Creative Corners - Amumiinaturals

Welcome to Creative Corners! Each Sunday, I'm interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours.

I'm so happy to be introducing Annalisa from ammuminaturals who makes the most beautiful skin and home care products with ingredients from her own organic garden in the heart of the Italian countryside.

How did you get started?

I have always loved being at home and I have always loved crafts. I am passionate about anything crafty. I embroider, sew, bake, make jewelry and I really enjoy making soap. I had stress-related psoriasis and therefore I decided to start making my own skin and home products. At the time, I had two small kids and I was keen to make 100% natural products that all the family could use, since I was extremely conscious about all the chemicals and potentially dangerous ingredients contained in commercially produced skin products.

What do you think is important about handmade?

A handmade product is made with care and craftmanship. It is something made by an individual who is passionate about that object. Anything handmade creates a connection between individuals who often don't know each other and probably never will. To me, handmade is important as it means having an idea in my head and being able to create it. People who buy handmade care. They know they are not simply purchasing a product - they are buying a story, a work of art. Some of the people who buy handmade are making a stand against mass production, which at this time and age is definitely refreshing. Some others appreciate the authenticity and originality of handmade goods. As far as the products I make are concerned, buying handmade means caring about your body and soul.

A beautiful example of Annalisa's handmade packaging!

What are your work space essentials?

My work space has an incredible high number of spatulas! And a laptop. I also use my sewing machine to package some incredibly cute soap favours which seem to be a hit throughout the world. Useless as it might seem, I also keep a radio in my study - I am not a fan of television and I don't particularly enjoy working in silence, so I have often have the radio on.

What is inspiring you right now?

The Umbrian countryside and its beauties, plants and natural products. I am originally from Italy and I moved to the Italian countryside with my family four years ago after 10 years spent in the hustle and bustle of busy London. Whilst I still miss living in the the city the UK in general, I have learnt to appreciate this small part of the world. Orvieto is a lovely village and the Italian countryside is just beautiful. I have natural plants and ingredients practically at my doorstep - we grow lavender, camomile, calendula, roses, herbs and much more in our own garden, without the use of pesticides or other nasties. I am so proud to be able to make such great soap and body products with all of this.

When do you feel most creative?

Usually, ideas for new products come to me in the evening or in the middle of the night. (Yes - I dream about soap!). I keep a notebook and a pen on the coffee table so that I can jot or make notes as soon as an idea comes to mind. If I don't do it, it's often gone for good! However, I find that early morning is definitely the time at which I am most productive in terms of soapmaking.

Don't you love how Annalisa has staged her photographs?

What are your top tips for improving your work space?

I don't think there's a rule for this, as we are all different. I am happiest when I am surrounder by tidiness and order, so I have painfully come to terms with the fact that I need to keep that tidiness going if I want to be creative and productive. I use a lot of transparent containers and drawer units so that I can see everything easily, but at the same time I can put things away on shelves and in drawers fairly quickly.

If you've enjoyed reading about Annalisa and her Creative Corners, you can find out more by following Amumiinaturals on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Offer! Offer! Offer! 

Annalisa is very kindly offering readers a 10% discount on all purchases from ammuminaturals - just use the coupon code 10OFF2014 when you checkout!