Soap Queen TV Presents: How to Make Rebatch Soap

Anne-Marie shows you how to make Rebatch Soap aka french milled soap. Rebatch is the perfect soap if you aren't ready to take Cold Process soap and lye but want something more natural than melt & pour soap.The ingredients used in this episode are as follows:

1 oz. Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil
1 oz. Lemon Essential Oil
2 oz. Dried Calendula (Marigold) Petals
1/2 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
1/2 oz. Annatto Seeds
4 pounds Basic Rebatch
3 Tbsp. Distilled Water

Molds used were:

ELF Slim Rectangle mold
Bramble Berry's 2 pound loaf mold
Plastic food container

Anne-Marie Faiola is the owner of Bramble Berry brambleberry.com, author of Soap Queen Blog soapqueen.com, and developer of Teach Soap teachsoap.com.


Soap Queen TV: How to Make Rebatch Soap from Soap Queen on Vimeo.

Get Noticed – Promote Handmade Online

Are you having problems with getting the word out about the craft you are selling online?  Here are some helpful hints from Michele Gallagher has tips for handmade sellers who want to be seen in the handmade community in this article titled "Get Noticed – Promote Handmade Online".  This informative article appears on the website Handmade Marketing.

What is Panthenol?

Panthenol is a non-irriating form of Vitamin B that is usually derived from plants. When this natural, hydrating vitamin is applied externally, it penetrates into lower skin layers, gets absorbed into your skin cells and turns into pantothenic acid (commonly known as Vitamin B5). Because panthenol is absorbed deeply into the skin, it adds essential moisture and has a desirable plumping effect.

Panthenol, with its humectant-like properties, penetrates into layers beneath the surface of your skin so it can be used to treat a myriad of minor skin disorders and irritations. This natural substance is safe to use on your skin and can even be administered internally. In 1984, panthenol was included in the list of over the counter drugs published by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1987, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) concluded that panthenol was safe to use in cosmetics as a humectant, emollient and moisturizer.

Over the past twenty years, panthenol has been effectively used to treat sunburns, irritations, dryness and other minor skin disorders. This non-toxic vitamin has incredible absorption properties and helps to diminish wrinkles by infusing moisture into the deeper layers of your skin. In 1995, a study conducted by LH Leung also suggested panthenol as an alternative treatment for acne because it counteracts bacteria. Panthenol can be found in a variety of skin care products developed to treat dry, normal, combination and acne-prone skin.

Using panthenol in your skin will help to keep it smooth by helping to maintain its natural moisture balance and counteracting surface bacteria. Panthenol reduces inflammation, soothes irritation and initiates the rebuilding of your skin. The healing properties of this vitamin have also been proven to be beneficial for stronger hair and nails.

The regular use of moisturizers, toners, shampoos and conditioners that include panthenol naturally ensure a softer, more attractive appearance everyday.

Lastly, for healthy skin make sure you're getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet. The easy way to do this is by taking a supplement such as Hypercet Omega 3-6-9 In just one softgel, you're getting a wide spectrum of essential fatty acids that are good for your skin.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Panthenol-and-Your-Skin---What-You-Need-to-Know&id=447783

Jelly Roll Soap Tutorial (Video Version)

At one time, Michaels Arts and Craft Store had a project sheet with step by step instructions on their website, but it is not there anymore. So, if you ever wanted to learn to make those fancy jelly rolled soaps, here is a video clip from Expert Village to help you out.

Rolled Soap -- powered by eHow.com

April Fool's Gold Soap from the Soap Queen

Are you looking to play a practical joke on someone this April Fool's?  Why not make this bar of soap that looks like gold?  This is an easy practical joke from Anne Marie (aka The Soap Queen) that would be in all in good clean fun.  For full instructions and color pictures check out this melt and pour tutorial April Fool's Soap  on the Soap Queen's blog Soap and the Finer Things.

Embedded Candle Tutorial

Candlemakers are you looking to take your candles to a whole new level?  How would you like to learn how to make beautiful embedded candles?  Then you should check out this tutorial by Erica from The Bonnie Bath Company.

What is really great about making embedded candles it is very similiar to the embedding technique that soap makers use in their soap making process. So soapmakers if you are interested in taking up another craft, you to should check out this tutorial for this Embedded Candle project.

Using Teas (or Herbs Intended for Tea) in Your Soap

By David Fisher, About.com Guide

Stop the Botanical Bleeding

Whether spearmint or chamomile or green tea, many soap makers love to use ground tea leaves in their soap. It's easy to just add a few tablespoons of the dried botanicals into the soap as it comes to trace. Now we're not talking about making your lye solution with brewed tea, I'm talking about using the actual tea leaves.

So what's the problem?

Imagine brewing yourself a cup of tea. You drop the tea bag into your hot water - what happens? The oils and essence from the herbs seep into the water giving it flavor, scent and (most importantly in this case) color. The same can happen in your soap. Depending on the plant used, you can get a sort of "halo" effect - bleeding - of the tea into the rest of the soap. If this is the effect you want - it's not bad looking - great! If not, you need to "prepare" your botanicals before putting them into the soap.

Preventing Botanical Bleed

The easiest way to prevent the botanical bleed is to basically make some tea. Make some tea with the botanical - letting it steep quite a while in very hot water. All of the color and oils that would have seeped into your soap will seep instead into your tea cup. Then squeeze the tea leaves well, and use them as you would have in your soap.

Doesn't that remove all of the good stuff from the tea leaves?

Well...yes, and no. If you are just using the tea for visual effect and/or light exfoliation, then no - the tea will look just as great in the soap, and be just as scrubby. If you want or are promoting any "healing" qualities of the tea (though I would argue that there are any left after the saponification is done), then no, you'll want to use the tea without steeping it first.

Not every botanical will give this bleeding effect - mints seem to be the worst, lavender a little, chamomile not so much. You'll just have to experiment with your particular combination of soap colorant, soap recipe and botanical additive. Have fun!

Source: http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/tipstricks/qt/qtusingteasoap.htm

How to Rebatch Soap Tutorial from Sarva Natural Artisan Soaps

This post for this tutorial which appears on Joan Morais's blog  Make Natural Skin and Body Products orginally comes from Sarva Natural Artisan Soaps.

It is important to note that this making soap by this process can only be done with REAL soap. So you must save your Sarva Soaps scraps, or any other handcrafted or “true” soap. Detergent bars or “moisturizing bars” or the like are NOT soap (and aren’t biodegradable!). If the ingredient label lists “sodium hydroxide”, or says “saponified oils of…”, then you’re good to go. 

It is also important to read what equipment you will need from this tutorial.  The author states you will need stainless steel spoons and a stainless steel blade. And that you will need a good amount of patience.  What it is nice is that the author gives you an alternative mold idea of Silicone ice cube or muffin “tin” – you don’t need to line it! But please don’t use it for food after you’ve used it for rebatching.

If you are interested in learning how to make soap by this process because you are scared of using lye, then I say go for it!  And give it a try and have fun!

How to Rebatch Soap Tutorial

Contented Cologne Recipe

By Pioneer Thinking

(enjoy feeling relaxed and refreshed)

Ingredients:

3 drops Peony essential/fragrance oil
2 drops Sandalwood essential/fragrance oil
3 drops everlasting essential/fragrance oil
1/2 pt (300ml) 70 percent alcohol or vodka

Directions:

Pour the alcohol into a bottle or jar. Add the oils and shake well. Leave for 1 week. Time to feel relaxed!

And don't forget to give it a name of your own.

Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/cologne3.html

How to Make Bath Oil Beads

Heard of bath salts?  Well I found this interesting set of instructions of how to make bath oil beads.  These instructions by Willow Sidhe of Ehow.com says that bath oil beads are easy to make a home with a few special ingredients which you can find at your local health food and drug stores. According to the author,this recipe for bath oil beads yields approximately 10-20 beads, depending on their size. It sounds like this recipe makes quite abit and should last  you awhile.

This clever idea would be a great item to tuck in a gift basket or make as favors for an upcoming bridal shower.  Give it a try today!

Create Your Own Paper from BOrganic

Always wanted to learn how to make your own paper? Learn how to make this paper from PBS's BOrganic starring Michelle Beschen.

If you would like to print out these instructions from BOrganic, make sure to click on the "Print Version" button right hand corner of the page and save it in your paper crafting files. Have fun and "BCreative" with BOrganic. And check out how to make your own Handmade Paper .

If you want to add Natural Additives to your paper, then check out these instructions on how to do it from BOrganic.

Eggshell Candle Tutorial

Easter comes early this year. How about decorating your Easter table with these adorable egg shell candles? Even if you do not celebrate Easter these would be the perfect candle craft to celebrate Spring.

To make these cute candles check out this tutorial (The Egg Shell Candle) by Erica from The Bonnie Bath Company.

Happy Spring!

Six Color Swirl Cold Process Soap Tutorial

Love swirled soaps?  And have mastered the 2 color swirl process and would you like to add more colors. Then check out this tutorial made by Christy Rose of KBShimmer has her tutorial on how to do a Six Color Swirl Cold Process Soap which appears on Magdoline.com.

http://www.magdoline.com/2009/03/six-color-swirl-soap-tutorial.html

Make sure to check out KB Shimmer's video demonstrating this technique-

http://www.magdoline.com/2010/03/kb-shimmer-in-pot-swirling-video.html

Soap/Spa Gift Basket Project from Michaels

This project was designed by JoAnn Soltis and appears on Michaels website. This project has alot of melt and pour soap projects plus recipes for bath salts, shower gel and lotion.  Michaels sells premade unscented shower gels and lotions.  But if you already know how to create your own from scratch, you can skip those projects.

Custom design unique gift baskets handmade totally by you. Perfect for pampering that special someone in your life. So beautiful they’ll never believe you made the whole thing yourself!

The materials needed will vary depending on which projects you would like to put into your basket. Below is a listing of everything used.

Life of the Party 4-Shape Bar Mold (or Other Mold of Your Choice)
Life of the Party 2# Clear Glycerin Soap Brick
Life of the Party 2# White Glycerin Soap Brick
Life of the Party Bath Salts- 32oz.
Life of the Party Body Lotion- 16oz.
Life of the Party Shower Gel- 16oz.
Life of the Party 3 pack bottles- 4oz.
Life of the Party Bath Salt Tins
Life of the Party Liquid Soap Colorant- Your Choice
Life of the Party Soap Fragrance- Your Choice
basket or other decorative container- Your Choice
Styrofoam
Decorative Paper Filler
Shrink Wrap
Decorative or Scrapbook Paper (Optional)
Ribbon (Optional)
Labels/Stickers (Optional)
Microwave
Wooden Craft Sticks or Spoon for Stirring
Cutting Board
Glass Measuring Cups
Kitchen Knife
Rubbing Alcohol in a Spray Bottle
Plastic wrap
Scissors
Hairdryer
Tape

Cost of each project will vary depending on materials used.

Due to the seasonal nature of some merchandise, actual availability of some products pictured may vary

Instructions

The instructions for each different component in the basket are outlined below. You can put as many or as few of each of the items into your basket to customize the finished look. Please read all instructions before starting.

Basic Melting Instructions

Cut clear soap brick into cubes, and place into a microwave-safe measuring cup.

Heat for 40 seconds, then in 10-second intervals until soap is completely melted. Stir in between melting intervals. Be careful – melted soap is very hot!

“Layers of Color” Soap Bar

(1) Determine how many layers of color you want to create.

(2) You will need approximately 1/4 cup of melted clear soap for each color used in a two-color soap layer.

(3) Melt soap according to above basic melting instructions.

(4) Add a few drops of fragrance to melted soap, and stir with spoon or craft stick until well incorporated.

(5) Add liquid colorant a few drops at a time until desired color is reached.

(6) Pour soap into mold of your choice filling it approximately 1/4 full.

(7) Let cool approximately 5 minutes or until soap layer develops a “skin”. Tip: To avoid layer separation, spray cooling layer lightly with rubbing alcohol before pouring the second layer.

(8) Repeat steps 2 and 3 to prepare the soap for the second layer. Note: you can alternate between clear and white soap to achieve desired effects.

Tip: Use rubbing alcohol to removes air bubbles, adhere layers to one another and to spray objects you want to embed in the soap to prevent air pockets. Soap bars will not have alcohol in them, since the alcohol evaporates from the heat of the soap.

(9) Pour this layer so that the mold is ½ full and let set as you did the first layer.

(10) Alternating between the two colors repeat the above steps until you fill the mold.

(11) Once mold is filled, let set completely. Once soap has completely cooled, release by applying constant, even pressure with thumbs to the backside of the mold.

“Checkerboard” Soap-in-a-Soap Bar

(1) You will need approximately 1/2 cup of melted white soap for the first step of this project.

(2) Melt soap according to above basic melting instructions.

(3) Add a few drops of fragrance to melted soap, and stir with spoon or craft stick until well incorporated.

(4) Add liquid colorant a few drops at a time until desired color is reached.

(5) Pour soap into the square or rectangular cavity of your 4-shape bar mold.

(6) Let set completely and release by applying constant, even pressure with thumbs to the backside of the mold and cut into small cubes.

(6) Place the small colored cubes into the square or rectangle cavity of the mold, leaving spaces between them like a checkerboard pattern. Press firmly to insure hot soap will not seep under the chunks.

(7) Repeat steps 2 and 3 for using your melted clear soap. You will use approximately ¼ cup of clear soap for this step of your project.

(8) Pour prepared melted mixture into the cavity containing colored pieces. This will embed the pieces into the soap bar.

(9) Once soap has completely cooled, release by applying constant, even pressure with thumbs to the backside of the mold and cut into small cubes.

Soap Chunk Bars

(1) You will need 1/2 cup of melted clear soap for each color used in the following process.

(2) Melt soap according to above basic melting instructions.

(3) Add a few drops of fragrance and liquid colorant to melted soap, and stir with spoon or craft stick until well incorporated.

(4) Pour into the 4-shape bar mold filling one of the cavities completely and spray lightly with rubbing alcohol.

(5) If you’d like to fill all four cavities with different colors, follow above instructions using a different color until all four mold cavities are completed.

(6) Let set completely and release by applying constant, even pressure with thumbs to the backside of the mold.

(7) Melt white soap following the melting instructions above. You will need approximately ¼ cup of melted white soap for each soap bar for this part of the process.

(8) While white soap is melting, prepare soap chunks from the soap bars.

(9) Cut each soap bar into small chunks with knife.

(10) Add a few drops of fragrance and liquid colorant to melted white soap and stir with spoon or craft stick until well incorporated.

(11) Pour a small amount of melted soap into one cavity of the 4 shape bar mold, just enough to cover the bottom, and spray with rubbing alcohol.

(12) Spray soap chunks with rubbing alcohol and carefully scatter a layer of soap chunks into the mold cavity, over the melted soap. Spray mold cavity with rubbing alcohol, being sure to spray all chunk surfaces.
\
Note: This will prevent air pockets and will allow melted soap to flow around and under chunks.

(13) Pour enough melted soap to almost cover chunks and spray again with rubbing alcohol.

(14) Repeat steps 11 and 12 until the mold cavity is filled. Note: Do not move mold until it has set up a bit.

(15) Repeat the process with a different color if you’d like until all mold cavities are full. You can make soap chunk bars in one color, or mix and match different color chunks for a unique, colorful bar.

(16) Once soap has completely cooled, release from mold by applying constant, even pressure with thumbs to the backside of the mold.

“Tie-Dyed” Soaps

(1) Choose the liquid colorant and mold design you would like to use.

(2) Squeeze 2-3 drops of color directly into the mold scattering along the bottom. Hint: Try two colors for a unique effect.

(3) Depending upon the mold you are using you will need approximately 3-4 ounces of melted white soap base.

(4) Melt soap according to above basic melting instructions.

(5) If you would like to fragrance your soap, add a few drops of fragrance to your melted white base and stir with a spoon or craft stick until the fragrance is well incorporated.

(6) Pour the white soap into the mold filling it to the top.

(7) Immediately spray the melted soap with rubbing alcohol. This will get rid of all air bubbles and help the color diffuse throughout the soap bar.

(8) Once soap has completely cooled, release from mold by applying constant, even pressure with thumbs to the backside of the mold.

Bath Salt Tins

(1) Empty bath salts into a glass-measuring cup.

(2) Add fragrance, a couple drops at a time, mixing after each addition, until desired fragrance intensity has been reached.

(3) Add liquid colorant, a few drops at a time, mixing after each addition, until desired color has been reached.

Tip: Using more than one color to tint the bath salts gives you a dramatic finished effect!

(4) Using a spoon, scoop salts into decorative tin.

Shower Gel/Body Lotion

Fill one of the small empty bottles about half full with either shower gel or lotion. Add a few drops of fragrance and color of your choice, until desired effect has been achieved. Make the color slightly darker than you like so you won’t need to add color later when you fill the bottle. Put the lid on and shake well.

Squeeze additional shower gel or lotion into bottle until container is almost full, and shake well. (You can add additional color and fragrance if necessary, but we recommend adding most of the color into the bottle before it is completely full because you don’t want the concentrated color getting hung up on the lid.)

Layered Shower Gel/Lotion: You can make a great effect by layering different colors in the bottle. To make a bottle with two-tone shades, make two complete bottles of two different colors. Get a clean bottle and pour 1/4, 1/3, or 1/2 (depending on how many layers you desire) full with one color. Then pour another layer with second color. Repeat steps until bottle is full.

Assembling the Basket

Once all soaps/gels/lotions/salts have been completed, it is time to arrange your basket. Assemble all the finished pieces you will be using. If you would like to add a unique personal touch, decorate the products with scrapbook paper, labels, stickers and ribbons. (See photo for decorating ideas). Cut styrofoam to fit into the bottom of the basket to be used as filler. Cover styrofoam with decorative paper shred. Arrange finished pieces in the basket as you desire. Once the basket is designed as you would like, follow manufacturer’s instructions for shrink-wrapping the completed basket.

In addition to making beautiful gift baskets, you can also use other types of containers to create unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends.

Source: http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=e08247

Make Your Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

Do you make your own liquid soap and are looking for an unique dispenser to put it for yourself, to sell or to give as a gift? Then why not create your own? Here is a tutorial from Heather Bullard's site on how to create your own soap ispenser. It looks simple enough with a mason jar some basic tools. Take a look at the beautiful pictures and get started today!

http://heatherbullard.typepad.com/heather_bullard_collectio/2010/02/diy-mason-jar-soap-dispenser.html

4 Leaf Clover Melt and Pour Soap Tutorial

Spread the luck of the Irish by making this 4 leaf clover soap tutorial from Go Planet Earth. The mold that is used is Mold Market's clover mold. It's perfect for duo-color pours.

The other supplies you will need for this project are

* white and clear soap base
* kelly green liquid gel soap color. If you want a brighter green use the Bright Neon Green liquid gel color.
* Soap fragrance (we used French Tarragon Oswego)
* Recessed smoother tool
* Microwave/ glass measuring cup
* Pipette for dispensing fragrance
* Rubbing alcohol

For full step by step instructions (with photographs)http://www.goplanetearth.com/project_four_leaf_clover.html

Learn to Make a St. Patrick's Day Green Beer Candle

Are looking to make a craft for St. Patrick's Day?  Then why not create this Green Beer candle.  I found these instructions by David Fisher from About.com that fits in with the spirit of celebrating (the adult way of course) St. Patrick's Day! 

http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/holidayprojects/ht/greenbeercandle.htm

Home-made Perfumes

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

August 7, 2000

The word perfume derives from Latin meaning "through smoke", and indeed, the first perfumes were incenses used to sweeten one's prayers for the gods. It has since been shown that the sense of smell is linked to the brain's limbic system - which affects sexual behavior, emotion and even memory - and that scents can trigger different responses in different people. To create your own personal perfume fragrance, you can try making your own perfumes at home. Find out which fragrance family, or category of aroma, most of your favorite scents belong to by testing different oils. floral fragrances tend to be popular among women, but Oriental, fruity, spicy, green and citrus are other aromatic options.

Jojoba oil for a perfume base
This medium-weight, golden oil is a liquid plant wax. Produced from cold-pressed jojoba seeds, it makes an excellent base for natural perfumes since it has a very long shelf-life, is easily absorbed by the skin and is non-greasy.

Citrus oil for refreshment
Gently uplifting and soothing, citrus oils, such as neroli and bergamot, provide a fruity, floral freshness to a perfume's fragrance.

Jasmine oil for intense richness
Used to make many fine perfumes, jasmine flowers are picked before dawn to prevent any of the soft and sensuous oil from evaporating.

Geranium oil for harmony and balance.
This delicate, rosy fragrance is very effective in treating stress, fatigue and anxiety, and it is an inexpensive alternative to genuine rose oil.

Ylang-ylang oil for relaxation
Possibly the most erotic aroma on earth, this sweet, tropical scent is a reported aphrodisiac. It calms the senses and relaxes the muscles.

Patchouli oil for prolonging a fragrance
This warm, earthy fragrance acts as a fixative, slowing evaporation and prolonging the scent.

Perfume Maturation
To make a balanced perfume, the scent components must mature and be combined in a glass bottle. For a fragrance made at home, this process takes at least 2 weeks. The scent should be stored in a dark place and shaken from time to time. Check the scent once a week and begin using it when you like the results.

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Components of Perfume

Every perfume consists of 3 scent levels, or "notes," which support each other and create the overall scent. Essential oils, classified as either tip, middle or base notes, give each perfume its own special character. Here are a few basic terms:

Top note:
This is the scent you notice first, but it doesn't last long because it evaporates the quickest. Top notes are a small portion of the final blend and include fresh, light citrus scents using such oils as bergamot, neroli, lemon, lime, rosemary, orange or mint.

Middle note:
This links the base and the top scents and determines the fragrance family. Middle notes include flowery essential oils, such as rose, jasmine, geranium and ylang-ylang.

Base note or fixative:
This scent lasts the longest, adds fullness and carries the other scents. Derived from balsams, roots, resins and wood, bases include such oils as sandalwood, vetiver and patchouli and tend to be dark, heavy and sweet.

Make Your Own Perfume

Floriental Nights

2 tbsp. jojoba oil
3 drops bergamot oil
2 drops neroli oil
8 drops jasmine oil
12 drops geranium oil
8 drops ylang-ylang oil
4 drops patchouli oil

Pour the jojoba oil into a dark glass bottle with a glass rod applicator. Add the essential oils drop by drop, and shake thoroughly. You can vary the proportions of the essential oil according to personal preference, but note that the geranium oil is what gives this blend its floral flavor. Be careful - too much patchouli oil will easily overwhelm the scent; too much bergamot oil will often irritate skin that's sensitive.

CAUTION: Bergamot oil should not be used by pregnant women or epileptics.

Source: http://www.angelfire.com/il2/purpleflame/Herbs/perfume.html

The Art of Making Perfumes

Are you interested in making your own perfumes and do not know where to start?  In this article are some basic rules to follow when making perfume and other scented items. Also included is an excerpt An exert from the book "Perfumes, Splashes & Colognes" by Nancy Booth discussing the differences between perfumes, spashes and colognes.

http://www.fragrancesupplies.com/mak_per.htm

Teabag Flower Tutorial

Are you into papercrafting and want to learn something new? Or you into oragami? Here is another creative way to use your paper by making a Flower Teabag.

Easy Whipped Shea Butter

Anne Marie (aka The Soap Queen) was experimenting with some shea butter and came up with this really easy Whipped Shea Butter recipe:

Ingredients
14 oz Shea Butter
5 oz Coconut Oil
6 ml Cranberry Fig Fragrance Oil (or your choice)
Electric Mixer
4 ounce jars

Instructions

Combine all ingredients and whip for 6-7 minutes in an electric mixer on medium/high. Spoon into jars. That's it. You're done!

Easy, right? Who knew something great could come out of an afternoon of experimentation in the soap lab? I've been using it on my elbows and feet and totally love it!

Source: http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/2010/01/easy-whipped-shea-butter.html

D.I.Y. Paper Wrapped Soaps Tutorial

Here is a really cute idea to package your soaps from Creature Comforts which appears on Magolines Handmade Soaps and Candles site.  For the free download, as well as written and photo directions...

Project Time:  Around 15 minutes or less.

SUPPLIES:
-Rectangular bar of soap
-Decorative paper
-Ruler
-Cutting tool
-Double sided tape - permanent strength.
-Ribbon (optional)
-Labels Download free-oval-round-labels.pdf

DIRECTIONS:

1. Purchase a bar (or more if you'd like) of your favorite soap. A bar of French milled soap,(such as the one I used) cost less than $4 at Trader Joe's (the packaging wasn't very cute, but it smells amazing). Select the decorative paper that you'd like. For this project I used papers from Martha Stewart's crafting paper... but you can use any piece that you like as long as it is big enough, and not too thick (or flimsy).

2. Measure your soap bar: Length, width, and height. The length of your paper needs to equal 2 x width + 2 x height + an extra two inches or more of excess (you can trim or tuck it later if needed). The width of your paper will equal 1 x width + 2 x height.

3. Cut your paper to the correct size. You can use scissors, a craft knife, paper cutter... whichever is easiest for you.

4. Place your bar in the center of your prepared paper and begin creasing around it where each measurement falls (it's easiest to start with the two longest sides (as shown). This process will create nice sharp lines for you to work with and will give your finished package a really clean professional look. Feel free to move the bar if it gets in your way.

5. Once you have all your edges creased, place your bar back in the center (now you have a little grid to follow, courtesy of your crease work). Note how the excess paper folds over one side of your bar (see image), and also to the under side of the end flap (this will give a nice seamless edge when closed). Seal your package closed with double sided tape.

6. Fold in your end flaps as shown in the photo (just like wrapping a present) and seal closed with double sided tape. Be sure that your flaps close towards the bottom side (the side you just closed in the previous step).

7. Once all sides are secured, print out the free labels I created for this project (there are 9 labels in three colors - grey, aqua, and peach)...I left them blank so that you can write your own message. Wrap a band of complimentary ribbon around your bar and affix with double sided tape and then do the same with your label.

8. All done! You did it!

Source: http://www.magdoline.com/2010/01/hohw-to-wrap-your-soap-with-paper.html and http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/diy-paper-wrapp.html#more

Massage Candles From Soap Queen TV

Here is a new instructional video from Soap Queen TV for Massage Candles which appears on Vimeo.

Massage candles are a wonderfully luxurious treat to make for yourself or that special someone. A massage candle is a blend of skin safe waxes, oils and essential oils that melt at a low temperature, perfect for a warm and soothing massage.



Soap Queen TV - Massage Candles from Soap Queen on Vimeo.

If you would like to follow along, here are the ingredients Anne-Marie uses:

4 oz. Container Soy Wax
1 oz. Deodorized Cocoa Butter
4 oz. Avocado Oil
5 oz. Shea Butter
1/2 oz Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
1/2 oz Patchouli Essential Oil
4 six oz. Candle Tins
4 WU 250 Wicks

Watermelon Seed Oil Properties

from Aroma Web

Botanical Name: Citrullus vulgaris

Aroma: Faint. Slightly Nutty.
Viscosity: Light.
Absorption/Feel: Penetrates Well.C
olor: Yellow.
Shelf Life: Indefinite/Highly Stable

Notes: Watermelon Seed Oil (WSO) is a very nourishing yet light oil with good absorption. It is a good choice for use with oily skin but can be effective with all skin types. Its viscosity, mild aroma and indefinite shelf life make it a good all-purpose carrier oil for use in aromatherapy. Other thicker oils and oils with shorter shelf lives can be blended with Watermelon Seed Oil to lighten their texture and aroma and extend their overall shelf life.

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/watermelon-seed-oil-properties/2009/08/26/

Body Cream Recipe

Here is an interesting Body Cream Recipe from Duffins Oriental Beauty Blog. I found in this particular body cream recipe had alot of ingredients. Well alot more than I have used in my cream recipes. Some of the ingredients for this recipe include Yogurt Extract, Oat Beta Glucan Extract, Isopropyl Myristate, Allantoin, Cremophor A6, Cremophor A25 and Preservative (Unigerm G2). Some of these ingredients are really foregin to me. For example, Crempher. Never heard of it. To be honest I have never heard of the perservative Unigerm G2 either. I have have always used germal because it is paraben free.

Since there are alot more ingredients in this body cream recipe than I am use to, I am not sure if it is more complicated procedure or if these ingredeints are really more beneficial to the actual end product. But just seeing the Isopropyl and Cethyl Alcohols, I am wondering if these ingredients would be more drying to the skin. Plus if you are concerned that these ingredients may or may not be as good to be absorbed into the skin. It is all up to you to decide....

Irish Rain Fizzing Salts

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

You will need:

3 oz Epsom Salts
2 oz Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
1 oz Citric Acid
2 oz Lathanol LAL
0.50 oz Dendritic Salt
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Rain Fragrance Oil
1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) Peppermint Fragrance Oil
20 drops D&C Green #5, Liquid Colorant
8 drops FD&C Yellow #5, Liquid Colorant
Face Mask Rubber Gloves
Zipper Style Plastic Baggies (Gallon Size)

Phase 1: Combine Epsom Salts, Baking Soda, Citric Acid & Lathanol in a zipper style plastic baggie. Wear a mask and work in a well ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust particles. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Phase 2: In a separate glass mixing bowl, combine dendritic salt and fragrance oil until combined.

Phase 3: Add ingredients from Phase 2 to the mixture from Phase 1 in the plastic baggie and blend well to incorporate fragrance throughout the entire mixture.

Phase 4: Add colorant to the mixture in the baggie. Seal bag, pressing out most of the air and use your hands to "squish" the mixture around until the color incorporates throughout. This may take some time, but it will help contain the dust.

Phase 5: Package in an airtight container.

Note: This product functions similarly to a bath bomb, except it is in powder form. Excess moisture will set off the "fizz". The finished product should be stored in an airtight container and protected from damp, humid environments.

Source: http://bathbodysupply.blogspot.com/2009/03/recipe-irish-rain-fizzing-salts.html

Tip: Even Distribution of Suspended Ingredients

Are you a melt and pour soapmaker and you are having problems in getting an even distribution of suspended ingridents like oatmeal, etc.; here are some tips from Squidoo:

Ingredients like oatmeal, herbs, spices and dried flowers add texture and decoration to soap. One common problem is that they naturally float up to the top and do not stay distributed throughout the whole bar. There are two options to keep ingredients suspended evenly.

1. Buy a special base. Some melt and pour bases are specifically formulated for suspension. They stay thicker when melted and the ingredients do not float.

2. Use a regular melt and pour base. Add all the ingredients. Let the melted base cool and partially thicken, gently stirring occasionally to keep suspended ingredients distributed. This will only take a few minutes. When it is thick enough that the additives no longer float up, pour the soap into the mold.

Be careful not to let it get too cool and thick or it will not pour well. If it gets too thick, the soap can be warmed up for a few seconds in the microwave.

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/make-melt-and-pour-soap?utm_campaign=search-discovery&utm_medium=greet4&utm_source=yahoo

Springtime Soap Recipes from Snowdrift Farm

If you a cold process soapmaker and you would like to add some "spring time" soap recipes to your collection, here are some cold process soap recipes from Snowdrift Farms which includes recipes for Gardenia, Honeysuckle, and Orange Flower. Just sound of each of these floral scents conjours up the feeling of spring.

http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/form_cpsoap_12.html

Spring Time Colored Bath Salts

From Wholesales Supplies Plus Blog. Make sure to also check out Wholesales Supplies Plus website for other useful info, supplies, etc.

Dee in customer service made this ADORABLE set of bath salts.

Ingredients:

1 cup Crafter's Choice European Salts Medium

6ml Crafter's Choice Birthday Cake Fragrance Oil
Crafter's Choice Liquid Lake Yellow 5
Crafter's Choice Liquid Lake Red 7
Crafter's Choice Liquid Lake Blue 1

Directions:

Place salts in a glass bowl. Add fragrance and mix well. Divide fragranced salts into three glass bowls. Add drops of color to salts (one color per bowl). Add amount desired until level of desired color is achieved. Deep colors may make salts appear wet. If this is the case, allow salts to dry in open air overnight. Package as desired. In picture we used a bath salt tube and basic jar.

Feel free to leave comments encouraging Dee to design more outstanding products!!

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/


Source: http://wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/2009/01/spring-time-colored-bath-salts.html

How to Make a Decorative Scented Braid

Going to an open and looking for a housewarming gift?  Why not make adecorative scented braid?  These easy step by step instructions by eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor on how to make this raffia braid would be something different.  I bet you could find most of the supplies needed for this project at your local craft store.

New Easter Silicone Mold from Wilton

Looking for a silicone mold with Easter shapes?  Here is one from Wilton.  If you are interested you can directly order if from Wilton.

Or check out Wholesale Supplies Plus because they are selling it with most of Wilton silicone pieces, plus many other silicone molds.  Check out their website - http://wholesalesuppliesplus.com/.

I happily found out that Michaels was selling this new mold and I bought it immediately since I had a 40% coupon to use.  If you shop at Joann's, they are selling them too!

A Guide to Fragrance Families

If you are interested in learning about the different fragrance families, here is an article by Grant Osborne titled '"A Guide to Fragrance Families" which appears on Basenotes.net that can explain everything you would need to know.

http://www.basenotes.net/reference/families.html