Product Review- 2VirgosDesigns Vegan Soy Lotion Tarts

Awhile back I reviewed 2 Virgo's Designs Soy Lotion Tarts made with Emu Oil HERE. Jackie has decided to add a vegan alternative to her Tarts and asked me to do a compare and contrast review of her new product with her old product. Book reports of this nature were always one of my best projects in school so I figured, sure! Plus I get to enjoy some more of Jackie's wonderful products!

While I'm not particular about using vegan products (which didn't really strike me until my husband made a point to state that a bird lover like myself is enjoying an EMU OIL based product, hmmmm...good point. Well, I still eat chicken and turkey, etc so I'm definitely not vegan.)

However, I do appreciate that many customers prefer vegan options and since I've a firm supporter of variety to attract a broader customer base I feel that a vegan tart is a really great idea. But how does it stand up to it's non-vegan cousin?

Pros~

The vegan tart is less expensive, the same size, and quality as the non-vegan. It melts smoothly and cleanly on a low heat without any smoke or fumes. The scent is released evenly and Medieval Diva (the scent I tried this time) has a rich, feminine smell without being to "chipper". This is a deeper scent that a mature, confident women would enjoy. Jackie keeps her scent formulas a secret but I think I detected a hint of vanilla. Again my sniffer is sensitive to cloying scents which can give me migraines but like all of Jackie's scents it never bothered my overly sensitive cranial nerves, lol!

As for the lotion opinion for the vegan tarts I found them to be of equal if not better than the emu oils tarts. It felt just a luxurious and smooth on my skin but was absorbed faster and left less residue than the oil tarts. And, of course almond oil is great for any skin type and has these benefits:

• Improves complexion and retains glow
  
  
• Moisturizes better and deeper
  
  
• Soothes skin irritation and inflammation
  
  
• Delays aging process
  
  
• Lightens dark circles
  
  
• Relieves dry and itching skin
  
  
• Nourishes the skin. Makes it smooth and soft
  
  
• Cures chapped lips and body rashes

But then Emu Oil has these skin benefits:

Emu Oil is gentle for all skin types, non-toxic & natural, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and hypo-allergenic (non-irritating) so its great for people with sensitive skin and allergies. Emu Oil is effective in its anti-inflammatory properties, and has been found to give a similar effect as prescriptions medication. Its been compared to medication such as imbuprofen, except without the negative side-effects frequently common with traditional prescription or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications. More listed benefits are here.

Cons~Honestly I can't really think of any cons in this comparison.

So which is better? I don't think either one is better or worse. I think they both compete with each other equally well. Both are high quality, no difference in size and both have numerous skin benefits and well as aromatherapy benefits.

It really just comes done to preference. If you prefer a slightly less oily lotion, have a tighter budget or you just prefer vegan products than Vegan soy tarts are the way to go. If you don't worry about vegan or have very dry skin or like a slightly richer lotion than I would choose the Emu soy tarts. Either way you'll receive a great, multi use product from an top notch seller.

Soy Tarts - product review of 2 Virgos Designs

Jackie of 2 Virgos Designs makes this interesting Soy Tarts which I had been thinking of trying and finally did a couple of weeks ago. First, here's Jackie's description as she says it better than it can:


You will not believe your eyes! Exciting and unique product! 2.5 ounce 6 individual breakaway soy wax lotion tarts, 2 products in one! Place one cube in your tea light burner or electric burner, and you have a delightful home fragrance. Blow out flame or turn off burner, then lightly dip you fingers in the melted soy wax and apply to hands and skin, you then have the BEST lotion you have ever used with shea and cocoa butter and triple refined certified EMU oil and the warm lotion feels wonderful on your hands. Superb for cracked dry skin and eases hurting hands with its warmth. I get a special buy on my fresh triple refined emu oil and can pass along the savings to you.

If you have used lotion after lotion with little to no benefit, you must try this! One cube lasts for about a week using it daily as a lotion. Soy wax is a green product, clean burning, and melts at a lower temperature than regular wax, no fear of burning yourself, just don't touch the bowl of the burner, it's hot! No wick to sully the wax lotion. Dye free! Only skin safe ratios of fragrance oil or genuine essential oils used. Treat your skin special today, you will wonder how you lived without this!

My Review

Jackie offers these in several of her own custom design scents as well. I ordered Royal Dragon.

Pros:

1. Royal Dragon is a rich, deep scent which is somewhat masculine but not overly so. It's a strong but not cloying scent. I get migraines and one of my triggers are overly cloying scents which is why I don't wear perfume and don't use most air fresheners, etc. This tart burned all afternoon filling my house with a rich smell which never triggered any headache and remained enjoyable to me all day. First thing my husband said when he got home, "What smells so good?"

2. I couldn't wait to try the lotion option because I have chronic dry skin and it worked just as Jackie said. It left my skin feeling smooth and soft but not greasy or oily.

3. Melts quickly and evenly without any type of smoke or additional irritating residue.

4. Scent lasted as long as the votive candle was still lite.

5. Comes in numerous scents and a vegan option if you prefer not to have Emu oil used. Jackie says the tart result is the same.

6. Great artist and seller. I've have several interactions with her both personal and business and I've found her to be reputable and she offers high quality, unique products.

Cons:

1. You only get 6 tarts with each order but since each tart lasts several days if melted just for scent that's not too bad. It's not the cost that really an issue since the product is very high quality but makes you want to horde them. :o)

2. If used for the lotion option you'll go through it quickly since I found I had to dip my fingertips in a few times to cover both hands.

3. While the lotion option works well and doesn't leave an oily residue there is a waxy layer that takes awhile, hour+, to absorb/wear away. So don't do anything grip sensitive, like monkey bars for bit afterwards.

4. Requires a votive style burner to use, but these are common and inexpensive so not so much a con as something to remember when purchasing.

I haven't tried her other scents in the soy tarts but I have smelled her scents in other products and they are all bold, rich, comforting scents. I definitely recommend this product and this seller for unique, interesting products for yourself and gifts for your loved ones!

2 virgos designs

A soap maker's commitment to chemical-free purity.

I recommend that you read Jackie's post about her commitment to chemical-free soap. She has several important personal revelations regarding soap/chemicals and I respect her decision to remain chemical-free even though I sure it increases her costs.

2 Virgos Designs blog - soap maker extraordinaire

PS Her Knights Templar soap smells so nice and it makes my whole master bathroom smell wonderful. It's so pretty I'm careful about using the front painted area so that it remains pretty longer. ;o)

Successful Craft Fair!

My first booth at the Yale Street
Market in the Houston Heights was a great success! I sold more yesterday than I've sold at any other fair to date. A grand total of $329 in about 6 hours. Maybe you're thinking that doesn't sound like too much but since my most expensive item right now is $100 I think that's pretty darn good. That's a total of 6 necklaces, 10 pairs of earrings, 1 key chain, 1 ring, 1 bracelet and 1 rear view mirror hanger. One lady purchased three pairs of earrings for $85!

It's especially gratifying when I heard from the other vendors that they were having bad days. There were over 60 vendors there and many didn't make any sales at all! My friend Diana didn't sell any of her oil paintings. (although she I and traded, ;o)

I suspect that I was successful for two main reasons:

1) My items are very unique and eclectic and I've been lucky enough to stumble onto this niche. I constantly heard from customers and vendors alike that "they've never seen anything like this"- I sold out of my Feather Cage Earrings! And there was something for everyone - large, small, bold, delicate, funky, classic - you name it!

2) My items are priced at a reasonable range so that someone can spend a lot or a little. And since most people are watching their dollars but still want to treat themselves it helps that they can spend $10 on a cute, little, one of a kind item to cheer themselves up. But I'm not underpricing myself - I use the pricing formula of - cost of materials, labor by hours ($10-$20 right now an hour depending on the complexity of work, that will increase as I gain more experience), state taxes - (I price at even numbers and work the taxes into the price so that I can run the numbers backwards at home, quicker, easier, far less stressful during the fair), and 10% overhead for packaging, etc. Depending on the venue I'll add $5-$20 to the prices which gives me a lot of wiggle room for haggling, etc and that still keeps my prices very reasonable.

Of course, it was really hot most of the day and my anemia reared it's ugly head. It was an exciting day which took every bit of my energy and gifted me with a raging migraine by mid afternoon. I sucked it up and put on a happy face, finishing out the day without out my customers realizing my pain; which is exactly what I was doing during the photo taken above by my husband.

AmyDesigns custom vendor aprons

Notice that cute apron I'm wearing? There's a close up to the right. That was custom made for me by Amy Cavaness of Amydesigns of Artfire! See the adorable little birdies on it? She was able to find that cute cloth to fit into my shop theme.

It was very comfortable on, easy to use with two large pockets. The pocket on the right has a large strip of velco to secured valuables inside. That's where the money hid out and my lockbox keys. This was the first show that I've been able to use it at and it worked out wonderfully. No more searching for my pens or my phone ( I use Accept by Phone credit card service, awesome!!!! will talk more about that later), no more losing my keys or my priceless Carmex ( I have very dry skin - need my Carmex at all times). The cloth is already soft and pliable so no "breaking in period" and the ties are extra long to use in front or behind.

I can't think of any cons to Amy's product, it worked out very well for me and I definitely recommend her. She's easy to work with, fair prices and does an wonderful job on custom work.

So my big weekend is on it's downslide and I'm glad. I did a lot of prepping for this show and pushing myself when I should be resting. But there was no way I was missing my first show at this location and while I'm dead tired this Sunday it was all worth it!

I'll be listing lots of new items over the next few weeks. I didn't list anything the last couple of weeks because I was increasing my show stock. I know it's optimistic but I didn't want to risk selling items online and thinning out my stock. So now I have a few items that didn't sell that are new and will be posted soon.

Take care and stay strong!

Icarus Art Board Review

Well, it's been over a month since I bought my Icarus Art Board and I had hoped to get this review out sooner but real life had other plans. It's a good thing, however, since it has given me more time to really try out this new equipment. And I have been playing! It's taken my colored pencil art to a new level of intensity!

First off I'd like to say that overall the Icarus Board is a wonderful piece of art equipment for any wax based media and I have enjoyed experimenting this month. I'd also like to add that the artist/inventor Ester Roi is very passionate about her product and she and her husband, Mario, provide excellent customer service. They both communicated with me directly and quickly before, during and after my purchase.

Now for the pros and cons!

PROS:

1) It's very well made in America!

It's made with high quality materials. The base is light weight but sturdy metal. The top working area is a thick, tempered glass which (although I have been careful with it) I suspect will resist damage with moderately hard use. The electrical cord and plug are heavy duty and the power button, heat setting dial and carrying handle are sturdy.

2) Even the smaller size board is a good working size!

The board is available in two sizes: 20" x 26" at 15 lbs and the smaller size 14" x 20" at 9.5 lbs.
I purchased the smaller size and I've found that it's perfect for me since my largest work is currently 11" x 14". But if you prefer larger pieces then the larger board will be a benefit.

3) The heating element works wonderfully!

I generally had it set at 6/7, which is the recommended typical heat setting. It only took a few minutes to reach a workable heat and while it's definitely warm to the touch the board has plenty of room to rest your arm to avoid excessive heat exposure. I also found that lying a chamois cloth over the art to rest my arm protected well against heat but did not harm the work itself.

4) Shortens working time!

This wonderful tool shortened my overall working time almost in half! It works best once you reach paper saturation with the chosen pigment but because of the heat it takes far less time and effort to reach that heavy saturation. The tendinitis in my dominate first finger loves it! Burnishing and blending times are drastically shortened as well.

5) Cleaner working!

That's right with the Icarus Board solvents are unnecessary. The heat is the solvent. So no more turpentine!

6) Online support!

Ester Roi and her husband Mario Bassi have created a great website that offers helpful advice and step by step instructions on different techniques. Plus they offer outstanding, personalized customer service. Ester personally emailed me with recommendations and advice that she had not posted on her website yet.

7) Quick, professional shipping!

I ordered my board and received it in perfect condition in about 2 days. It was very well packaged and not a scratch or mar was found any where. Unwrap and use immediately!


CONS:

1) Price -

I hate to say it but the price is a bit daunting, especially in the current economy. The large size is $297 plus approx $43 s/h depending on delivery location and the smaller size is $217 plus approx $35 s/h depending on location. That's not to say that the price is unfair or that the board isn't worth every penny. This is a great new product which has the unfortunate timing of an unstable economy against it. However, I think once this current financial crisis it over the price won't be so painful for the average artist.

2) Portability-

It's made to be portable; and it is. But even the small size is somewhat cumbersome to carry with you. And I'm a natural klutz so I'm afraid that I'll drop it and quickly ruin it if I carried it around too much. My full time job allows me to occasionally work on my art while on duty. I had initially considered taking the board with me but after using it I decided that it would be safer and easier to keep this aspect of my work at home.

I honestly can't think of any other negatives! I really love this product and look forward to experimenting with it. I already love my Primacolor pencils and now I have another way enjoy my favorite media!

I wish Ester and Mario of Icarus Art the best and hope their new business is wildly successful!