It is one of the processes of making soap. In the cold process of soap making no external heat source is required to bring out saponification. In this process a Lye solution (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) and water is well mixed with the proper proportion of melted fats or oils to initiate saponification process. Then the mixture is allowed to cool up till 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The Lye solution is poured in the oils and stirred with stick blenders. The stirred solutions turn cloudy and slowly thicken to thin pudding. Just as the mixture starts to solidify, essential oils, fragrance oils, herbs, oatmeal or other additives are added.
Further the soap is put in wooden molds wizened with heavy wax paper and covered with blankets or towels. The Saponification process is further continued for 18-24 hours. During this ongoing process the soap goes through gel phase. Once the insulation period is over the soap is solid, removed from the molds and cut into bars. Now the saponification process is complete and the soap is ready to use.
Successful cold process soap making involves exact amount of Lye solution and the correct saponification values of the oils used for soap making. If the Lye solution is more than the required proportion the unreacted lye will result in burning and irritation of the skin due to very high PH.
Source: http://www.soap-making.net/cold.html
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Trick to Make Your Soap Lather More
Add a Bit of Sugar for Super Bubbles
By David Fisher, About.com
The amount of lather your soap produces is directly related to the types and balance of oils you’re using. Different oils give different amounts and different types of lathers. Many soap makers add a bit of sugar to their soap to help increase the lather even more. Adding sugar helps make a light, bubbly lather with large bubbles.
There are two ways to add the sugar:
Method #1
Take a bit (just a few ounces) of the water you’ve weighed to make your lye solution. Add ½ - 1 tsp. of sugar per pound of oils you are using* to the water, and stir until it’s completely dissolved. Sometimes it helps to warm the water first. Add this sugar-water solution in at trace with your other additives, but before your fragrance oil.
Method #2
Make a “simple syrup” ahead of time by taking two cups of sugar and one cup of water and slowly heating them on the stove. Stir gently until all of the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool and pour it into a bottle to use when you’re making soap. Add ½ to 1 tsp. of the syrup per pound of oils you are using* to your soap, at trace, with your other additives, but before your fragrance oil.
* "Sugar Measurement"1/2 to 1 tsp. of sugar per pound of oils you are using" means that for each 16 oz. of oils (just the oils) you add that much sugar. If there is 32 oz. of oils, add 1 to 2 tsp of sugar. If there is 48 oz. of oils, add 1 1/2 to 3 tsp. sugar.
Note: Some people have noticed that adding sugar to their soap makes it heat up more in the gel stage. The same thing happens when milk is added - it's the sugars in the milk that is jump starting the gel process. Be careful if you are adding sugar and adding milk. Your soap can get quite hot!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lemon Creme Souffle
Ingredients:
20 oz Agbanga Karite shea
2 oz organic jojoba oil
3 tblsp organic lemon essential oil
2 tblsp vanilla infusion in fractionated coconut oil
Directions:
Weigh butter and oil in metal bowl. DO NOT HEAT OR MELT. Begin blending with a hand mixer until light and fluffy; add lemon and vanilla scenting oils and continue to whip until well incorporated. Dollop into 4 oz jars; makes 8 jars of crme souffle.
Contributed by Justine - Delicia 'A Natural Skincare Delicatessen' California, USA
Source: http://www.agbangakarite.com/recipe_lemoncream.php
20 oz Agbanga Karite shea
2 oz organic jojoba oil
3 tblsp organic lemon essential oil
2 tblsp vanilla infusion in fractionated coconut oil
Directions:
Weigh butter and oil in metal bowl. DO NOT HEAT OR MELT. Begin blending with a hand mixer until light and fluffy; add lemon and vanilla scenting oils and continue to whip until well incorporated. Dollop into 4 oz jars; makes 8 jars of crme souffle.
Contributed by Justine - Delicia 'A Natural Skincare Delicatessen' California, USA
Source: http://www.agbangakarite.com/recipe_lemoncream.php
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Oils for Lotions and Creams
For the students who have previously taken my lotions and creams class you can purchase small bottles of avacado, grapeseed and almond oils for your creations at Whole Foods Market. These particular oils are in glass bottles and are priced around $9.00 depending on the oil. They even carry coconut oil on the same aisle (and alot more expensive).
I would highly recommend checking Whole Foods out for your oils. If you would like to go to a particular store near you, I know that Whole Foods have locations in San Mateo, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Los Altos and Cupertino. To find where the nearest Whole Foods to your home go to http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/.
I would highly recommend checking Whole Foods out for your oils. If you would like to go to a particular store near you, I know that Whole Foods have locations in San Mateo, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Los Altos and Cupertino. To find where the nearest Whole Foods to your home go to http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/.
Cafe Almond Sugar Scrub
The combination of soft Almond Flour, and chunky Demerara Sugar makes this deeply moisturizing Sugar Scrub an absolute pleasure to use. Roasted Coffee Oil has a medium texture, and a very robust aroma. This special oil is rich in antioxidants, and beneficial phytosterols, making it extremely useful in skin care recipes.
This Sugar Scrub also contains a portion of Sweet Almond Oil, another highly moisturizing Oil with a slightly less viscous texture than the Roasted Coffee Oil. Left unscented, the Cafe Almond Sugar Scrub will smell strongly of Roasted Coffee Oil. Unlike synthetic Coffee fragrances, all natural Roasted Coffee Oil has a deep, robust aroma, free of any sweet or sugary notes. Adding 1/2 teaspoon of Amaretto or French Vanilla Fragrance Oil can give this scrub a much sweeter aroma, but it is totally optional.
Cafe Almond Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
1/4 cup Almond Flour
1/4 cup Demerara Sugar
1 teaspoon Ginger Root Powder
1 ounce Sweet Almond Oil
1/2 ounce Roasted Coffee Oil
1/2 teaspoon Amaretto or French Vanilla Fragrance Oil (optional)
Directions
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the Demerara Sugar, Almond Flour, and Ginger Powder. Next, add the Sweet Almond Oil and Roasted Coffee Oil and mix well. If you'd like to add Fragrance Oil, stir it into the mixture before spooning it into jars.
Usage & Packaging
This is a great scrub for the Winter months. The combination of Almond Flour and Demerara Sugar provides gentle, yet effective exfoliation, while Sweet Almond and Roasted Coffee Oil help to restore and moisturize. Use this scrub before your shower or bath to help refresh your skin. The Cafe Almond Sugar Scrub looks gorgeous in PET Jars. Try presenting this scrub with a brown satin ribbon to enhance its appearance.
Source: http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/scrub_of_the_month/
This Sugar Scrub also contains a portion of Sweet Almond Oil, another highly moisturizing Oil with a slightly less viscous texture than the Roasted Coffee Oil. Left unscented, the Cafe Almond Sugar Scrub will smell strongly of Roasted Coffee Oil. Unlike synthetic Coffee fragrances, all natural Roasted Coffee Oil has a deep, robust aroma, free of any sweet or sugary notes. Adding 1/2 teaspoon of Amaretto or French Vanilla Fragrance Oil can give this scrub a much sweeter aroma, but it is totally optional.
Cafe Almond Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
1/4 cup Almond Flour
1/4 cup Demerara Sugar
1 teaspoon Ginger Root Powder
1 ounce Sweet Almond Oil
1/2 ounce Roasted Coffee Oil
1/2 teaspoon Amaretto or French Vanilla Fragrance Oil (optional)
Directions
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the Demerara Sugar, Almond Flour, and Ginger Powder. Next, add the Sweet Almond Oil and Roasted Coffee Oil and mix well. If you'd like to add Fragrance Oil, stir it into the mixture before spooning it into jars.
Usage & Packaging
This is a great scrub for the Winter months. The combination of Almond Flour and Demerara Sugar provides gentle, yet effective exfoliation, while Sweet Almond and Roasted Coffee Oil help to restore and moisturize. Use this scrub before your shower or bath to help refresh your skin. The Cafe Almond Sugar Scrub looks gorgeous in PET Jars. Try presenting this scrub with a brown satin ribbon to enhance its appearance.
Source: http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/scrub_of_the_month/
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
MP Soap Tutorial Using Mold Market Cupcake Mold
Here's what you need:
Extra Clear Soap Base- approximately 1 ounce for the cupcake cherry
Ultra White Soap Base- approximately 12-16 ounces for the cupcake base and topper. You'll want a bit left over to seat the topper to the cupcake base.
Neon Pink Liquid Gel Color - for cupcake frosting (the top portion of mold)
Neon Red Liquid Gel Color - for cupcake cherry
DWP Eggshell color- for the base of cupcake, we added just a smidgen of DWP yellow color to the eggshell color.
Mold Market Cupcake Mold
Fragrance Oil (optional) We used a chocolate cherry scent. Other suggestions include strawberry & cream, bubblegum, chocolate, fudge brownie, vanilla pudding, buttercream. If using a vanillin based fragrance be sure to use the vanilla color stabilizer to help avoid brown spots on finished soap.
Pipette- for dispensing fragrance oil.
Rubbing Alcohol- in a spray mister type bottle. Helps to remove air bubbles in soap base and provides better adhesion when pouring soap layers.
Glass measuring cups, mini wire whisk to stir soap, and microwave oven.
GETTING STARTED
Step One
Melt approximately 9 ounces white soap base in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. A Pyrex® measuring cup is ideal since is has a pouring spout. Melt soap in increments of 30-45 seconds. DO NOT OVERHEAT. Add a few drops of DWP eggshell colorant. Mix well.
NOTE: We added a tad of yellow color to the eggshell color.
Step Two
Add desired fragrance, mix well, and pour soap into base of cupcake mold. Spritz with rubbing alcohol to remove any surface air bubbles.
Step Three
Melt approximately 1 ounce of clear soap base in microwave safe measuring cup. Add a smidgen of red color. This will be used for the cupcake cherry. Pour into the cherry area of mold. Clean up any over pour.
Step Four
Melt the balance of white soap in microwave. Add pink color and desired fragrance. Mix well.
Step Five
Pour the pink soap to the top edge of cupcake topper.
Step Six
Allow soaps to set up. We let ours set up overnight to ensure an easy release. The secret to release is getting air between the mold and the soap and then gently pressing on mold. Don't use excessive force. If you're still having problems, pop the mold in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The soaps should pop right out of the mold.
Step Seven
Now it's time to seat the topper to the base. To do this, melt some of your leftover soap in the microwave. Pour a layer of the melted soap onto the cupcake base. Liberally spray the melted soap with rubbing alcohol to help with the layers to adhere. Firmly seat the topper to the base. Once the soap completely dries, the base and topper will be secured together.
NOTE: If you want to add sprinkles, but a layer of food grade sprinkles in the cupcake topper, then pour your soap over the sprinkles. You'll want to pour at a relatively cool temp to keep the sprinkles from melting.
For all the related pictures, visit http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_cupcake_soap.html.
If you would like to see a video clip on the project, go to http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_cupcake_soap.html
Source: http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_cupcake_soap.html.
Extra Clear Soap Base- approximately 1 ounce for the cupcake cherry
Ultra White Soap Base- approximately 12-16 ounces for the cupcake base and topper. You'll want a bit left over to seat the topper to the cupcake base.
Neon Pink Liquid Gel Color - for cupcake frosting (the top portion of mold)
Neon Red Liquid Gel Color - for cupcake cherry
DWP Eggshell color- for the base of cupcake, we added just a smidgen of DWP yellow color to the eggshell color.
Mold Market Cupcake Mold
Fragrance Oil (optional) We used a chocolate cherry scent. Other suggestions include strawberry & cream, bubblegum, chocolate, fudge brownie, vanilla pudding, buttercream. If using a vanillin based fragrance be sure to use the vanilla color stabilizer to help avoid brown spots on finished soap.
Pipette- for dispensing fragrance oil.
Rubbing Alcohol- in a spray mister type bottle. Helps to remove air bubbles in soap base and provides better adhesion when pouring soap layers.
Glass measuring cups, mini wire whisk to stir soap, and microwave oven.
GETTING STARTED
Step One
Melt approximately 9 ounces white soap base in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. A Pyrex® measuring cup is ideal since is has a pouring spout. Melt soap in increments of 30-45 seconds. DO NOT OVERHEAT. Add a few drops of DWP eggshell colorant. Mix well.
NOTE: We added a tad of yellow color to the eggshell color.
Step Two
Add desired fragrance, mix well, and pour soap into base of cupcake mold. Spritz with rubbing alcohol to remove any surface air bubbles.
Step Three
Melt approximately 1 ounce of clear soap base in microwave safe measuring cup. Add a smidgen of red color. This will be used for the cupcake cherry. Pour into the cherry area of mold. Clean up any over pour.
Step Four
Melt the balance of white soap in microwave. Add pink color and desired fragrance. Mix well.
Step Five
Pour the pink soap to the top edge of cupcake topper.
Step Six
Allow soaps to set up. We let ours set up overnight to ensure an easy release. The secret to release is getting air between the mold and the soap and then gently pressing on mold. Don't use excessive force. If you're still having problems, pop the mold in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The soaps should pop right out of the mold.
Step Seven
Now it's time to seat the topper to the base. To do this, melt some of your leftover soap in the microwave. Pour a layer of the melted soap onto the cupcake base. Liberally spray the melted soap with rubbing alcohol to help with the layers to adhere. Firmly seat the topper to the base. Once the soap completely dries, the base and topper will be secured together.
NOTE: If you want to add sprinkles, but a layer of food grade sprinkles in the cupcake topper, then pour your soap over the sprinkles. You'll want to pour at a relatively cool temp to keep the sprinkles from melting.
For all the related pictures, visit http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_cupcake_soap.html.
If you would like to see a video clip on the project, go to http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_cupcake_soap.html
Source: http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_cupcake_soap.html.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Massage Bars/Body Scrubs Class
For those 5 ladies who were in my class on Saturday, I really enjoyed having you. I wanted to share with you that the molds that I used for the massage bars and body scrubs, I would recommend purchasing 2. I got mine at Joann's in Fremont and I am not sure all Joann's stores carry them. But I recall seeing them at Target.
Also, when you make your massage bars and body scrubs I highly recommend waiting until they are completely cool before wrapping. Another good idea is to put the day you made it so that you can have an idea when it may expire. I also recommend that when you get your supplies such as cocoa butter or shea butter is to put the date you received it on the packaging. And every so often open the package to see if has gone bad. You want to store your ingredients in a cool dark place to make it last longer.
Someone asked if you can melt your supplies in a microwave. I have always done it in a double boiler so I would not know how long to do it. But if you make any of the recipes with beeswax you don't want to because beeswax is combustable. Another question that was asked if the lotion stick containers could be reused. I could she way not but something you would have to consider is containation. And I am sure if there was some way to sterlize since they are plastic.
Also, when you make your massage bars and body scrubs I highly recommend waiting until they are completely cool before wrapping. Another good idea is to put the day you made it so that you can have an idea when it may expire. I also recommend that when you get your supplies such as cocoa butter or shea butter is to put the date you received it on the packaging. And every so often open the package to see if has gone bad. You want to store your ingredients in a cool dark place to make it last longer.
Someone asked if you can melt your supplies in a microwave. I have always done it in a double boiler so I would not know how long to do it. But if you make any of the recipes with beeswax you don't want to because beeswax is combustable. Another question that was asked if the lotion stick containers could be reused. I could she way not but something you would have to consider is containation. And I am sure if there was some way to sterlize since they are plastic.
Wintery Lip Balm
Ingredients:
* 5 tbsp. Castor or Jojoba Oil
* 1 tbsp. Beeswax
* 1 tsp liquid glycerin
* 3-5 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
***Combine the oil and beeswax in a small saucepan using a double boiler method, warm until the wax is melted. Remove ingredients from heat. While your oil and wax mixture is still a warm liquid add your liquid glycerine and essential oil and blend the mixture thoroughly. Pour(use our transfer pipettes to avoid spilling) into your favorite containers (tins, tubes, or jars). This recipe yields approximately 3 ounces.
Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=202
* 5 tbsp. Castor or Jojoba Oil
* 1 tbsp. Beeswax
* 1 tsp liquid glycerin
* 3-5 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
***Combine the oil and beeswax in a small saucepan using a double boiler method, warm until the wax is melted. Remove ingredients from heat. While your oil and wax mixture is still a warm liquid add your liquid glycerine and essential oil and blend the mixture thoroughly. Pour(use our transfer pipettes to avoid spilling) into your favorite containers (tins, tubes, or jars). This recipe yields approximately 3 ounces.
Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=202
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Snowball Bath Bombs Recipe
Dry ingredients:
2 cups baking soda
1 cup citric acid
1 cup cornstarch
Wet ingredients:
1/3 cup Safflower oil
1-1/4 T. Peppermint E/O
2 T. water
Directions:
Combine dry phase in mixing bowl. Combine wet phase in small jar and shake well. Slowly add wet phase to dry phase, whipping with a whisk as you go. If the mixture starts to fizz you are adding the liquid too fast and or not stirring fast enough. Once all incorporated, use bath bomb press to scoop mixture up and pack it in tight through the two holes. Gently tap on hard surface and release top half slowly by pushing your finger through the top hole, turn upside down and repeat. If mixture gets dry at the end of batch, add a little more oil and mix well this will stop fizzing or cracking! Lay bath bombs on paper bag over night and package! These bombs are packaged in 3" x 8" poly bags fits 2 bombs perfectly! Each bomb weighs approx. 2.2 oz.
Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=159
2 cups baking soda
1 cup citric acid
1 cup cornstarch
Wet ingredients:
1/3 cup Safflower oil
1-1/4 T. Peppermint E/O
2 T. water
Directions:
Combine dry phase in mixing bowl. Combine wet phase in small jar and shake well. Slowly add wet phase to dry phase, whipping with a whisk as you go. If the mixture starts to fizz you are adding the liquid too fast and or not stirring fast enough. Once all incorporated, use bath bomb press to scoop mixture up and pack it in tight through the two holes. Gently tap on hard surface and release top half slowly by pushing your finger through the top hole, turn upside down and repeat. If mixture gets dry at the end of batch, add a little more oil and mix well this will stop fizzing or cracking! Lay bath bombs on paper bag over night and package! These bombs are packaged in 3" x 8" poly bags fits 2 bombs perfectly! Each bomb weighs approx. 2.2 oz.
Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=159
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Purchasing Individual Sheets of Labels
I recently found that Element Bath and B0dy (http://www.elementsbathandbody.com/) carries sheets of waterproof labels that you can purchase in individual sheets. And they also conveniently have a MS Word Template that you can use to make your labels on your computer.
Element Bath and Body carries the most common sizes from 1" circle to 2"x 2" square.
Element Bath and Body carries the most common sizes from 1" circle to 2"x 2" square.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Oils and Creams Used in Aromatherapy Massage
The aromatherapy massage cream combines the synergistic effects of providing calmness of mind and wonderful skin care. The massage cream bathed with the wonderful aromatic flavors can produce some outstanding impact when massaged on your body. So aromatherapy massage cream not only provides soothing sensations to your mind and body, but also enriches you with a glossy skin.
Mingling effects of aromatherapy massage cream
If one aromatherapy massage cream is mingled proportionately with another then they can produce the best results. Once the aromatherapy massage cream is mingled you should store them in a dark bottle to avoid any damage of the cream. You can undergo an aromatherapy cream massage in the spas or in the healing arts centers. However, if it is not possible for you to go to these massage centers, then practice self massage to heal your mind and body.
Different flavors of aromatherapy massage cream
The aromatherapy massage cream is often blended with natural botanical thickeners and skin-rejuvenating ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin-E and jojoba oil to provide you with an entirely new soothing massage experience.
Following are some important aromatherapy massage cream flavors to provide you with physical and mental well being:
§ Peppermint - Reduces digestive problems, relieves headache, muscle pain and uplifts the mind and body.
§ Oregano - Assists in providing mental clarity, reduces depression and relieves muscle aches and pains.
§ Pine - Possess a fresh aroma so it has a deodorant effect and often serves as an antiseptic.
Unlike the massage oil, the aromatherapy massage cream can be applied only through body massages. However, whether you visit the spas or perform self-massage, the cream provides an amazing moisturizing and soothing effect to your skin, body and mind.
Benefits of using aromatherapy massage cream
The aromatherapy massage cream is usually sensual and warm, evoking romantic feelings and healing the mind and body of all.
There are several benefits of the aromatherapy massage cream:
§ The aromatherapy massage cream helps reduce stress caused due to hypertensions, depressions, muscle pains and headaches.
§ The cream improves blood circulation, reduces fatigue and cures a sore back.
§ The nourishing quality of the aromatherapy massage cream melts upon skin contact into rich creamy oil, which provides a glowing lustre to the skin.
You can massage the aromatherapy massage cream on your baby’s body to ensure your baby has an excellent nervous system and proper growth. However, massage the cream on your own body to achieve a romantic feeling and provide a rejuvenating heal to your mind and body.
Aromatherapy Massage Oils Soothe Your Mind And Body
Experience an aromatherapy massage with aromatherapy massage oils to soothe your mind and body. This type of aromatherapy massage simply makes you feel splendid. While you experience a massage with aromatherapy massage oils, you will feel a unique sensation of fresh aromas cooling your brain, refreshing your mind and relaxing your body muscles, specially after a tired day out.
Benefits of using aromatherapy massage oils
The aromatherapy massage oils have a special therapeutic quality and are used in the spas, and physical/mental healing centers. The massage oils are used by aroma therapists and healing practitioners to provide the top quality massage effects to people. Apart from providing soothing sensations, the aromatherapy massage oils have an added quality of healing various diseases like cold, flu, insomnia, severe muscle pain, headache and various other illnesses.
Types of aromatherapy massage oils
The various types of aromatherapy massage oils soothe, moisturize and activate calming sensations in your mind and body. Below are examples of some major aromatherapy massage oils that can provide you with the best feelings:
§ Chamomile - Reduces swelling, relieves stress, insomnia and depression.
§ Eucalyptus - Reduces fever, relieves sinus pains and coughs, reduces boils and pimples.
§ Lavender - Relieves depression, spasms, and menstrual cramps and controls blood pressure.
§ Rosemary - Reduces indigestion, fights infection, increases concentration.
§ Nutmeg - Relieves digestion problems and help you to sleep peacefully.
§ Peppermint - Stimulates mind and body, reduces motion sickness, muscle pains, neuralgia and decongests the chest.
Use these magic aromatherapy massage oils to cure yourself from all types of diseases and ensure perfect physical and mental well-being.
Ways to use the aromatherapy massage oils
When you massage with the aromatherapy massage oils, they provide you with a comfortable feeling that provides a calming effect to all your senses. The aromatherapy massage oils can be applied on you in the following two ways:
§ By inhalation - in this method the massage oil vapors are inhaled through lungs. This direct inhalation of aromatic oils always refreshes your brain.
§ By application to the skin - this method ensures direct massage of the oils in the body whereby the massage oils get absorbed by the blood stream and enhance one’s health, beauty and hygiene conditions.
The aromatherapy massage oils when properly applied help to overcome symptoms of depression and negativity, calm the anxious mind and heal life spirit of all.
About the AuthorAuthor is marketer for sites such as : href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/<>">Aromatherapy Message href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/Message
Source: www.ArticleTrader.com
Mingling effects of aromatherapy massage cream
If one aromatherapy massage cream is mingled proportionately with another then they can produce the best results. Once the aromatherapy massage cream is mingled you should store them in a dark bottle to avoid any damage of the cream. You can undergo an aromatherapy cream massage in the spas or in the healing arts centers. However, if it is not possible for you to go to these massage centers, then practice self massage to heal your mind and body.
Different flavors of aromatherapy massage cream
The aromatherapy massage cream is often blended with natural botanical thickeners and skin-rejuvenating ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin-E and jojoba oil to provide you with an entirely new soothing massage experience.
Following are some important aromatherapy massage cream flavors to provide you with physical and mental well being:
§ Peppermint - Reduces digestive problems, relieves headache, muscle pain and uplifts the mind and body.
§ Oregano - Assists in providing mental clarity, reduces depression and relieves muscle aches and pains.
§ Pine - Possess a fresh aroma so it has a deodorant effect and often serves as an antiseptic.
Unlike the massage oil, the aromatherapy massage cream can be applied only through body massages. However, whether you visit the spas or perform self-massage, the cream provides an amazing moisturizing and soothing effect to your skin, body and mind.
Benefits of using aromatherapy massage cream
The aromatherapy massage cream is usually sensual and warm, evoking romantic feelings and healing the mind and body of all.
There are several benefits of the aromatherapy massage cream:
§ The aromatherapy massage cream helps reduce stress caused due to hypertensions, depressions, muscle pains and headaches.
§ The cream improves blood circulation, reduces fatigue and cures a sore back.
§ The nourishing quality of the aromatherapy massage cream melts upon skin contact into rich creamy oil, which provides a glowing lustre to the skin.
You can massage the aromatherapy massage cream on your baby’s body to ensure your baby has an excellent nervous system and proper growth. However, massage the cream on your own body to achieve a romantic feeling and provide a rejuvenating heal to your mind and body.
Aromatherapy Massage Oils Soothe Your Mind And Body
Experience an aromatherapy massage with aromatherapy massage oils to soothe your mind and body. This type of aromatherapy massage simply makes you feel splendid. While you experience a massage with aromatherapy massage oils, you will feel a unique sensation of fresh aromas cooling your brain, refreshing your mind and relaxing your body muscles, specially after a tired day out.
Benefits of using aromatherapy massage oils
The aromatherapy massage oils have a special therapeutic quality and are used in the spas, and physical/mental healing centers. The massage oils are used by aroma therapists and healing practitioners to provide the top quality massage effects to people. Apart from providing soothing sensations, the aromatherapy massage oils have an added quality of healing various diseases like cold, flu, insomnia, severe muscle pain, headache and various other illnesses.
Types of aromatherapy massage oils
The various types of aromatherapy massage oils soothe, moisturize and activate calming sensations in your mind and body. Below are examples of some major aromatherapy massage oils that can provide you with the best feelings:
§ Chamomile - Reduces swelling, relieves stress, insomnia and depression.
§ Eucalyptus - Reduces fever, relieves sinus pains and coughs, reduces boils and pimples.
§ Lavender - Relieves depression, spasms, and menstrual cramps and controls blood pressure.
§ Rosemary - Reduces indigestion, fights infection, increases concentration.
§ Nutmeg - Relieves digestion problems and help you to sleep peacefully.
§ Peppermint - Stimulates mind and body, reduces motion sickness, muscle pains, neuralgia and decongests the chest.
Use these magic aromatherapy massage oils to cure yourself from all types of diseases and ensure perfect physical and mental well-being.
Ways to use the aromatherapy massage oils
When you massage with the aromatherapy massage oils, they provide you with a comfortable feeling that provides a calming effect to all your senses. The aromatherapy massage oils can be applied on you in the following two ways:
§ By inhalation - in this method the massage oil vapors are inhaled through lungs. This direct inhalation of aromatic oils always refreshes your brain.
§ By application to the skin - this method ensures direct massage of the oils in the body whereby the massage oils get absorbed by the blood stream and enhance one’s health, beauty and hygiene conditions.
The aromatherapy massage oils when properly applied help to overcome symptoms of depression and negativity, calm the anxious mind and heal life spirit of all.
About the AuthorAuthor is marketer for sites such as : href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/<>">Aromatherapy Message href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/Message
Source: www.ArticleTrader.com
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Swirling or Marbling in Cold Process or Hot Process
In January 2008, I took Lori Nova's Cold Process Soap Making 201 Swirling and Layers class. As of today, I have not actually made a batch but I really like the technique as well as the class. But if you are not fortunate enough to live in the San Francisco Bay Area to take her class, I found a link that is the next best thing.
http://www.aussiesoapsupplies.com.au/Swirling-or-Marbling-Soap-p-15.html#POTCP
I know that this is not like being in a class, but it is the closet thing to it. If you have tried this recipe, let us know what you thought of it.
If you are interested in this technique for Hot Process, here is instructions on how to do it in the oven. I am looking for this technique for the crockpot. If I find the recipe, I will let you know.
http://loveaonline.com/soapmaking/OHPswirl1.html
http://www.aussiesoapsupplies.com.au/Swirling-or-Marbling-Soap-p-15.html#POTCP
I know that this is not like being in a class, but it is the closet thing to it. If you have tried this recipe, let us know what you thought of it.
If you are interested in this technique for Hot Process, here is instructions on how to do it in the oven. I am looking for this technique for the crockpot. If I find the recipe, I will let you know.
http://loveaonline.com/soapmaking/OHPswirl1.html
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Debbie's Strawberry Souffle Scrub
From Wholesale Supplies Plus Blog (http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/)
Ingredients:
8 oz Crafter's Choice Foaming Bath Whip
4 oz Coarse White Sugar
1 Tbsp Colored Cookie Sugar
2 Tbsp Crafter's Choice Sweet Almond Oil
2 tsp Crafter's Choice Strawberries & Cream FO
1/2 tsp Crafter's Choice Vitamin E Oil
Directions:
In a Pyrex Cup and using an electric hand mixer, whip 4 oz of the Foaming Bath Whip for 1 minute. Gently fold 2 oz sugar and 1/2 of liquid ingredients and all of color into whip. Whip entire mixture again for 1 minute thoroughly. Set aside.
Repeat process but do not add color. Layer different colors into jar. Sprinkle top with colored sugar. Apply lid and label.
Kudos for Sue (WSP Customer Service) for coming up with this excellent formula!
Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944
Source: http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/
Ingredients:
8 oz Crafter's Choice Foaming Bath Whip
4 oz Coarse White Sugar
1 Tbsp Colored Cookie Sugar
2 Tbsp Crafter's Choice Sweet Almond Oil
2 tsp Crafter's Choice Strawberries & Cream FO
1/2 tsp Crafter's Choice Vitamin E Oil
Directions:
In a Pyrex Cup and using an electric hand mixer, whip 4 oz of the Foaming Bath Whip for 1 minute. Gently fold 2 oz sugar and 1/2 of liquid ingredients and all of color into whip. Whip entire mixture again for 1 minute thoroughly. Set aside.
Repeat process but do not add color. Layer different colors into jar. Sprinkle top with colored sugar. Apply lid and label.
Kudos for Sue (WSP Customer Service) for coming up with this excellent formula!
Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944
Source: http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Apple Spice Soap Recipe - Hot Process
Ingredients:
18 oz canola oil
8 oz coconut oil
18 oz olive oil
12oz distilled water
6oz lye
1Tbsp apple pie spice
1Tbsp Tumeric
2Tbsp Apple FO
Instructions:
Make sure you know the safety precautions before making any soap. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Add lye to water and cool to 100 degrees. Melt oils. I melt my oils in the same pot that I later put in the oven. Cool to 100 degrees. Mix oils and lye water together using a stick blender. At light trace add spices then FO. Cover with a lid and put it in the oven for 1 1/2 hours. Scoop into the mold. After 24 hrs I remove it from the mold and cut. I allow it several days to harden, then package. This recipe was modified from Kathy Miller's web site.
Source: http://www.pureandnaturalsoaps.com/recipe-applespicesoap.html
18 oz canola oil
8 oz coconut oil
18 oz olive oil
12oz distilled water
6oz lye
1Tbsp apple pie spice
1Tbsp Tumeric
2Tbsp Apple FO
Instructions:
Make sure you know the safety precautions before making any soap. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Add lye to water and cool to 100 degrees. Melt oils. I melt my oils in the same pot that I later put in the oven. Cool to 100 degrees. Mix oils and lye water together using a stick blender. At light trace add spices then FO. Cover with a lid and put it in the oven for 1 1/2 hours. Scoop into the mold. After 24 hrs I remove it from the mold and cut. I allow it several days to harden, then package. This recipe was modified from Kathy Miller's web site.
Source: http://www.pureandnaturalsoaps.com/recipe-applespicesoap.html
Monday, February 16, 2009
BODY SILK (Lotion Recipe)
Ingredients:
10 oz distilled water
2 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
1 oz Emulsifying Wax
1 oz Liquid Shea (got mine from Judy at To Die For)
1 oz jojoba
1 oz glycerin
.5 oz Avocado oil
.5 oz Sweet Almond oil
.17 oz(notice the decimal), or 4.8 grams Phenonip or Germaben II
This is a fairly thick lotion, but works in bottles very well. You can also made it thicker for jars, by adding about 4-5% stearic.
Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1199
10 oz distilled water
2 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
1 oz Emulsifying Wax
1 oz Liquid Shea (got mine from Judy at To Die For)
1 oz jojoba
1 oz glycerin
.5 oz Avocado oil
.5 oz Sweet Almond oil
.17 oz(notice the decimal), or 4.8 grams Phenonip or Germaben II
This is a fairly thick lotion, but works in bottles very well. You can also made it thicker for jars, by adding about 4-5% stearic.
Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1199
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Champagne Face Masks Recipes from Otion
Wondering what you're going to do with all your Valentine's Day leftovers after the big day? Fear not and plan ahead. If you have leftover champagne and mimosas are not your thing, do the next best thing and beautify your face. Like wine, champagne is made from grapes. The high antioxidant and polyphenol content in grapes that is often touted as a health winner is also good for skin. So, save that last bit of the champagne... for your face.
Here's what you'll need:
Rhassoul or Bentonite Clay
Champagne
Milk Powder, Half & Half or Creme
Optional: Lavender Essential Oil
Recipe # 1
2 ounces Clay (Rhassoul or Bentonite)
1/2 ounce Champagne
1/2 ounce Half and Half
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Recipe # 2
1 ounce Clay (Rhassoul or Bentonite)
1 ounce Milk Powder
1 ounce Champagne (the real deal, not the fragrance oil)
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Recipe #3
1 ounce Clay
1/2 ounce Champagne
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Directions:
Choose a recipe and measure out all the ingredients. Mix together. Put on face for 15 minutes until dry. Rinse with warm water.
See how great your skin feels as the clay helps to remove toxins and the milk acids smoothes and soothes. Champagne is chock full of antioxidants that help prevent free radicals from damaging our skin. Champagne also contains Tartaric Acid which is an ingredient commonly used to lighten skin. Since there is no preservative in the recipe, if there is any left over, store it in the fridge to help prevent growth and rancidity. Shelf life is approximately 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Source: http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/2009/01/champagne-face-masks_28.html
Here's what you'll need:
Rhassoul or Bentonite Clay
Champagne
Milk Powder, Half & Half or Creme
Optional: Lavender Essential Oil
Recipe # 1
2 ounces Clay (Rhassoul or Bentonite)
1/2 ounce Champagne
1/2 ounce Half and Half
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Recipe # 2
1 ounce Clay (Rhassoul or Bentonite)
1 ounce Milk Powder
1 ounce Champagne (the real deal, not the fragrance oil)
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Recipe #3
1 ounce Clay
1/2 ounce Champagne
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Directions:
Choose a recipe and measure out all the ingredients. Mix together. Put on face for 15 minutes until dry. Rinse with warm water.
See how great your skin feels as the clay helps to remove toxins and the milk acids smoothes and soothes. Champagne is chock full of antioxidants that help prevent free radicals from damaging our skin. Champagne also contains Tartaric Acid which is an ingredient commonly used to lighten skin. Since there is no preservative in the recipe, if there is any left over, store it in the fridge to help prevent growth and rancidity. Shelf life is approximately 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Source: http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/2009/01/champagne-face-masks_28.html
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Infusing Herbs for Natural Soap Color
Many soapers love to infuse herbs for natural soap color for a lot of reasons. One obvious plus is that natural color goes well with products with a natural theme. Another benefit is that natural colors offer shades that other colorants cannot. Rich yellows, muted shades, and more can be achieved by infusing herbs and adding the infusion to cold process of hot process soaps.
Depending on the shade desired, you can add as little as 1/2 teaspoon of infusion per pound of soap and up to achieve the color effect desired. When using natural colorants in hot process soap, the color you add will stay true. However, with cold process soaps, colors can sometimes change during the saponifying process due to the reaction between the lye and fats. Sometimes a beautiful shade of red when you mix can turn into a blue-purple when the soap is ready to come out of the mold. With cold process soaps, test your colorant in a very small batch of soap to make sure that the color will stay the same after saponifying. Although it can be tricky with cold process soaps, the outcome is always worth the effort. When you get the color you desire, the result is a beautiful bar of soap.
In the following, you will find a basic guideline for infusing your herbs, and what colors they will produce. Always test in cold process soap, however, to make sure the color stays consistent after saponification and to make sure the color is as deep or as light as you want it to be.
Infusions
In the following, you will see the herb name and how much to infuse. These are basic measures. You can infuse more or less herbs to achieve your desired color effect. Infusing herbs for color is much different than infusing herbs for their benefits and scent. When infusing for color, you do not need to let the herbs steep for weeks. As a matter of fact, you only need a few minutes of time to infuse your herbs!
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What you will need:
Small coffee filter or cheesecloth
Small jar or bottle (microwave safe)
Herbs to be infused
Oil - Sweet almond oil and olive oil work very well. If using olive oil, any kind will do, virgin or otherwise.
Instructions:
Gather instructed amount of herbs and put into coffee filter or cheesecloth. If you can secure the top of the filter together with something, that is great. Then you won't have to strain the mixture if it doesn't get inside the jar. Pour your choice of infusing oil in the jar, and insert the coffee filter with the herbs into the oil, getting it nice and submerged.
Put your jar with oils and herbs into the microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave, and mix the filter around a bit, squeezing it a little to get the color out. Repeat putting it into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time for up to 3 minutes of total heating. If you are making a large batch of color, you may need to microwave longer. (If you prefer, you can also heat your herbs and oil on the stove for approximately 5 minutes.)
Once your herbs are done heating, remove the mixture from the microwave and let sit for 10-15 minutes to cool and further steep. Once this time has passed, remove the coffee filter with the herbs, squeeze well to get all of the color out, and throw the filter with the herbs away.
You can store your infusion in a tightly capped jar or bottle in a cool dark place for 3 months to one year, depending on the herbs. In the following, you will see a list of colors followed by the different herb combinations that can be used to achieve your desired shade.
Blue
2 teaspoons Indigo in 2 ounces oil
Need Blue without an infusion? Try these.
1/2-2 teaspoons Blue Chamomile essential oil at trace per pound of soap (WILL scent soap, depending on amount used)
1/2-2 teaspoons Blue Cypress essential oil at trace per pound of soap (WILL scent soap, depending on amount used)
1-3 tablespoons Blueberry puree per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons Purple Grape Juice per pound of soap
Brown
Brew a very strong fresh or instant coffee. Allow to cool, and substitute the water in your soap recipe for an equal amount of coffee.
1 1/2 tablespoons Comfrey root powder in two ounces oil.
1/4-1/2 cup Elderberries per pound of soap. Steep these in your lye/water solution before mixing with your oils.
Need Brown without an infusion? Try these.
1/4-1 teaspoon Cocoa powder per pound of soap
1/4-1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder per pound of soap
1/4-1 teaspoon ground Cloves per pound of soap
Substitute goat or cow's milk for water in lye solution. This will produce a very pretty tan/brown in finished soap.
Green
2 tablespoons Stevia powder in 2 ounces oil
1-2 tablespoons Spirulina powder in 2 ounces oil
Need Green without an infusion? Try these.
1-3 tablespoons French Green Clay per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons liquid Chlorophyll per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons Kelp or Seaweed powder per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons Spirulina Powder per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons ground fresh Spinach per pound of soap
Orange
2 teaspoons Paprika plus 2 teaspoons Turmeric in 2 ounces oil
1 tablespoon Mace Powder in 2 ounces oil
1/2 teaspoon Annatto seeds in 2 ounces oil (When infusing or adding it to your soap, less will give a pale yellow color, and more Annatto will give a more orange color.)
2 tablespoons Calendula powder in 2 ounces oil
Need Orange without an infusion? Try these.
1-3 tablespoons Pumpkin/Sweet Potato puree per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons ground fresh or powdered Carrots per pound of soap
Red/Pink (use more or less concentration to produce reds or pinks in soap)
1 tablespoon Beet Root powder in 2 ounces oil
1-2 tablespoons Alkanet root powder in 2 ounces oil
2 teaspoons-1 tablespoon Madder Root powder in 2 ounces oil
1 teaspoon Rattanjot Powder in 2 ounces oil (will make a purple color)
Need Red/Pink without an infusion? Try these.
1-3 tablespoons Moroccan Red Clay per pound of soap (Will produce more of a rustic/brick red)
1-3 tablespoons Pink Clay per pound of soap
Yellow
1 tablespoon Calendula powder in 2 ounces oil
1/4 teaspoon Annatto seeds in 2 ounces oil (When infusing or adding it to your soap, less will give a pale yellow color, and more Annatto will give a more orange color.)
2 tablespoons Turmeric in 2 ounces oil
Need Yellow without an infusion? Try these.
1-3 teaspoons of Yellow Clay powder per pound of soap
1/4 cup Calendula petals per pound of soap at trace
Depending on the shade desired, you can add as little as 1/2 teaspoon of infusion per pound of soap and up to achieve the color effect desired. When using natural colorants in hot process soap, the color you add will stay true. However, with cold process soaps, colors can sometimes change during the saponifying process due to the reaction between the lye and fats. Sometimes a beautiful shade of red when you mix can turn into a blue-purple when the soap is ready to come out of the mold. With cold process soaps, test your colorant in a very small batch of soap to make sure that the color will stay the same after saponifying. Although it can be tricky with cold process soaps, the outcome is always worth the effort. When you get the color you desire, the result is a beautiful bar of soap.
In the following, you will find a basic guideline for infusing your herbs, and what colors they will produce. Always test in cold process soap, however, to make sure the color stays consistent after saponification and to make sure the color is as deep or as light as you want it to be.
Infusions
In the following, you will see the herb name and how much to infuse. These are basic measures. You can infuse more or less herbs to achieve your desired color effect. Infusing herbs for color is much different than infusing herbs for their benefits and scent. When infusing for color, you do not need to let the herbs steep for weeks. As a matter of fact, you only need a few minutes of time to infuse your herbs!
window.google_render_ad();
What you will need:
Small coffee filter or cheesecloth
Small jar or bottle (microwave safe)
Herbs to be infused
Oil - Sweet almond oil and olive oil work very well. If using olive oil, any kind will do, virgin or otherwise.
Instructions:
Gather instructed amount of herbs and put into coffee filter or cheesecloth. If you can secure the top of the filter together with something, that is great. Then you won't have to strain the mixture if it doesn't get inside the jar. Pour your choice of infusing oil in the jar, and insert the coffee filter with the herbs into the oil, getting it nice and submerged.
Put your jar with oils and herbs into the microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave, and mix the filter around a bit, squeezing it a little to get the color out. Repeat putting it into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time for up to 3 minutes of total heating. If you are making a large batch of color, you may need to microwave longer. (If you prefer, you can also heat your herbs and oil on the stove for approximately 5 minutes.)
Once your herbs are done heating, remove the mixture from the microwave and let sit for 10-15 minutes to cool and further steep. Once this time has passed, remove the coffee filter with the herbs, squeeze well to get all of the color out, and throw the filter with the herbs away.
You can store your infusion in a tightly capped jar or bottle in a cool dark place for 3 months to one year, depending on the herbs. In the following, you will see a list of colors followed by the different herb combinations that can be used to achieve your desired shade.
Blue
2 teaspoons Indigo in 2 ounces oil
Need Blue without an infusion? Try these.
1/2-2 teaspoons Blue Chamomile essential oil at trace per pound of soap (WILL scent soap, depending on amount used)
1/2-2 teaspoons Blue Cypress essential oil at trace per pound of soap (WILL scent soap, depending on amount used)
1-3 tablespoons Blueberry puree per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons Purple Grape Juice per pound of soap
Brown
Brew a very strong fresh or instant coffee. Allow to cool, and substitute the water in your soap recipe for an equal amount of coffee.
1 1/2 tablespoons Comfrey root powder in two ounces oil.
1/4-1/2 cup Elderberries per pound of soap. Steep these in your lye/water solution before mixing with your oils.
Need Brown without an infusion? Try these.
1/4-1 teaspoon Cocoa powder per pound of soap
1/4-1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder per pound of soap
1/4-1 teaspoon ground Cloves per pound of soap
Substitute goat or cow's milk for water in lye solution. This will produce a very pretty tan/brown in finished soap.
Green
2 tablespoons Stevia powder in 2 ounces oil
1-2 tablespoons Spirulina powder in 2 ounces oil
Need Green without an infusion? Try these.
1-3 tablespoons French Green Clay per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons liquid Chlorophyll per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons Kelp or Seaweed powder per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons Spirulina Powder per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons ground fresh Spinach per pound of soap
Orange
2 teaspoons Paprika plus 2 teaspoons Turmeric in 2 ounces oil
1 tablespoon Mace Powder in 2 ounces oil
1/2 teaspoon Annatto seeds in 2 ounces oil (When infusing or adding it to your soap, less will give a pale yellow color, and more Annatto will give a more orange color.)
2 tablespoons Calendula powder in 2 ounces oil
Need Orange without an infusion? Try these.
1-3 tablespoons Pumpkin/Sweet Potato puree per pound of soap
1-3 tablespoons ground fresh or powdered Carrots per pound of soap
Red/Pink (use more or less concentration to produce reds or pinks in soap)
1 tablespoon Beet Root powder in 2 ounces oil
1-2 tablespoons Alkanet root powder in 2 ounces oil
2 teaspoons-1 tablespoon Madder Root powder in 2 ounces oil
1 teaspoon Rattanjot Powder in 2 ounces oil (will make a purple color)
Need Red/Pink without an infusion? Try these.
1-3 tablespoons Moroccan Red Clay per pound of soap (Will produce more of a rustic/brick red)
1-3 tablespoons Pink Clay per pound of soap
Yellow
1 tablespoon Calendula powder in 2 ounces oil
1/4 teaspoon Annatto seeds in 2 ounces oil (When infusing or adding it to your soap, less will give a pale yellow color, and more Annatto will give a more orange color.)
2 tablespoons Turmeric in 2 ounces oil
Need Yellow without an infusion? Try these.
1-3 teaspoons of Yellow Clay powder per pound of soap
1/4 cup Calendula petals per pound of soap at trace
Friday, February 13, 2009
Teachers Wanted!
If you live in the San Francisco Bay AreaI thought I would let you know that College of San Mateo's Community Education Department is looking for enthusiastic, knowledgeable instructors in a variety of subjects from Business/Career to Food and Wine to Home and Garden and More!
If you have professional and/or teaching experience in any of these fields, or new ideas you would like the school to consider, please call (650) 574-6149.
For more information, check out the school's website at http://communityed.smccd.edu.
This is a great way to earn alittle extra money if you have a skill or a hobby you would like to share with the community. And mostly likely you do not need a teaching credential to teach your class. I have taught my soap and other bath/products classes there for over two years and I really like it.
If you have professional and/or teaching experience in any of these fields, or new ideas you would like the school to consider, please call (650) 574-6149.
For more information, check out the school's website at http://communityed.smccd.edu.
This is a great way to earn alittle extra money if you have a skill or a hobby you would like to share with the community. And mostly likely you do not need a teaching credential to teach your class. I have taught my soap and other bath/products classes there for over two years and I really like it.
Three Benefits Of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is not recognized as a legitimate form of treatment in most countries. It is largely frowned upon by medical communities because there is no formalization of the principles of Aromatherapy. Anyone can create their own essential oils or blends different oils. They can experiment with the effects of the oils and it is mainly a practical form of treatment. It is also quite commercialized to the extent that everyone has some kind of scent that they can diffuse throughout the house or a massage oil that they can use on themselves or friends. Most high street chemists or pharmacies sell aromatherapy products like candles or scented oils off the shelf. This has diluted the potency of aromatherapy to some extent. However despite the term aromatherapy being relatively new, the ideas of using aromas to treat ailments or change a person's spirit is not a new discovery. It has existed and been used by mankind for hundreds if not thousands of years. This article will discuss three benefits of aromatherapy.
Antiseptic Properties of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat cuts and bruises. The term aromatherapy was first coined in France in the 1920's by the French chemist Rene Gattefosse. He was burned in an experiment and found that lavender oil eased the pain. This prompted him to study more oils, the affects they had on the body and develop techniques to extract the essential oils out of flowers and plants. Through his studies and those of others it was found that many essential oils have antiseptic and antiviral properties and can be used to treat burns, cuts and scratches. They prevent or kill germs from infecting the damaged area and making it worse.
Aromatherapy As An Expectorant
A well known treatment for breathing difficulties, coughs and chest congestion are to use an expectorant. This form of treatment was used by people long before the term aromatherapy was created but the principle is the same as aromatherapy. Essential oils like camphor, eucalyptus or menthol are rubbed on the chest or added to steaming water and breathed in. This clears the breathing and helps bring relief from coughs and colds. Vicks vaporub is a common product that many households have that uses the principles of aromatherapy to treat ailments in this manner.
Aromatherapy for Relaxation
Most people are familiar with burning scents to change their mood or state of mind. Meditation is often accompanied by scented candles or incense sticks to help relax the mind and prepare it for a deeper meditation. Nowadays scent diffusers are popular for creating a scent. A diffuser can be a device that burns essential oils or it could even be a product that plugs into the wall using electricity to heat the essential oils. Different scents create different responses but most people are looking for something that helps to calm or relax them.
Aromatherapy can also be applied to bath oils. Again, it works on the same principle, except that the hot water heats up the essential oils and this creates a scent that relaxes the mind and can have benefits to the body as it is in contact with the body.
About the Author
Learn more about Aromatherapy and essential oils at href="http://www.aromatherapybalm.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aromatherapybalm.com/. Find out how href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/">Aromatherapy Reiki treatment can keep you healthy. Adrian writes about Aromatherapy and essential oils.
Source: href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/">ArticleTrader.com
Antiseptic Properties of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat cuts and bruises. The term aromatherapy was first coined in France in the 1920's by the French chemist Rene Gattefosse. He was burned in an experiment and found that lavender oil eased the pain. This prompted him to study more oils, the affects they had on the body and develop techniques to extract the essential oils out of flowers and plants. Through his studies and those of others it was found that many essential oils have antiseptic and antiviral properties and can be used to treat burns, cuts and scratches. They prevent or kill germs from infecting the damaged area and making it worse.
Aromatherapy As An Expectorant
A well known treatment for breathing difficulties, coughs and chest congestion are to use an expectorant. This form of treatment was used by people long before the term aromatherapy was created but the principle is the same as aromatherapy. Essential oils like camphor, eucalyptus or menthol are rubbed on the chest or added to steaming water and breathed in. This clears the breathing and helps bring relief from coughs and colds. Vicks vaporub is a common product that many households have that uses the principles of aromatherapy to treat ailments in this manner.
Aromatherapy for Relaxation
Most people are familiar with burning scents to change their mood or state of mind. Meditation is often accompanied by scented candles or incense sticks to help relax the mind and prepare it for a deeper meditation. Nowadays scent diffusers are popular for creating a scent. A diffuser can be a device that burns essential oils or it could even be a product that plugs into the wall using electricity to heat the essential oils. Different scents create different responses but most people are looking for something that helps to calm or relax them.
Aromatherapy can also be applied to bath oils. Again, it works on the same principle, except that the hot water heats up the essential oils and this creates a scent that relaxes the mind and can have benefits to the body as it is in contact with the body.
About the Author
Learn more about Aromatherapy and essential oils at href="http://www.aromatherapybalm.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aromatherapybalm.com/. Find out how href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/">Aromatherapy Reiki treatment can keep you healthy. Adrian writes about Aromatherapy and essential oils.
Source: href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.blogger.com/">ArticleTrader.com
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Antibacterial Soap May Not All Be That Good Afterall
I recently saw a tail end of a segment regarding Antibacterial soap may not be that great after all. Since I catched the tail end of the show and missed most of the information, I was looking for more information. Then I found a blog titled "The Soap Cafe" (http://thesoapcafe.blogspot.com/) which had an article that I thought I would share with you:
Antibacterial soaps, which often claim to kill 99.9% of germs, have become extremely popular in our germ-phobic age, but is this a good thing? The bacteria-fighting ingredients in those soaps may be doing you more harm than good. Extra-strength antibacterial ingredients in soaps, while killing harmful bacteria, can also kill healthy bacteria that exist to protect your skin thus endangering you and stripping your skin of those healthy bacteria. Killing too much of your body’s bacteria, when overdone, can even lead to causing diseases such as eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, and even diabetes...
Read more... http://www.soapmakingfun.com/DangersofCommercialSoap.pdf
Source: http://thesoapcafe.blogspot.com/2009/02/that-antibacterial-soap-may-not-be-all.html
Antibacterial soaps, which often claim to kill 99.9% of germs, have become extremely popular in our germ-phobic age, but is this a good thing? The bacteria-fighting ingredients in those soaps may be doing you more harm than good. Extra-strength antibacterial ingredients in soaps, while killing harmful bacteria, can also kill healthy bacteria that exist to protect your skin thus endangering you and stripping your skin of those healthy bacteria. Killing too much of your body’s bacteria, when overdone, can even lead to causing diseases such as eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, and even diabetes...
Read more... http://www.soapmakingfun.com/DangersofCommercialSoap.pdf
Source: http://thesoapcafe.blogspot.com/2009/02/that-antibacterial-soap-may-not-be-all.html
Herbal Salve Recipes
If you are looking for some Salve recipes to try, I found some you may want to try. If you have a recipe that you would like to share, please let me know.
http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Herbal_Salve_Recipes
http://www.pvsoap.com/recipe_gardeners_salve.htm
http://www.soluscandles.com/basicsalve.htm
http://www.paganspace.net/profiles/blog/show?id=1342861%3ABlogPost%3A676668
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1210923/a_recipe_for_makeing_your_own_drawing.html
http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Herbal_Salve_Recipes
http://www.pvsoap.com/recipe_gardeners_salve.htm
http://www.soluscandles.com/basicsalve.htm
http://www.paganspace.net/profiles/blog/show?id=1342861%3ABlogPost%3A676668
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1210923/a_recipe_for_makeing_your_own_drawing.html
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Cup Cake Candle Tutorial
If you like the cupcake bath fizzie bombs, then you will definately like this cupcake candle tutorial:
http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/03/08/cupcake-candle-tutorial/
This would be a great party favor for birthday parties, baby showers, etc.
http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/03/08/cupcake-candle-tutorial/
This would be a great party favor for birthday parties, baby showers, etc.
Monday, February 9, 2009
What is Hot Process Soapmaking?
Hot Process soap making is the old method still used by soap makers. In this process heat is involved to initiate saponification. While preparing soap by hot process lye solution, fats and oils are boiled. Once the saponification occurs the soap is precipitated by adding salt to the solution. The remaining component in the form of liquid is drained of. Those modern soap makers using this traditional method of soap making add exact proportion of lye and water to hot oils and mix till saponification process is achieved. This can be tested by the experts by taste; where they touch it to the tip of the tongue or by eye; which only the experienced soap makers can be sure of. After the process is completed the solution is put into molds to set. The hot process soap can be used immediately after preparation, which is not in the case of cold process soap.
In earlier times during hot process of soap preparation salt was added to harden the bars- potassium hydroxide (aka potash), which made soft soap whereas the most commercially used Lye - Sodium hydroxide was used in making hard bars. Hot process is time consuming but the more beneficial factor in this is that it can use natural lye like potash. This helped the soap makers to prepare soap without knowing the exact concentration of Lye and still performed the process successfully. But nowadays this process is done with accurate amount of required ingredients.
Source: http://www.soap-making.net/hot.html
In earlier times during hot process of soap preparation salt was added to harden the bars- potassium hydroxide (aka potash), which made soft soap whereas the most commercially used Lye - Sodium hydroxide was used in making hard bars. Hot process is time consuming but the more beneficial factor in this is that it can use natural lye like potash. This helped the soap makers to prepare soap without knowing the exact concentration of Lye and still performed the process successfully. But nowadays this process is done with accurate amount of required ingredients.
Source: http://www.soap-making.net/hot.html
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Spring/Summer Class Schedule for Sunnyvale/Cupertino Adult School
The Spring/Summer of the Sunnyvale Cupertino Adult Education class schedule will be mailed out to residents on February 26, 2008.
For the first time Spring and Summer classes will be combined. I will be teaching Luxourious Bath Products (Bath Salts, Body Scrubs and Milk Baths) in April 4th and Basics of Lotion Crafting on May 5th. I will not be teaching any classes for the Summer since the school is not offering any Saturday classes this year.
If you would like more information, please visit the school's website at http://www.ace.fuhsd.org/
For the first time Spring and Summer classes will be combined. I will be teaching Luxourious Bath Products (Bath Salts, Body Scrubs and Milk Baths) in April 4th and Basics of Lotion Crafting on May 5th. I will not be teaching any classes for the Summer since the school is not offering any Saturday classes this year.
If you would like more information, please visit the school's website at http://www.ace.fuhsd.org/
Valentine Guest Soaps
Karen came up with today's product idea. These guest soaps are adorable and an easy way to add a useful holiday twist to a guest bath. I think they would be great teacher or bus driver gifts.
Ingredients:
Crafter's Choice Ultra White Soap
Crafter's Choice Strawberry Red Liquid Dye
Crafter's Choice Strawberries & Cream Fragrance Oil
Crafter's Choice Vanilla Color Stabilizer
Cupcake Heart Mini Silicone Mold
Karen found this cute container and red crochet doily at the Dollar Store.
Another twist to this design would be to make the soaps in different pastel colors and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then stack them and shrink wrap them as a set with a shrink wrap band.
This is a simple recipe. Soap Teacher has step by step instructions on making a Basic Bar of Melt and Pour Soap.
Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944
Source: http://wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentine-guest-soaps.html
Ingredients:
Crafter's Choice Ultra White Soap
Crafter's Choice Strawberry Red Liquid Dye
Crafter's Choice Strawberries & Cream Fragrance Oil
Crafter's Choice Vanilla Color Stabilizer
Cupcake Heart Mini Silicone Mold
Karen found this cute container and red crochet doily at the Dollar Store.
Another twist to this design would be to make the soaps in different pastel colors and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then stack them and shrink wrap them as a set with a shrink wrap band.
This is a simple recipe. Soap Teacher has step by step instructions on making a Basic Bar of Melt and Pour Soap.
Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944
Source: http://wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentine-guest-soaps.html
Friday, February 6, 2009
Amethyst Gem Soap
Recipe and Instructions by Arlena Thane, Elm Valley Soapworks
Create this unique gemlike soap with simply clear melt and pour base, colorants and fragrance.
Note: When making a gem duplication, it is helpful if you have a real one to compare with for the coloring and design. I bought an amethyst at a trinket shop for a dollar for this purpose.
Materials:
Clear M&P soap
Liquid purple soap dye
White pearl mica
Fragrance if desired
Spray bottle of alcohol
24 oz cottage cheese-type container, washed and dried (you may use a clean styrofoam cup or similar deep container which is at least 4 inches deep)
For instructions on melting your soap, refer to the Basic Melt and Pour Soapmaking Instruction page.
- Chop some clear base into 1/4-1/2 inch, irregular pieces. You'll need about a 1/2-3/4 inch layer of chunks to cover the bottom of your container as well as the same for the top of the soap. Toss chunks with enough white pearl mica to lightly cover all pieces. Reserve half of pieces for the top.
-Place pieces in the bottom of your chosen container. Press down firmly on the pieces. If your base is nice and fresh, the pieces should lightly adhere together with this firm pressure.
- Melt some clear base (start with 4 oz and add more as neccesary). Fragrance if desired. When cooled to approx. 130 degrees, pour over the soap chunks to cover. Don't spray the soap chunks before pouring the soap over. The reason is that later, you want to be able to remove some of the chunks from the bottom; spraying before hand will cause the chunks to adhere too tightly to the overpour.
- While the covered soap chunks are cooling a bit, add a drop of liquid purple soap dye to the remaining melted soap. If necessary, add more clear base and re-melt; if you are fragrancing the gem, add a few drops of fragrance each time you add more soap. You want this layer to be a very pale purple.
-Spritz the soap in the container with alcohol. When the pale purple soap is about 130 degrees, pour a 1/2 to 1 inch layer over it. It's not necessary to spray away the bubbles as a few give realistic looking flaws to the gem. Put a folded up piece of paper underneath one edge of the container, causing the layer to be little uneven and let cool a bit.
The great thing about this project is that the more imperfect it looks, the better!
-While the gem soap is cooling, add more soap to the melted purple if needed to pour another layer. Remelt and add a few more drops of fragrance if needed; add another drop of liquid purple color and stir. You want this layer to be a little darker looking than the previous purple layer. If you have an amethyst, use it to match the shade of purple for this layer of soap. Getting the soap too dark will look unnatural so add color sparingly.
-If the soap in the container has cooled enough to form a skin over it, spritz with alcohol and pour in a 1/2 to 1 inch layer of 130-140 degree, darker purple soap. You can leave the container flat, or angle it again in a different direction. You can be creative in making your own natural looking imperfections. When layers are cool but still soft, I squeeze the sides of the container fairly hard, creating gaps between the gem and inside of the container as well as upheavals on the top surface. Allow any melted soap inside the gem to seep into the gaps. This will help mingle the colors and create even more realistic irregularities when you are done. The only mistake you can make when doing this project is to have anything end up looking too straight or perfect!
-Add enough melted clear base to the melted purple to lighten the color. Add a few drops of fragrance if needed. When the gem soap has cooled to form a skin, spritz with alcohol and pour another layer with the lighter purple. Repeat this step again using only a 1/2 inch clear melted soap for the last layer. After a skin has formed on the last poured layer, drop in all of the reserved soap chunks pressing them into the last layer with a spoon if neccessary. Try to have chunks sticking out of this last layer to give a rough, crystalline look to the top. Continue to squeeze the container randomly while soap is still soft.
-When soap is completely cool, pop it out of your container. You may have to turn the container over and press hard on the bottom to get enough air underneath the soap so it will slide out.
Cut the block of soap in quarters so that you have 4 deep, wedge shaped pieces. If you want to make the soaps smaller, cut the block into six pie shaped wedges. Take one of these pieces and with a dull knife, small spoon or your fingers, break away some of the looser chunks from the top and bottom to give a rougher, more crystalline look to it. With a sharp knife, trim the soap gem so that one end is more tapered than the other. Cut edges of soap at interesting angles to give the gem a faceted appearance. If the soap "crystals" on the top or bottom seem appear to be to loose, dip them into melted clear soap base (130 degrees) to stabilize them.
Source: http://www.teachsoap.com/gem.html
Create this unique gemlike soap with simply clear melt and pour base, colorants and fragrance.
Note: When making a gem duplication, it is helpful if you have a real one to compare with for the coloring and design. I bought an amethyst at a trinket shop for a dollar for this purpose.
Materials:
Clear M&P soap
Liquid purple soap dye
White pearl mica
Fragrance if desired
Spray bottle of alcohol
24 oz cottage cheese-type container, washed and dried (you may use a clean styrofoam cup or similar deep container which is at least 4 inches deep)
For instructions on melting your soap, refer to the Basic Melt and Pour Soapmaking Instruction page.
- Chop some clear base into 1/4-1/2 inch, irregular pieces. You'll need about a 1/2-3/4 inch layer of chunks to cover the bottom of your container as well as the same for the top of the soap. Toss chunks with enough white pearl mica to lightly cover all pieces. Reserve half of pieces for the top.
-Place pieces in the bottom of your chosen container. Press down firmly on the pieces. If your base is nice and fresh, the pieces should lightly adhere together with this firm pressure.
- Melt some clear base (start with 4 oz and add more as neccesary). Fragrance if desired. When cooled to approx. 130 degrees, pour over the soap chunks to cover. Don't spray the soap chunks before pouring the soap over. The reason is that later, you want to be able to remove some of the chunks from the bottom; spraying before hand will cause the chunks to adhere too tightly to the overpour.
- While the covered soap chunks are cooling a bit, add a drop of liquid purple soap dye to the remaining melted soap. If necessary, add more clear base and re-melt; if you are fragrancing the gem, add a few drops of fragrance each time you add more soap. You want this layer to be a very pale purple.
-Spritz the soap in the container with alcohol. When the pale purple soap is about 130 degrees, pour a 1/2 to 1 inch layer over it. It's not necessary to spray away the bubbles as a few give realistic looking flaws to the gem. Put a folded up piece of paper underneath one edge of the container, causing the layer to be little uneven and let cool a bit.
The great thing about this project is that the more imperfect it looks, the better!
-While the gem soap is cooling, add more soap to the melted purple if needed to pour another layer. Remelt and add a few more drops of fragrance if needed; add another drop of liquid purple color and stir. You want this layer to be a little darker looking than the previous purple layer. If you have an amethyst, use it to match the shade of purple for this layer of soap. Getting the soap too dark will look unnatural so add color sparingly.
-If the soap in the container has cooled enough to form a skin over it, spritz with alcohol and pour in a 1/2 to 1 inch layer of 130-140 degree, darker purple soap. You can leave the container flat, or angle it again in a different direction. You can be creative in making your own natural looking imperfections. When layers are cool but still soft, I squeeze the sides of the container fairly hard, creating gaps between the gem and inside of the container as well as upheavals on the top surface. Allow any melted soap inside the gem to seep into the gaps. This will help mingle the colors and create even more realistic irregularities when you are done. The only mistake you can make when doing this project is to have anything end up looking too straight or perfect!
-Add enough melted clear base to the melted purple to lighten the color. Add a few drops of fragrance if needed. When the gem soap has cooled to form a skin, spritz with alcohol and pour another layer with the lighter purple. Repeat this step again using only a 1/2 inch clear melted soap for the last layer. After a skin has formed on the last poured layer, drop in all of the reserved soap chunks pressing them into the last layer with a spoon if neccessary. Try to have chunks sticking out of this last layer to give a rough, crystalline look to the top. Continue to squeeze the container randomly while soap is still soft.
-When soap is completely cool, pop it out of your container. You may have to turn the container over and press hard on the bottom to get enough air underneath the soap so it will slide out.
Cut the block of soap in quarters so that you have 4 deep, wedge shaped pieces. If you want to make the soaps smaller, cut the block into six pie shaped wedges. Take one of these pieces and with a dull knife, small spoon or your fingers, break away some of the looser chunks from the top and bottom to give a rougher, more crystalline look to it. With a sharp knife, trim the soap gem so that one end is more tapered than the other. Cut edges of soap at interesting angles to give the gem a faceted appearance. If the soap "crystals" on the top or bottom seem appear to be to loose, dip them into melted clear soap base (130 degrees) to stabilize them.
Source: http://www.teachsoap.com/gem.html
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Safekeeping of Your Essential Oils
According to Valerie Gennari Cooksley author of Aromatherapy...A Lifetime Guide to Healing With Essential Oils, says that the best way for safekeeping your essential oils are
(1) The best way to store your essential oils (EO's)in an amber, cobalt blue or other colored glass bottle to protect them from the sunlight. You also want to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from any heat source.
(2) Keep your EO's well labeled.
(3) Do not use rubber stoppers or rubber eye-dropper type lids to store your EO's over long term. Over time the rubber will softened and destroyed by the EO's gassing off in the bottle. Always keep screw tops on tightly, since the oils will evaporate quickly.
(4) For optimum shelf life it is best to re-bottle your oils if they are half full since the air inside the vacant space encourages oxidation, which means a shorter shelf life.
(5) When a essential oil is mixed with a carrier oil, the shelf life of that preparation will equal of that carrier oil. So whatever oil you select will determine the shelf life of the aromatherapy blend, not the essential oil.
(1) The best way to store your essential oils (EO's)in an amber, cobalt blue or other colored glass bottle to protect them from the sunlight. You also want to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from any heat source.
(2) Keep your EO's well labeled.
(3) Do not use rubber stoppers or rubber eye-dropper type lids to store your EO's over long term. Over time the rubber will softened and destroyed by the EO's gassing off in the bottle. Always keep screw tops on tightly, since the oils will evaporate quickly.
(4) For optimum shelf life it is best to re-bottle your oils if they are half full since the air inside the vacant space encourages oxidation, which means a shorter shelf life.
(5) When a essential oil is mixed with a carrier oil, the shelf life of that preparation will equal of that carrier oil. So whatever oil you select will determine the shelf life of the aromatherapy blend, not the essential oil.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Jewelry Gift Pouch
This Valentine's Day, show your love by giving this beautiful heart pendant wrapped in a lovely jewelry gift pouch.
Tools and Materials
Template
Gray or brown Ultrasuede
Fuchsia or pink Ultrasuede
Scissors
Pinking shears
Needle and coordinating thread
6-millimeter crystal bead
Fabric glue
Screw punch
Jewelry Pouch How-To
1. Print template.
2. Cut a 5 1/4-inch piece of Ultrasuede. Make a fold at 2 3/4 inches and press.
3. Use pinking shears to create a decorative edge on the shorter half, as shown in the template.
4. Sew a crystal to the shorter half, as marked by a small circle on the template.
5. Cut a 3-by-3-inch square from Ultrasuede. Use pinking shears to create a decorative edge on one side.
6. Make a line of fabric glue along long edges of the folded Ultrasuede piece. Lay square on short side of fold, with pinked edge along pinked edge. Fold the other half of pouch over and secure to other side of square.
7. Cut a heart in fuchsia or pink Ultrasuede. Use a screw punch to make a hole at the tip of the heart, as shown in the template.
8. Using fabric glue, attach the top of the heart to the back top of the pouch. Fold over to create a flap, and put crystal through hole to secure.
Resources
Ultrasuede from bandjfabrics.com; Crystallized-Swarovski Elements from swarovski-crystallized.com; Fabri-Tac fabric glue by Beacon Adhesives; screw punch from Martha Stewart crafts; all other tools and materials available at crafts and sewing supply stores. Visit our Valentine's Day ideas photo gallery, and sign up for our Valentine's Day Workshop for countless ways to say I love you.
If you would like to check out Martha's Valentine's Workshop, the go to the following link http://www.marthastewart.com/valentinesworkshop
Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/jewelry-gift-pouch?lnc=38f9cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&rsc=showmain_tv_the-martha-stewart-show
Tools and Materials
Template
Gray or brown Ultrasuede
Fuchsia or pink Ultrasuede
Scissors
Pinking shears
Needle and coordinating thread
6-millimeter crystal bead
Fabric glue
Screw punch
Jewelry Pouch How-To
1. Print template.
2. Cut a 5 1/4-inch piece of Ultrasuede. Make a fold at 2 3/4 inches and press.
3. Use pinking shears to create a decorative edge on the shorter half, as shown in the template.
4. Sew a crystal to the shorter half, as marked by a small circle on the template.
5. Cut a 3-by-3-inch square from Ultrasuede. Use pinking shears to create a decorative edge on one side.
6. Make a line of fabric glue along long edges of the folded Ultrasuede piece. Lay square on short side of fold, with pinked edge along pinked edge. Fold the other half of pouch over and secure to other side of square.
7. Cut a heart in fuchsia or pink Ultrasuede. Use a screw punch to make a hole at the tip of the heart, as shown in the template.
8. Using fabric glue, attach the top of the heart to the back top of the pouch. Fold over to create a flap, and put crystal through hole to secure.
Resources
Ultrasuede from bandjfabrics.com; Crystallized-Swarovski Elements from swarovski-crystallized.com; Fabri-Tac fabric glue by Beacon Adhesives; screw punch from Martha Stewart crafts; all other tools and materials available at crafts and sewing supply stores. Visit our Valentine's Day ideas photo gallery, and sign up for our Valentine's Day Workshop for countless ways to say I love you.
If you would like to check out Martha's Valentine's Workshop, the go to the following link http://www.marthastewart.com/valentinesworkshop
Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/jewelry-gift-pouch?lnc=38f9cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&rsc=showmain_tv_the-martha-stewart-show
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Heart Pendant and Bracelet
From: The Martha Stewart Show which aired on February 2, 2009
Pendant
Tools and Materials
Template
24-gauge gold-plated wire
Wire cutter
Needle-nose pliers
Ruler
Size 17 knitting needle
Eight 3 mm crystal beads
Eight 4 mm crystal beads
Nine 5 mm crystal beads
Four 6 mm crystal beads
Cording or chain for necklace
Pendant How-To
1. Cut a 7-inch piece of wire. Fold the piece in half, and make a point at the fold with needle-nose pliers.
2. Measure 1 1/2 inches from the point and, using a knitting needle, wrap the wire around to make half of heart shape. Repeat the same process on the other side to end up with a double teardrop. Pull sides apart and form into a heart shape.
3. Start beading on one of the ends of the wire. Thread two of each size bead in the following order to create a gradation of bead sizes from the heart's center to its point: 3 mm beads, 4 mm beads, 5 mm beads, 6 mm beads, 5 mm beads, 4 mm beads, 3 mm beads. Repeat process on other side of heart.
4. With needle-nose pliers, squeeze the wire ends together and slide a 5 mm bead over both ends. Fold ends of wire up to secure and snip off excess wire.
5. Thread pendant onto cording or chain.
Bracelet
Tools and Materials
Bead cord
2 crimp beads
Bracelet clasp
Forty 3 mm crystal beads
Twenty-four 4 mm crystal beads
Twenty-four 5 mm crystal beads
Twelve 6 mm crystal beads
Bracelet How-To
1. Cut an 18-inch piece of wire. Thread a crimp bead and a clasp onto the wire and loop wire around to thread back through crimp bead. Crimp with crimping pliers. Tip: Brush nail glue on crimp bead to secure.
2. Thread beads onto wire in the following order: Ten 3 mm, Six 4 mm, Six 5 mm, Six 6 mm, Six 5 mm, Six 4 mm, Twenty 3 mm, Six 4 mm, Six 5 mm, Six 6 mm, Six 5 mm, Six 4 mm, Ten 3 mm
3. Attach other half of clasp to wire using a crimp bead and crimping pliers. Cut off excess wire.
Resources
To purchase the Crystallized-Swarovski Elements featured in the segment, visit swarovski-crystallized.com. All gold-filled jewelry pieces, jewelry tools, and supplies are from myrontoback.com.
Click through our Valentine's Day Ideas photo gallery and sign up for our Valentine's Day Workshop for more creative ideas.
Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/heart-pendant?lnc=38f9cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&rsc=showmain_tv_the-martha-stewart-show
Pendant
Tools and Materials
Template
24-gauge gold-plated wire
Wire cutter
Needle-nose pliers
Ruler
Size 17 knitting needle
Eight 3 mm crystal beads
Eight 4 mm crystal beads
Nine 5 mm crystal beads
Four 6 mm crystal beads
Cording or chain for necklace
Pendant How-To
1. Cut a 7-inch piece of wire. Fold the piece in half, and make a point at the fold with needle-nose pliers.
2. Measure 1 1/2 inches from the point and, using a knitting needle, wrap the wire around to make half of heart shape. Repeat the same process on the other side to end up with a double teardrop. Pull sides apart and form into a heart shape.
3. Start beading on one of the ends of the wire. Thread two of each size bead in the following order to create a gradation of bead sizes from the heart's center to its point: 3 mm beads, 4 mm beads, 5 mm beads, 6 mm beads, 5 mm beads, 4 mm beads, 3 mm beads. Repeat process on other side of heart.
4. With needle-nose pliers, squeeze the wire ends together and slide a 5 mm bead over both ends. Fold ends of wire up to secure and snip off excess wire.
5. Thread pendant onto cording or chain.
Bracelet
Tools and Materials
Bead cord
2 crimp beads
Bracelet clasp
Forty 3 mm crystal beads
Twenty-four 4 mm crystal beads
Twenty-four 5 mm crystal beads
Twelve 6 mm crystal beads
Bracelet How-To
1. Cut an 18-inch piece of wire. Thread a crimp bead and a clasp onto the wire and loop wire around to thread back through crimp bead. Crimp with crimping pliers. Tip: Brush nail glue on crimp bead to secure.
2. Thread beads onto wire in the following order: Ten 3 mm, Six 4 mm, Six 5 mm, Six 6 mm, Six 5 mm, Six 4 mm, Twenty 3 mm, Six 4 mm, Six 5 mm, Six 6 mm, Six 5 mm, Six 4 mm, Ten 3 mm
3. Attach other half of clasp to wire using a crimp bead and crimping pliers. Cut off excess wire.
Resources
To purchase the Crystallized-Swarovski Elements featured in the segment, visit swarovski-crystallized.com. All gold-filled jewelry pieces, jewelry tools, and supplies are from myrontoback.com.
Click through our Valentine's Day Ideas photo gallery and sign up for our Valentine's Day Workshop for more creative ideas.
Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/heart-pendant?lnc=38f9cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&rsc=showmain_tv_the-martha-stewart-show
Valentine M&P Project using 3D Molds
What you will need:
Opaque Melt and Pour soap base
Clear Melt and Pour soap base
2 Different Non-Bleeding Colorants, Pinks or Reds
Glitter
Rubber Heart Embedding Mold
3-D Round MoldFragrance
Spray Bottle filled with Rubbing Alcohol
Directions:
1. Cut up and melt about 5 ounces of the Opaque melt and pour. Separate into 2 containers and color each with one of the 2 colors. We did one with Non-Bleeding Red Liquid and the other with Red/Blue Mica.
Note: you do not need to fragrance these. You will have some soap left over and they will work best with other projects if left unscented.
2. Pour this into the Rubber Embedding Heart mold. Doing half the hearts one color and the other half the other color.
3. Set this aside to harden. Do not put into fridge as we want our layers and embeds to adhere well. We also need to slice these and frozen/cold soap does not slice well.Once you have given the hearts time to harden, you can go to the next step.
4. Disassemble the 3-D mold and lay flat on counter. You can prop the molds if needed to keep flat.
5. Cut up and melt some clear Melt and Pour (this you can and should fragrance) and pour a little into each half of the 3-D mold. Wait for this to thicken and get a nice sturdy skin.
6. While you are waiting you can un-mold the little hearts. These are too thick to fit into the 3-D molds evenly. You will need to slice them up into thinner pieces. Lay them flat on one side to slice. If you put the point down and slice it will get smooshed and not look like a heart.
7. Once the clear soap pour has hardened, spray it with rubbing alcohol and place a heart or two on top of the clear. Spray again with alcohol.
8. Pour another little layer of clear soap to cover the hearts and "glue" the pink embedding hearts into place. Make sure the molds are not filled all the way to the top though.
9. Once this has hardened, you can give it another squirt with alcohol and sprinkle a little layer of glitter onto the soap if you want to get festive.
10. Assemble the molds and put on the rubber bands. There should be a little gap between the two halves. The two halves should not meet each other.
11. Get the rest of your Opaque soap (remelting if needed) and add your fragrance to this as well.
12. Squirt down into the closed mold with alcohol 1 to 2 times then pour in your opaque soap.
13. Stop when the soap comes just above the top, tip the mold side to side and give it a few good taps on the counter. This helps remove any air bubbles that get trapped in the mold. Then fill the mold up the rest of the way. If you fill it all the way it gives you a nice "stump" that comes in handy for un-molding the soap later.
14. Set soap aside to cool. Again, since these are doing double pours and embedding, you do not want to put the soap in the fridge/freezer.
15. Once the soap has cooled (ideally overnight) you can unmold it. Use the little stump at top to help wriggle the soap out.
16. The soap will have a little ring around it where the two halves of the mold came together. You can get a small sharp knife and carefully slice this off.
17. Spray with alcohol to get rid of any unwanted fingerprints.
18. You are finished! Give the soap to someone you love or put it into your own shower to make sure you start every day with a smile on your face.
Source: http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentine-m-project-using-3d-molds.html
Opaque Melt and Pour soap base
Clear Melt and Pour soap base
2 Different Non-Bleeding Colorants, Pinks or Reds
Glitter
Rubber Heart Embedding Mold
3-D Round MoldFragrance
Spray Bottle filled with Rubbing Alcohol
Directions:
1. Cut up and melt about 5 ounces of the Opaque melt and pour. Separate into 2 containers and color each with one of the 2 colors. We did one with Non-Bleeding Red Liquid and the other with Red/Blue Mica.
Note: you do not need to fragrance these. You will have some soap left over and they will work best with other projects if left unscented.
2. Pour this into the Rubber Embedding Heart mold. Doing half the hearts one color and the other half the other color.
3. Set this aside to harden. Do not put into fridge as we want our layers and embeds to adhere well. We also need to slice these and frozen/cold soap does not slice well.Once you have given the hearts time to harden, you can go to the next step.
4. Disassemble the 3-D mold and lay flat on counter. You can prop the molds if needed to keep flat.
5. Cut up and melt some clear Melt and Pour (this you can and should fragrance) and pour a little into each half of the 3-D mold. Wait for this to thicken and get a nice sturdy skin.
6. While you are waiting you can un-mold the little hearts. These are too thick to fit into the 3-D molds evenly. You will need to slice them up into thinner pieces. Lay them flat on one side to slice. If you put the point down and slice it will get smooshed and not look like a heart.
7. Once the clear soap pour has hardened, spray it with rubbing alcohol and place a heart or two on top of the clear. Spray again with alcohol.
8. Pour another little layer of clear soap to cover the hearts and "glue" the pink embedding hearts into place. Make sure the molds are not filled all the way to the top though.
9. Once this has hardened, you can give it another squirt with alcohol and sprinkle a little layer of glitter onto the soap if you want to get festive.
10. Assemble the molds and put on the rubber bands. There should be a little gap between the two halves. The two halves should not meet each other.
11. Get the rest of your Opaque soap (remelting if needed) and add your fragrance to this as well.
12. Squirt down into the closed mold with alcohol 1 to 2 times then pour in your opaque soap.
13. Stop when the soap comes just above the top, tip the mold side to side and give it a few good taps on the counter. This helps remove any air bubbles that get trapped in the mold. Then fill the mold up the rest of the way. If you fill it all the way it gives you a nice "stump" that comes in handy for un-molding the soap later.
14. Set soap aside to cool. Again, since these are doing double pours and embedding, you do not want to put the soap in the fridge/freezer.
15. Once the soap has cooled (ideally overnight) you can unmold it. Use the little stump at top to help wriggle the soap out.
16. The soap will have a little ring around it where the two halves of the mold came together. You can get a small sharp knife and carefully slice this off.
17. Spray with alcohol to get rid of any unwanted fingerprints.
18. You are finished! Give the soap to someone you love or put it into your own shower to make sure you start every day with a smile on your face.
Source: http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentine-m-project-using-3d-molds.html
Monday, February 2, 2009
Aromatherapy for hair loss | the treatment | essential oils
What Aromatherapy Contains?
Aromatherapy, dates way back to the Egyptians, has been used for many centuries for variant purposes relating to the human body. Concentrated extracts from flowers, leaves and roots of different plants to help in the regeneration of the human body are used by Aromatherapy.
Effective Hair Loss Treatment
From the time when humans have had hair, hair loss has been a trouble and in many cases hair loss can be treated quite successfully with Aromatherapy. To attain varying degrees of success, specific oils such as cedar wood, lavender, rosemary and thyme have been used to treat alopecia
for many years.
The Treatment
It has been revealed that during Aromatherapy, covering the scalp with a towel after massaging a specific blend of oils into the bald areas of the scalp for two minutes each evening will aid the amalgamation of these oils and further any improvements.
Based on various scientific experiments carried out in connection with this type of treatment it was found that 44% of volunteers noted considerable improvements. You will need the following essential oils to help you treat
Alopecia:
* 2 drop - Thyme
* 2 drops - Atlas cedar wood
* 3 drops - Lavender
* 3 drops - Rosemary
You will also need the following carrier oils:
* Jojoba oil - ½ teaspoon
* Grapeseed oil - 4 teaspoons
The treatment for Aromatherapy is as follows with the above oils. Mix the essential oils after measuring them into a small glass jar, then add the carrier oils and mix it all systematically.
Two minutes after applying the Rub mixture of oils into your scalp, massage it in thoroughly every night and cover your head in a warm towel after giving your scalp this treatment.
The further essential oils considered suitable for hair loss in Aromatherapy are as follows:
* Bay
* Cedarwood
* Grapefruit
* Jojoba oil
* Lavender
* Lemon
* Rosemary
* Roman Chamomile
* Ylang Ylang
Further Treatments
In addition to Aromatherapy, further treatments are also there. Take rinse water or a good vegetable oil and add 2 drops of a chosen essential oil to either of them. Massaging into the scalp is also necessary in this treatment. Enfold the hair in cling film then place a warm towel around it. Put down it on for 2 to 3 hours, or if you can, overnight. Using a very mild shampoo, shampoo the hair as usual. The sebum balance of your hair is not damaged by the mild shampoo. To stimulate the circulation in the scalp and improve hair.
Stimulating the scalp and hair follicles with blending bay and lavender essential oil helps your hair remain healthy during Aromatherapy. Before rubbing this mixture into the scalp, add six drops of above oils to four ounces of warm carrier oil such as almond, soybean or sesame oil. You must allow it to absorb for 20 minutes. The regularly used shampoo can be added with three drops of bay essential oil before washing the hair.
Some tips
If you suffer from high blood pressure a void rosemary oil or use it infrequently. If you have sensitive skin keep lemon and grapefruit doses low, as they may source some frustration. Do not surpass any of the quantities of essential oils during Aromatherapy.
About the Author
Alien writes for Baldness cure . He also writes for hair care tips and skin care tips
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Aromatherapy, dates way back to the Egyptians, has been used for many centuries for variant purposes relating to the human body. Concentrated extracts from flowers, leaves and roots of different plants to help in the regeneration of the human body are used by Aromatherapy.
Effective Hair Loss Treatment
From the time when humans have had hair, hair loss has been a trouble and in many cases hair loss can be treated quite successfully with Aromatherapy. To attain varying degrees of success, specific oils such as cedar wood, lavender, rosemary and thyme have been used to treat alopecia
for many years.
The Treatment
It has been revealed that during Aromatherapy, covering the scalp with a towel after massaging a specific blend of oils into the bald areas of the scalp for two minutes each evening will aid the amalgamation of these oils and further any improvements.
Based on various scientific experiments carried out in connection with this type of treatment it was found that 44% of volunteers noted considerable improvements. You will need the following essential oils to help you treat
Alopecia:
* 2 drop - Thyme
* 2 drops - Atlas cedar wood
* 3 drops - Lavender
* 3 drops - Rosemary
You will also need the following carrier oils:
* Jojoba oil - ½ teaspoon
* Grapeseed oil - 4 teaspoons
The treatment for Aromatherapy is as follows with the above oils. Mix the essential oils after measuring them into a small glass jar, then add the carrier oils and mix it all systematically.
Two minutes after applying the Rub mixture of oils into your scalp, massage it in thoroughly every night and cover your head in a warm towel after giving your scalp this treatment.
The further essential oils considered suitable for hair loss in Aromatherapy are as follows:
* Bay
* Cedarwood
* Grapefruit
* Jojoba oil
* Lavender
* Lemon
* Rosemary
* Roman Chamomile
* Ylang Ylang
Further Treatments
In addition to Aromatherapy, further treatments are also there. Take rinse water or a good vegetable oil and add 2 drops of a chosen essential oil to either of them. Massaging into the scalp is also necessary in this treatment. Enfold the hair in cling film then place a warm towel around it. Put down it on for 2 to 3 hours, or if you can, overnight. Using a very mild shampoo, shampoo the hair as usual. The sebum balance of your hair is not damaged by the mild shampoo. To stimulate the circulation in the scalp and improve hair.
Stimulating the scalp and hair follicles with blending bay and lavender essential oil helps your hair remain healthy during Aromatherapy. Before rubbing this mixture into the scalp, add six drops of above oils to four ounces of warm carrier oil such as almond, soybean or sesame oil. You must allow it to absorb for 20 minutes. The regularly used shampoo can be added with three drops of bay essential oil before washing the hair.
Some tips
If you suffer from high blood pressure a void rosemary oil or use it infrequently. If you have sensitive skin keep lemon and grapefruit doses low, as they may source some frustration. Do not surpass any of the quantities of essential oils during Aromatherapy.
About the Author
Alien writes for Baldness cure . He also writes for hair care tips and skin care tips
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Sunday, February 1, 2009
How to Make a Ribbon Rose (English Version)
You know that a bouquet of long stem red roses die so quickly in addition of being so expensive. What not give your sweetie a bouquet of red roses made out of ribbon for Valentine's Day? Here is a clip from You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN_b3nT4uvk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN_b3nT4uvk&feature=related
Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars
It may seem a little early for Valentine's recipes, but if you ask me, it's always a great time for love! Besides, Valentine's Day is about a month away, and you may need some extra time to plan out that perfect valentine. These sweetly scented Lotion Bars look adorable when they are made with our Heart Shaped Soap Molds, and make great gifts for your special valentines. Made with aromatic Cocoa Butter, skin nourishing Passion Flower Oil, and a touch of candy sweet Fragrance, Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars make a decadent treat for thirsty winter skin.
Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars
Makes about four 2.5 ounce bars
Ingredients::
1 1/2 ounces Beeswax
1 teaspoon Red Jojoba Wax Beads
*4 ounces Cocoa Butter
2 ounces Babasssu Oil
1 ounce Red Raspberry Seed Oil
1 ounce Passion Flower (Maracuja) Oil
1/4 ounce Raspberry Truffles Fragrance Oil*
Special Equipment Needed: 1 Heart Shaped Soap Mold
Directions
In a double boiler, gently melt Beeswax, Jojoba Wax Beads, Babassu Oil, and Cocoa Butter completely. After the oils and waxes are melted, remove them from heat and allow them to cool for a few moments before adding the Passion Flower Oil and Red Raspberry Seed Oil. Stir the mixture well, then add the Raspberry Truffles Fragrance Oil. Carefully pour the mixture into four cavities of the Soap Mold, initially leaving about 1/4 inch of space in each cavity. Split any remaining mixture between the four cavities. Allow the bars to cool completely before attempting to remove them from the molds. I don't recommend forcing them to cool with a freezer or refrigerator, as this could cause the bars to crack.
Usage & Packaging
Lotion Bars can be rubbed directly onto dry skin. Doing so after a shower or bath can help to replenish moisture and form a protective barrier over the skin. Lotion Bars can be stored in small airtight tins or plastic containers. When giving them as gifts, try packaging them in Small Cello Bags, as pictured above. Tiny red heart stickers look adorable polka dotted on the package, but these bags can also be embellished with ribbons, paper, or other crafty goodies.
*For a more natural product, these Lotion Bars can be left unscented. The rich aroma of Cocoa Butter in the recipe, combined with the slight fatty aroma of Raspberry Seed Oil will create a subtle, pleasant scent. The Jojoba Wax Beads can also be removed from the recipe, and replaced with additional Beeswax. To add a natural color to your Lotion Bars, try infusing 1/2 teaspoon of Alkanet Root Powder in the warm oils.
Source: http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2009/01/raspberry-truffle-lotion-bars.html
Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars
Makes about four 2.5 ounce bars
Ingredients::
1 1/2 ounces Beeswax
1 teaspoon Red Jojoba Wax Beads
*4 ounces Cocoa Butter
2 ounces Babasssu Oil
1 ounce Red Raspberry Seed Oil
1 ounce Passion Flower (Maracuja) Oil
1/4 ounce Raspberry Truffles Fragrance Oil*
Special Equipment Needed: 1 Heart Shaped Soap Mold
Directions
In a double boiler, gently melt Beeswax, Jojoba Wax Beads, Babassu Oil, and Cocoa Butter completely. After the oils and waxes are melted, remove them from heat and allow them to cool for a few moments before adding the Passion Flower Oil and Red Raspberry Seed Oil. Stir the mixture well, then add the Raspberry Truffles Fragrance Oil. Carefully pour the mixture into four cavities of the Soap Mold, initially leaving about 1/4 inch of space in each cavity. Split any remaining mixture between the four cavities. Allow the bars to cool completely before attempting to remove them from the molds. I don't recommend forcing them to cool with a freezer or refrigerator, as this could cause the bars to crack.
Usage & Packaging
Lotion Bars can be rubbed directly onto dry skin. Doing so after a shower or bath can help to replenish moisture and form a protective barrier over the skin. Lotion Bars can be stored in small airtight tins or plastic containers. When giving them as gifts, try packaging them in Small Cello Bags, as pictured above. Tiny red heart stickers look adorable polka dotted on the package, but these bags can also be embellished with ribbons, paper, or other crafty goodies.
*For a more natural product, these Lotion Bars can be left unscented. The rich aroma of Cocoa Butter in the recipe, combined with the slight fatty aroma of Raspberry Seed Oil will create a subtle, pleasant scent. The Jojoba Wax Beads can also be removed from the recipe, and replaced with additional Beeswax. To add a natural color to your Lotion Bars, try infusing 1/2 teaspoon of Alkanet Root Powder in the warm oils.
Source: http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2009/01/raspberry-truffle-lotion-bars.html
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