Tag: images in bloom

Discover the Cleveland Public Library Gift Shop

Discover the Cleveland Public Library Gift Shop

Last spring, entrepreneur Nicole McGee revived the Cleveland Public Library Gift Shop located in the Old Arcade, downtown Cleveland. Nicole invited us to bring a box of soap for the shop and it has taken off. The shop features 20-25 local artists and makers alongside library merchandise, all assisted by friendly volunteers who educate customers about the products. This development is a positive sign for downtown Cleveland’s recovery post-2020 lockdown, which adversely affected many small businesses. A video showcasing these new ventures highlights the library shop’s significant role.

Gentle Castile Soap: Benefits of Honey and Oatmeal

Gentle Castile Soap: Benefits of Honey and Oatmeal

Soap originated from a natural saponification process at garbage dumps where cooking fats mixed with ashes and rainwater. Castile soap, primarily made from olive oil, traces its roots back to ancient soap makers in Aleppo, who produced hard soap using olive and laurel oil. This technique reached Europe through the Crusaders. Today, our Honey Milk Oatmeal soap combines gentle ingredients like oats, honey, and almond essential oil. Each bar is designed for moisturizing benefits and is individually wrapped to ensure freshness.

Lavender: The Essence of Clean in Handmade Soap

Lavender: The Essence of Clean in Handmade Soap

Lavender is widely associated with its calming scent and aesthetic appeal, largely due to its historical use in bathing and cleanliness. The term “lavender” is thought to originate from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash,” highlighting its connection to cleanliness. Lavender essential oil, known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, is commonly used in bath products and cosmetics. The plant’s variety includes English and Lavandin lavender, the latter being easier to cultivate but sometimes viewed as lower quality. Lavender is also utilized in culinary applications, adding distinct flavors to foods and honey.

Discover BAYarts: A Creative Hub in Bay Village

Discover BAYarts: A Creative Hub in Bay Village

Bay Village, west of Cleveland, is home to BAYarts, a thriving arts community situated near Lake Erie. Established in 1948 by women dedicated to promoting arts and culture, BAYarts offers two galleries, art classrooms, a pottery studio, and a gift shop showcasing over 50 local artists. The organization hosts multiple events, including gallery exhibits, concert series, a summer art festival, and a fall fundraiser. Recently, a soap and silk painting business, initially removed from the gift shop, was invited back, supplying items for the holiday artist market, which transforms the shop into a festive showcase.