ArtFire Studio Profile: Saponificio

Compared to heavyweight virtual art marketplace Etsy, ArtFire (www.artfire.com) may be the new kid on the block. But this up and coming arts and crafts online marketplace is full of talented artists and studios of amazing works. One such studio is Saponificio.

Saponificio, which is Italian for soap factory, is just that. Inside this ArtFire store you will find an assortment of handmade artisan soaps. The search for soaps of any color or scent can stop here. A self-proclaimed crafter with an installable urge to create, Julie Coburn, the artisan behind Saponificio, has dabbled in many art forms. Although she has had no formal training, Julie says that she often sees an interesting process and works to learn how to replicate it on her own. This curiosity is what led her to soap making.

"My passion is soap and I've actually just recently set the wheels into motion to be able to produce a more professional looking bar and move my soaping from hobby to business" says Julie. This is obvious through the beautiful aesthetic displayed in her soaps. According to Julie, there is actually a lot of creativity and design in soap making. In order to create a successful bar of soap, Julie draws upon her current mood to select a fragrance. She then contemplates the colors and designs that embody the fragrance. From there, the aesthetic of the soap is formed. "I treat my soap like a canvas," says Julie, "so essentially you end up with quality piece of functional art at a good value."

Speaking of value, one thing that makes Saponificio stand out among other ArtFire handmade bath and body product shops is its value. Saponificio new bars of soap will be an extra large six ounces. These giant bars will be priced at only $6. That factors out to an amazing $1 an ounce. Most handmade soap artisans charge at least $1.25 an ounce or more. This extra bang for your buck is a wonderful incentive in these tight economic times.

One of my personal favorite soaps is Julie's Funkadelic Cold Process Bar Soap. This vibrant soap fronts an array of six bright colors swirled together in a tie-dyed fashion. The unique design would add life to any bathroom vanity. But this soap is not just for looks. Upon opening the wrapper, you will be greeted with the sweet aroma of black currants and hints of citrus. This funky soap is bound to become one of Julies best sellers.

Saponificio can be found at her ArtFire store as well as her blog (www.saponificio.blog.com). Whether you are looking for a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for relative or are simply supportive of handmade body products, you are in for a treat at Saponificio. You will not be disappointed with the variety, quality and attention to detail displayed at this ArtFire studio. Watch out Esty, this studio is sure to make a clean sweep over at ArtFire.