* The piece is available for purchase with possession after Oct 1, 2024

"It Takes A Village"

$2350 "It Takes A Village" | $5270 "Village"

Melba's first ceramic installation will be available at 8529 Broadcast Ave SW at Una Pizza + Wine, April 1 - October 1, 2024

Created in collaboration with over 30 local businesses and community members. (For the full list click HERE)

This powerful piece was created from a piece of clay over 8 years old. Melba started her ceramic journey in 2010 and before long realized it was the beginning of a life long dream to become a ceramic artist.

CLICK HERE to Check out the

"making of" progress videos

She spent the first few years commiting over 30 years a week to the studio while working as a full time professional. Before long she was asked teach as a member of the Fort Mcmurray Pottery Guild.

While saving to open her own studio for the next decade, unfortunate events resulted in her studio funds to be sacrificed every time she was about to open.

In 2020, while on another journey to raise funds for her pottery studio, she began Bowness Soapworks, which because more than just a soap company but a platform to build community, inspire people to grow and get people outdoors.

Late 2023 over a decade of heart ache and sacrifice, Melba opened Seto Pottery and now offers workshops, experiences and place for the community to share in success.

The Clay

"It Takes A Village" will be at 8529 Broadcast Ave SW at Una Pizza + Wine!

It took 2 weeks of slow rehydration and careful clay prep (wedging) to maintain the character and layers from this block of clay.

This is a blend of multiples clay bodies, as a part of Melba's sustainable practice, she reclaims as much of her clay as possible. 8+ years ago this was potentially a bucket of sludge!

Check out the "making of"

progress videos HERE

Inspired By "The Village"

This piece was inspired by the people behind the artist. Over the years, the opening of the pottery studio slowly became less of a reality for Melba, but with the support of her small business community, neighbours, friends and supporters her dream was made possible and this is the manifestation of that dream and process.

There was only 30 days to complete this project and with the help of her community, on Melba's 39th birthday, over 30 small businesses came together to help paint nearly 50 pieces from this installation.

Check out the "making of"

progress videos HERE

Being a part of our soap club is more that just getting our awesome adventure soap delivered to your door, we believe in creating and supporting a community of people who work hard to give meaning and value to your goods and services.  That's why every soap club subscription includes these amazing member perks sponsored by small businesses all over Canada!

Click Here to Join the Soap Club

 
*Active Soap Club Members can access their discount codes via their member link in their email or join FaceBook Group "Bowness Soapworks Soap Club Members Only" members need to request and invite to join.

 

Vendor List & Soap Club Member Perks By Category *Under Construction*

Massage & Acupuncture

Adventure Rafting, Paddling Experiences & Adventure Gear

  

 

Vendor List & Soap Club Member Perks A-Z

Active Light - Free Studio Consultation ($60 Value) and/ $60 OFF towards 4 hr Recording Session.

All The Things Gifts - 20% OFF 

Aurora Heat 15% OFF Reusable hand and body warmers

Becky McNabb Art - $5 Gift Card 

Bowness Soapworks - 10% OFF 

BrineDyeworks - 15% OFF 

Broth + Bowl 10% OFF

Chasing Mountains Designs - $5 Gift Card

Cycle Bar Strathcona - 3 FREE rides 

Daddy C's Jerk Sauce - 10% OFF purchases at The Magic Pantry Marketplace  * Show your VIP member card when purchasing.

Darling Designs - $10 OFF 

Earth And Flowers - 25% OFF

EC Williams Livestock 10% OFF 

Floraworx

Grace Of Clay 10% OFF

Green Briar Market & Refillery - $5 Gift Card 

Grounded Tea - $5 Gift Card 

Jaylife13 - 20% OFF 

JKDiscs - 10% OFF 

Joyful Java Community Cafe - 1 Free Coffee Card

K9 Kwik Release - 15% OFF Kwik Release Leashes

Kassey Photography - 15% OFF Photography Package's

Kelsey's Caravan Adventure Hostel - 15% OFF 

Kids Bikes Canada - 12% OFF 

Lamb & Ivy Gallery & Apothecary - 15% OFF 

Little Heaven Designs - 15% OFF 

Lot 46 Design Co - 20% OFF Custom leather work in Bowness

Made By Relish - 15% OFF 

Made By Victoria K - $5 Gift Card

Ms Sloane And Co - 20% OFF

Music & Play - 10% OFF 

Muscle Doc Massage Therapy - Free Hotstone treatment with massage 

Northwest Vibrational Acupuncture & Massage - 15% OFF any service 

Paws N' Petals -  25% OFF a Single Service & 10% OFF any Subsequent Services 

Www. PickedYYC.com 20% OFF $50 purchase or more! 

Plant 'Er Here - 30% OFF Concrete soap dishes 

Poli By Linds - $5 OFF 

Portraits On Point - 50% OFF 

QM Beautique - 15% OFF

Rock Paper Brushes $20 OFF private bookings or 2for1 virtual events. 

Rocky Mountain Closet - 30% OFF 

Ruby's Healing Garden - 10% OFF 

Sew Gay - $5 OFF 

Stab it Pretty 

Sundarata Naturals 20% OFF

Sugar Rush YYC

Surf Scents  15% OFF Solid Conditioner & Shampoo Bars 

Susan Mcguire 25%OFF Coaching Packages

Three Mountain Family Hikes 10% OFF

The Space Pantry 20% OFF

Vintage Apothecary $5 Gift Card 

Wild Mountain Eats

Wild Prairie Honey 15% OFF 

Parents Village YYC - 25% Events

Yoga In Bowness - 1 Free Virtual Yoga Class

YYC  BeesWax Free Lip Balm ($5 Value)