04 November 2010

A Conversation with Rosie from Honey and Spice


It seems only natural to me that a woman who loves creating mouth watering desserts would easily segue into concocting beautiful handmade soaps. Add in a childhood spent creating exotic combinations served up in a rusty teapot and you have original, from the heart memories. Rosie reminds me of the chocolatier in Chocolat, what was her name again? She blends and mixes to create nurturing love for your body. How could you NOT have one of her lip balms in your bag, or treat yourself to her skin food?  Carol 

Who is Honey and Spice ?
My earthy handmade soaps, lip balms, body lotions, massage bars and conditioners! Based in beautiful Dunedin.

What’s your “handmade groove ?”  
I love 'making' Fullstop! Amen.
Fabrics, beads, driftwood, shells, wire, pastry, soap, ceramic, paint. Soap is my biggest addiction I can see I am never goint to tire of this even when I'm grey all over (halfway there) I'm sure I'll have my wooden spoon in hand, bent over my glorious soap pot and in my own little world!

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
My soapmaking bible, Some jewelry clasps and fastners, ipod, a tub of powdered seaweed, swimming goggle case, my menu for work, a empty tissue box I couldnt bare to throw away because I love the design and my lip butter which I always put on before I snuggle down.

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
My art school friends are a constant source of inspiration. We were taught to really challange all boundries and as the cliche goes, think outside that square. I am very much inspired by all the people I have 'met' through Felt (NZ handcraft website), their handcrafts and designs really amaze me, and it has got me more excited and driven about my own projects/purposes
Music I am loving- Edward Sparks and the Magnetic Zones, Angus and Julia Stone, Lisa Mitchel, Cocoa Rosie
Books - I'm loving unearthing old recipe books, both cooking, and cosmetics And I love getting the taste magazine in the mailbox each month :)


What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
More of a listener than a talker, but don't start me on soap, your eyes will glaze over and well beyond!

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?
I have just done three recently, oh I wish they were free!! ~ Kiln Fired Glass, Soapmaking, Ceramics. If I could have 3 more, Glass Blowing, Small Business Course and Website Design. and a Painting course ... ok thats 4

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?
Its always busy!! working as a chef, making and selling my soaps, painting the house, landscaping the garden, looking after 5 bantams, 2 doves and a ball off white fluff. Friends and family at the moment are squished into all the crevices!!


What is your favourite creative screw-up?
Well most recently I was making a big batch of lovely rose and lavender soap, when I added the essential oils, the batch immediately seized and set like concrete in a split seccond. I was heartbroken! So I quickly set about cooking it out and 3 hours later of stirring, it came together! It turned out beautifully, the scent is sweet and spring like!  People that have seen and smelt it are loving it!!

Kitchen table or studio?
Both and every where in-between!! My studio is lovely and sunny and looks out to the garden but I usually dominate the lounge in the cooler nights and the kitchen when im soaping!

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?
I want to travel through the small villages of India, Vietnam and France. Own a little backpackers on the coast of the south island with a little bakery/tea house, and a gallery where the locals can sell their wares and of course a soap shop!! I plan to be overrun with bantams, kids and live somewhat self sufficiently.

You can find Rosie at her Felt store and she also is on Facebook Just click on the links and explore.

8 comments:

  1. Oh, Rosie, you little bakery/tea house would be so cool, I can picture it now, cheers Marie

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  2. I know you will hear this all the time Rosie ... but seriously .. you're products look good enough to eat!

    Can't wait to give my friend her Honey & Spice goodies later this month :)

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  3. I loooove handmade soaps! It's great to hear some of your process, Rosie. Your products are gorgeous.

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  4. Ooh yes she's like Vianne in Chocolat! (My favourite movie so I can picture it now. Rosies delicious delights are on my wish list to be indulged soon...

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  5. Great to get you know you a little better Rosie! I can almost smell your gorgeous products. I have recently been dreaming of opening a B&B with a little cafe and gallery attached, can't get the idea out of my head!

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  6. I wish I had a smelling application on my computer... your soaps look amazing.

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  7. Ooh thank you so much everyone! what lovely comments!
    Funny you should mention the lady from the movie Chocolat- that has to be one of my favourite movies, i love the soundtrack and the little boutique chocolat shop she set up, thats so me!

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  8. I'm very much enjoying these interviews. Your "world" and your products sound and look delightful Rosie!

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