How to Enhance Handmade Soap with Creative Additives

Are wondering on how to enhance your handmade soap with other additives?  There are endless additives you can add to your cold process soap. In this article by Staci Marquez-Nichols. eHow Community
Member, shows how you can take your cold process bar of soap and make extraordinary by giving it better color, texture or herbs.  To learn more on How to Enhance Handmade Soap with Creative Additives read this article by Staci.

Halloween Spooky Soap

Instead of giving out candy out on Halloween, why not create these spooky Halloween soaps? They are easy to make and are a fun, candy-free option for party favors or treat bags.

http://www.hgtv.com/holidays-occasions/halloween-spooky-soap/index.html

Pumpkin Spice Potpourri

Featured in Better Homes and Gardens' Floral and Nature Crafts magazine, 11/96 issue

Ingredients:

3 c Windmill Pods, Orange; 2 c Kesu Flowers, Natural; 2 c Chili Peppers (dried); 2 c Spina Cristi; 1 c Tilia Flowers; 1 c Curly Pods, natural; 1 c Lotus Pods, mini 1 c; Acorns & "hats" (optional); 1 c Corn Husks, torn into narrow strips, 1 to 3" long (optional); 1 c light-colored seeds (pumpkin seeds, pistachio shells); 1/2 c Mace; whole 6 whole Nutmegs, cut in half

1/4 c Ginger Root Slices or Pieces; 12 Tonka Beans, 6 cut in half ; 1/2 Vanilla Bean or 10 drops of Vanilla or French Vanilla Fragrance Oil, Pumpkin Spice Fragrance Oil; 10 to 20 3" or 6" Cinnamon Sticks; 10 to 15 Chinese Lanterns (sometimes called Japanese Lanterns)

Directions:

Slit Vanilla Bean piece and scrape out the tiny seeds. Combine with Tonka Beans and Ginger Root slices in non-metallic container. Add the oils and mix well, cover and set aside or overnight to blend the scents. Add first potpourri ingredient to a large non-metallic container, add fixative/scent mixture and mix well. Add each ingredient, mixing with hands after each one, to distribute the scent. Top with Cinnamon Sticks and Lanterns. Keep covered when not "in use". 3/96


Source: http://www.aworldofplenty.com/1-ideas/2-blends.html

Let's Make Soap Whipped (Room Temperature) Soap

Are you interested in learning how to make whipped soap? Here are step by step instructions by David Fisher from About.com: Candle and Soap Making.

http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/coldprocesssoapmaking/ss/whippedsoap.htm

How to Use Black Soap Dye

Sometimes soap dyes or tints after awhile bleed between layers or in my case with soap shape embbeds.  In the article "How to Use Black Soap Dye" by fashionmujahid, eHow Community Member, explains how to use dye in the most common forms of making soap - melt and pour, cold process soap and will also illustrate techniques that carry over into rebatching and hot process soap making processes. 

Cherry Cheesecake Soap

(Makes Two 4-1/2 inch cakes - 4 slices each)

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lbs. White M & P Base
1/2 lb Clear M & P Base
2-1/2 tsp. Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Fragrance
1 tsp. Blending Vanilla
1 Tbs. Cherry (not Maraschino) Fragrance
Dash of Lemon Fragrance
Red Colorant
Green Colorant
Yellow Colorant
1-2 Tbs. Finely Ground Oatmeal
Life of the Party Mold – AO52

4-1/2 inch springform pans

Directions:

Melt 1/2 lbs white base. Add sufficient coloring to make as dark red as possible, add 2 tsp of Cherry fragrance. Pour at least 30 "cherries" in the mold (it looks like it makes two halves of a 1 inch christmas ball).

Allow to cool, unmold and set aside.

Melt 4 oz of clear base. Add 2 drops of green and 2 drops of red colorant. Will turn brown. Add 3/4 tsp of Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Fragrance.

Mix in oatmeal. Pour evenly into two of the springform pans.

Melt 1 lb of white base. Add a few drops (only) of yellow colorant. Add 1-3/4 tsp of OM&H Fragrance, 1 tsp of blending vanilla (will add amber glow) and a small dash of lemon fragrance.

Mist brown base with alcohol and pour creamy base evenly into pans - be sure to leave about 1/4 to 1/2 inch head room. Allow to cool about 20 minutes until surface is fairly solid.

Spray top of "cake" and bottom of "cherries with alcohol. Arrange about 15 cherries on each cheesecake. Melt 4 oz of clear base. Add red colorant to make deep red, add 1 tsp of Cherry Fragrance.

Spoon over cherries, covering them and allowing excess to flow around them. Allow cakes to cool about 30 minutes. Pop springform pan and enjoy.

Source: http://www.blogcatalog.com/search.frame.php?term=melt+and+pour+soap&id=6b9e06bc1b

Bleeding Taper Candles

Looking for that something extra for your Halloween decorations? Then create an innocent-looking taper candle that "bleeds" when lit!

http://www.candletech.com/techniques-and-ideas/bleeding-taper-candles/

Mini Pumpkin Candles

This is great holiday candle from Peak Candle Supply. So learn how to turn everyday items into adorable candles! What a great idea for the upcoming Halloween Holiday or possibly Thanksgiving decorations.

http://www.candletech.com/techniques-and-ideas/mini-pumpkin-candles/

Cafe au Lait a Paris CP Soap Recipe

by Ann Gibson

The smell of freshly roasted coffee transposes me to a small cafe on the narrow streets of Paris. Huddled inside out of the cold, the air is warm, the coffee aroma is strong and the atmosphere is welcoming. I love the smell of coffee, even though I don't drink it. I find it warming and soothing.

I guess my soap has a split personality :-) I actually made is as part of the Zen theme because when I smell it, it takes me to a little cafe in Paris. Then again it is also handy as a coffee soap for removing smells. I think I prefer the more romantic Zen theme :-)

Base Ingredients

For Dark Soap

750 g Olive oil
450 g Palm oil
300 g Palm Kernel oil
100 g Coconut oil
35 g Castor oil
35 g Shea Butter
600 g Percolated Coffee[frozen]
231 g NaOH

For Light Soap

460 g Olive oil
270 g Palm oil
180 g Palm Kernel oil
60 g Coconut oil
20 g Castor oil
20 g Shea Butter
270 g Water
138 g NaOH

Scented with

17 ml Roast Coffee essential oil (dark soap)
30 ml Roast Coffee essential oil (light soap)

Method

Cold Processed. This is a mixture of two soaps. They both have the same base recipe, but the dark one is made with percolated coffee in place of water. About half of the dark soap batch was then chopped up after a week and added to the light soap at trace. All colours and fragrances are natural.

Source: http://www.soapnaturally.org/soap_recipes/anng7r.html and http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/cafe-au-lait-a-paris-soap-recipe/2009/07/15/

Benefits of Making Your Own Soap

According to How 2 Make Soap.net, "Commercial soaps contain harmful chemicals and artificial colors and scents. For example, the yellow coloring in a bar of Dial soap is known to cause allergies, tumors, lymphoma, and damage chromosomes. Plus, many name-brand soaps (Dove, Dial, Irish Spring, Lever 2000) are made of animal fat. Zest and Ivory also test their products on animals. Commercial soaps also have the naturally-occurring glycerin removed from them. Home-made soap contains this beneficial glycerin, which means you can use it to wash your face without excessive drying. Because of this, be sure to let your home-made soap dry out between uses and never store it in the sun or in a sealed plastic bag."

Source: http://how2makesoap.net/

Pomegranate Scrub Recipe

for a 20 oz scrub:

18 ozs Dead Sea Salt

1/4 cup of either Sweet Almond, Macadamia Nut, or Apricot Kernel Oil (or a combination of all)

1/8 cup of Virgin Coconut Oil

1/8 cup Liquid Glycerin

1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel

1 teaspoon Tocopherals (Vitamin E Oil)

1 tablespoon Pomegranate fragrance

dash/or less Red Iron Oxide (optional for color)sprinkling of poppy seeds (optional exfoliant)

Just another in our series of wonderful body scrubs. This time we used dead sea salt from Israel. Dead Sea Salt contains ten times more minerals than regular sea salt. These minerals assist in cleansing, detoxifying and restoring a healthy body, especially the skin and muscles.

The carrier oils including the virgin coconut oil all absorb well into the skin without leaving a heavy feel. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Add the fragrance (more or less as desired). When adding the colorant, start with a very tiny amount (less than a pinch) of red iron oxide until the correct shade is achieved. Spoon into decorative jars or our wonderful plastic Bail & Wire jars. As with any scrub recipe, let it sit overnight and the oils will rise to the top. Stir when ready to use. Add more oils if necessary or if your scrub becomes dry after several months.

With proper storage - shelf life 1 year.

Caution: tub or shower may get slippery from the oils.

Source: http://www.pvsoap.com/recipe_pomegranate_scrub.htm

How to Test the pH Level of Homemade Soap

Calling all soapmakers!Calling all soapmakers!  Do you know how to test the pH level of your soap before using, giving it away or selling?  If not, then maybe you should read this informative article by Staci Marquez-Nichols, eHow Community Member, to find out How to Test the pH Level of Homemade Soap.

Just Released E-books by Joan Morais

Joan Morais recently came out with two new e books. The first one is on Body Scrubs which has been requested for a long time. And the second one is on Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Skin Care.

The e-book on Body Scrubs covers Purpose of Sugar Scrubs, Purpose of Salt Scrubs, Types of Sea Salts, Types of Sugars, Carrier Oils, Other Ingredients, Natural Colorants, Antioxidants, Essential Oils, Essential Oil Amounts, and Essential Oil Blends. There are recipes on Sugar Scrubs (Honey Dew Melon,Pineapple Brown Sugar, Pomegranate, Ylang Ylang and Orange Cocoa Bean, Sugar and Salt Combo Whipped Berry, Whipped Coconut) ; Salt Scrubs (Mango Lime Coconut, Deluxe Pineapple, Lavender, Honey Lavender,Rosemary Dead Sea Mandarin Calendula and Light Salt) and Solid Salt Scrubs (How to Make Solid Body Scrubs, Recipes : Basic Recipe for Solid Scrubs, Fresh Lemon Solid Scrub, Berries & Cream Solid ScrubSeaweed Solid Scrub, Solid Scrub in a Jar, How to Measure, Measurement Conversion Chart, Product Making Worksheets and Resources).

If you are interested in ordering in this ebook then go to http://joanmorais.com/joansbooks/sugar_salt_scrubs_JoanMorais.html.

The other e-book Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Skin Care ebook/manual contains current information on essential oils best to use for skin care and in body care products. Also included are easy charts to refer to choose an essential oil for skin type. For a complete title of contents and how to order, please visit http://joanmorais.com/joansbooks/aromatherapy_essential_oils_for_skin_care_JoanMorais.html.

If are interested in Joan's other e-books or classes, visit her website @ http://www.joanmorais.com/.

How to Create Fabric Artist Trading Postcards

Calling all quilters! Do you have any scraps that you may have lying around?  Have you ever thought about creating a fabric artist trading postcard?  Altered Artists Trading Cards are a big thing right now. Even a scrapbooker could use some of their scrap to create their own trading cards.

Check out these rather easy instructions by Sharon Neth, eHow Community Member, start creating and trading immediately.

How to Make Scented Dusting Powder Gifts

It has been quite awhile since I learned how to make scented dusting powder. And when I saw this article by JWSouza on ehow.com, it gave me a great idea to make to make some gifts.  There are probably many different recipes out there, but this one you can purchase most of the ingredients in your local grocery store.  I would say that probably the most difficult item to purchase for the product would be the large powder puffs but I am sure there probably is a source out there somewhere.

I was surprised about the author's comment about how many people enjoy using dusting powder.  I do not know what the statistics are, but I am sure babies and new moms would enjoy receiving this product as a gift.  So take a look at the easy step by step instructions and take it from there.

How to Make Scented Dusting Powder Gifts

New Silicone Molds

I was searching the Wholesale Supplies Plus website (http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com) and I found two new shaped molds.

One is a graduation cap and the other is an Easter theme mold with bunny and baskets. Now these are recognizable and they can be purchased through Wilton (Cake Decorating) and I am sure they will appear in Michaels Arts and Craft Stores and Joann sometime in 2010.

If you like to see what they look like here are the appropriate links

Easter - http://wholesalesuppliesplus.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=7859

Graduation - http://wholesalesuppliesplus.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=7857

For those who make melt and pour soap, you may be interested in these shapes. I know I will be getting the bunny/basket mold. I hope that a mini version of these shapes will come out in the future.

If you would like to see other silicone molds that Wholesales Supplies Plus sells, visit http://wholesalesuppliesplus.com/ and do a product search for silicone molds.

Cranberry Melon Scrubbing Grains

Cranberry Melon Scrubbing Grains
From Majestic Mountain Sage

Yield: Makes approximately 14 fl oz.

Ingredients:

374 grams raw sugar
19 grams aloe gel
109 grams Grapeseed Oil
20 grams Golden Jojoba Oil
Literally a couple of specs of Purple Raspberry Color
Between 2-3 grams of Cranberry seeds depending on your own personal preference

4-5 ml Bitter Orange Orchid Fragrance Oil

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together and pour into jars.
Scrub away in the shower. You will love this recipe! Don’t give any away for gifts, you’ll be cornered everywhere for another jar!

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/cranberry-melon-scrubbing-grains/2009/06/17/

How to Make Pumpkin Luminaries With Mason Jars

By Nannette Richford

eHow Contributing Writer

Create these delightful pumpkin luminaries to light the walkway on Halloween night or to sit on the step to welcome your guests. This project is ideal for children and grownups alike; it is so easy you simply can't get it wrong.

Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:
Mason jars
Orange fabric
Yellow fabric scraps
Black felt
White glue
Lukewarm water

Directions:

Step 1
Gather an assortment of mason jars or recycled jars from mayonnaise, sauces or other foods. Wash with warm soapy water and remove any labels. Dry with a soft cloth. Provide a jar for each person, if you are making this a family activity; otherwise, work with one jar at a time.

Step 2
Cover the work area with old newspapers or a disposable table covering. Provide smocks or old clothing for children as this project can be a little messy, especially for little hands.

Step 3
Tear the orange fabric into 1-by-3 inch sections. Mix a solution of one part white glue to one part lukewarm water. Dip the sections of orange fabric into the solution. Run the fabric through your fingers to remove excess glue as you remove the fabric. Apply to the outside of the glass jar. Continue working until the entire jar is covered. Overlap pieces as you work in a random pattern. Smooth any rough edges or wrinkles with your fingers.

Step 4
Cut facial features from the yellow fabric and apply by wetting with the glue mixture and pressing into place on the jar. Allow to dry completely; let it dry overnight if possible.

Step 5
Cut a section of black felt to cover the rim of the jar. Glue into place.

Step 6
Insert a lighted tea candle or a miniature flashlight and display in windows, along the pathway to your home or simply set them on the front steps.

Tips & Warnings

To prevent the wind from blowing the pumpkin luminary over, add several inches of sand to the bottom of the jar.

Allow fabric scraps to soak in the glue mixture and remove them when needed.

Use a paint brush to apply the glue mixture, if preferred. Be sure to coat the outside of the fabric once it has been glued in place. The paint brush method may not be as messy, but it is more time consuming. When children complete this project, using a paint brush increases the risk of loose edges that do not smooth easily.

Create black cats by using black fabric instead of orange. Add green or yellow eyes and back felt ears.

Always supervise young children when lighting candles.

Source: http://candleandsoap.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=candleandsoap&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ehow.com%2Fhow_10671_make-holiday-luminaries.html

Rose Milk Tub Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

13 oz Dendritic OR Alberger Salt
1.3 oz Rose FO

6 oz Powdered Milk
2 oz Powdered Goatsmilk or Powdered Buttermilk
10.5 oz Baking Soda
1.8 oz Honey Powder
9.6 oz Whole Oats
17 oz Epsom Salts
128 oz Sea Salt
16 oz Rose Buds & Petals

Directions:

(1) Mix Dentritic Salt and Rose Essential Oil. Set aside.

(2) In a large bowl mix remaining ingredients.

(3) Combine the dendritic salt & essential oil blend with ingredients in Step 2.

To Use:

Place 3/4 - 1 C per 3.5 x 5 Muslin Drawstring Bag. This recipe makes approx 45 bags with 3/4 c each. Recipe can be scaled down or tweaked to suit your needs.

Source: http://www.elementsbathandbody.com/recipes

How To Make Potpourri

BY: PIONEER THINKING

Where to get your ingredients:

Ask at the florist shop for any discarded flowers, or dry out your own flowers.

Harvesting your ingredients

Handle your herbs and flowers carefully to avoid bruising them. Once the have been bruised you will have lost any value in them for their essential oils.

The best time to collect leaves, roots, flowers and seeds is in the early morning after the dew has evaporated.

Choose plants that are clean, free of any pests or diseases. Choose flowers that are newly opened.

*Always collect 4 times the amount you will need for the final potpourri mix as flowers, leaves etc will shrink when dried.

Drying Methods

The drying process usually takes up to 2 weeks in general. There are two processes for drying flowers and herbs. * Keep in a warm dark place that has good air circulation.

Air Drying: Using a window screen works quite well. It allows air circulation around the plant material. Place the flowers and or herbs on a single layer. Do not pack them tightly together or on top of each other or they will decompose. Takes about one week to be completely dried out.
Hanging: Fasten together several small bunches, tie the stems off with elastics or string. Hang them upside down to dry out.

Storing The Potpourri

Store your "New" potpourri in airtight containers or plastic bags. Store in a cool dark place until needed.

Making the potpourri

To make the potpourri you basically need four main ingredients. Flowers & leaves Essential oils Spices and Herbs Fixative.

Click here for Potpourri recipes from our "STILLROOM"

Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/potpourri.html

Homemade Lavender Water Recipes

Lavender water can be used in a variety of ways around the house.

Some ideas:
When washing bedding and linens, add some lavender water to the rinse cycle. Your bedding will have a light lavender scent (lavender helps those with sleep problems).

Use when ironing, spritz a bit of the lavender water on the items being ironed. Will add a nice lavender scent to the garment.

Lavender water can also be used as a beauty aid, try it as a skin freshener on hot summer days, a hair rinse, splash in the bath or dab around temples for headache relief.

Insect repellent, try it for mosquito repellent use as well as a mosquito bite itch helper. Lavender deters flies and other insects too.

How To Make Lavender Water – Recipes

Recipe #1

Ingredients:
Mason Jar
Lavender Buds
Vodka

Directions:

Fill the glass jar with lavender and cover completely with vodka. Seal jar.
Place the jar in a sunny location for about 18 days, rotate and shake the jar each day–morning and night.

After 18 days, strain the lavender from the vodka and seal the liquid in a clean glass jar.
Use as needed.

Recipe #2

Ingredients:
2 cups water (distilled)
3 TBS vodka
15 drops Lavender essential oil

Directions:

Mix the essential oil and vodka together then add water. Seal in a jar or bottle, keep in a dark place for 2 weeks before using.

Also check out the recipes here for rose water.

Source: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-water-recipes/

Peach Kernel Oil (Expeller Pressed)

A light, penetrating oil containing Vitamin E, Peach Kernel Oil is similar in its properties to Apricot Kernel and Sweet Almond Oils.

Although not as commonly produced as its substitutes, Peach Kernel Oil is found in higher end cosmetics, fine lotions and creams and makes an excellent facial massage product. The kernel, which is expeller pressed, contains up to 42% fatty oils and can be used in the production of an essential oil which is similar to the oil of bitter almond.

Common Uses of Peach Kernel Oil
Facial oils
Creams and lotions
Massage oils
Cosmetics
Benefits of Peach Kernel Oil
Light
Easily absorbed by the skin
Relieves itching
Beneficial for sensitive and dry skin

PEACH KERNEL OIL TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
TRADE NAME: OBN 326 PS/R
CHEMICAL NAME: PEACH KERNEL OIL
INCI NAME: PRUNUS PERSICA
CAS NUMBER: 8002-78-6

IF you would like the EINECS NUMBER: N/A or Fatty acids composition % (GLC) for Peach Kernal Oil, visit http://www.oilsbynature.com/products/peach-kernel-oil.htm.

Source: http://www.oilsbynature.com/products/peach-kernel-oil.htm

Juicy Swirl Soap

YIELD: APPROX. 3 LBS. CURED & DRIED.

We added a dash of titanium dioxide to this recipe to help brighten whites and add greater contrast between colors, if you choose to swirl.

For more information on swirled soaps, please visit our Swriled Soap pictoral.

Recomended scent: Juicy Couture type fragrance oil. Add 2 oz. to batch at trace.
Oils(by weight)
Sweet Almond oil
20 ounces Avocado oil,
5 ounces Coconut oil, 76 degree
11 ounces Palm oil
5 ounces Sunflower Oil
20 ounces Distilled water, by volume: 19 ounces
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) by weight: 8.45 ounces (5% lye discount).

OPTIONAL: titanium dioxide. Add 1 teaspoon water dispersible titanium dioxide to the lye-water mix. We used yellow oxide and chromium hydroxide green to make swirls in the pictured soap.

Click here for instructions on making cold process soap safely at home.

Source: http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/form_cpsoap_7.html

Macro Photography Tips – Increase Buyer Confidence

If you are having trouble with your photos for etsy or your blog, here is an article from Homemade Marketing to increase buyer confidence.

http://etsymarketing.org/macro-photography-tips-how-to-take-craft-item-photos/

Baby Soap

Materials:

194 g lye

19 oz water

8 oz sweet almond oil

7 oz jojoba

2 oz castor oil

4 oz shea butter

19 oz coconut oil

14 oz palm oil

1 oz vitamin E oil

Instructions:

Heat oils to 100 degrees. Combine lye and water and cool to 100 degrees. Combine oils and lye/water mixing well. At trace add the vitamin E oil. Pour into a mold and proceed as you would with cold process soap.

Source: http://www.freebies4ya.com/beautyrecipes/forbabies2.asp#babybodybalm

Mandarin Essential Oil Properties

Mandarin Essential Oil properties from Aroma Web

Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed/ExpressedColor: Greenish OrangeConsistency: ThinPerfumery Note: TopStrength of Initial Aroma: MediumAromatic Description: Very sweet, citrusy, fruity.

Possible Uses: Acne, dull skin, insomnia, oily skin, scars, spots, stress, wrinkles. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.]

Constituents: Limonene, methyl methylanthranilate, geraniol, citral, citronellal. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 121.]

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 219.]


Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/mandarin-essential-oil-properties/2009/07/23/

Common MP Soap Ingredients

From Debbie May, President of Wholesale Supplies Plus (http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/), has kindly listed of Common MP Soap Base Ingredients on her soap making forum.

If you are a melt and pour soapmaker and you are wondering what are some of the ingredients in your soap bases, you may find the following:

Propylene Glycol – A natural humectant that acts as a wetting agent for certain ingredients. It assists certain ingredients to mix with water.

Sorbitol - A natural humectant that is used to improve the clarity of the soap.

Glycerin – A natural humectant and emollient used to improve the clarity of the soap.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLeS)- A very popular ingredient based on lauric acid. Lauric acid is the main acid in coconut oil and palm kernel fatty acids and is believed to have antimicrobiral properties. SLeS allows for better distribution of soap while cleansing. It is a foaming agent (increases lather), detergent (compound intended to assist with cleansing) and surfactant (lowers surface tension thus a grease cutter). Aids in the rinsability of soap. Is not natural.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) - A very popular ingredient based on lauric acid. Lauric acid is the main acid in coconut oil and palm kernel fatty acids and is believed to have antimicrobiral properties. SLS allows for better distribution of soap while cleansing. It is a foaming agent (increases lather), detergent (compound intended to assist with cleansing) and surfactant (lowers surface tension thus a grease cutter). Aids in the rinsability of soap. Is not natural.

Sodium Stearate – Natural cleansing agent which is the result of saponifying palm vegetable fatty acids with caustic soda.

Sodium Myristate – Natural cleansing agent which is the result of saponifying coconut and/or palm vegetable fatty acids with caustic soda.

Sodium Cocoyl Isothianate – Man made mild surfactant that is derived from coconut oil. It produces a dense creamy foam.

Triethanolamine – A man made pH adjuster. It aids in the clarity of the soap by neutralizing the excess free fatty acids in the soap base.

Water – A natural solvent for soap making and saponification process.

Sorbitan Oleate – A natural emulsifier for vegetable oils.

Sodium Cocoate – A natural cleansing agent that is the result of the saponifying coconut oil with caustic soda.

Sodium Laurate - A natural cleansing agent that is the result of the saponifying lauric acid with caustic soda.

Lauric acid – A man made cleansing agent and surfactant. It is the main acid in coconut oil and palm kernel fatty acids. Allows for better distribution of soap while cleansing, increase lather and helps cut greasy dirt. Aids in the rinsability of soap.

Titanium Dioxide – A natural opacifier. It makes white soap white.


Source: http://forums.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/index.php?showtopic=636&pid=3171&st=0&#entry3171

Candy Corn Candles Recipe

Materials

8 oz. gel candle medium
Small clean mason jar
½ cup candy corn (Plastic novelty eyeballs or wiggly eyes can also be used for a fun look)
Black and Orange Spool-o-ribbon

Instructions

1.Melt candle gel in a large microwaveable dish at 30 second intervals until completely melted.

2.Slowly pour melted wax into mold. Allow to set for 1 minute.

3.Push candy corn or eyeballs into candle using a chopstick or skewer.

4.Refill mold to fill in holes.

5.Tie Black and Orange ribbon around base of candle.



Source: http://www.pureandnaturalsoaps.com/recipe-candycorncandles.html

Wrap and Storing Melt and Pour Soaps

If you have run out of ideas on how to package your melt and pour soap, then you need to check out this video clip from Expert Village:


http://www.expertvillage.com/video/101327_making-soap-wrap.htm


My suggestion if you want to use decorative wrap (i.e. cigar bands, etc.) and want to leave a portion of your soap exposed, I would wrap your soap in cellophane wrap. This will keep your soap fresh.

Online Class: Basic Lotion and Cream Making

Online casses starting this November, Joan Morais will be offering classes online. You can take these classes at home or wherever you are via your computer.

Basic Lotion and Cream Making Online Class
November 14, 2009, Saturday, 10 am-12 noon

Learn to make lotions and creams in the comfort of your own home with this online class. Making lotions and creams with high quality skin care oils, herbs, floral waters and essential oils nourish and moisturize the skin. You will receive an e-book with all the recipes and current information and an e-video you can watch from your computer. You will also be part of a live online class on what you need to know to make successful basic lotions and creams. This is a great class to introduce you to the process of lotion and cream making. Class size is limited, sign-up early to reserve your spot.

details or to sign-up>>> or visit Joan's blog (http://www.naturalskinandbodycare.com/) or website (http://www.joanmorais.com/) for more information

Summer Body Mist Recipe

from Aura Cacia

Benefits: Energizing

Ingredients
4 ounces water-based liquid such as green tea, hydrosol, rainwater or aloe juice
1 teaspoon plain vinegar or herb-infused vinegar (lavender, rose, peppermint, etc.)
28 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops grapefruit essentail oil
2 drops geranium essentail oil

Directions
Place vinegar in a spray-mister bottle. Add the essential oils and shake. Add water, cap and mist clothes and skin. Always shake well before use. Avoid eyes and sensitive areas.

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/summer-body-mist-recipe/2009/07/20/

Etsy Pricing Matters – Marketing Using Pricepoints

Do you know the power of your handmade item’s pricepoint? HandmadeMarketing.org reader Cindy Lietz, from the website Beads and Beading, gave insight on her blog as to how an item’s pricepoint could be a marketing tool in the article, "Etsy Pricing Matters – Marketing Using Pricepoints".

If you are interested in reading Cindy's great tips, please visit http://handmademarketing.org/etsy-pif-pricing-handmade/ . You may also want to learn about the power of market research, you may want to read her article on the subject by visiting http://etsymarketing.org/etsy-reserach-craft-market-research-online/.

Halloween Soap Project (Melt and Pour)

If you would like to make your own Halloween Melt and Pour Soaps to give out to the kids instead of candy, here are step by step instructions on how to do so:

http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/holidayprojects/ss/halloweenmelt.htm

What a ghoulish treat to give out!!!