General Questions:
Do you have a physical storefront or shop?
Where can I buy WoodSprite Natural Products?
Is purchasing with a credit card online safe?
What if I don’t have a credit card or would rather pay by check or money order?
Do you have a printed catalog?
Do you send free samples?
Do you give discounts for quantity purchases?
Do you teach soapmaking classes?
What is your privacy policy?
What are "Essential Oils"?
What's the difference between "Essential Oils" and perfumes?
What is Aromatherapy?
Where did you get the name "WoodSprite"?How can I receive Wholesale information?
Soap Questions:
What’s the big difference about Handmade soap? How is it different from the soaps in the grocery store?
How is natural soap made?
Are WoodSprite Soaps All-Natural?
So, is this like the “Lye Soap” my Grandmother used to make?
How do WoodSprite Natural Soaps differ from “Glycerin Soaps”?
Okay…they look pretty, but do they lather?
Why don’t you make watermelon, vanilla or lilac scented soaps?
I have eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or chronic acne. Can I use your soaps on my skin?
Bath & Body Questions:
Do you make lotions?
Do you make shampoo, conditioner or hair products?
How do I use the Sea Salt Scrubs?
My Body Melt™ has become grainy. What’s wrong? Is it ruined?
How do I use the Oatmeal, Milk & Honey™ Masque?
Soy Candle Questions:
Do you use lead wicks?
Do you use zinc wicks?
What the heck is a “Soy Wax” candle?
My soywax pillar candle doesn’t burn all the way to the edges. What’s up?
My soywax candle smokes. What’s up?
What is the proper way to burn a soywax candle?
Orders, Shipping & Returns Questions:
Is it safe to use my credit card online?
I don’t want to use (or don’t have) a credit card online. Can I place an order another way?
What are my payment options?
How quickly may I expect my order?
My shipment was damaged. What should I do?
What is your shipping policy?
What if I want to return products?
Answers:
Do you have a physical storefront or shop?
We do not have a shop at this time. WoodSprite Products are available through local art fairs (click here for updated show list), select retailers (click here for current locations) or via mail order using our secure online catalog. Mail orders may also be placed via telephone, e-mail, fax or postal mail, using our downloadable order forms.
Where can I buy WoodSprite Natural Products?
WoodSprite Products are available at select locations listed here. You can also visit our booth at a local art fair. Of course, there is always our secure online catalog.
Is purchasing with a credit card online safe?
Yes. Orders and personal information are encrypted using Secure Socket Layering (SSL) so your privacy is protected. Your credit card number is transmitted directly between the issuing bank and credit card processor. We do not receive or keep any credit card information on file.
What if I don’t have a credit card or would rather pay by check or money order?
You may place orders by calling our Toll-Free Order Hotline at 1-877-348-1710; by e-mail; or by downloading our Retail Order Form, printing it out and mailing or faxing it to us at:
WoodSprite
60350 Jewell Rd.
Washington, MI 48094-2311
Fax: (586) 677-0370
Do you have a printed catalog?
A printed catalog is in the works, but not yet available. The website catalog is always current and contains all our latest products, including timely promotions and specials.
Do you send free samples?
We used to provide samples on request; unfortunately the service was abused and we had to discontinue. Since all of our products are made, packaged, packed and shipped by hand, trying to fulfill multiple requests became rather time-consuming and costly. We’ll be glad to send samples for a fee of $2.50 (shipping included) for the first sample and $1.50 for every sample thereafter. Per our ordering policy, all orders must be paid in full prior to shipping.
Do you give discounts for quantity purchases?
Discounts are available for bulk soap purchases only. We do not currently offer discounts for Bodycare or Candles. Discounts cannot be applied through our website due to software limitations, so please call or e-mail to place bulk orders.
Do you teach soapmaking classes?
No, but thanks for asking. 🙂
What is your privacy policy?
WoodSprite’s privacy policy is very simple: We will not disclose, share, sell, lease or otherwise divulge any personal information we collect about our customers for any reason, unless required to do so by law. We respect every person’s right to privacy and take extra measures to protect it.
What are “Essential Oils”?
Essential Oils (EOs) are natural living essences extracted (usually distilled) directly from real plants. The name is actually misleading, because they are not actually oils at all, but rather volatile extracts which evaporate at room temperature. An easy way to see if you have a pure, distilled, unadulterated essential oil is the paper test: blot a drop of essential oil on plain paper and see if an oil mark remains after a day or two. If there is a mark, then it is adulterated. If it evaporates, it is likely pure–because there is no oil in it at all, but an aromatic, complex compound of the living plant’s vital properties. Not all plants will yield an essential oil; or what they do yield is so negligible as to be purposeless to extract from them. That’s why there is, sadly, no Lilac essential oil; no coconut (although there is a virgin coconut oil, which is a cold-pressed oil which does carry the natural scent of the coconut and it is, indeed, divine) no strawberry essential oil, no watermelon, no kiwi, no mango…In general, there are no fruit EOs except for the citrus family. Different parts of the same plant can give off different EOs, such as the Bitter Orange: There is an EO from the bitter orange blossom (known as Neroli) which is one of the most expensive EOs in the world with a long history of use in perfumery AND aromatherapy, and then there is the EO given by the fruit peel–which smells differently and carries different properties. EOs can be distilled from leaves, blossoms, stems, roots and even bark. Essential Oils are incredibly concentrated due to the distillation process. It takes about 2,000 lbs. of roses to produce just 1 lb. of Rose Attar. But ALL essential oils have one thing in common: they were directly distilled or extracted from real, live (or sometimes dried) plants. Synthetics abound–the best way to identify synthetics is if the label says “fragrance” on the ingredients list. Anyone who is using pure Essential Oils (and only essential oils–remember, sometimes they’ll mix just enough real EOs into the formula to claim it’s natural, then dump a bunch of cheap fragrance in to spread the costs) will proudly list them on their label, because they have taken the time and expense to use them and they want people to know about it. Any words other than “pure essential oil” should raise suspicion. WoodSprite products make exclusive use of pure EOs; we use absolutely no fragrance oils or other synthetics in our products, ever.
What’s the difference between “Essential Oils” and perfumes or “fragrances”?
Essential Oils, distilled from real plants, are volatile natural plant essences of a particularly fragrant nature which also contain medicinal properties of the plants from which they were distilled; “perfumes” may contain some natural essential oils, but are more commonly comprised of highly complex, sometimes toxic chemical formulations, designed for potency, intensity and scent “throw”. Many people who have sensitivities to commercial products are actually allergic to the perfumes or fragrances used in the product, the chemicals are very strong. Properly diluted and blended Essential Oils tend to cause fewer reactions in sensitive people. In a nutshell: Essential Oils are natural. “Fragrances” or “Perfumes” are synthetic.
What is Aromatherapy?
Ancient cultures were using natural resins, gums and oils for healing, spiritual ceremonies and as currency for trade since at least 2800 B.C., though use of the term “Aromatherapy” to describe the art and practice of healing through distilled essences wasn’t coined until 1928 by a French perfumer named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. Gattefosse was fascinated by the discovery that lavender essential oil (used in the perfumery business) soothed and sped up the healing of a burn on his hand. He realized that healing plants could be distilled into healing “essences”, carrying the medicinal properties of the original plant. Aromatherapy has less to do with “aroma” than the name implies. Essential oils are very complex and interact with the body’s chemistry to effect a particular outcome–whether physical, physiological or psychological. The term “aromatherapy” is widely misunderstood since there is no regulatory agency or governing entity to define or protect it. Adding to the confusion is the wide misuse of the term by large corporations attempting to capitalize on the rapidly growing natural goods market. Unless a product contains true essential oils, it is not a true aromatherapy product. Oftentimes, the old adage “you get what you pay for” applies to natural products. Pure essential oils are very expensive (Rose Attar costs an average of $3,800/ lb.) and quality products including them will be suitably priced. Look at the ingredients listing on product labels to be sure that Pure Essential Oils are used; beware of products including the words “fragrance” or “perfume”– they are very likely synthetic–which have no aromatherapeutic qualities at all.
Where did you get the name “WoodSprite”?
In some mythologies, the entities known as “woodsprites” are benevolent faerie-like spirits of the forest. They live within and care for the trees within their domain, protecting all the flora and fauna of the woodlands from harm. They are magical, wise and often mischievous, but never cruel. Among their many duties, the woodsprites are charged with the changing of the leaves in autumn; they are bringers of transformation. When Jacquelyn Ramsey, founder of WoodSprite, first delved into the art of soapmaking, she knew she wanted to use a name that embodied her beliefs. The woodsprite was the first thing that came to mind, and it stuck. Our company mission is to make top-quality products which do no harm, sustainably utilize and perpetuate nature’s healing gifts; educate through examples of social and environmental responsibility; and to support those working to protect our fragile planet. We hope to transform people’s opinions and knowledge of the importance of our environment through the creation of high-end bodycare products of uncompromised purity and quality.
How can I receive Wholesale information?
Wholesale information is available by request through our Online Wholesale Form. You may also inquire via e-mail or by calling our Toll-Free Line at 1-877-348-1710. Please provide us with information about your business; Business Name, Your Name or Contact Name, Years in Business, Type of Business and Federal Tax or Resale ID. We cannot release wholesale info without this information. We are currently working on our printed wholesale catalog as well as an online wholesale catalog for convenient, 24-hour ordering.
What’s the big difference about Handmade soap? How is it different from the soaps in the grocery store?
All soaps are not the same. In fact, many products available in stores today aren’t even soap at all – they are actually detergents. Products called “beauty bar” or “deodorant bar” are really detergents designed to look like bars of soap, though they are made with the very same harsh chemicals you use to wash your car or your dishes.
So, what’s the difference? To begin, our natural soap is made only from simple substances like vegetable oils, water and lye (sodium hydroxide). Soap cannot be made without lye. The chemical reaction of these ingredients is called saponification and it is during this process that glycerin is naturally produced. Because of precise formulation and a curing period of at least one month, there is absolutely no trace of lye left in what is now a lusciously lathering, gently cleansing soap. Detergents are popular with big “soap” companies because they’re made from synthetic ingredients derived from petroleum and are incredibly cheap to produce. So, the companies profit and our skin pays for it.
WoodSprite’s Soaps are handmade in small batches using only high-quality, natural ingredients carefully chosen for their healing or beneficial properties. Olive oil, the base oil for all our soaps, contributes mildness and moisturizing properties to soap. Coconut oil produces profuse, fluffy lather-even in salt water! Palm oil imparts hardness and stability. Almond, castor, avocado & apricot kernel oils and exotic butters of shea, cocoa & mango add emollience and nourishment to skin. Finally, only pure essential oils and real herbs and botanicals are selected to complete the experience of handmade, beautiful, all-natural soap. You will find no artificial colors, fragrances, fillers or preservatives in WoodSprite Soaps.
Perhaps the most important difference, though, is how our soaps feel. We are confident that once you have experienced the richness of our natural soaps, you will never want to use anything else on your skin!
How is Natural Soap Made?
The process of soapmaking (or saponification) is actually a simple one. It is the reaction between an alkali (sodium or potassium hydroxide), and a fatty acid (can be animal or vegetable fats). When these two opposing elements are mixed together, they react at a molecular level, breaking apart and then re-assembling into an altogether new molecule—the result of which becomes soap and glycerin. And this is the very important difference between handmade natural soap and commercial soaps, because commercial soapmakers remove the precious glycerin from the soap and sell it—ironically, to make so-called “glycerin soap”, lotions, creams and other cosmetics. BUT, if they were to leave that glycerin in the soap as handmade soapmakers do, then the product is a generously lathering, moisturizing, mild soap that doesn’t dry the skin and consequently, reduces the need for all those lotions and creams! Why do they remove the glycerin, then? Because they make far more money by selling the extracted glycerin than they do from the soap.
To see how we make soap step-by-step, visit our informational “How Soap is Made” page here.
Are WoodSprite Soaps All-Natural?
WoodSprite soaps are arguably the most natural handmade soaps available today…there are very few soapmakers who adhere to such strict standards. We use only the finest of vegetable oils (no soybean or hydrogenated fats), pure plant-extracted essential oils (no fragrance oils or so-called “nature identical oils”) and only plants to color our soaps (no dyes or pigments). The only human-produced ingredient we use is sodium or potassium hydroxide (also known as lye). The reason is very simple: the safety and precision gained by using commercial lye is far superior to that of leached woodash, the old method of creating lye. This is the one compromise we make, and firmly believe it is a small but necessary decision. And the result is still a natural product, because the lye is used only to transform the natural plant oils into soap. There is absolutely no trace of lye in the end-product–a lusciously lathering, incredibly mild and moisturizing natural soap!
So, is this like the “Lye Soap” my Grandmother used to make?
No. Even though the method is largely the same, the result is not. Precision of measurement, high quality oils and a method known as the “cold process” all contribute to create a much milder product than Grandma’s Lye Laundry Soap (sorry, Grandma!). And although lye is used to create soap, it is completely transformed by the molecular reaction with the fatty acids in the oils, so that there is absolutely no trace of lye in what is now lusciously lathering, incredibly mild and moisturizing natural soap!
How do WoodSprite Natural Soaps differ from “Glycerin Soaps”?
WoodSprite Natural Soaps are made entirely from “scratch”, using the “cold process” method, which means they are not cooked like commercial soaps. All of our soaps retain the natural glycerin (the byproduct of soapmaking), which is a valuable extract to help skin retain moisture. Transparent soap (or what is generally referred to as “glycerin soap”) is not made from scratch; instead– if it is, in fact, a soap product at all–transparency is achieved by melting regular soap and boiling it with glycerin (extracted from soap), alcohol and sugar. This can make a mild soap, but is not necessarily milder or superior to a quality opaque soap. We feel this involves a lot of unnecessary processing and wastes resources and energy to achieve so frivolous a thing such as transparency. WoodSprite Natural Soaps can truly be called “Glycerin Soaps”, because we leave the skin-loving glycerin exactly where it belongs—in every bar.
Okay…they look pretty, but do they lather?
Absolutely! It’s hard to contain enthusiasm for trait, because that IS the whole point of a handmade natural soap. The lather is easy, abundant, generous and creamy. And because of all the natural glycerin in these soaps, they don’t dry your skin. In fact, your skin will feel smoother, softer and fresher in a very addictive way!
Why don’t you make watermelon, chocolate or lilac scented soaps?
Not all plants will yield an Essential Oil, which is the natural distilled, aromatic essence of certain botanicals. While there is lavender, patchouli, rosemary and orange essential oil, there is no such thing as a watermelon, chocolate or lilac essential oil. And since WoodSprite products are made exclusively of natural ingredients, we cannot use the synthetic “fragrances” which are intended to duplicate those scents.
I have eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or chronic acne. Can I use your soaps on my skin?
Our premium olive oil soaps are milder than commercial soaps and detergents, which are quite often drying or irritating for troubled skin. While we cannot make any medicinal claims for our soaps due to FDA restrictions, we can tell you that our Tea Tree, Calendula Cream and Creamy Castile Baby soaps have all been reported as highly effective by customers with sensitive or troubled skin.
Do you make lotions?
We are currently testing some 100% natural lotion formulations which should be available in Spring 2004. We’re very excited to bring these new products to market and anticipate a very positive response from those of you who have been requesting them!
Do you make shampoo, conditioner or hair products?
Although we do not make haircare products at this time; we highly recommend Aubrey Organics™ products for your natural haircare needs. They are a company of great integrity and quality 100% natural products.
How do I use the Sea Salt Scrubs?
Sea Salt Scrubs are intended for use on unbroken, non-irritated skin. Before shower or bath, mix the scrub well and scoop onto DRY skin (if your skin is wet, the salts will dissolve before exfoliation can be achieved) and gently massage in circular motions with the palms of your hands (as if washing). Our Sea Salt Scrubs may be used anywhere on the body, but are not recommended for the face or other delicate areas. Rinse well and, after bathing as usual, pat dry. Your skin will feel satiny smooth and totally nourished. Please Use Caution: Salt Scrub may cause surfaces to become slippery, please step carefully! Special Note: Because of Sea Salt’s antiseptic properties, it may sting on cuts, scratches or broken skin–so it is best used BEFORE SHAVING.
My Body Melt™ has become grainy. What’s wrong? Is it ruined?
Not at all! And it’s very easy to fix. When the Body Melt™ Butter is allowed to become too warm, the Shea Butter begins to separate out and return to its natural state–a grainy-textured cookie dough consistency (this is actually a good thing because it ensures the purity of the Shea Butter!). All you need to do is remove the cap and gently heat the jar in a double-boiler (our preferred method) or microwave until it completely liquifies. Carefully replace the cap (be careful–the jar and the liquid may be hot!) and place immediately into a refrigerator. Once the mixture has completely cooled and solidified, it should be restored to its original creamy texture.
How do I use the Oatmeal, Milk & Honey™ Masque?
Our Oatmeal, Milk & Honey™ Masque comes in a dry form so it has a very long shelf life. All you need to do is add just enough warm water to about one Tablespoon of Masque, then mix into a paste. It may take a bit of practice to achieve the consistency you desire. Once you’ve mixed it into a paste, apply to your wetted face or neck in gentle, circular motions (if using as a cleansing scrub) or spread over skin in a thin layer (for a masque). Rinse when finished scrubbing and follow with a light moisturizer. If using as a masque, try to recline for the 15-20 minutes while your masque dries, breathing deeply and allowing yourself some time to relax. Then, rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer, if desired.
Do you use lead wicks?
No. WoodSprite Soywax Aromatherapy Candles are made using 100% plant-fiber coreless wicks, which are specially braided to achieve the proper tension and stiffness without the use of any metal cores.
Do you use zinc wicks?
No. WoodSprite Soywax Aromatherapy Candles are made using 100% plant-fiber coreless wicks, which are specially braided to achieve the proper tension and stiffness without the use of any metal cores–including lead and zinc, which release poisonous toxins into the air and our lungs.
What the heck is a “Soy Wax” candle?
Soywax is the greatest innovation in candlemaking in 100 years. Made completely from a blend of Non-GMO soybean oil and other natural plant waxes, Soywax is a cleaner burning, environmentally-friendly, vegan alternative to paraffin wax. Its benefits are unmatched; soywax burns longer, cleaner and cooler than paraffin waxes. Soywax is sustainably produced from USA grown soybean crops, whereas paraffin is made from a non-renewable resource, petroleum. Soywax is also biodegradable and non-toxic, as well as being water soluble, making cleanup easy.
My soywax pillar candle doesn’t burn all the way to the edges. What’s up?
WoodSprite Soywax Aromatherapy Candles are “core burning”, which means that they are designed to burn down rather than out, leaving an outer “shell” of soywax which contains the melted, inner pool of wax. This ensures a dripless, longer burning Candle which glows from within and casts a soft, diffuse, warm light.
My soywax candle smokes. What’s up?
If your candle is smoking, it means that your wick is too long. Keeping your wicks trimmed to between 1/4″ and 1/8″ will ensure proper burning.
What is the proper way to burn a soywax candle?
Our clean-burning, 100% Natural Soywax Aromatherapy Candles are formulated differently than traditional paraffin candles. To get the most out of your soywax candle, don’t expect it to burn like paraffin (commercial) candles. For instance, our candles are “core burning”, which means that they are designed to burn down rather than out, leaving an outer “shell” of soywax which contains the melted, inner pool of wax. This ensures a dripless, longer burning candle which glows from within and casts a soft, diffuse, warm light.
You should never allow dust or debris to collect in your candles, as this will clog the wick and cause improper burning-as well as a potential safety hazard because any foreign materials could combust. To keep your candle clean, periodically wipe with a damp, cool, soft cloth and allow to dry completely before lighting. Keep your candle out of drafts. And always practice common sense when burning any candle–burn only while attended, in a proper candle holder on a stable, temperature-safe surface away from children, animals, flammables, drafts and sources of heat. Keep Spa candles capped when not in use to preserve the essential oils.
Is it safe to use my credit card online?
It’s very safe to use WoodSprite’s secure online catalog. “Secure” means that your personal and payment information is encrypted when sent. To be sure you are using a secure connection, check the URL (address) of the website you are using. If it begins with https:// (“s” means Secure), then the site is secure. It it reads http:// (no “s”), then the site is NOT secure. Additionally, your credit card information is transmitted directly between the payment processor and the credit card issuing bank; we do not receive or keep credit card information on file.
I don’t want to use (or don’t have) a credit card online. Can I place an order another way?
There are several ways to place an order with us. First, you can now download and print our retail order forms directly from the web! Just fill the forms in by hand and then fax or mail it to us. Orders are also welcome via our Toll-Free Order Line at 1-877-348-1710 and via e-mail. Mail your printed orders to:
WoodSprite
60350 Jewell Rd.
Washington, MI
48094-2311
Our downloadable forms can be found by clicking here.
What are my payment options?
You may pay with a Visa or MasterCard via our Secure Online Catalog. Debit-cards marked with either a Visa or MasterCard symbol are also accepted on the website. To pay with a check or money order, you must phone or e-mail your order, due to catalog software limitations. We, of course, also accept Visa and MasterCard for telephone or e-mail orders as well. Orders will be shipped as soon as checks clear. We can also accept PayPal, but the transaction must be manually entered; you place an order, then we will reply with your order total including shipping, then you must go to PayPal.com to submit the funds to our account. Once the funds are deposited, we will ship your order.
How quickly may I expect my order?
Most orders will be shipped within 3 business days from order date; exceptions include out-of-stock items or during the holiday season. Because we handmake fresh product batches daily, there may be a delay in your order if we have to make a batch. You will always be informed of any delays and given the option of substitution or backorder for unavailable items. We make every effort to ship orders the same day, but do reserve the 3-business days for padding.
My shipment was damaged. What should I do?
Always inspect your package as soon as possible. If items are damaged, you should report the problem to the carrier (FedEx or USPS). Please contact our shipping department as well so that replacement arrangements can be worked out.
What is your shipping policy?
We routinely ship anywhere within the continental United States. PLEASE CONTACT US for orders outside of the contiguous United States (this includes Canadian Orders) to make special shipping arrangements. All extra shipping charges, including customs and tariffs are to be paid, in advance, by customer. We use the US Postal Service and FedEx for shipping within the U.S.
What if I want to return products?
For obvious sanitary reasons, we cannot accept returns of opened and/or used products, unless special approval is first obtained. Please contact WoodSprite to obtain a Return Authorization Number for such cases. We stand behind our products and will work to make sure you’re satisfied.
UNOPENED or UNUSED products in saleable condition* may be returned for refund or exchanged for store credit toward other products within 30 days of shipment. Please include with the unopened item(s) all Packaging Materials, Order Number, Packing Slip and Reason for Return. Please be aware that we cannnot be responsible for misdirected or lost returns so it is advisable to insure your package. If you paid for your order by credit card, a refund credit will be issued and should appear on your next billing statement. If you paid by check, a refund check will be mailed to you within 15 days of return. We will refund your initial shipping charges for the order but we do not reimburse for the postage of returns or exchanges.
*”Saleable Condition” is to be determined and approved by representatives of WoodSprite.
CUSTOMIZED FAVORS & SPECIAL ORDERS are not returnable or refundable after final customer approval is made. We will make sure your customized product meets your expectations before final approval is confirmed. Returns should be addressed to:
WoodSprite
Returns Department
60350 Jewell Rd.
Washington, MI 48094-2311
We wish to surpass your service and product expectations. Please contact us if you have any questions, problems, comments or special requests. If for some reason you are dissatisfied with your order, please allow us to make it right. Contact us at (877) 348-1710 or e-mail to talk to a representative.