Soap with a Heart...a Strawberry Heart

Here is a take on a heart shaped soap. What a cute idea to give some one for Valentine's Day!



Source: http://youtube.com/watch?v=pCAdYCwRcNs&feature=related

Valentine Bubble Wand

Looking for something different to make and give as a Valentine's Day Gift?  Why not make this adorable Valentine's Bubble Wand and fill it with bubbles?

I found this cute project on Cathie Filian's blog http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/. This would be definately a cute thing for your child to give out to his/her classmates instead of those corny Valentines cards. Hey, why not both?

Materials:

Mod Podge matte
Bubble wand
Foam paintbrush
Scissors
Hot glue
Decorative paper
Ribbon or trim

Steps:

Cut a piece of paper to fit around the bubble wand. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the paper, wrap around the wand and top coat with a second layer of Mod Podge.

Once dry, glue ribbons around the top and bottom.

Source: http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-it-valentine-bubbles.html

Himalayan Salt Recipes

Himalayan salt is a therapeutic salt from the Himalayan Mountains containing 84 minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. It is also a lovely shade of pink!

Try these Himalayan salt recipes from the San Francisco Bath Salt Company to help cleanse, detoxify and purify your skin, among other benefits.

The after-hitting-the-gym Bath

Whew- You’ve worked out hard and can feel it! Your muscles are sore and you need to get some relief. Take a bath!

1 cup Himalayan Salt
10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

The PMS Bath

It’s that time of the month again and you’ve been bombarded by cramps. Take time out to take a bath!

1 cup Himalayan Salt
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

For each recipe: In a small bowl, add the essential oil drops suggested for the bath of your choice to the Himalayan salt. Mix well and then add to a tub of warm water. Each recipe will be the perfect amount for one soak.

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/himalayan-salt-recipes/2009/08/11/

Drizzled Heart Melt & Pour Soaps

Learn how to make "Good Enough To Eat" melt and pour soap hearts. An easy to do soap crafting project for any age group. Perfect for Valentine's Day or Wedding favors.

Here's what you need:

Mold Market's Personal Size Plain Heart Mold
Economy Molds. We use X & O and Teardrop Heart and Embed Heart
Microwave for melting the soap base
Glass measuring cups

Rubbing Alcohol in a misting bottle. The rubbing alcohol can be purchased at any discount or grocery store. The 2 ounce bottle with misting sprayer can be purchased here. Spray the soap surface with rubbing alcohol removes any bubbles that occur while stirring or pouring soap.

Pure & Natural Glycerine Soap- this is a VERY earth-friendly soap that is free from chemicals and purely vegetable based.

White Glycerine Soap

Fragrance oil- We suggest adding 2 teaspoons per pound of soap base. Big fragrance hits with kids include Cotton Candy, Strawberry, Mango, Orange, Banana, Cherry, Grape Slush, Bubblegum, Chocolate, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Lemonade, Watermelon.

Colors: You will want to use our liquid gels. They are easy to use and come in an array of color choices.

To watch the instructional video go to http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_drizzled_heart_soaps.html

Source: Go Planet Earth (http://www.goplanetearth.com/)

Whipped Shea Butter Body Scrub

Do you love using body scrubs? This Whipped Shea Butter Body Scrub recipe from Soap Making Essentials is like most body butter receipes, but it has the addition of salt to make it good for exfoliation. And this bath and body product is meant for use IN the shower rather than after. Rub onto the skin and gently massage in with circular motions. Rinse off and pat dry with a towel.

To make this recipe you will need: 1/2 Cup Shea Butter; 1/3 Cup Carrier Oil (sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, hemp seed, hazelnut, camellia, evening primrose, borage, or olive oil infused with calendula or chamomile are all good choices); 1/8 tsp Rosemary Extract or Vitamin E oil (optional but will help to prolong the life of the oils); 1 tsp Corn Starch (optional...makes the butter feel less greasy); Essential or Fragrance oil (optional); 1/2 - 1 Cup sugar (other choices include salt, finely ground nuts, coffee grounds...anything that provides a gentle scrub)

Rose Facial Toner Recipe from Joan Morais

by Joan Morais

Facial Toners soothe, refresh skin and help to remove oily residue.Rose-tones, soothes, nourishes, regenerates and revitalizes skin.

Aloe Vera Gel- a great healing moisturizer and anti-inflammatory, soothing, cell renewing, contains vitamins. Use for all skin types.

Witch Hazel-an astringent and anti-inflammatory, excellent for cleansing and toning the skin

Normal Skin
4 tablespoons witch hazel
4 tablespoons rosewater
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel

Dry Skin
2 tablespoons witch hazel
6 tablespoons rosewater
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel

Oily Skin
6 tablespoons witch hazel
2 tablespoons rosewater
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel

Measurements are for a 4 ounce bottle: combine all ingredients, shake before each use, and apply to face with a cotton ball.

Option: use 1/2 teapsoon vegetable glycerin in place of aloe vera gel, glycerin softens and adds moisture to the skin.The witch hazel and aloe vera gel is available at Mountain Rose Herbs and From Nature With Love

The rose water may be purchased at International Grocery Stores, Whole Foods Market, Natural Grocery Stores on the baking aisle. Is also available on Amazon.com

Source: http://www.naturalskinandbodycare.com/search/label/facial%20toner

Valentine Heart Embedded Soap

These adorable soaps will get you in the Valentine's Day spirit!

See the chunk soap tutorial (http://www.candletech.com/soap-making/melt-and-pour-chunk-soap/)  for additional help with this project.

What You Will Need:

•Melt & Pour Soap Base
•Cherry Blossom Soap Mold (Or soap mold of your choice)
•Fragrance Oil
•Allura Red Liquid Colorant (Or B&B colorant of your choice)
•Microwave Safe Measuring Cup
•Heart Molds (We found these heart-shaped ice cube trays at the local Dollar Store)

Note: This project can be done using a baking sheet and heart-shaped cookie cutters as well. See the chunk soap tutorial for additional help.

1. Cut your soap base into chunks and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted. Add color and fragrance as desired. Tip: For this step, we recommend using a clear soap base such as Clear Glycerine to achieve a more vibrant color and more contrast.

2. Pour the soap into the heart molds and allow to cool completely. You may wish to place the mold tray in the refrigerator to cool.

3. Once the hearts have cooled, pop them out of the molds by pressing down on the backs of the molds with your thumbs.

4. Heat the soap base you will be using for the overpour and add color and fragrance as desired. Tip: You can use a clear base with no color or an opaque base with little or no color for more contrast.

5. Place a heart in the center of the mold, flat side down. If you are using a plain mold, you can place multiple hearts throughout the mold.

6. Allow your melted soap base to cool to at least 140 degrees F to prevent the embedded heart from bleeding.

7. Slowly pour the soap base around the edges of the heart until it is completely covered.

8. Allow the soap to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the mold. You may want to place the mold in the refrigerator to speed the cooling process.

9. Pop the soaps out of the mold and enjoy!

Source: http://www.candletech.com/soap-making/valentine-s-heart-embed-soaps/

BOrganic Episode 13: Looking Good That Feels Good

A show that celebrates looking good that feels good. Caitlin Brotz from Olivu joins host Michele Beschen to share delicious recipes to make us look and feel more beautiful. Learn how to whip up nourishing face masks using expired items from the fridge. See how easy it is to whip up a delightful do it yourself lotion using only a few ingredients from the kitchen. Stir things up with a bit of color by creating your own mineral cosmetics.

Project Instructions:

Segment 1 "edible face mask"
Segment 2 "diy lotion"
Segment 3 "the eyes have it"

If you are intrested in watching this episode, it will be airing on KCSM TV (San Mateo/San Francisco Bay Area) on January 28, 2010 at 7:30 pm or repeat at 12:30 am.  KCSM TV is available on channel 60 (non cable sets) and channel 17 on Comcast Cable.

Lavender Ointment Recipe

If you have a love of lavender, here is a recipe for a Lavender Ointment from Bath and Body Recipes.  It is a very simple recipe almost like making a body balm recipe. 

http://www.diybathrecipes.com/tip.php?tipid=30

Milk Bath Recipe

If you like milk baths, here is another recipe I found.  Enjoy!

Materials:

Mix one cup regular powdered milk
1 cup baking soda
10-15 drops fragrance or essential oil

Instructions:

For a milk and honey bath, mix in 1/2 cup of powdered honey (found in larger stores or gourmet or natural food stores)!

Source: http://www.freebies4ya.com/beautyrecipes/bathtime5.asp#cinnamonspicebathpowder

Lavender Bath Syrup

For those who love to take baths, here is an interesting bath recipe I found on a website titled Bath and Body Recipes. It is a recipe for a bath syrup.  I do not know what a bath syrup is, but it is probably similiar to using a bath oil in the tub.  What I found to be the most interesting ingredient in this recipe is Turkey Red Oil, otherwise known as suflonated castor oil.

http://www.diybathrecipes.com/tip.php?tipid=622

Champagne and Roses Cold Process Soap Recipe

How would you like to create this beautiful soap?  Then check out this recipe from Soap Making Essentials:

http://www.soap-making-essentials.com/homemade-soap-recipe-champagne.html

Snowball Bath Bomb Recipe from Martha Stewart

These fragrant spheres for the bath (we scented ours with peppermint oil) are made by packing Epsom salts into a plastic mold. The bath "snowballs" can be tinted any color. You'll need 3 to 4 days to make the bath balls because of the drying time between steps. Makes 2 large or 4 small balls.

Tools and Materials

2 cups Epsom salts
2 tablespoons water
A few drops essential oil(s)
1 drop food coloring, plus more if desired

Special equipment: plastic pipette, large or small round bath-ball molds, storage jars

Directions

1. Stir together Epsom salts and water in a mixing bowl. Using pipette, add oil, 1 drop at a time, until strength of scent is to your liking. Add food coloring, 1 drop at a time, until desired shade is achieved; stir until color is even throughout.

2. Spoon a generous amount of mixture (more than necessary) into 1/2 of a bath-ball mold. Pack firmly. Repeat, packing mixture into second half of mold. Press pieces together until they connect. Remove top half of mold very carefully. Let bath ball stand, mold side down, overnight (set ball on an overturned jar lid to keep it from tipping over).

3. Remove mold carefully. Invert, and let ball dry completely, 2 to 3 days more. Transfer to jars.

Gift-Packaging Idea

Use a glass kitchen canister to present the bath balls, which the recipient can then display on a vanity. Wrap the jar with ribbon, tying a bow at the top, and add a vellum gift tag threaded with cord in a matching color.

Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/natural-beauties-bath-snowballs

What is Fractionated Coconut Oil?

I have seen fractioned coconut oil used in various bath and body product recipes.  But truly, what is fractionated coconut oil?  The wise geeks at wisegeeks explained clearly what is fractionated coconut really is.
"Fractionated coconut oil is coconut oil which has been processed or “fractioned” to create a very shelf-stable oil. The fraction of the oil which is used in fractionated coconut oil is very high in saturated fat, and this oil product can be used in a wide variety of ways. Many companies which carry materials for making cosmetics stock fractionated coconut oil, and it can also be purchased from massage and soap suppliers. The cost for this oil varies, depending on global demand.

Coconut oil itself is extracted from the meat of the coconut fruit. Even before processing, it is very high in saturated fat, with a saturated fat content which hovers around 90%. In pure form, coconut oil is solid at room temperature, with a milky color. When refined or fractionated, the coconut oil becomes clear to yellow in color, and it is liquid at room temperature. The refining process removes impurities which could cause the oil to become rancid over time.

The big advantage to fractionated coconut oil over regular coconut oil is that it is very shelf-stable. It will not become rancid, unlike unrefined oils, making it easier to work with. Fractionated coconut oil is also capable of handling very high heat, which can be a distinct bonus, and it can be easier to work with than solid coconut oil. Thanks to the fact that it has a long shelf life, it does not require special storage and handling procedures, beyond keeping it in a cool dry place.

One common use of fractionated coconut oil is as a carrier oil for essential oils and massage. The oil is light and non-greasy, but it penetrates the skin very well, making it highly suitable for the delivery of essential oils. It can also be used as an intensive moisturizer, especially on places like the fact, where the skin is known for being delicate. Fractionated coconut oil also makes a good base for body scrubs and other body care products.

Soapmakers also like to work with fractionated coconut oil, favoring it for its light, even bubbles and neutral odor. It can also be whipped and blended into moisturizing creams for use as an intensive moisturizer.

This oil product is not hypoallergenic. Some people may experience a reaction to fractionated coconut oil, and people who have not used this product before may want to try testing pure fractionated coconut oil on a small patch of skin before applying it to the whole body. If redness, rash, or itching develop after using fractionated coconut oil in body care, it is a sign of a potential allergy to the oil."

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-fractionated-coconut-oil.htm

How To Earn A Great Living as a Craft Fair Artist

Ever walk through a craft fair and say, “I could do that.” Ever hear someone say “you should sell your stuff?” Admit it – you wish that you could make a living doing the thing that you love doing the most….your craft. I understand exactly how you feel because I used to feel exactly the same way.

I longed to make a living as an artist but I held myself back. Fearful and intimated of putting myself out there, I ignored my dreams. Fortunately, someone pushed me right into my business. I participated in a charity event as a favor to my wife and her friends. During that event a woman came up and invited me to participate in a craft show which was going to take place just before the holidays. Anxious to begin a business, I agreed.

Not long thereafter my dream of earning a living as an artist came true. Let me share with you some secrets that will make your next craft show a success!

First, do your research. I recommend purchasing a trade magazine called “Where the Shows Are.” You will find all of the art and craft shows listed in this publication. More importantly, artists that attended the craft show in previous years share their insights and reviews of the previous year shows. These artists discuss the types of items that sold well, what price point did well, and rate if they would attend the show again. Find the show that matches your work!

Next, determine the demographics of the show. Who attends? Look at the location of the show. The majority of people attending will come from that area. Is the show located in a middle class community? I recommend displaying work under the $500.00 level. Is the show located in a very high end or "ritzy” neighborhood? Make sure that you display and price craft work that matches this buyer. Avoid diminishing the worth of your craft by selling it too cheap! Use the demographics to understand the perception of the buyer.

I always recommend producing items at all different price points. Don't ignore the power of the lower priced items. A lower priced item allows people to easily purchase from you and increases the amount of multiple piece sales.

Educate your customer! Share with them the other potential uses of your craft. Be creative, expand the possibilities and expand the amount of people that will buy from you. Give suggestions on other uses for your work. For instance, I've sold a glass platter to one customer that another purchased as a glass wall sculpture whereas someone else became the proud owner of a glass centerpiece. It's all the same piece of art, but every buyer made a purchase unique to their needs.

Another secret strategy to a successful craft show - network with other artists. Before the show begins, usually during the time when everyone is setting up, introduce yourself to non-competing artists and let them know that you will be happy to refer people to their booths for their line of work, and in exchange you would like them to do the same for you. Consider working out a commission for any buyer that comes to your booth referred by another artist. This little known strategy will surely put many more dollars into your pocket.

If you would like additional strategies on how to maximize your profits at craft shows, visit http://www.thethrivingartist.com/ for my free e-course on how to sell your artwork for maximum profits.

Make your dream of earning your living as an artist come true today!

About the Author

Steve Popkin, a veteran glass artist, makes it easy for artists to become successful. Learn the secrets most artists and craftsmen will never know about selling artwork in his complimentary e-course just visit http://www.thethrivingartist.com/

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Miss O's Princess Valentine Soapsicles Tutorial

Here is another great melt and pour soapsicle project from Denise at Go Planet Earth. These would make great gifts for the upcoming Valentine's holiday or any day of the year. The person you give it too would absolutely love it!

http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_missO_soapsicle.html

25 Uses for Essential Oils in Your Daily Life

Aromatherapy is a growing area of interest as North America continues its search for alternative and complimentary applications of natural medicines. The use of herbal supplements in our daily lives is one excellent example of this.

Aromatherapy, however, is still in the realm of uncertainty. People are familiar with the term, most have heard of essential oils, but still few know how to use them in practical applications.

Here's a short list of some examples of ways to enhance your daily life with essential oils.

1. Diffuse in air with a ceramic or electric diffuser to clean or fragrance the air.

2. Facial steam - add a few drops of oils to boiling water, place your face over the bowl and drape your head with a towel and breathe deeply.

3. Bath water - add 4-10 drops to your bath or jacuzzi.

4. Skin spray - add 4-10 drops of oil to 60 mls (2 oz) distilled water in a misting bottle then spray skin for a fresh uplift to the day.

5. Linen spray to freshen sheets & towels - same as the skin spray but mix 20-30 drops to 60 ml (2 oz) and spray your sheets.

6. Remove the cap from the oil bottle and breathe deeply for a quick pick-me-up.

7. Room spray - same as linen spray but the concentration is 50-75 drops to 60 ml (2 oz) of distilled water.

8. Hand or foot bath - add 4-6 drops of oil to warm water and soak your hands or feet in it. For tired feet, also add 2 tablespoons of epsom salts to the water.

9. Massage oil is easily made by adding 10-20 drops of oil to 30 ml (1 oz) of carrier oil, such as grapeseed, olive, sweet almond, jojoba, etc. Cut the amount of essential oil in half for children.

10. After your shower, put a few drops of oil on a washcloth and rub vigorously over your body.

11. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a cloth by your pillow at night to help breathing when struck by a cold or flu.

12. Hot compresses are wonderful on sore, tired muscles. Add 5-10 drops of oil to hot (not boiling) water. Soak a cloth in the water, wring it out and place on the affected area. Repeat as needed.

13. Cold compresses - for headaches and swelling. Same as hot
compresses but use cool to cold water.

14. Sniff lavender or peppermint for headaches.

15. Dab tea tree on acne pimples to help clear up the infections.

16. Revive old potpourri mixes by adding 10-20 drops to the mix and stirring.

17. Create your own perfumes by blending favourite oils in beeswax or oil bases and apply.

18. Sniff peppermint oil for nausea, including morning sickness, motion sickness and carnival rides.

19. For infant colic, apply a warm - not hot - compress with roman chamomile on the tummy.

20. Massage menstrual cramps with clary sage diluted in a vegetable carrier oil like grapeseed or jojoba.

21. Gently massage varicose veins with a massage oil containing cypress.

22. Add a few drops of eucalyptus to your shampoo to help dandruff problems.

23. Help smooth wrinkles by massaging nightly with a few drops of frankincense diluted in sweet almond oil or rosehip seed oil.

24. For depression diffuse jasmine or rose in the air.

25. After a long night on the town, add juniper to your bath to help detoxify your body.

Remember, that essential oils are generally too concentrated to use directly on your skin. They need to be diluted for application. As with anything, there are exceptions.

Lavender and tea tree are the most commonly used oils that can be applied directly on the skin (neat) in small doses.

There are many excellent resources on essential oils and their effects on body, spirit and mind. Some oils have contra-indications so it is important that you learn about any oil before using it.

Essential oils are great companions to enhancing your daily life, when used appropriately.

Break out a bottle of oil and sniff it today!


About the Author

Paula Polman, B.Sc. is the owner of Basic Scents & Supplies. She has been making natural care products for over six years and practising aromatherapy for more than eight years. She can be reached by email at paula@basicscentssupplies.com or visit http://www.basicscentssupplies.com/for more information.

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Recycling Wrapping Paper

Do you know that 25% of a family's waste is at Christmas time. With all of the wrapping, etc. 

Last week I was watching Rachel Ray and she had Michelle Beschon from BOrganic on her show talking about recycling of Christmas items.  The best idea of all that she brought to the show was shredding wrapping paper in the shredder and then using it for packing material.  Why not take it a step further and use all of the shredding material from your other paper materials that you shred.

This is a great idea for those who sell your products and need to ship them.

Vanilla Butter Lip Balm

This homemade lip balm is so good that you might want to eat it - my children tell me it tastes delicious.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon cocoa butter
1 tablespoon beeswax shavings or pearls
1 tablespoon almond oil
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Melt beeswax and cocoa butter in a beaker placed in a small pot of simmering water

When beeswax and cocoa butter are melted, remove beaker from heat and stir in almond oil and vanilla

Pour liquid into stainless steel lip balm tins and allow to cool until solid (20 minutes)

Store in a cool dry place. Makes great gifts.

Source: http://www.elanaspantry.com/bodycare/vanilla-butter-lip-balm/

How to make Valentine Soap

Here is a fun crafty Valentine's project that you can do with your kids. This valentine soap project would be a wondering gifts to make for Valentine's Day or just to show your affection.  The author suggests using a mild soap such as Ivory soap. If you have scraps of soaps of soap on hand you could recycle them for your own use. If giving the Valentne's soap as a gift the author would recommend buying brand new soap.

So check out, ehow member sunshineandrose's article on How to make Valentine Soap. Looks like alot of fun.

Bath Butter Recipe

If you like body butter and body scrubs and would like to combine the two, then here is a recipe from Denise at Goplanetearth.com.

RECIPE:

Fills two 8-ounce jars
16 ounces of bath butter
2 1/2 tablespoons of glycerin
8 drops of DWP colorant
2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons of fragrance oil
3/4 cup sugar (we used standard white sugar that you bake with)
1 cup medium coarse sea salts

Whip the bath butter with electric mixer unitl it begins to get smooth. Then add the glycerin, color and sugar. Continue mixing until light and fluffy. Fold in the medium coarse sea salt and fragrance. Spoon mixture into jar.

NOTE: If you find it difficult to get the mixture into the jar, do the following:

Scoop all of the mixture from the mixing bowl into a 4-cup microwaveable dish. A glass measuring cup works well. Set microwave on medium heat and heat the mixture for 3 minutes, remove and stir gently. Place back in the microwave for another 1 to 2 minutes. DO NOT OVERHEAT. Every microwave heats differently, so keep your eye on the mixture. You just want the mixture soft enough to pour into the jar.

Source: http://goplanetearth.blogspot.com/2009/12/bath-butter-scrub-recipe.html

Lemon Cheesecake Soap

This soap will make a wonderful gift for any occasion. And it's all done using melt and pour glycerin soap. You'll need the opaque type, which is colored white by the mineral titanium dioxide, and the translucent [clear] kind. The reason for this is that to get a proper cheesecake effect with the ‘graham cracker crust', you must be able to seal the corn meal so that it isn't loose.

The amount used for this particular recipe calls for a 1 cup mold. Naturally, you can increase the measurements as needed. In fact, if you choose to make slabs of cheesecake, you can either find a round plastic mold, or a triangular mold. Triangular molds will be in at least three parts and are used by ordinary people for storing meals. Soapmakers see them a bit differently!

Equipment:

Opaque and Translucent glycerin melt & pour soap, Double boiler, Kitchen scale, Wooden spoon, Cutting board, Plastic soap mold[s], Wax paper, Cling wrap

Ingredients:

6 ounces opaque soap, 2 ounces translucent soap, 1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal, sliver of yellow soap colorant, 10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1.Slice up the translucent soap and put in double boiler. Make sure the soap is completely melted before adding the scent. Don't put in the cornmeal at this point. Also, it's not necessary to add any colorant-the clearer the better! Lemon essential oil will add a yellow tinge, and translucent soap already has a yellowish color anyway.

2. Pour the glycerin base into the mold. Add the cornmeal. You will have to mix it. Due to the small amount of translucent soap you're crafting, it will dry quickly, so you'll have to stir rapidly. The texture will be similar to that of Farina or Cream of Wheat. You will probably end up using your fingers or the back of the spoon.

3. An advantage to this soap is that you don't have to clean the pot after the first batch if you're not planning to change the color or scent! Add the opaque soap and the colorant.

4. Pour into mold[s].

5. Put in freezer for approximately one hour.

6. Remove soap from mold[s].

Source: http://www.idea-queen.com/homemade-soap-recipes.html

Vanilla Mint Body Butter

by Allison B. Kontur (http://www.bathbodysupply.com/)

You will need:

8 oz Natural Body Butter

2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Vanilla Mint Natural Fragrance Oil

Radiant Crimson Mica

Directions:

Phase 1: In a stainless steel or glass mixing utensil, combine Natural Body Butter with fragrance oil until well blended.

Phase 2: Split Natural Body Butter between two glass or stainless mixing utensils. In one container, add mica until you have achieved a nice reddish-pink shimmer. Keep in mind that the more mica used, the more likely it will remain on your skin during application. Err on the side of caution by starting small. You can always add more mica if you aren't satisfied with the result.

Phase 3: Using a pastry bag or a baggie with the corner snipped off, begin piping the body butter into containers. Get creative by piping in layers or stripes to get the effect of a mint candy!

Note: Our Natural Body Butter is very emollient and contains 50% oils & butters. Consider packaging in 2oz or 4oz containers as a little goes a long way. Another method would be to layer in an airless pump!

FYI: Because of the high oil content of the base, our water-based liquid dyes are not compatible for this project and will "bead" on top of the butter rather than blend into it.

Source: http://bathbodysupply.blogspot.com/2008/11/recipe-vanilla-mint-body-butter.html

Jasmine Bath Syrup

Has anyone heard of a Bath Syrup before?  This is the first I have heard of it.  As I was searching for some interesting bath recipes I found this recipe on Bath and Body Recipes's website.
If you truly enjoy a bubble bath, then this maybe the recipe for you. Or possible it could be used as a subsitute shower gel. Why not give it a try? 

http://www.diybathrecipes.com/tip.php?tipid=621

Valentine Cupcake Votive Candles

Valentine's Day is around the corner. It is not too late to contact your customers with creatively fun products such as these.

Ingredients:

1 lb. Pillar Soy WaxCrafter's Choice Simple Soy Wick V
1 oz Crafter's Choice Cupcake Fragrance Crafter's Choice Liquid Candle Color (your choice of color)

Silicone Heart Cupcake Mold
Silicone Round Cupcake Mold

Directions:

Cupcake Base:

Melt wax as directed.
Add your choice of fragrance and color.
Place your wick in the mold.

Carefully pour the wax into the mold. Allow wax to fully return to room temperature and unmold. Note, if you try to remove wax from mold too soon, the wax will stick to the mold.

Cupcake Whip Topping:

Melt wax as directed.
Add your choice of fragrance and color.
Whip with hand mixer. When the wax appears fluffy, spoon onto unmolded wax cupcakes. If the cupcakes are hard and the whipped wax does not want to adhere, heat the top of the cupcake slightly with a heat gun or hair dryer. Then spoon wax topping.

Scent Suggestions:

You can use the same fragrance for top and bottom. In our case we used Crafter's Choice Cupcake Fragrance Oil.You can also use two different scents for the cupcake and the topping. Examples might include: Chocolate Drizzle & Caribbean Coconut, Birthday Cake & Lemon Ice, French Vanilla & Marischino Cherry, Vanilla Cream & Orange Burst - the list is almost endless.

Happy Valentine's Day!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944



Source: http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/

DIY Project – Lip Balm Pockets

Are you looking for unique packing for your lip balms?  Then check out this tutorial.  This project is very easy and would be great to package your lip balms creations for gift giving or for selling.  My mind is thinking of all of the cute scrapbooking papers out on the market today that would really make a statement for this project.  Go have fun and try to not go crazy on purchasing colorful paper!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2008/10/29/diy-project-lip-balm-pockets/

How to Make Triple Milled or Hand Milled Soap

IF you happen to be nervous working with lye and you still want to make soap, here are a few links on how to make soap by the Handmilled method:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5533974_make-milled-hand-milled-soap.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4882653_make-handmilled-soap.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5510271_make-handmilled-soaps.html

What Is Triple Milled Soap?

Are you wondering what triple milled soap is?  According to Julie Peyton, eHow Contributing Writer, Triple-milled soap is a high-quality type of soap that is commercially made by a repeated machine-rolling process.

Specialty soaps are a big business and can be found pratically all over the place nowadays.  Would you like to learn more about the process, benefits and this history of the type of soap?  Then check out this article on what is triple milled soap. 

I have never made soap by this process, but it sounds facinating.  I wonder could one tell the difference between a triple milled soap and a cold process soap.  Anyone know?

How to Create a Wax Bath Bead (Bath Bead Cupcakes)

In the past I have created bath bombs to look like cupcakes.  But I found this interested article by HLBerry from ehow on How to Create a Wax Bath Bead Cupcakes. These would make adorable gifts for a friend who is having a special birthday or another special occasion. Or maybe you can make them for your child's teacher for the end of the year. Theee would not be thrown out because they are too unique.

The author gives a really great tip if you want to give your cupcakes away as gifts. She suggests consider packaging them in a baker's box with a pretty ribbon on top. You probably can find them online or possibly ask your local bakery if you can purchase some from them.

Too Cool Calendar Tool

It is a new year and you made a resolution to get organizated.  Well, for those who need to plan ahead for any reason business or personal, here is a cool calendar tool that I heard about from Lori Nova from The Nova Studio (http://www.thenovastudio.com/):

http://www.pdfcalendar.com/monthly/

Homemade Fragrant Bath Tablets

From Free Bath Recipes (http://www.freebathrecipes.com/)

Drop two of these homemade fragrant bath tablets in the tub and enjoy the wonderful fragrance as it engulfs your senses! These are very easy to make, and smell great!

To package into homemade bath gifts, cut a circle of fabric large enough to hold 4 tablets, draw up around the bath tablets and tie closed with a pretty ribbon.

Ingredients

1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Cup Citric Acid
1 Cup Corn Starch
1 Tablespoon Of Your Favorite Essential Oil
3 Tablespoons of grated cocoa butter
Spray bottle of water or witch hazel

Instructions

Place attractive cookie cutters on a sheet of waxed paper. These will be your molds, hearts shapes are great! Mix the baking soda, citric acid and conrstarch together well. Slowly mix in your cocoa butter and essential oil.

Spray the mixture with light mists of water or witch hazel until it's damp BUT NOT WET. You want the mixture just damp enough to hold together and no more.

Press the mixture into your cookie cutters, let dry, unmold and enjoy!

If you notice the mixture foaming out of the molds, press a flat plate over the molds then weigh down with several books to keep the misture nice and flat.

Source:  http://www.freebathrecipes.com/bath-tablets-recipes/homemade-fragrant-bath-tablets.html

Natural Vapor Balm Recipe

By Allison B. Kontur
http://www.bathbodysupply.com/

You will need:
2 oz Shea Butter
1 oz Almond (Sweet) Oil
1 oz Beeswax Pastilles, White - Unrefined
5 ml (1 tsp) Camphor Essential Oil
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil
1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) Fir Needle(Silver/White) Essential Oil

Directions:

Phase 1: Melt butters, waxes & oils in a double boiler over low heat until clear and thoroughly combined. Remove from heat & set aside.

Phase 2: In a small glass mixing utensil, combine all essential oils until well-blended. When the mixture from Phase 1 has cooled slightly (almost begins to get a "skin" on top), add the essential oil blend and combine thoroughly.

Phase 3: Pour into small pots like our 2 oz Basic or Heavy Wall Jars. Allow to cool completely before capping.

FYI: Use this product in the same manner as commercial vapor products. Rub on chest, back, bottoms of feet, etc. Avoid eye area. Discontinue use immediately if you experience any irritation.

Tip: This balm is an effective carrier for most essential oil blends. Experiment to create your own aroma-balm products. Our Tei Fu and Certified Massage Therapist Blend are effective replacements for the essential oils used in formulation above!

Source: http://bathbodysupply.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-natural-vapor-balm.html