Introducing Torimade

Creating has always been a part of life for Tori. Initially it was next to her Mother in the kitchen and spread out from there.

Tori began working with polymer clay about 5 years ago when she and her husband made Christmas presents for her family. Since then Tori has used it for two Christmases worth and gifts for other times of the year.

Currently Tori and her homeschooled children create polymer clay ornaments and figures. Ria even has a few pieces for sale in Tori's Etsy shop! Anything she earns will go directly into savings for her future.

The world is inspiring! Tori is most inspired by things others say
and specific scenes they would like to see. She has created one piece, thus far, as a result of an Etsy Team Challenge and felt very satisfied with that work and end result. So, obviously, she loves special orders!

Click on any of the pictures to go to the listing and be sure to check back often to see what is new.

What's New at Cypress Lake Soap?

I am really excited my newest batch has cured for a month and is ready to send out. This new soap is a shaving soap that I created an original scent for. It is warm and spicy and has a lime, citrus scent. For a different look and so that it would fit into a small bowl or mug I made little cubes. I am searching right now to find a unique container(a small pottery bowl perhaps) to accompany it, and a shaving brush.

Tomorrow I will be creating a new batch. I am trying to decide if it will be a repeat like Rosemary-Mint or if a new scent, maybe a floral or garden herb will be created.

And don't forget about the other fantastic soaps. You can even get a sample if you can't make up your mind.

Shady Side Farm

Hi from Shady Side Farm in Michigan, where spring has finally arrived. We are full time farmers, and raise chickens and sheep, as well as hay and grain crops. We homeschool three of our four children (the oldest is in college).

I've been weaving rugs for around 10 years, and have 3 rug looms. I like to recycle old clothing into something useful and beautiful�my favorite rug materials are pre-loved jeans, corduroy pants and wool items. Some of my rugs are made using new materials (less labor intensive), but even these fabrics are saved from the waste stream (too-small bolt-ends from the bedding industry, for instance). When I am away from my looms and need a more portable craft, I enjoy making cotton dishcloths.

My husband, The Farmer, has taken up spinning, and any handspun yarn in the store is his doing. He also enjoys cranking out unique socks on his antique sock knitting machine.
Because we have the wool from approximately 150 sheep to play with, we're always thinking of new ways to market our wool. Check out our supply of rovings and yarns. Stay tuned, as we develop more woolly ideas all the time�

Our children all help in various ways with the crafting (check out the felted wool cat toys!). Our 2nd daughter has opened her own etsy store for her jewelry at Farmgirldesigns.