01.21.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:32 pm by Administrator
Where did 4th quarter go? Was is a blur for you too?
We at Carved Solutions found our Original Trio (3 bars of our now famous monogrammed soaps) gracing the pages of O, The Oprah Magazine. Our Vermont made, monogrammed soaps were hand-picked by Adam Glassman and prestigiously placed in the coveted holiday O List (page 96!). Yes, we were the first ones at the newsstands the day the magazine came out…we feel very fortunate for this badge of honor!
![](”http://site.carvedsolutions.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/omagicon.jpg"/)
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/200812_omag_olist_50/15
Randy Miller with InStyle Magazine also gave our round candles rave review in the StyleSchool Blog
http://styleschool.typepad.com/styleschool_blog/2008/11/burning-love.html
To top off our December excitement, Bobbi Thomas of The Today Show gave the Carved Solutions brand a nice tag of “Hot Hollywood Gifts”
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/28111587#28111587
Finishing 2008 as the most desired brand of monogrammed soaps and candles has left us humble and grateful for each and every one of you that has tested, tried and found the Carved Solutions brand and client care style to be all that we profess to be.
With our collegiate line growing and the completion of our Greek licensing (every sorority is available to you) we do our best to make sure we have the products you are looking for. As we constantly expand our graphic and sentiment library, holidays and occasions our door is always open to for you to share what you’d like to see.
2008 saw the introduction of the round pillar candle (Carved Solutions is the only manufacturer in the marketplace with a monogrammed candle that is round). Our president, Mike Lancaster, not only built our carving machinery but he also built the machinery which carves the round candles; he’s amazing!. Mike’s engineering truly allows our carvings to stand out from the crowd. There is no deeper or more definitive monogram or personalization out there. We also added family and address signs as well as our Vermont made, CS Simply Organic line of soaps (for those of you that like soap chips; you love this line). For 2009 we have many new ideas coming down the pipeline and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Stay up to date with Carved Solutions on Facebook (just search Carved Solutions) or keep up with us on Twitter (http://explore.twitter.com/CarvedSolutions) or to read a nice story our local paper wrote about us, you can find that here (http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20081208/NEWS02/81207015)
Let’s welcome in 2009 with all the hope, change and promise for tomorrow. Let’s vow to do something nice, something good, something thoughtful for someone else every day…even a smile can change someone’s day!
Keep in touch…there is so much more to come!
Smiles!
Dawn
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09.24.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:14 pm by Administrator
“Someone’s got to go out there and love people.” ~ Diana, Princes of Wales, Humanitarian, member of the British royal family
It’s been a while since I’ve taken a moment to share. For the past few weeks I’ve been thinking of posting but the subject matter kept eluding me. Then I received the above quote and immediately knew what I needed to communicate.
Don’t get me wrong, I love what we do at Carved Solutions. Being the industry leader in personalized soaps and candles, monogrammed soaps and candles, and custom private label soaps and candles is a great way to spend my day. But most importantly the folks that work with us are treasured and appreciated and that brings me to what I love most about Carved Solutions…THE PEOPLE. The people we work with, our clients, our vendors, and the amazing folks that populate our networks…that’s what I love most!
Without you it doesn’t matter that we offer the deepest, crispest carvings, it doesn’t matter that our products are the highest quality in the personalized soap and candle industry, it doesn’t matter that we offer stellar client care and customer service; because without you nothing matters.
Mike and I feel so fortunate; as we’ve built this business, we’ve added to our family so many wonderful people that looking back now, I can’t imagine not having them (you) in our lives.
Many business owners that run the “cream of the crops” of their industries sit back and think to themselves “everyone needs me”. Filled with gratitude, I humbly offer that it is us that need you.
A lateral competitor of ours received a call from a client looking for something very specific; he knew he couldn’t provide so he sent the client our way. This client has turned out to not only be one of our biggest fans but a wonderful mentor. Each time I have the opportunity to return the favor to this lateral competitor I’m eager to do so. He’s a joy to work with and Barbara has been an absolute gift to Carved Solutions.
A client of ours took the time to share her experience with a very strong player in the media. Imagine my surprise when I asked how they found us and discovered it all came from her. Another client of ours owns a very successful ecommerce company with his wife. They have a very long-standing history and are both very busy people. Out of nowhere, he called the other day and we spent almost an hour on the phone talking about the industry. Imagine my surprise when he willingly shared his history for my benefit; to enable us to learn more about being the best business owners we can be.
Carved Solutions is also blessed with some of the most amazing vendors. We are so close with one of our vendors that evenings in our dining room are spent brainstorming how to improve our businesses together. Another vendor is the best big brother I’ve never had. No one tells me “how it really is” more than he does and the belief he has in us is beyond encouraging. He is truly responsible for the creation of Carved Solutions (he pushed me off the fence!). Last but not least, how many businessmen, with 40 years of success behind them and still at the helm their own empire would take the time to call and spend an hour of his personal time supporting, educating and listening? Yeah, we’re blessed with that gentleman too!
As our network grows more and more people come into our lives. Each and everyone brings something with them; something that changes us forever.
With all that said, I’ve got to get back to the work at hand, Carved Solutions is calling! But my favorite part is YOU!
Smiles always,
Dawn
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08.09.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:13 pm by Administrator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Dawn Lancaster, 802.872.0047 or dlancaster@carvedsolutions.com and Shannon Karpinski, 802.655.3239 or shannon@babybumsie.com
August 3, 2008
PINK GIVES VERMONT MADE PRODUCTS TO LISA MARIE PRESLEY FOR SURPRISE BABY SHOWER
Carved Solutions, a Vermont-based company specializing in custom carved, personalized soap and candle products and Baby Bumsie, another Vermont-based company who introduced the newest, most innovative design for an infant bodysuit that makes diaper blowouts clean and easy to deal with were requested gifts for the surprise baby shower that Pink (aka Alecia Moore) held for Lisa Marie Presley.
Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of rock ‘n’ roll king Elvis Presley is eight months pregnant – her first child with fourth husband Michael Lockwood.
Pink requested baby shower gifts from businesses that possess environmental and animal-safe awareness. The surprise baby shower was attended by A-A-A list attendees. Lisa Marie Presley’s baby shower was held at a secret location in Los Angeles last Saturday afternoon.
Carved Solutions (www.carvedsolutions.com) provided shower favors for the A-A-A guest list with Vermont made amenity soap bars. Each bar was carved with a graphic of a traditional baby carriage. Pink gifted to Lisa Marie the Carved Solutions Original Luxury Gift Set (which includes a custom embroidered, 100% ring-spun cotton finger towel and a trio of Vermont made 100% vegetable- based, triple-milled soap bars) and the Carved Solutions Signature 100% Palm Wax candle which is hand-poured and made in Vermont. Each Carved Solutions gift carried a” mother-to-be with child” carved impression.
Carved Solutions, established in 2006, is owned and operated by husband and wife team Mike and Dawn Lancaster of Williston. Products include custom carved personalized Vermont-made soap and candles, complimenting custom embroidered products, custom work and private label products. Family name and address signage has recently been added to the product line.
In today’s anonymous world the art of gift-giving has changed dramatically. With so many mass-produced, overseas items populating today’s storefronts, the ability to give a gift that imparts an intimate awareness of individual caring has been lost. Carved Solutions brings back the warm feelings of recognition, awareness and connection. By customizing Vermont-made soaps, candles and embroidered gifts with an initial, monogram, name, message even a logo or illustration you have the power to personally touch someone’s soul.
Baby Bumsie (www.babybumsie.com) was also gifted by Pink to Lisa Marie Presley. Baby Bumsie provided every new mom’s dream for Lisa Marie…the Baby Bumsie! Lisa Marie will have no problems keeping beautiful infant clothing clean and will have no worries of waking the little ones when changing in the middle of the night.
Baby Bumsie, owned and operated by mom inventor, Shannon Karpinski, offers the most innovative design for an infant bodysuit. Looking similar to a Onesie®, the Baby Bumsie is a two-piece bodysuit that makes diaper blowouts easy to deal with. Protect those precious outfits from getting soiled with a three-layer thick back side, and say goodbye to dragging a soiled Onesie® over your baby’s head. Cleverly designed to allow for quick and easy removal of the soiled quilted panel to replace with a clean one. Makes a great baby shower gift! Every Baby Bumsie set includes two quilted panels.
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03.27.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:12 pm by Administrator
There are a lot of exciting things going on at Carved Solutions.
With the coming of April also comes the joy and excitement of the Spring Bride!!! Carved Solutions does weddings like none other!
Do you need a special gift?
Carved Solutions has just what you need for that special HOSTESS, the WEDDING PARTY, OUT OF TOWN GUESTS, WEDDING FAVORS and WEDDING RECEPTION DECOR as well as the most unique UNITY CANDLE!
Love the idea of fine soap custom carved with a name, graphic or sentiment but wish you could add a special message from you and your beloved to the keepsake box? ONLY at Carved Solutions will you find such a personal service! With love and appreciation your special message will be included inside each keepsake box!
At Carved Solutions we cherish our brides! This is YOUR special day and we want you to have every last detail you’ve been dreaming of. We take our job of making it easy and exactly what you want, seriously. THE KEY TO REMEMBER: All of our products are customizable with graphics, names, monograms, phrases…it’s all up to you!
In today’s anonymous world the art of gift-giving has changed dramatically. With so many mass-produced, overseas items populating today’s storefronts, the ability to give a gift that imparts an intimate awareness of individual caring has been lost. Carved Solutions brings back the warm feelings of recognition, awareness and connection. By customizing Vermont-made soaps, candles and embroidered gifts you have the power to personally touch someone’s soul.
Mike has been hard at work creating new designs for your enjoyment. Whether for professional use or pleasure these carvings are must haves! Capture the spirit of the butterfly, hope of the dragonfly, your love of golf or immurse yourself in relaxation with our seashore series to mention a few! Our design library is ever growing…check back often to find out what’s new! www.carvedsolutions.com/selectss.html
I can never end a blog post without a personal message!
Remember the gift of patience throughout your busy days. Patience to your young child that only wants a moment of your time, patience for your spouse who might have had a hard day, patience for your parents whose lives are entering different phases, patience for your siblings and friends who fight with the same baggage you do every day, patience for yourself. In patience one often finds kindness!
Smiles!
Dawn
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01.01.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:12 pm by Administrator
What was going to be my last post of 2007 has become my first post of 2008. It is, yet again, another moment to reflect in gratitude. To wake up in the morning feeling full of gratitude is a blessed feeling. It starts the day with endless possibilities. With gratitude in ones’ heart all is achievable, all attainable. One of the best times to feel gratitude is amongst life’s challenges.
Even through life’s challenges, doors are opened and dreams are brought into reality. Lessons can be learned, skills can be honed. The opportunity to find ourselves often presents itself through challenge.
When that challenge is a loss, we find out even more about ourselves, our beliefs and faith, our friends and our family. It seems this year, more than most, many have been brought into my life that have felt the touch of loss, the pain of miss.
This past holiday season we carved many remembrance items (candles & soap). The work, emotional at times, is also very fulfilling knowing we were playing a small part in someone professing their eternal love for someone else, a small part in someone’s healing…powerful! Both Mike and I are honored to be a part of that kind of love!
With gratitude comes appreciation. Appreciation for others, patience for others, understanding for others; that underneath it all we are all the same imperfect human beings with our arsenal of baggage.
Some of us share the same baggage and some of us have all sorts of “interesting” baggage that even at times becomes humorous (thanks to my sister, Roxanne, who can move our family baggage from painful to hysterical!). Whatever your “baggage” happens to be find away to sort out the lessons that lie deep within. Sometimes the lessons are foggy and hard to see, other times they are they are so clear it is like getting a fist in the face.
Mike’s grandpa, Wilfred, used to refer to it as the “School of Hard Knocks”. Wilfred lived 99 years and 9 months; he had a lot of time to learn about life. Grandpa would say, “Some people learn quickly that a punch in the face (an action or choice – hurts) and opt to duck, block or run for safety when they see it come again (change a direction, make amends, make a different choice) others must be repetitively pummeled time and time again to discover that the punch (repetitive negative actions, holding grudges, denying forgiveness or bad choices) create the same painful results”. I feel fortunate to one of the first group (even if someone else get’s the punch before I do, I try to learn from their lesson…why take a fist in the face when you don’t have to?). J!
Appreciation always brings me to forgiveness. The ultimate sense of freedom, a core sense of true peace is only found in forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that responsibility or accountability is removed from an action but it does mean that the hurt from the act cannot hold you prisoner. We all make mistakes. Some make HUGE mistakes or truly bad choices that hurt others but that doesn’t mean those, who have been hurt, need to let the person in error and the pain they’ve brought into their lives force them into a prison of anger, locked in the chains of wanted revenge or the attack of the slanderous tongue. Don’t allow others to own you, your heart or deny yourself peace by focusing on their choices ~ rise above. (NOTE: I do share this from a view previously swallowed by pain and anger…another moment in the School of Hard Knocks…I lost myself allowing the pain from a wrong-doing take control of my life until I rose above).
The PEACE of FORGIVENESS, the LESSONS found in BAGGAGE, the kind act of offering UNDERSTANDING, PATIENCE and APPRECIATION that one longs to receive from others. LEARNING from and FINDING ourselves in our experiences, failures and losses. Ultimately embracing the feeling of GRATITUDE for all of it! That gratitude will set you free and the reward…UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. There is no greater a gift that I could wish for all of you, for all of us for 2008 than UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!
May your path find you with a light heart, a skip in your step, and a clear vision of where you are going.
Smiles always,
Dawn
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12.27.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:10 pm by Administrator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dawn Lancaster, 802.872.0047 or dlancaster@carvedsolutions.com
December 17, 2007
VERMONT COMPANY SHOWCASED
IN TALENT LOUNGE AT CBS TELEVISION SPECIAL
Carved Solutions, a Vermont-based company specializing in custom carved, personalized soap and candle products was showcased at CBS Television’s 9TH annual “A Home for the Holidays” Talent Lounge.
“A Home for the Holidays,” is a television special that will be broadcast Friday, Dec. 21 (8:00-9:00 p.m, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. It includes moving performances by celebrities like Sheryl Crow, James Blunt, Fergie, Carole King, Reba McEntire and appearances by actors including David Krumholtz, George Lopez and Rene Russo. It was taped in Hollywood, Calif.
Celebrities appearing in the special were presented with gifts in the Distinctive Assets’ Talent Lounge from eight companies, one of them Carved Solutions. The Williston company furnished its signature luxury gift set, which includes a custom embroidered, 100% ring-spun cotton finger towel , and a trio of Vermont made 100% vegetable- based, triple-milled soap bars, carved “PEACE”, “LOVE”, and “JOY.” A gift certificate to order direct from www.carvedsolutions.com allowing the stars to select a personalized item of their choice was also part of the package.
Russo, who has starred in nearly 20 major motion pictures, said of the Carved Solutions products: “Absolutely brilliant. I love it…smells clean and gentle”
King, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who’s won four Grammy Awards, said “the products are lovely.”
Carved Solutions was invited to the Talent Lounge after being approved by Distinctive Assets (an LA-based entertainment marketing company) and the show’s production company. “A Home for the Holidays” is produced by Triage Entertainment and Goldsmith Entertainment, in association with the Children’s Action Network and the Dave Thomas Foundation.
Carved Solutions, established in 2006, is owned and operated by husband and wife team Mike and Dawn Lancaster of Williston. Products include custom carved personalized Vermont-made soap and candles, complimenting custom embroidered products, custom work and private label products.
In today’s anonymous world the art of gift-giving has changed dramatically. With so many mass-produced, overseas items populating today’s storefronts, the ability to give a gift that imparts an intimate awareness of individual caring has been lost. Carved Solutions brings back the warm feelings of recognition, awareness and connection. By customizing Vermont-made soaps, candles and embroidered gifts with an initial, monogram, name, message even a logo or illustration you have the power to personally touch someone’s soul.
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10.01.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:09 pm by Administrator
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! magnify
My Mom is a Breast Cancer SURVIVOR…twice. She’s been free from Breast Cancer 11 years!
Recently, while I was reading I was reminded, “Breast Cancer knows no boundaries. It affects anyone regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime”. If that is true, and my Mom was 1 in 8 then let’s do some quick math,
My mom = 1
My mother-in-law = 2
My sister in laws (3) = 5
My sisters and I (3) = 8
Hmmmm… So that would make my Mom the 1 in 8 BUT what about?
My daughter?
My niece?
Their friends?
You?
Your friends?
Your family?
STOP THE ONE IN EIGHT. GET A MAMMOGRAM! Give to cancer research, eat healthy, stay active, and keep a positive outlook on life!
My Dad always said you only have one mother, take care of her, protect her with your life. For the entire month of October Carved Solutions will be donating proceeds to Susan G. Komen for the CURE! Together we CAN, we WILL find a cure!
Because hugs from Grandma are priceless!
Smiles always!
Dawn
PS: Support someone who needs your hug, your love, your friendship visit www.healingbaskets.com
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09.16.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:08 pm by Administrator
Not one, not two, but countless dreams coming true all through an avenue called Candles & Creations in South Burlington, VT! If you haven’t been there yet, head to the Blue Mall on Dorset Street and I guarantee you’ll be back.
Feel the spirit! Walk in the door, feel the chills and fall in love with everything you see…including Casey and Heather!
Dragonfly Gifts of Vermont and CW Creations have come together to bring you Candles & Creations. A place of love, hope, appreciation and awareness. Two spirited women with so much to offer the world, ladies filled with light.
Carved Solutions is proud to be showcased at Candles & Creations.
So visit Heather and Casey today. You’ll find at Candles & Creations a piece of you; a piece of home!
Smiles always,
Dawn
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09.12.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:08 pm by Administrator
Welcome to September! I know we are all thinking “Where did summer go?” but I actually love the way the mornings cool off in September, how the air feels so crisp and clean. It’s almost as if the air really smells different; invigorating!
Speaking of smelling different I am beside myself with excitement with the launching of our Dragonfly Gifts of Vermont handmade candles.
Illuminate your personalizations! Everything you had imagined in soap is now available in our elegant,100% palm wax and 100% cotton wick candles (no paraffin wax means no black soot…good for you and the environment). Each candle is individually HANDMADE in Vermont! Chose a single pillar (4″ or 3″) or create a memorable gift set with complimenting votive.
The unique beauty, and infused aromas (scented with all natural essential oils) in a crystallized-marbled appearance creates a perfect finishing touch to any gift, room, home, event and occasion.
Dragonfly has taken the time to create this lovely candle for us with you in mind. The signature scent is called Relaxation and it does its’ name justice!
Don’t forget to ask us about our Home Set (Personalized Soap, Personalized Candles, and Embroidered Towel). Our Luxury Bathrobes just arrived and we’ll be putting photos up soon for your spoiling and gift-giving! Oh and did I tell you about the Amenity Bars??? Those are here now too!
I have a feeling I’m going to be back here quite a bit this month. We are also working with Vermont’s premier Bridal Show…check it out at www.carvedsolutions.com/needlemansbridal.html
As always, if there is ever anything you don’t see that you’d like to see, just ask, we are glad to accommodate.
Smiles!
Dawn
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06.04.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:07 pm by Administrator
I remember when I was younger my friend thought he’d never be married and he’d never have children. I can’t help but smile when I hear his beautiful, intelligent, and loving wife calling him “Squeeze” and I can’t help but gush when I see the smile in his eyes as he looks at his magical little girl, who does look so very much like her Daddy!
I don’t think that men truly appreciate the gift of fatherhood until they become one, themselves. As I watch my own husband interact with our daughter, Sarah, I see the priceless appreciation in his eyes and the wonder of how his heart got out of his body and became this beautiful little being that one day will grow up and he will have to set free.
When I was pregnant and we found out we were having a girl, I couldn’t help but be excited for Mike to experience the love, power and affect that “Daddy’s little girl” has on a man’s life, heart and beliefs.
With great pride, I watch him add feathers to her wings every day preparing her for that flight. He does a much better job giving her feathers than I do.
Sarah reminds me of myself as a young girl. How not only does she have her Daddy wrapped around her finger, but he holds her heart in the palm of his hand, the great protector. Watching the two of them makes me reminisce about my childhood experiences with my Dad and allows me to remember the joy he did bring into my life. How I wish he was here now so he could enjoy Sarah and Mike too.
With much gratefulness and appreciation we do still have the gift of Mike’s Dad, Jack (photo above). Jack has been in my life since I was 12 years old (I’ll turn 38 this August~shhhh!). It is with great love and honor that I call him “Dad” and he is in every since of the word a wonderful father to me. Jack has always offered to me his support, guidance, love, patience and humor! I often wonder what he would say about me if I wasn’t in the room. I would bet on one hand he’s proud and loves me very much and on the other hand finds me challenging at times, and wonder’s where I come up with my “ideas”. For me, he’s priceless and I’m so glad Sarah has a Grandpa like him!
Whether we come from “dysfunctional” families or even the perception of perfection in the Cleavers or the Cosby’s our Dads have a remarkable impact on who we are and who we’ll become. Be aware of the impression your Dad has made on your life. If it was good, seal it in your heart and strive to equal it, if it was less than desirable, learn from it and make your life easier now.
An important belief that my Dad always impressed on me was to love, respect and protect your mother because you only have one. I think my Dad finally was able to find peace and let go of this existence when Mike told him not to worry about his girls because he’d take care of them. The best Dads I know have deep respect for their Mothers and their wives.
Ahh, the joy of fatherhood!!!
Chris…you’ve come a long way baby! Bud, you make me proud! Jack you are my shelter in the storm! Daddy, I miss you!!!!
Got a special message for the Dads in your life? Let us know, if you’ve got a suggestion, we’re willing to try anything so let us know what your soap should say! www.carvedsolutions.com/products.html.
Always with smiles,
Dawn
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