Tuesday, March 31, 2009

How to Start a Face Cream Business

Have you ever wondered how Estee Lauder started her business? Find out how she diid and how you can start your in this article title How to Start a Face Cream Business by Gail Cohen, eHow Editor.How to Start a Face Cream Business. Hopefully this article will answer all of your questions. Good luck if you actually start a business.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Bath Melts Recipe from Aroma Thyme

Ingredients:
2 parts cocoa butter
2 parts baking soda
1 part citric acid
powdered herbs
color (optional)
EO(s) or FO(s) (your preference)

Directions:
Melt the cocoa butter add EO(s) and color if you wish. Then add powdered ingredients, stir then pour into molds. Let sit in fridge or freezer until set then pop out of molds and let sit for a day or two.

If you are looking for other recipes, check out some of the links in the side bar or check in my archive. There are alot of recipes in both places. I am always looking for new recipes to post on my blog, so please return in the future.

Source: http://www.aromathyme.com/recipes.html

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Immersion Blenders

For the students who have taken a lotions class from me and have not found an immersion blender, I bought mine "Durabrand" Immersion Blender at Walmart for $10.88. The "Hamilton Beach" Brand with the whisk attachment I purchased at KMart for $19.99. But I just wanted to let you know that I saw the Hamilton Beach version at Walmart for $19.98.

But honestly you can find an immersion blender most any where that sells kitchen electrics (ie Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, etc.). I just so happened to get mine at Walmart/Kmart.

Ice Cream Cone Candles

Playing with the wax allows yoto learn new ways of working with it, gives you new ideals, and who knows, may lead to fame and fortune......ok, not so much, but definitely you will have some fun.

It's January and as we promised, here are the candle instructions for making ice cream candles. (You won't believe how much this will look like real ice-cream!).

Here are the tools you will need - an old ice cream scoop made out of metal, an old hand held mixer, pizza pans, a kitchen knife, white hard wax, a color block of your choice, like brown for fudge,red for strawberries, act., and mugs, or sundae dishes.

You might want to consider looking for long necked spoons, straws, or other soda fountain like decorations for your finished candle.

This outa get you started good. Since this is for the more advanced candle maker, I think most of you will have the rest of the ingredients. O, don't forget your favorite scent....vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, peaches and cream, or any other favorite scent that you have.

These are advanced candle making instructions for making an ice cream cone, float or sundae. You need to know a little something about melting wax, so if this is new to you, please see our wax melting instructions for beginners.

As for the rest of you....here we go.

Make sure you have every ready that you will need to use these instructions. What are you going to put your ice cream sundaes in? We have use vintage ice cream dishes in the past, but today we discovered these wonderful glasses in a waffle cone stem ware design. Lucky for us.

Don't forget your scent, wax, handheld mixer, paint scraper, knife, wicks, and color block.

First melt your wax, we like to start with five pounds of white wax. (Beginners - see the wax melting instructions)

Now add your two and one half ounces of scent to your roaster pan of melted wax. (The scent is by liquid weight).

Our roaster pan, as you can see, has been tipped on its side. This will aide in the preparation of the ice cream wax.

We only use liquid scent and each scent weighs different so you must weigh your scent. The reasons why are listed in the "About our Candle Scents and How to Use them" section.

Many of you have ask where I learned to make candles. I learned to started making candles when I first discovered this book - Candle Makers Companion. It is the best book I have ever read on making candles. For a beginner, it is a must in my opinion. I just loved it. I think you will too.

Take some of your wax in an old metal coffee pot and pour in the bottoms of your sundae dishes.

You will need to have a "base" for your ice cream scoop . This will hold the wick in your finished candle for one thing.. See how we have poured the wax about 1/4" from the top of the lowest point on the waffel cone? (see site - http://www.wicks-wax-scents.com/make-icecream-candles.html for pictures). You will need room for the drizzles to go.

Now place your wick in the bottom of the candle.

Normally we are doing a lot of a ice cream sundaes, then we would use the j50 astrolite wax for the bottom of the ice cream candle and the hard paraffin wax for the top. The reason is the j50 astrolite wax is made for containers and will not release. We don't want our ice cream sundaes to fall out! The one pour wax will hold the sundae in the cone.

However, we did not use the one pour wax in these instructions for the base of the candle, because we wanted to take the photos all at one time. If you are making your candles for resale on a large scale basis, I would suggest using a one pour base.

You will have to use your expertise and decide what you want to do about using the two different waxes.....also, it will make a difference in how many containers you are doing.

If doing a lot of containers, then we would diffentatly use the j 50 astrolite for the bottom of the candle.

After the wax has partially harden, in the bottom of the waffle cone, you can take the remaining wax and start making the ice cream scoops.

Add a parfait spoon to your cone, at this point and it will pretty much stay at the depth you desire. Remember you will be adding a couple of ice cream scoops later on and you will want the spoon handle to show. So plan ahead.

Making the actually ice cream scoop is the fun part of these candle making instructions.

Using your hand held mixer, mix the wax until it is white. Letting your wax cool before starting to mix will help.

You can not mess ice cream scoops up by letting your wax cool to much..........unless you let it get so cool that the mixer won't move it.

Use the scraper to push the wax back down in the pan, like when you are mixing cake batter and are using a spatchula to scrap the sides......ladies, you know.

Your wax is ready when your scrapper stands straight up and doesn't fall over.

As you whip the wax, you are adding air to the mixure. What that means is the ice cream scoop part of the candle will burn down very quickly....this is why you need the base of the candle to be solid. You can't make a whole candle of scoops!It would just burn way to fast.

Now take your ice cream scooper and make a scoop of ice cream.

..............This is a trial scoop, to see if it is ready..............

I like the scooped wax from the edges the best....it scoops great for me. Place the scoop on a pizza pan. Does it look like a real scoop of ice cream? Is it hard and firm? Does it give the appearance of all the nooks and crannies of real ice cream that has been scooped? If not, it needs to be whipped more and let it harden a smidge longer.

Finally the perfect scoop! See how it looks just like real ice cream? Just a little trial and error on your part.

Now this part is a little harder. Hold your wick straight up in one hand and place the scoop of ice cream around the wick.....if you don't like what you have done, the try again. You have time.

The fun never stops! Now we get to make the color for the drizzle on top the ice cream ....you may want to add some faux food cherries or strawberries too, we did.You could even add wax peaches or banana's. We have done both.

I have to say, they look fantastic when finished off this way.We have chosen to drizzle with chocolate and top with strawberries.

See the coffee can? We are adding brown color to the wax in the pan. We have filled the can up about half way full of white melted wax. We are just going to swish the color block in the wax, until we have the chocolate color we want.

Do the same for any color you want...red - strawberries, peach - peaches, blue blueberries....you see where we are going with this......

Now, let the chocolate wax cool down, until you can drizzle the wax on top of the cone and it sticks on the way down.

If your wax is too hot, it will just run off the candle.I like to use that trial ice cream scoop we placed on the pizza pan. You can watch the drizzles run down that trial scoop.....Here are our finished cones! We added some wax strawberries to make the cones look.

For full color photos of this project, go to http://www.wicks-wax-scents.com/make-icecream-candles.html.

Source: http://www.wicks-wax-scents.com/make-icecream-candles.html

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Making Melt & Pour Soap in a Crockpot

I was crusing one of my favorite blogs, http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ for some new receipes and I found that she had instructions on making melt and pour soap making project in a crock pot. So here it goes, I am going to share it with you.

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-make-soap-in-your-crockpot.html

I just may try this version. Once I tried melting soap base in a crockpot and found that it took forever to melt the soap base. It gets abit messy and was abit difficult to get the last bit of soap out. If you have tried making melt and pour soap by this method and have any tricks, please let me know.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Packaging Bath and Body Products Class

On March 21st, I ventured out to Point Richmond to take a new class on packaging bath and body products at The Nova Studio (http://www.thenovastudio.com/) taught by Joan McCoy.

This was a very informative class that anyone who makes there own bath and body products to give away or to sell. You will go away with some great handouts, other goodies and ideas.

If you are interested in this class, the next offering of this class will be in June 2009. If you would like to see a full description of this class, here is a direct link - http://www.thenovastudio.com/description_jmccoy_packaging.htm.

I hope The Nova Studio adds more classes like this to their class schedule. I am looking forward to Lori adding her "Color with Confidence" class on a Saturday sometime in the future.

I also wanted to add this little snipette. I happened to take Bart like I normally do. As I got off the train, and exited the station I was approached by a man who needed financial assistance. Too be honest I am always wary about giving handouts, but it is my personality to help out someone in distress. So I gave him what I could ($2) since I barely had enough for Bart and bus fare and bridge toll. He thanked me and promised he would pay me the next time that he saw me. I knew that would never happen since travelling to Richmond was few and far between and I told him so. But I asked him to promise me that he would pay it forward (help someone down the line).

So you think that would be the end of the story right? Well, no. After I finished the class got on the bus to return to the Bart station. I arrived at the Union City Station around 3. I wound up getting some food in addition to doing some errands. By this time I was tired and wanting to get home. I got on to highway 84 to approach the Dumbarton Bridge. As I approached the toll gates I noticed that there were several cars waiting to pay and I was wondering why it was taking so long. I was starting to get irritable. Because I had been up early and I wanted to get home. But when I approached the toll booth, the attendant told me that the car infront of me paid my $4 toll. I was pleasantly surprised! And could not believe that paid it forward actually came around to me this time.

I am sorry to say that I could not catch up to the driver and thank him. So to the owner/driver of the Charocal Grey Nissan Xterra, wherever you are, I want to thank you. You have given me the faith in the common man. I will pay it forward more often.

So if you ever doubted pay it forward - one day it will it happen to you like it did to me. I am asking all of you who read this entry to do the same. And let's make this alittle bit nicer world.

Thank you!

Whipped Coco Lemon Body Butter

Ok, so maybe you can't quite manage a couple of weeks on a Caribbean Beach, so here's a taste of the Tropics at Home :0)

Base Recipe

75% Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (mmmm with the natural coconut aroma retained)
20% Grapeseed Oil
5% Glycerine
then add...
2% Lemon Essential Oil

Place your ingredients in a heatproof dish, heat and melt over a pan of simmering water (bring it to the boil first and then reduce the temperature) for 15 to 20 mins.

Remove from the stove and pour into a bowl, pop in the freezer until it turns semi solid and then take it out and whisk until you achieve a light whipped cream effect. Add a little more Grapeseed Oil if necesary. Once whipped, add 2% of your Lemon Essential Oil.

The Coconut and Grapeseed Oils are both light, easily absorbed, contain Vitamins, Antioxidants and numerous other properties. Lemon Essential Oil is useful for: detoxification, toning the skin, stimulates the immune system, coughs, colds, acid digestive complaints, cellulite, depression, exhaustion, nervous tension and varicose veins.

Source: http://reviveholisticbeauty.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Organic Spa Treatments

by Louise Forrest

If you are lucky enough to be able to visit a spa then you know how wonderful your skin looks and feels after a visit. But you do not always need to go to the spa in order to treat your skin. You can do it in the comfort of your very own home and to a great budget too.If you want to make organic skin care at home then you need to make sure that the ingredients that you use are organic and are obtained from a trusted source. Women from all over the globe love the way their skin feels after a visit to the spa. These organic skin care recipes are all used for specialties treatments at some of the world's top natural care spas. Remember to always purchase organic ingredients for our skin care recipes. Non-organic ingredients contain chemical fertilizers and pesticides which you do not want absorbed into your body through the skin.

1. Organic Body Butter. For this you will need some towels and a blanket if you want to try this and to keep yur head at ease you may want to consider using a pillow too.

You will need:
- organic avocado
-organic banana
-soft organic butter
-lavender essential oil
-whipped cream that is organic
-a bathroom that has been steamed
-once you start to sweat apply the mixture to your skin
-lie on the towels and wrap the blanket around and stay in that position for a maximum of 20 minutes
-rinse in a warm shower

2. Organic Body Butter – Another version you are more than likely to have all the ingredients already. Mix the following ingredients together:

- organic coconut oil
-organic honey
-crunchy organic peanut butter
-organic brown sugar
-water

Use this mixture when you are in the bath, and massage this well onto your entire body. After you have massaged all over, you then need to cleanse your skin with a very mild organic cleanser. Then just apply an organic milk lotion to complete. Then of course rinse with warm water.If you are looking for a super fast face scrub then all you need to do is to take a few handfuls of Epsom salt and rub over the entire body when you are in the shower or taking a bath. This is a great method for exfoliating the skin and afterwards the skin will feel silky soft to touch.

Source: http://www.naturalelements.co.uk/article/organic/organic-feet-care/

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Moisture Delight Bath Bombs

These bath bombs dry very hard and can fizz for up to two minutes.

Ingredients:

Few drops food coloring or other colorant
1/4 teaspoon Borax (optional)
1-1/2 teaspoon fragrance oil or essential oil
3/4 tablespoon water
2-3/4 tablespoons Almond oil
1/4 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup Citric Acid
1 cup baking soda

Directions:

Mix together the corn starch, Epsom salts, Citric Acid, and baking soda in a dry bowl.

In a separate small bowl or cup mix all the remaining wet ingredients together.

Add this the dry ingredients with a wire whisk, whisk fast when adding wet ingredients to prevent fizzing.

Press mix into molds.

This mixture will not look wet but it will compact easily into your molds.Leave to dry overnight. Store in closed tight container.

Source: http://www.beauty-and-the-bath.com/bath-bomb-recipes.html#gpm1_5

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

How to Make Perfume Butter

Perfume butters are the oldest known method of wearing fragrance known to man. Unlike liquid formulas, perfume butters will not spill and tend to last much longer on the skin. For any perfume butter, the method will be more or less the same.  If you would like to create a perfume butter of your own, check out this article by Genae-Valecia Hinesman, eHow Editor on How to Make Perfume Butter.

According to the author, one will need 4 oz. of a solid “plant butter” base (or 2 oz. of plant butter and 2 oz. of solid wax, like beeswax). To this you will combine 4 oz. of a pure, richly moisturizing oil, plus two or more drops of the essential oils of your choosing for fragrance. This article will provide precise instructions and a sample recipe that you can use at home. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own signature scent. Unlike alcohol-based liquid perfumes, perfume butters can be used as soon as they have cooled and solidified at room temperature.

This recipe seems to be very simple, so this recipe is well worth trying.  If it works out then these would make really cool gifts.  Even a teenager could possible enjoy making this product.

Monday, March 23, 2009

What to do with leftover soap scraps

Soap scraps are those pieces of soap leftover from the soapmaking project. For those who make melt and pour soap it is the soap left in the pot that dries into one solid piece that can be scooped out and used. For those who make cold process soap, it is the ends of the soap loaf after the 'good' pieces have been cut off. Some stores sell their soap scraps as a goody bag and others sell them or give them away as samples. But castoffs or not soap scraps are valuable real estate in soapmaking. They make great gifts and have a homespun sophistication all their own.Soap scraps are also good to use as filler pieces in other soap projects, especially if they are used as contrasting or complementary colors.

Soap scraps can be used to make remelted soap and when grated and made into soap balls, makes a really wonderful item that may be further embellished with herbs, flowers or spices.

Soap Ball Ingredients:

* Freshly grated(shredded) soap
* 1/8 - 1/4 tsp essential oil/fragrance oil per soap ball
* A few drops deionized water
* Crushed herbs/flowers/spices to coat the balls

There are no hard and fast rules as there are few ingredients. Once you get started using up those scraps of soap, there are infinite ways to embellish and present the soaps so that they are simply divine.

The first time I saw soap balls was in a French handmade soap shop in New York City. The soap balls were plain white and rustic with the most heavenly scent. They were presented on a white platter, each tied with a single ribbon that encircled the soap and held together with a straight pin. Years later after making soap and creating my own soap balls, I realized what they were and how easy it is to make them.

1. The first thing to consider is that the soap pieces should be a bit moist. The ideal soap used to make soap balls would be soap that is freshly grated and still a bit moist and pliable. The drier the soap, the harder it is to scrunch it into one cohesive ball.

Cold process soap that has cured while it may appear tough on the outside, when grated is usually still moist on the inside. Cold process soap that has not cured fully and still has some lye remaining in it can also be used. To grate this type of soap, follow the same precautions as when handling lye but when the soap balls are complete, embellish and store in a dry location to cure for 3-6 weeks.

2. Next a liquid of choice is needed to hold the soap together. Fragrance/essential oil counts as part of that liquid but a liquid that is not purely oil is better to hold the pieces together. Ideally, a few drops of water mixed with the fragrance can be used.

3. Sprinkle the grated soap with the liquids, knead them a bit to get the pieces to stick together and roll them into a ball shape. Finish by rolling in whatever spice, flower petals or herbs used to embellish them.

Here are some sample essential oil/fragrance oil, herbs, flowers or spices combinations.

1. Covering - ground nutmeg, black sesame seedsEssential oil - clove and bay eo blend

2. Covering - crushed rose petals (remove stem or any hard pieces)Essential oil - rosewood, frankincense and lavender eo blendEssential oil - rose geranium Essential oil/Fragrance oil - patchouli and rose (rose fragrance oil maybe substituted rose essential oil

3. Covering - crushed dried mint leavesEssential oil - peppermint, lemon/lime, rosemary eo blend

4. Covering - dried lemongrass shredded in fine pieces Essential oil - lemongrass, orange eo blend

Permission to reprint by Winsome Tapper, Soapmaking Editor, www.bellaonline.com/site/soapmaking.

Source: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art60735.asp/zzz

Sunday, March 22, 2009

How to Use Shea Butter

Alot of body products call for adding shea butter.  But do you know what shea butter is and how it is used?  If you want to learn more about shea butter, an anonymous  eHow Contributing Writer wrote an article on How to Use Shea Butter. The article has alot of good information on what shea butter is and what it is good for. Make sure that you check out all ofthe resources that the author provides. There are some really important tips that should be taken seriously like not replaciing your sunscreen with shea butter. Even though shea butter has some sunscreen properties, it is not strong enough to last as long as a really strong sunscreen.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Lime & Ginger Salt Glow

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup fine sea salts
* 1/2 cup grapeseed oil
* or olive oil 1/4 cup fresh ginger root- available at most grocery stores.
(pulverize in a blender) *
* 1/2- 3/4 teaspoon lime essential oil

*** mix your salt and pulverized ginger together. when it appears to be a consistent blend add your grapeseed oil and blend well. The last step is to add your lime essential oil (you can also add a drop of our ginger fragrance oil to accent the addition of ginger root), make sure you stir it well. Store in a tightly sealed glass container (see our selection of glass containers in our on-line catalog under misc./containers.)

To Use:

To use, scoop out a tablespoon or two and start to exfoliate hands, feet, elbows and rough spots, massaging into skin with gentle circular motions. Rinse with warm water.

*** Do not use any equipment with copper, aluminum, cast iron or teflon finishes. Do not use recipe on cut or irritated skin.

Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=197

Friday, March 20, 2009

How to Make Soap Sculptures

Are you kids driving you crazy?  Are they bored with nothing to do? Then how would you like to change your ordinary block soap into beautifully-shaped soap sculptures? The sculptures you can make great gifts and take little time to make. You can do this craft as a family project with your kids.

So if you are interested in learning on How to Make Soap Sculptures, then check out this article by eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

What is Sodium Lactate?

Sodium lactate is natural salt that is derived from a natural fermentation product, lactic acid. Lactic acid is produced naturally in foods such as cheese, yogurt, hard salami, pepperoni, sour dough bread and many others by the action of lactic acid starter cultures (also known as a "good" bacteria) on the sugars that are naturally present in the food products. The production of the lactic acid increases the acidity of the product, flavoring the product with a desired taste characteristic and protecting the product from spoilage to some degree. Salts of lactic acid are a more powerful pathogen inhibitor than the lactic acid itself. Since salt is the best preservative that can be used in food products by creating an undesirable environment for bacteria, sodium lactate has a distinct advantage over sodium chloride since it contains 50% less sodium. This gives us the pathogen inhibiting characteristics needed, while keeping sodium levels low when compared to traditional meat products. Sodium Lactate should not be confused with lactose, the sugar found in milk products.

This same lactic acid and the lactate salts of lactic acid naturally occur in all animal and human muscle tissue. The production of lactic acid is as important part of the energy metabolism of muscle tissue. During the normal metabolic cycle in our body, about 120 grams of lactic acid is produced daily (Ir. J. T. De Koos, Die Fleischerei, 1/1993). Sodium Lactate is a known component of the stratum coreum layer of the skin. (Cosmet and Toilitries 93, 85, 1978). Sodium lactate is produced by the natural fermentation of the sugars from corn or beets. These sugars are fermented with lactic acid starter culture, similar to those used for cheese or yogurt production. The fermented solution is mixed with caustic soda (same used in pretzel and bagel manufacturing to coat the outside) to form sodium lactate in the same fashion soy milk is mixed with Calcium Sulfate to form tofu.

Formation of Sodium Lactate

The formation of sodium lactate under laboratory-simulated conditions for the production of alumina from organic-contaminated bauxite by dissolution in hot (145 C) sodium hydroxide (3 M) has been studied. Not unexpectedly, sodium lactate shown to arise from glucose. Sodium L-(+)-lactate, however, decomposes to sodium carbonate and ethanol under these conditions, but it reaches a constant concentration that appears to be dependent on the initial lactate and sodium hydroxide concentrations. Sodium [1- 13 C]L-lactate studies showed that 13 C-labeled carboxylate (COO - ) is scrambled among the carbonate and both of the carbons in the ethanol produced. A 1,2,3-trihydroxycyclopropane intermediate is proposed. In the presence of 2-methoxyphenol, a lignin degradation product, sodium lactate decomposition is enhanced. Uses of

Sodium Lactate

Used in the cosmetic, food field as flavor enhancer, humectant, pH control agent to prolong the reserving period etc .

Sodium Lactate is widely used in the meat products as antisepsis fresh-keeping agent, heat preservation agent, antioxidation potentiator and flavor potentiator. Sodium Lactate can prevent and kill various Gram's bacterium which can bring putrefaction to food, such as Listeria bacterium, golden yellow staphylococcus, meat clostridium and rot microorganism with obvious antisepsis effect. It has 2-3 folds storage period in contrast with potassium sorbate. Sodium Lactate is colorless or canary thick liquid, it has strong moisture absorption and can dissolve to water and ethanol, as well as can mix with various food addictive. In the process of machining, it can keep the moisture of the meat without adding the cost and can keep the wetness of the products. With its special aroma, the sodium lactate can enhance taste and aroma of the meat products. Moreover its effect will not be lowered in the process of braising and boiling with its high temperature resistance as it is manufactured in the high temperature of 120-130°C.

Source: http://www.ask.com/bar?q=sodium+lactate&page=1&qsrc=0&zoom=Is+Sodium+Lactate+Made+from+Milk%7CPotassium+Lactate%7CUse+of+Sodium+Lactate+in+Soap&ab=9&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sodium-lactate.com%2F

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Anti Aging Carrier Oils

For those ladies from my lotions and creams class interested in anti-aging ingredients for their formulations I am providing a list of carrier oils and botantical extracts to add. Here is a list of anti aging carrier oils you can use in your lotions:

Acai, almond, apricot, avocado, borage, evening primrose, cameilla, carrot root, cranberry seed, Foraba (aka tamanu), jojoba, kukui, macadamia nut, meadowfoam seed, peach kernel, palm kernel, pumpkin seed, pomegrante, raspberry seed, rice bran, seabuckthorn, seasme.

Also you can add botanical extracts such as Cranberry, Green Tea (which is also good for wrinkles), Elder Flower, Gingko Biloba leaf, Ginseeng Root, Grape, Kelp, Olive leaf, Rooibos Tea, White Tea,White Willow Bark. (Note: Normally you would use these in the water phase of any formulation. It would be .5% to 5 % depending on your formula.) You can get these extracts from online from Essential Wholesale.

You can add microfine titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for sunscreen protection. But you will not not know the extact amount of protection. If you want to add titanium dioxide you would add 5-10% and for zinc oxide it would be 1-5% of your formulation.

Cupcake Bath Bomb Recipe #3

Bath Bomb: (You can use your own bath bomb recipe, but here is mine)

Mix well until smooth in large bowl:
* 1 cup baking soda
* 1/2 cup citric acid
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1/3 cup Epsom salts

Wet Ingredients:
* 2-1/2 tablespoon light oil (sweet almond, jojoba, avocado oil - sunflower oil can be used also or light olive)
* 3/4 tablespoon water
* 1 to 2 teaspoon essential oil or fragrance oil
* 1/4 teaspoon Borax (an emulsifier)

Directions:

* Put the wet ingredients and borax in a small jar and shake like crazy.

*Add your colorant to the wet mixture.

* Pour wet mixture SLOWLY over dry ingredients.

* Mix with hand similar to mixing biscuits.

* Keep pouring slowly and mix.

* Mixture will hold together when squeezed in palm of your hand. If the mixture seems to dry add just a tiny bit of extra oil, not water to moisten the mix.

* Press the mixture into mini cupcake liners that are placed in a mini cupcake pan for stability. There is no need to let them dry over night before putting the frosting on. Just don't try to take them out of the pan until you put the frosting on. Mine wanted to separate from the liner, but the frosting acted like a glue. So now you mix up the frosting.

Frosting:
3 Tablespoons Meringue Powder/Powdered Egg Whites
1 lb. (By weight) Powdered Sugar
5 Tablespoons warm water
1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar (Optional)
B&B Coloring
A few drops fragrance.

Directions:

Mix Meringue into warm water first. Add cream of tartar and Powdered sugar. Whip on medium speed for 4 to 7 minutes. Frosting will form stiff peaks and harden within an hour (or so!). Pipe on to the cupcakes and let dry. I let mine dry overnight and the whole thing is rock hard. The paper peels off easily too. The frosting has to soak in the warm water for about a minute but it will break up and dissolve. You can sub part of the powdered sugar with Baking Soda if you like. Just play around with the recipe and have fun!


Source:http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=875

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Stearic Acid Issue

I have had a couple of inquiries of why their creams recipe was "sandy" or "gritty" feeling. And what it really boils down to is that if you add too much of stearic acid it will make your creams feel that way.

So try to be as accurate as you can when you measuring out your stearic acid for your creams recipe and make sure that it is completely melted before mixing.

Included in your handout there is some information about this. If you would like additional information here is a link about stearic acid -http://www.botanical.com/products/learn/stearic.html

What is Palm-Kernel Oil?

As a soapmaker, you mostly see this ingredient in some of the cold process soap recipes.  Are you interested in learning more about this ingredient you maybe adding to your recipes.  Check out this explaination from Wisegeeks.com:

"Palm-kernel oil is an oil which is extracted from the seeds of the oil palm, a tree native to Africa and widely cultivated in Africa and parts of Asia. The fruit which surrounds the seed can also be pressed for oil. Depending on where one lives, it may be easy or difficult to obtain pure palm-kernel oil, but products which contain this oil are often abundantly available.

This oil is not terribly healthy. It is extremely high in saturated fats, and low in essential fatty acids, making it a poor addition to the diet. Straight palm oil extracted from the fruit around the seed is actually healthier, but palm kernel oil is cheap and readily available in many regions, making it an attractive alternative to the healthier and often more expensive palm oil.

Like other oils which are very high in saturated fat, palm-kernel oil is typically solid at room temperature, and it can withstand very high heat. In parts of Africa and Asia, it is a commonly used cooking oil, and it can also be used in cosmetics. Many cosmetics manufacturers utilize palm-kernel oil as an inexpensive substitute for things like coconut oil and shea butter. While palm-kernel oil certainly gets the job done, it has less cosmetic benefits than more expensive ingredients, and some people find that it adds a somewhat greasy texture.

There are a number of ways to extract palm-kernel oil from the seeds, ranging from traditional methods which involve roasting the seeds, cracking them, and grinding them to extract the oil to more modernized methods which are designed to extract every possible drop of oil from the seeds. Several manufacturers also use a fractional distillation process to separate the oil into various components which can be sold individually, maximizing their profit.

Palm-kernel oil also comes with environmental issues. In some regions of the world, native rainforests have been cleared to make way for the cultivation of oil palms, thanks to rising demand for palm oil. In addition to being used in cooking and personal care items, this oil can also be distilled into biofuel, and because of its low expense, many biofuel manufacturers have turned to palm oil and palm-kernel oil. Clearing of rainforests for oil palm plantations has obvious environmental effects, and in some regions, the cost of palm oil and palm-kernel oil has climbed so high, thanks to the demand, that people cannot afford these oils for cooking."

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-palm-kernel-oil.htm

Monday, March 16, 2009

Lotions & Creams E-Book

For those ladies interested in Joan Morais lotion e-book that I brought to class this weekend, you can order her book directly from her website at

http://www.joanmorais.com/joansbooks/index.html.

Also, Joan has taught a class on how to make age-defying and rejuvenating face creams at various locations. And now now she offers her manual for sale on her site also. So if you would like to make face creams this is a worthwhile purchase.

Lavender Face Cream

This is a thick and rich cream. A very high end face cream. You can substitute the oils for a more economical cream.

Water Phase:
171.8 g water (distilled)

Oil Phase:
10.5 g stearic acid
13.3 g e-wax
10.5 g babassu oil
10.5 g borage oil
10.5 g evening primrose oil
20.6 g shea butter

Preservative Phase:
7.3 g glycerine
2.55 g phenonip
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp lavender EO (essential oil)

Weigh water, stearic acid, ewax, babassu oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil and shea butter into microwave safe bowl. Heat until oils, waxes and butter have completely melted. Lower your stick blender into bowl and mix until you have a white, creamy emulsion that will resemble warm milk. Let this cool slightly, then carefully add glycerine, phenonip, cornstarch and lavender essential oil.Pour into a clean gallon size zip lock bag, seal top, snip corner and pipe into attractive 2 oz. jars.

Source: http://www.soapmakersgarden.com/recipes.html

Sunday, March 15, 2009

ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM

2 oz. Jojoba oil
25 drops of essential oils of your choice

The essential oils of lavender, geranium, neroli, rosemary, rose, and frankincense are historic "ant-iaging" ingredients for mature skin. Jasmine, myrrh, carrot seed, and helichrysum also rejuvenate the skin, encouraging new cell growth.

Since jojoba oil also contains natural wrinkle removing qualities, it is a natural for a base orcarrier oil to add the essential oils into. Mixing and matching creates a natural synergy.

Example: Lavender has its own attributesas does helichrysum have its own. However, when they are mixed,instead of 1 and 1 making 2, they magnify each other to the tune of perhaps 5 or 6 or more. This oil may be used day or night or both for a truly enhancing and youthful appearance.

Source: http://www.essential-oils-for-health.com/essentialoilrecipes.html

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Unscented Coconut Lotion Recipe

This unscented Coconut Lotion recipe gives the benefit of a skin soothing, handmade lotion along with the beautiful natural fragrance of coconut.

It could be a treat to anyone with sensitivities to scent, either synthetic or essential oils, if you're tired of going with unscented lotions and skin care products all the time.

Unscented Coconut Lotion Recipe

Ingredients

10g mango or shea or other butter
15g virgin coconut de creme or virgin coconut oil
13g natramulse
6g stearic acid
2g lactic acid
3oz distilled water or tea
3.85oz chamomile or rose hydrosol (distilled water can be used in place of the floral water)
a few drops of hydrolized milk protein or venasilk
touch of iridescent glitter if desired

Put stearic acid into a large pyrex measuring cup. Place this in a pot of water on medium heat.

Add the ewax when the stearic acid is almost melted.

Take off heat and add the shea butter. When all is liquid place back on heat for a minute to add the virgin coconut de creme, then the nutri oil.

Remove from heat.

While the oils are melting, warm the distilled water and glycerine to roughly the same temps as the oils. (keep the oils as low as possible but not so low that the stearic acid solidifies again) When the oils mixed thoroughly slowly add and mix distilled water.

Wait until the last minute possible (coolest temps) to add the hydrosol very slowly so that the scent is retained. Add the hydrolized milk protein at this time.

I am playing with using tea's instead of plain water, I think Linden or Chamomile might be good in this recipe?

If you're using a preservative, add according to manufacturer's instructions and bottle into clean bottles.

Slather all over yourself and SNIFF :0)

I am working on a version of this recipe in cream form. Also I think it would be great with unrefined cocoa butter but if you're using it in the lotion version you may want to adjust the stearic acid a touch. I'll post as soon as I've played :0)

The above article may be reproduced in it's original form, with this info box included. Get continued information on making and using your own natural skincare products delivered to you PLUS your own Aromapedia download - FREE! Get Skincare Naturals News

Source: http://www.skincarenaturals.com/recipes/unscented-coconut-lotion-recipe.shtml

Friday, March 13, 2009

Orange Julius Soap

by Sue Traudt

Ingredients:

2 cups transparent M&P, melted
2 tsps honey
1 tsp Almond Oil
1 tsp French white clay powder
1/4-1/2 tsp Orange FO or EO
1/4-1/2 Vanilla FO

Directions:

While the M&P was melting, I mixed the French clay, the Almond oil & the honey together in a small bowl. When the M&P had fully melted, I mixed in the clay/honey/oil mixture and my scent. I also didn't add any coloring to the soap as it seemed to have enough on its own.

Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=865

Thursday, March 12, 2009

How to Make Cocoa Butter Hand and Foot Cream

From the eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor, a recipe for Cocoa Butter Hand and Foot Cream. As the name indicates this recipe contains Cocoa butter which is an excellent emulsifying agent that leaves your skin smooth and soft. Most oils penetrate the skin's surface, but cocoa butter stays on the surface to form a protective layer that keeps your skin from drying. So this hand and foot cream would be great for all skin types during the winter, but I bet it would be great for someone who had dry skin.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

How to Make Solid Bubble Bath Bars

Solid bubble bath, also known as bubble bars in some high end soap shops, is super easy to make and gives you loads of fluffy bubbles. If the stress of the holiday season is getting to you, put aside the shortbread dough, whip up a quick batch of these solid bubble bath bars and call a Christmas time-out in your tub.

So if this sounds good to you, then you should whip this recipe for Solid Bubbles Bath Bars by CindyM from ehow. Cindy has alot of other great recipes on ehow that you should check out.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Thumbprint Bath Cookies

You can give Sue in customer service (Wholesale Supplies Plus) credit for this recipe!! The bath cookies look 100% better in person and the aroma is out of this world!

Thumprint Bath Cookies

"Perfect for the Bath"
"Perfect as Room Fresheners"

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup Crafter's Choice European Salts - Fine Grain
1 Cup Crafter's Choice Cornstarch
1/2 Cup Crafter's Choice Buttermilk Powder
3 oz Crafter's Choice Rice Bran Oil
2 oz Crafter's Choice Shea Butter - Refined
1 Cup Crafter's Choice Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Crafter's Choice Citric Acid
5 tsp Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oil
1 oz Crafter's Choice Extra Clear Soap BaseLiquid Lake Colors

Directions:

Over a low heat, warm shea butter and rice bran oil until melted. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add fragrance and set aside. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. In a bowl mix salt, buttermilk powder and cornstarch. Break up any clumps. In a separate bowl, mix baking soda and citric acid. Combine with salt mixture. Pour melted oil mixture into dry ingredients.

Mix quickly (use gloved covered hands if necessary). Make tablespoon sized balls from mixture. If mixture does not stick together, add a little more rice bran oil. Place on waxed paper and flatten gently. For the thumbprint well, gently press thumb down in the middle of the cookie.

For cookie toppings, melt 1 oz of Crafter's Choice Extra Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave. Add desired Liquid Lake Colors. Allow soap to sit and thicken. Pour thickened soap over bath cookie. Allow to completely harden for 24 hours. Package as desired.

These cookies are sure to be quick sellers. Tell your customers to drop one in the bath tub before taking their long relaxing warm bath. They will fizz and fill the room with a wonderful aroma. They look and smell DELICIOUS!

Recipe makes approximately 40 bath cookies.

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Source: http://wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/2009/02/thumbprint-bath-cookies.html

Sunday, March 8, 2009

How to Make an Oatmeal Milk Bath

Had a long week and nothing seemed to go right?  It sounds like you need to take time and take an Oatmeal Milk Bath.  In just a few minutes, the sutble aroma from the bath mixture will make you feel more relaxed and make you forgot about all your worries.

Most of the ingredients in this recipe can be found at your local grocery store, so make sure to have these ingredients on hand so you can take a relaxing bath whenever you want or need too. 

How to Make an Oatmeal Milk Bath by and contributing eHow editor is really simple and would make a great gift to make for any special occassion.  You could get really creative packaging this item from putting the contents in a cellophane bag and then into a fun take out container box you can get at Michaels.  If that does not work for you, then let your creativity take over and make your own packaging creation.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Old Candle Wax? New Ideas

Starla's Candle Making Old Wax Pieces - Don't Throw Them Away - Blue Moon SuppliesWhat do you do with all the left over wax pieces from candles after they have finished burning? Treat them as candle supplies and make a new candle!

Often people just throw old candle pieces away without thinking of all the new projects they can make with the old wax.Here are just a few suggestions for those of use who are froogle!

1. Melt the wax down. Dirt and bits of old matches will sink to the bottom. When using old wax, just throw away the little bit that is in the bottom of the pan that has all the bits of dirt in it.Or you could strain the wax through an old sock or piece of rag.

2. Make fire starters with the old wax and bits of newspaper, straw, or shredded wood pieces.3. Use a birthday candle as a new wick.

4. Pour the wax in layers in a candy mold (keep temperature low for the plastic mold)

5. Pour the wax in a paper cup cake bottom. Use the birthday candle as a new wick. These are the cuttest new candles from old wax.

6. Melt all pieces together for a blend of candle colors.

7. Pour layers of old wax, so you have a cinnamon blending down to a vanilla. Each new layer will give you a new scent and look at all the wax you have saved! Let alone the fun you will have.

8. Make multicolored candles. Just melt different colors separately and pour into molds or containers in layers!

9. Make new scents by blending two complimentary scents together...like floras with floras, spices with spices...you get the idea!

10. Melt old candle pieces in your potpourri burner or tart burner.

11. Shred the old wax with a coleslaw shredder and place in old hose to make shachett packs for you dresser drawers.

12. Candle wax will make old dresser drawers or sticky windows slide easier. Just run the wax over the wood that is sticking and your drawer or window will run smoother!

If you think of any more great tips, just email them to me and I will add your idea to the list.A family operated business who values our customers - Starla, Lisa, Tammy, and EmilioThe puppies help too - Cleo, Shania, Cassy, and the brat Shakera (who passed away in October 2004 - we will miss you puppy).

We offer step by step tips and techniques photos to help you make a candle. It always helped us to see how it was done. We hope our candle instructions tips can help you. And now on to the candlemakers on line class....................Candle Making Supplies and Bakery Store open Monday thru Friday, Noon till 5p.m.6731 Straight Creek Road, Waverly, Ohio 456901-(740)-779-9425 or 1-(740)-947-0007

Source: http://www.wicks-wax-scents.com/old-wax.html

Rosemary Oleoresin (ROE)

Rosemary Oleoresin, also known as Rosemary Oil Extract or ROE is an oil soluble, natural extract used to prevent oxidation and delay rancidity in natural oils and products that contain oil. Our Rosemary Oleoresin exhibits potent antioxidant characteristics which are primarily due to the high levels of carnosic acid.

This highly concentrated, natural Rosemary Oleoresin has been standardized to 7% Carnosic Acid and also contains other beneficial constituents such as Rosmarinic Acid, Rosmaridiphenol, Carnosol, Rosmanol, and Rosmaridiquinone.

The very high concentration of active constituents in our Rosemary Oleoresin provides exceptional functionality at very, very low percentages. With the high concentration and low percentages, Rosemary Oleoresin is an exceptionally cost effective and economical product. Typically, 0.2 - 0.5 grams will be added to 1000 grams of oil.

Rosemary Oleoresin also demonstrates antimicrobial characteristics. Rosemary Oleoresin can function as part of a preservative system, but is not a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative. We recommend product testing to determine the proper preservative system for each formulation.

Rosemary Oleoresin does have a faint herbal note which is usually absent at the normal usage levels.

INCI Name: Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Physical Form: Brownish liquid
Carnosic Acid Content: 7% minimum
Recommended Usage: 0.02% - 0.05%

Source: http://www.theherbarie.com/Rosemary-Oleoresin-ROE-pr-145.html

St. Patrick's Day Soap

Soapy Plaid (Inspired By Soapy Love)

Here's our version...

Here's What You'll Need

White and Clear Melt and PourBrownie Pan Tray Mold
Shamrock Mold
Colorants (mica)Fragrance Oil
Rubbing Alcohol
Microwave Safe Bowl (pyrex)
Knife, Paper and Pen

Directions

Step 1: First, we need to make 4 thin colored layers to cut our the plaid pattern. Melt just enough soap base to completely cover the bottom of the loaf mold (about 1/8"). Add your favorite fragrance oil and mica before pouring. Let the layer completely cool.

Step 2: Once the layer has cooled, remove this layer and cut into strips of random thicknesses. We found that cutting with a large butcher knife works the best. Cut them diagonally or straight across. Set the strips aside, we'll use them later.

Step 3: Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all four colors you want in the plaid design. We used sparkle gold mica, opalescent green mica, shamrock green mica and blue-green mica.

Step 4: While waiting for the layers to set up, this is a good time to make the shamrocks (you might need to make 2 batches). We used opaque melt and pour with green chrome oxide.

Hint: Oxides and micas mix into melt and pour a little easier if combined with a little rubbing alcohol first. This technique will eliminate spots and speckles. The tutorial on using oxides in melt and pour is here.

Step 5: Grab your brownie pan mold and trace the outside edges of the mold onto a piece of paper. This will allow you to make a blueprint of your plaid design on "dry land" before embedding them into the soap.

Step 6: It's time to start layering! The first layer will be the background layer. Pour just enough soap to completely cover the bottom of the mold (we chose a white background). Let cool completely.

Hint: Most soaps are built from top to bottom (upside down). When you flip them out of the mold then they are right side up. These soaps are just the opposite, the layers go from bottom to top. So the last layer you pour will be the top layer of your soap.

Step 7: While the bottom layer cools, we can set up the plaid design before the embedding step. Set up your strips of soap on the piece of paper with the traced mold on it.

Hint: The plaid design usually consists of two colors each. The colors are semi-random. The top layer should have some gaps so you can see though it to the bottom colors. (You will be left with quite a bit of scraps. Don't worry, we have another soapy project coming up that will put these scraps to good use).

Step 8: Once you have a plaid layout that you like, and the background layer has cooled, you can finally start to piece your plaid design together layer by layer.

Step 9: Spray the background layer of soap with rubbing alcohol to ensure your layers stick together, then pour a thin layer of clear soap base. Generously spray your cut out pieces with alcohol and place them directly into the clear soap. Finish this layer off with another spritz of alcohol to eliminate any bubbles.

Hint: This layer should consist of two alternating colors. Make sure you have enough clear melt and pour to completely cover the plaid layers. And temperature matters! Keep the overpour temperature below 130 degrees as to not melt the layers.

Step 10: Once the layer has completely cooled, repeat step 9 with your other plaid pieces.

Hint: Again, consisting of two colors. But this time, laying them in the opposite direction of the first plaid layer.

Step 11: It's time to add the shamrocks to the final layer. Pour a thin layer of clear melt and pour, generously spritz your shamrocks with rubbing alcohol and place them in the clear soap. Give it a final spritz to eliminate bubbles. Let harden and cut into bars.Hint: Remember to put the shamrocks in right side up!

For full color pictures of this project, go to http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/2009/03/soapy-plaid-inspired-by-soapy-love.html.

Source: http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/2009/03/soapy-plaid-inspired-by-soapy-love.html

Friday, March 6, 2009

Carrier Oils Sold at Whole Foods Market

I was at Whole Foods Market (4800 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA 94022 Phone: 650.559.0300) yesterday and I was in the beauty section of the store. I looked at the Aura Casia essential oil shelf, I found that Aura Casia is selling Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Jojoba and Apricot Kernal Oils in 8 to 16 oz at this location. They are rather on the expensive side but if you cannot get to another retail establishment that sells these types of products, you can purchase them here. I have not seen these products offered at the other locations (ie Redwood City), but you can surely ask.

In the same section, Whole Foods sells Castor Oil, Liquid Lanolin and Vegetable Glycerin.

By the way, Whole Foods does carrier Avocado, Walnut, Almond and Grapeseed oil in their regular Oil/Vinegar aisle.

Of course, they also sell essential oils from Aura Cacia and Oahdashi.

So if you are looking for particular carrier oils or glycerin for your lotions or other body products check out Whole Foods for some of your supplies/ingredients. For other Whole Foods Market locations, check out their website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/.

Luxurious Bath Melts

Also called "bath candy" or "tub truffles", these luxurious bath melts truly are a treat for any bath! The rich, chocolate scent of cocoa butter and the aroma of your chosen essential oil or blend combine for a perfect aromatic masterpiece that is not only pleasing to your sense of smell, but leaves your skin feeling wonderful as well! Making some of these bath melts for your friends can be a lot of fun—but be sure to save a few of these delightsome treats for yourself as well!

Ingredients Needed:

Cocoa butter (1/4 cup): This can be found at many health stores, or any other store that sells soap or lotion making supplies.

Sweet almond oil (2 Tbsp): This can be found at many grocery stores and health stores.

Essential oils (10-20 drops): These not only give your bath melts their own unique scent, they also add the benefits of the essential oil you use to your bath melt creations. Some essential oils that work well are peppermint (especially good with the chocolate aroma of the cocoa butter for creating a mint-chocolate bath melt!), geranium or lavender.

Instructions:

Pack cocoa butter into a one-fourth-cup size measuring cup until it is packed level with the top, then dump the cocoa butter into a heat-proof measuring cup (such as a Pyrex™ brand measuring cup).

Place the heat-proof measuring cup in a large frying pan that is filled with 1" of hot water.

Place the frying pan and measuring cup on the stove and turn the burner on low.

Stir the mixture in the measuring cup with a popsicle stick or bamboo skewer every couple of minutes until the cocoa butter is just melted (about 5-10 minutes).

Add 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil to the melted cocoa butter and stir together.

Turn off stove and carefully remove the measuring cup from the frying pan and place the measuring cup on a towel on a counter-top or table.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly (about 3-5 minutes).

Add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil or blend and stir.

Pour the mixture into small candy or soap molds (an ice-cube tray also works if you don't have candy molds). Carefully place the candy molds with the bath melt mixture in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bath melts have solidified all the way through. Don't leave them in the freezer too long, or else your bath melts will freeze, causing them to crack and split apart.

Tip: The flexibility of the candy molds can make it difficult to move them with the liquid mixture without having it spill out of the molds. It is quite a bit easier to place the candy mold on a small cutting board, baking sheet, or other stiff tray before filling, and then to move the tray with the filled molds sitting on top into the freezer.

Remove the solidified bath melts from the freezer and pop them out of their molds. If desired, wrap with colored foil squares or tissue paper while still cold. Store your bath melts in a cool location. This recipe makes about 10-12 small bath melts.

To use the bath melts, place one or two (depending on the size of the bath melts and the desired strength of aroma) in a hot bath and enjoy! The bath melts will quickly melt in the warm water, leaving behind a wonderful aroma, and the skin conditioning properties of the cocoa butter, almond oil, and any essential oil you used.

Extra Ideas

Use ultramarine powders or other natural powders and oil-soluble colorants to color your bath melts. Add the colorant after adding the essential oil, and hand whisk the color into the liquid mixture for even distribution.

Try using different animal shaped molds to create your own "Bear Bath Melts," "Tantalizing Tub Toads," "Scrumptious Shower Sharks" or whatever else you desire. Wrap your bath melts with a colored foil that matches the animal (green for frogs, gold for bears, etc...), then use paint, markers, or stickers to create eyes, mouths, and other items on the foil to decorate it like the animal inside. (To make the white part of the toad's eyes in the picture above, I actually used a quick-drying white out. I then used a black permanent marker to make the smiles and the dark parts of the eyes).

Place several bath melts in a small container or basket to give away as gifts (I used a 4 oz. plastic salve jar decorated with a label I quickly created on my computer using clip art and a fun font; this size jar holds eight or nine small bath melts). Combine some of the bath melts with some aromatherapy soaps and some exfoliating foot scrub for an aromatic-bath gift basket.

If you are looking for some blend ideas that you can use for your bath melt creations, try the book 500 Formulas for Aromatherapy by Carol & David Schiller. This book contains some great smelling blend formulas. For more information about the ingredients in this recipe, and other natural ingredients that you can use in health and beauty products, see the book Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions by Donna Maria.

Source: http://www.abundanthealth4u.com/Luxurious_Bath_Melts_s/83.htm

Thursday, March 5, 2009

How to Make a Natural Body Lotion Bar

From an anoymous ehow contributing editor, learn to save money by making your own Natural Body Lotion Bar.  Why not save a few bucks and make your own?  Since skin care and beauty products are the most expensive items in the grocery store. And truly how much is going to the name on the label and how is going to the ingredients. So check out the recipe to see what ingredients you need and make your shopping list.  Let's get started in making our own natural body lotion bars.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Massage Bar Recipe

The Basic Recipe for these bars are:

One part beeswax
One part butter - cocoa, shea or other nut butter
One part oil - any oil soft at room temperature

The goal in creating the recipe is to have a bar that melts at skin temperature. The beeswax melts at about 160 degrees, the cocoa butter at about 120, and the oils are soft at room temperature...so the combination will create your bar. The butter you use will also determine any adjustments to the ratio. That is...cocoa butter has a higher melting point than shea butter - so if you make these bars with shea, you will need to decrease the amount of liquid oil.

For these bars, I used:

4 ounces of Natural Yellow Beeswax
4 ounces of Natural Cocoa Butter
4 ounces of Fractionated Coconut Oil (a very absorbable oil - great for skin applications!)
1 ounce (total) of Lavender, Eucalyptus and Patchouli essential oils - or whatever fragrance or essential oil you want.

Note: You may want to try this with no fragrance - just with the natural beeswax and natural cocoa butter - the honey scent from the wax and the chocolate scent from the cocoa butter are heavenly in a subtle way.

Measure and Melt

Measure out your oils and start melting the beeswax first.
I melt the beeswax first because it has the highest melt point. Once it's completely melted, I take it off the heat and add the cocoa butter. The cocoa butter will mostly melt with no additional heat. Put it back on the heat briefly to melt the rest of the cocoa butter.

Finish Melting - Add the Liquid Oils and Fragrance

Once the cocoa butter is completely melted, add in your liquid oils and fragrance. Stir well.

Pour into the Mold

Once everything is melted and mixed together, pour the mix into your molds. As you can see, I'm using the molds I used for my Melt and Pour Valentine Hearts from Brambleberry. Slowly pour the liquid wax & oils into the molds and set them aside to cool.

As they cool, depending on your combination of wax and oils, you may get small sink holes like this one - since they're on the back of the bar, I didn't bother fixing them - but you could, if you wanted, pour a bit more melted wax/oil into the sink hole after it's cooled - just like you would a candle that had a sink hole.

Finished Bars

Once the bars have completely cooled, gently pop them out of the molds. Since they are formulated to melt at skin temperature, be sure to keep them in a cool place like a cupboard or the refrigerator.

Use them as solid massage-oil bars...or they are also really great to use after you get out of the shower on legs and arms. You do need to wait a few minutes for the oil to soak in - they are almost pure oil, remember - but once it's soaked in, your skin will love you for it!

Lotion Tube Variation

Instead of pouring the bars into regular soap molds, pour them into a push up lotion bar tube. Much easier and cleaner - though somewhat less romantic, I suppose. These are great if you're using the balm as a handy body butter, bug-off balm, or solid perfume.


Source: http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/bathbody/ss/cocobuttermass_2.htm

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tips and tricks for successful lip balming

Choosing the right lip balm recipe can make all the difference. Typical recipes call for common ingredients, like: bees-wax beads, cocoa or shea butter, almond (borage or sunflower can be substituted) oil, Vitamin E for extra moisturizing, and your preferred flavorings and colorings. We recommend experimenting to find the right recipe for your needs. Several recipes can be found in Marie Browning's "Totally Cool Soapmaking for Kids," or check out our Lip Balm Kits.

Step 1: Begin by gently inserting your empty lip balm filling tubes into the tray open-end first.

Step 2: Once your tubes are in place and ready for pouring its time to heat your chosen lip balm recipe and prepare for filling the tubes. Be sure that your balm does not exceed 140°F when working with the filling tray.

Note: Please be sure mixture does not exceed 140°

Step 3: Next, while your lip balm mixture is hot begin pouring it into the trays. You'll notice how the lip balm trays provide a convenient lip for catching any excess lip balm mixture during the pouring process. This makes it easier for you to clean up after your tubes are cooled.

Note: you may find it easier to reheat the lip balm mixture in a microwave periodically if you are filling a large supply of tubes, or would like to top off any partially filled tubes.

Step 4: Once your tubes are cooled you can remove them by gently twisting and slowly pulling away from the tray. Note: Please do not place your filled tubes inside a freezer to cool, because the extreme temperature differential may cause an uneven settling of lip balm mixture.

Step 5: As you're removing the tubes from the tray you may want to wipe any excess lip balm from the neck of the tube, being careful not to remove the tip of the newly poured balm.

Step 6: Now all that is left to do is cap your tubes and enjoy your new lip balm product! When you're finished with the trays you can use the scraper tool to remove the excess lip balm mixture.

If you would like to see a video from SKS Bottle, http://www.sks-bottle.com/flash/lipbalm_vid.html

Blogger Note: I am planning to purchase the lip balm tray from SKS Bottle and use it for teaching classes and of course to make large batches of lip balm. Has anyone purchase this item before? How do you like it?

Monday, March 2, 2009

Pam’s Lavender Swirl

Submitted by Pam D. to www.northcountrymercantile.com.

Ingredients:

18 ounces Coconut Oil
45 ounces Olive Oil (chamomile infused)
27 ounces Palm Oil
5 ounces Palm Kernel Oil
2 ounces Shea Butter
1 tsp. of Titanium DioxideColor
6 oz. Lavender EO
13.6 ounces of Lye
34 Ounces of Water

Instructions:

Reserve 1 ounce of olive oil. Add purple color to the olive oil - mix well, set aside. Add lye to water and cool to 100°. Melt solid oils and add olive, cool or heat to 100°. Add the titanium dioxide and stir until mixed well. Mix together - stir until trace. At trace add lavender EO, stir well.

Pour into the mold. Pour the lavender colored olive in thin lines across the soap - use a spoon handle and swirl the color.

Cover for 25 hours - unmold - let cure for 4-6 weeks.

Source: http://www.northcountrymercantile.com/soapmakinglibrary/pams_lavender_swirl.html

Sunday, March 1, 2009

ROSE-MILK TUB TEA RECIPE

Ingredients:
13 oz Dendritic OR Alberger Salt
1.3 oz Rose FO
(Mix & set aside)

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:

Mix all in large bowl. Combine the dendritic salt & essential oil blend & complete mixing.
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