Mix the spirited fragrance of champagne into your next Handmade Studio project
By Laura Briedis
Joyous. Sparkling. Bubbly.
No, I’m not talking about drinking champagne—but close.
If you like to pamper yourself or give thoughtful gifts, then this bubbly’s for you. Although you can’t sip it, you get that same sumptuous feeling from soaps and lotions made with champagne at Handmade Studio.
“Champagne evokes feel-good emotions and the bubbles make you smile, so don’t put it away after your holiday parties,” says store owner Debbie May. “Champagne is not only for celebrating the New Year but also for celebrating special times, such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays, weddings or any other occasion.”
Among the 700 fragrances at Handmade Studio are a dozen champagne-inspired scents that can be added to soaps and lotions, along with fruit fragrances that make you feel like you are sipping champagne with a strawberry on the rim or raspberries floating on top. And if you want the real thing, you can add some actual champagne to body lotions and cold-processed soaps.
“It is a fun way to incorporate champagne and enjoy a celebratory feeling year-round,” comments Debbie. “You can also add wines to soaps you make from scratch.”
New Level-Up Classes
With the endless creativity on display at Handmade Studio, the team is launching Level-Up classes this year for those looking to do more challenging projects. Offered the last week of every month, these three-hour classes will teach you how to make soaps and lotions from scratch.
“It is a bit of a chemistry lesson as you are mixing oil, water and waxes, but you get the satisfaction that you totally made your project from scratch,” says Debbie.
“Our process allows customers to eliminate ingredients they don’t like and add fun fragrances.”
Local Artisans on Display
In addition to the classroom area where you can concoct your own products, Handmade Studio sells products made by local artisans.
“If you want a handmade gift and don’t want to make it yourself, come to our store and support a local artisan,” suggests Debbie, noting new seasonal products come in daily.
Opened in 2016, Handmade Studio is 5,000 square feet of pure goodness, featuring everything from bar soaps to bath bombs, body scrubs, lotions, lip balms, shower gels and perfumes, as well as beard oils and balms for men and shampoos and spritzes for your canine companion.
Part retail store, part classroom, Handmade Studio is also party central. From girls night out to birthday parties to corporate team building events, Handmade Studio helps you celebrate creatively.
“Customers love the experience of making products themselves,” says Debbie. “We provide good, clean fun.”
Handmade Studio is located at 7820 E. Pleasant Valley Road in Independence. Store hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 216-503-9396 or visit HandmadeStudio.com.