands you make can be used for a belt, guitar strap, bag straps, suspenders, shoe laces and more.

Of course, we have lots of soap!  Over 30 different fragrances and types!  I added this new shelf today and as you can see I still have empty space......but I have 8 more batches ready to be labeled so I need to get to work.  I hope you all have a good Thanksgiving and come to visit soon!

  Usually at this time of year I'm very busy making soap and getting ready for shows and SCA events each weekend.  November and December are the months I make over half of my sales each year.  Of course, with Covid, all of my usual events have cancelled or postponed indefinitely.  However, as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going and that is exactly what I plan to do!

I have two other venues for sales right now.  If you are reading this, you are probably aware of my website and that is a great way to buy!  I try to accommodate any needs you may have, even including gift notes if you request them. I mail all over the US and can probably mail to other countries if you contact me with your needs and I can figure out the postage. 

​ The other venue is my shop.  It's tiny, but I do have a small porch where all my soaps and beard products are displayed for sale.  Beginning November 21st (Black Friday), the shop will be open from 2-6 pm daily, and by appointment through December 24.  To make an appointment just text 641-456-8953.  The shop is limited to 3 people who come together, or 1 at a time and everyone must wear a mask.  I do take credit cards, checks, cash or paypal.
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The shop is located right on highway 65, 2 miles south of Collins, IA. on the east side.  There is a sign hanging on the mailbox and will soon be signs on the road side.  The porch entrance is at the front of the house facing the road, you can't miss the bright red door!  If no one is in the shop just ring the doorbell and someone (usually me, Deb) will come and help you.  During shop hours the store is heated and very comfortable.

Right now I am busy decorating for Christmas and on November 21st, black Friday , I will be having a special sale day and free hot cider from Center Grove Orchard!  Please stop by on your way to/from the sales in the Big City!  I'll be posting more pictures after I get it all set up!

I have been busy getting new labels and names for my beard products ready and they are finally here!  I have all the old favorite oils that you all love, but I have been inspired to name them after my favorite axe throwing venue; Ironside Axe Club in West Des Moines, IA.  I hope you enjoy the new names!

Bulls Eye - Pacific Trail scent for the adventurer
On Target - unscented for stealth, or add your own signature fragrance or essential oil
Big Axe - Dragons Blood, for the fierce fighter in you!
Ironside - Tobacco Bay Leaf for the laid back woodsman
Kill Shot - Kentucky Bourbon to celebrate your skill

I've also added a gift kit that will be perfect for Christmas or birthday.  It includes a storage bag, beard oil and balm, soap, and a wooden comb.
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Axe not included, of course!  It's not pictured, but a bar of soap of the same or similar scent is included.

Beard oil is a conditioner used to moisturize and soften beard hair. It's also effective for moisturizing the skin beneath your beard. People use beard oil to keep their beards looking fuller, softer, and tamer. It's also sometimes used to promote beard growth.

​Beard balm further conditions and provides more control over those flyaway hairs.

I've also added beard threaders and beads so you can really enhance your Viking look!  Beard threaders are threaded through the bead and then around the hair you wish to pull through the bead.  It's much easier than trying to pinch and stuff the beard hair through those small holes!
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I hope you will check out all the great new beard products for November!  Spruce up your beard and then go out and throw some axes!  Good Luck!