Motley Artistries

Motley Artistries Producer of natural body care products, nature crafts, nature art, & the natural self

Mad scientist at work. Not really, but it sure does look that way when it’s time to make product. Even though Motley’s p...
09/14/2025

Mad scientist at work. Not really, but it sure does look that way when it’s time to make product. Even though Motley’s products aren’t made in a corporate lab, so much time, effort, and care still goes into making product by hand, starting with quality sourcing of materials, maintaining sanitary conditions (cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, cap/coat/gloves), air filtration, and continuing on to measuring, making, and lastly…the clean up. So much clean up. So much. It takes hours upon hours, sometimes days, to make a small batch of any product.

Despite this hefty time investment, Motley tries to keep costs lower for the end user, sacrificing paid time and larger profit margins so more people might possibly gain access to healthier body care and product options. Body care products are the bulk of the business, but the same degree of care and effort goes into all we do. If this resonates with your heart, share the word.

Be well, all.

There are estimated to be over 10,000 chemicals that can be used in cosmetics and body care products in the US. The EWG ...
08/31/2025

There are estimated to be over 10,000 chemicals that can be used in cosmetics and body care products in the US.

The EWG estimates the average female uses 12 personal care products a day containing up to 168 different chemicals, with males using around 6 personal care products for a total of around 85 different chemicals. Most products are applied to the skin. The skin readily absorbs these chemicals. The chemicals easily enter the body, presenting our bodies with similar risks just as if we were to eat the chemicals.

Some of these chemicals are known to be or are suspected carcinogens. Some are known or suspected endocrine disruptors.

The data from my research today can’t be displayed due to it being voluminous and incompatible with this platform’s formatting, but here are the ingredient labels for lip balm from a well known company versus Motley Artistries.

A lot of work had to be done for this singular comparison 😳.

This well-known brand has 21 ingredients. Many are petroleum based and synthetic ingredients, including silicone-based ingredients, potential endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens. And, it includes ethyl alcohol which disrupts the skin’s lipid barrier which is your skin’s shield that protects the skin from becoming dry and irritated. A bit of a paradoxical ingredient that causes you to reapply the balm because your lips are dry and irritated🤔motive?🤑🤑.

Motley’s tube has 6 ingredients—all of which can be pronounced and includes ingredients that nourish the lipid barrier so your skin is healthier and you use less product, which you get more of in the tube than most other competitors, too.

It’s a lot to read labels and know what you’re putting on and in your body and your families’ bodies. Start small. Living more naturally and using cleaner products is a process.

As always, thank you and…
Be Well

Fall is on its way 😀 Symbolically, Fall holds a variety of meanings—from signifying abundance and gratitude to maturity,...
08/30/2025

Fall is on its way 😀 Symbolically, Fall holds a variety of meanings—from signifying abundance and gratitude to maturity, death, and transition. It is often a time to celebrate and reflect on the days that have passed and the days that are coming, setting the groundwork for Winter’s dormancy and opportunity for renewal that will bring forth Spring’s awakening and new beginnings.

As we translate this to our often chaotic lives, now is a good time to ensure we are recharging our batteries as we wind down our Summer labors and ramp up our Fall festivities. An easy way to do this is through our self-care/body care practices.

To nourish and gently cleanse your skin (without all the chemicals and synthetic additives) while getting in the Fall frame of mind, try a bar of natural handmade, rustic Pumpkin Bread soap—or perhaps Honey Brew, made with Michigan honey and beer! $5 a bar. These make good gifts, too.

More soaps in the works are Apple Crisp (colloidal oatmeal), Bonfire (pinetar), Ember (activated charcoal), Wild Green Goat (goat milk), Apricot Cream, & more of the well-loved Lemon Ginger.

And, don’t forget to hydrate your skin. Try a moisturizer puck (aka lotion bar) to use after bathing. Much like Motley’s soaps, these natural moisturizer pucks are safe for all skin types, but are specially crafted for those individuals with aged skin, eczema, psoriasis, and generalized sensitivities. Try one: Abracadabra (neem & wintergreen), Sunny Disposition (calendula & citrus), Cardigan (chamomile & cardamom), Pinky Petals (rose & hibiscus), or All Clear (unscented).

Stay tuned for more additions and changes as Motley ramps up its Fall production and modifies its packaging to account for both lessons learned and new offerings. Additionally, we’ve got some lead-free leather keychains, bracelets and games made from natural materials, and a few other handmade natural crafts in the works. The website will reflect these new additions shortly. One task at a time 🙂.

P.S. You can always find Motley on the web at www.motleyartistries.com and Vendor Row in Ludington, or one of various markets or shows. Upcoming knowns are Ludington Tractor Supply Farmer’s Market September 13, & Onekama Fall Fest October 4. A few others are in the works, but remain unconfirmed at the moment. Please consider sharing and passing on the word. Your assistance in helping a small business grow by reaching those interested in living a cleaner, healthier life is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.
Motley Artistries—making natural, natural again.

As always, Be Well.

It’s been a rough couple of days so tonight I took 45 minutes for myself to enjoy the evening sounds of nature, soak my ...
07/04/2025

It’s been a rough couple of days so tonight I took 45 minutes for myself to enjoy the evening sounds of nature, soak my feet, practice some mindfulness and gratitude, & slather my feet and legs with one of my regenerative balms. I know they’re my products and thus I’m prone to bias, but I’m a very picky individual and I do have to say I love this soak and balm. They are hydrating, calming, and soothing. My favorite part—aside from how they smell—is how the balm makes my skin so exceptionally soft with such a little amount.

On that note, everyone can now find my creations—natural body care, nature art, & nature crafts—at Vendor Row in Ludington (5762 US 10). Products will be trickling in as I work on merchandising my booth. And, the website is coming along so for those who can’t make it to Ludington, I will be able to take online orders soon.

On behalf of Motley Artistries, I wish everyone a wonderful night. Be well.

Things are coming along. Slow and steady, but it’s a busy time for sure. I still have to chuckle when I think of the wor...
06/12/2025

Things are coming along. Slow and steady, but it’s a busy time for sure. I still have to chuckle when I think of the work I did in years past. The day to day work tasks are no less, but now they are so very different and the reward so much more.

I am the singular energy behind it all so I feel like a ping pong ball most days as I wear all the hats: web designer, accountant, secretary, orderwriter, receiving clerk, producer, cleaner, maintenace, product photographer, business manager, marketing manager, etc. And I haven’t even started selling yet! Nonetheless, little can top the sense of accomplishment that comes from progress.

Stay tuned as the journey continues.

Address

PO Box 221
Brethren, MI
49619

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