What is an Humectant?

Humectant is another big word for those who are starting out to making their own bath products. To help simply what a humectant is, then please read the following from Wisegeek.com.  This simple explaination will give you all the details.  One of the most popular humectants that you see out there is glycerin.  You will find this ingredient mostly in soap, lotions, creams and other products. When you hear the word glycerin., the first thing that pops into your mind is melt and pour soap. Want to learn more about what humectant is, then read this excerpt from Wisegeek.com.

According to Wisegeek,

"A humectant is a substance used primarily in foods and cosmetic products to help retain moisture. These substances are called hygroscopic, which means that they are able to absorb ambient water. Some humectant additives are beneficial when consumed or used. Others, particularly in some foods, are less helpful, may cause abdominal distress, and should probably be avoided.

A common humectant in food products is sorbitol. This humectant is a sugar alcohol derived from sugar. It is used in dietetic or sugarless foods and is lower in calories than sugar, so it is a popular choice among those who are dieting. In doses larger than 1.76 ounces (50 g), it has a laxative effect and can cause diarrhea. In the 1990s, consumer advocates successfully lobbied to have product warnings placed on foods containing sorbitol, so people could keep their consumption below harmful levels.

Polydextrose is another humectant food additive used to replace sugar. It is not only found in sweet foods, but frequently in other foods like salad dressings. This particular humectant not only replaces sugar in some foods, but can also be used as a fat or starch replacement. It has a laxative effect as well, so reading the labels of one’s food can inform selection.

Glycerol can be found in foods, but is also sometimes specifically prescribed by doctors for constipation, so again cautious consumption is advised. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of glycerol is not as a humectant but in the manufacture of biodiesel. With current shortages in oil and rising gasoline prices, many have turned to fuel alternatives like biodiesel, and it is predicted that many more will do so.

Glycerol or glycerin is a frequent addition to moisturizing lotions and skin creams. Some humectants used in skin care products are vegetable oil based. Many work well for moisturizing and smoothing the skin. A humectant like mineral oil, however, can actually build up under the skin and prevent the skin from absorbing essential vitamins and nutrients. A number of skin products contain mineral oil, even the more highly priced ones. Consciousness of the deprivation of nutrients to the skin caused by mineral oil has prompted something of a skincare revolution, in which vegetable oils replace the inadvisable mineral oil.

Certain humectant substances can be added to plants at the root level to assist the plant in gathering more ambient moisture. Many gardeners favor this as a way to conserve water. A humectant composed of several oils is also used in embalming fluids. They are said to restore moisture and produce a more life-like appearance for those who will be viewed in open caskets."

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-humectant.htm

Bath Salt Recipe from Joan Morais

Salt Scrubs are a great way to brighten, invigorate and nourish the skin. A salt scrub leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized. There is no need to use a lotion. Salt scrubs help to increase circulation and the flow of the lymph system.

Joan posted a really nice recipe Bath Salts recipe on her blog on May 30,2010.  Since salts scrubs can make the shower floor/bath tub shippery, Joan's tip to prevent this is to keep baking soda close by and sprinkle it in the shower or bathtub to absorb oil after using a salt scrub.

Cold Process Soap Techniques: Layering

Are you having problems creating layers when making your cold process soaps?  I found this article by Erin from Inner Earth Soaps titled Cold Process Soap Techniques: Layering. It gives some really good tips on how to properly do the layering technique for your cold process soap and come out with really great results just like the picture to the right.

Make sure you check out Inner Earth Soap's site to check out some of the beautiful soaps that Erin has created.  And definately read some of her interesting takes on making cold process soap!

Jelly Bean MP Loaf

Have you ever made a melt and pour soap loaf before?  Why not to take a stab on on making this colorful Jelly Bean Soap Loaf from Aussie Soap Supplies?  Looking at the step by step instructions, it does not seem very hard.  I would think that making the jelly beans would be the most difficult, but actually they are made in one of the ice cube trays you can get at IKEA.  If you cannot find them at your local IKEA store, then the next best place is on EBAY. 

Pressed Flower Candles

Love the look of botanicals?  What about candles?  Why not put the two together and created a pressed flower candle? This Pressed Flower Candles  project from Erica at Bonnie Bath Company could be made to fit any decor.  These candles would really look great in a powder room or bathroom or wherever appropiate.

The supplies needed to create this projects are a Double Boiler, Candle thermometerm, Wooden spoon, Wax (your choice suitable for container candles), Pillar mold, Plain white candle thinner than the pillar mold and ½ in. shorter, Scissors, Newspaper, Candle fragrance; Dried flowers, leaves, or spices, such as cinnamon sticks; Skewer; Mold seal;
Wick holder; Vegetable oil and a Paint brush.

So collect your supplies and read the simple step by step instructions and get start today!

Whipped Soap Tutorial from Magdoline

Have you ever heard of Whipped Soap? If you like to try to create these beautiful soaps that actually floats then check out this Whipped Soap tutorial from Magdoline (the original post was from Bittercreek). 

According to the author of  Bittercreek says that she had alot of fun making these soaps. One important factor in making these types of soaps is that you will need a heavy duty stand mixer such as a Kitchen Aid brand or a similiar brand.  The author used an inherited 1960's Sunbeam because she did not want to get her good mixer messy.  I would bet that now her Sunbeam mixer is now dedicated to making soap only.  So it may be a good idea to try to find a mixer that you can use soley for your soap making needs.  It should have a whipping attachment. Anyone have any suggestions on where to find a good inexpensive mixer to use for this process?

Strawberry and Cream Facial Mask Recipe

Love Strawberries?  Then check out this strawberry and cream facial mask recipe from Allison B. Kontur of Bath Body Supply. This recipe for Strawberry and Cream Facial Mask Recipe is a very simple recipe with only 3 ingredients.

According to Alison, Strawberries contain salicylic acid which helps rid the skin of dead cells, helping to make your pores appear smaller and your face look brighter and shinier. They gently refresh and exfoliate the skin, remove impurities, and reduce redness and swelling. This is a wonderful cleansing and skin softening facial mask." And she says "Do NOT pre-mix wet and dry ingredients as they are not stable long-term without a preservative."

Lavender Hand Cream

I am not sure way this is consider a hand cream recipe because it has no water. Here is a recipe that was demonstrated on Cultivating Life:

The fragrance of lavender is not only clean and refreshing, lavender actually has cytophylactic properties. In other words, it has the ability to promote cellular renewal. Perhaps that is why it has been used for centuries in products for skin care as well as for it's aroma therapeutic properties that relax and promote a restful state of mind.

Brenda Brock, owner and founder of Farmaesthetics is incredibly knowledgeable about creating organic skincare. On her visit to Cultivating Life she shared some soothing recipes for body and home with lavender as their inspiration.

Lavender Hand Cream

Tools:

Hot plate
Small sauce pan
Measuring spoons
Wide mouth storage jar

Materials:

1 cup Almond oil, grape seed or soy oil
1 Table spoons beeswax
1/8 tsp Vitamin E
7 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil

Directions:

Heat almond oil (or grape seed or soy) in a double boiler on medium heat, do not boil. Add one tablespoon grated bee's wax to hot oil. Stir until melted. Remove from heat. Add 1/8th teaspoon Vitamin E, 7 drops of Lavender oil and two drops of peppermint oil and mix thoroughly. Pour into container and allow to cool... continue mixing to aerate and make mixture more creamy. To use: massage small amount into hands, nails and cuticles to soften and protect the skin.

What are Resins?

Are you wondering what resins are?  Well, here  is a simple explaination from Aroma Web:

"When some plants, namely trees, are injured, they produce a thick, sometimes solid, sticky substance called a resin. Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) is an example of a resin. In commercial production, the trees will be cut in many spots to encourage the tree to produce its resin.

Natural resins provide therapeutic benefit, but some are hard to work with in aromatherapy because they are extremely thick and sticky. You will find liquid resins that have been extracted by solvent or alcohol extraction.

Frankincense tears is another example of a resin. Frankincense tears are small, solid chunks of frankincense resin. Frankincense tears are most commonly used in oil infusions and in making incense."

Vintage Baseball Soap

Baseball is not over yet!  These soaps would be great for father's day or birthday gifts for that special someone in your life. Then why not create these melt and pour soap which appears on Soap and The Finer Things blog from The Soap Queen? This project yields 4 soaps.

Ingredients

15 ounces of White Soap Base
1 ounce of Clear Soap Base
Liquid Blue Colorant
Heavy Duty Rectangle Mold
1/2 ounceYuzu Fragrance Oil
Water Soluble Paper
Rubbing alcohol
Baseball Clipart (check Flickr or iStock for great images)

All supplies can be purchased from Brambleberry.

Ifyou have never used Water Soluble Paper, check out the Water Soluble Paper Episode on Soap Queen TV to learn the basic technique, tips and tricks.

Directions:

ONE: Print out 4 vintage baseball pictures on water soluble paper. Cut out the images and make sure that they will fit into the cavities of your mold.

TWO: Once your images are cut out, spray them lightly with aerosol hairspray. This trick will help the colors stay vibrant once they are embedded in the soap.

THREE: Melt 1 ounce of clear soap base in a microwave safe container and mix in ½ drop of liquid blue colorant to give the soap a “clear” effect. For more information on the “bluing” technique, see the Embedding episode of Soap Queen TV.

FOUR: When the clear soap cools to about 130 degrees (really hot soap might dissolve the paper), pour 1/8 inch of soap into the mold. As soon as a thin skin forms on the soap, immediately add your picture to the soap, face down. Let the soap layer cool.

FIVE: Melt 14 ounces of white soap base and mix in 1/2 ounce of Yuzu Fragrance Oil. Once the melted soap cools down to 125-130 degrees, spritz the first layer of soap with rubbing alcohol and pour the second layer. Let the soap cool for 4-6 hours and pop it out of the mold.

Recipe: Bubble Bars

What are Bubble Bars? They are similar to Bath Bombs but they contain a surfactant which means that they will bubble when you crumble them into the Bath under a running tap. They are much more fun than straight fizzies or bombs because the SLSA makes real bubbles and they last a lot longer!

Want to make these unique bubble bars/bath bombs?  Then check out the various bubble bar recipes from Aussie Soap Supplies.

Summer Slice Soaps

Summer is almost over but it is not too late to create this refreshing bar of soap.  To find out how to make this bar of soap, check out this tutorial from The Soap King to make these Summer Slice Embedded Soaps.

Victorian Floral Solid Perfume

This solid perfume is easy to use and has a delightful Victorian floral scent. It’s a wonderful perfume that’s just absolutely perfect for every day use.

Ingredients

1/2 Ounce Beeswax
1/2 Ounce Shea Butter
1/4 Ounce Cocoa Butter
1 Ounce Sweet Almond Oil
1/8 Teaspoon Rose FO
1/8 Teaspoon Lavender FO

Instructions

Combine the beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter and sweet almond oil in a pot. Melt over a low heat using a double boiler, or place your pot in simmering water until fully melted.Remove from heat, and then add the rose and lavender FO. Mix well and pour into perfume tins or lip balm tubes. Let cool then use.

Source: http://freebathrecipes.com/solid-perfume-recipes/victorian-floral-solid-perfume.html

Lavender Tub Tea Recipe

Imagine everything that you'd like to have in your "perfect bath". Flowers/herbs, oats, salts... Tub teas can incorporate all of these wonderful ingredients, and more, in an easy to use, mess-free, Muslin Drawstring Bag or Heat Seal Bag .  This fantastic tub tea recipe from Elements Bath and Body would be perfect for those who love to soak in the tub.

Materials Needed:

1/2 C Dendritic Salt OR Alberger Salt
2 tsp Lavender EO Mix & set aside
1/8 C Honey Powder
1 C Powdered Goatsmilk or Powdered Buttermilk
2 C Whole Oats
1/2 C Epsom Salts
3/4 C Baking Soda
3 C Lavender Buds
3 C Sea Salt Mix all in large bowl.

Instructions:

Combine the dendritic salt & essential oil blend & complete mixing.

Place 3/4 - 1 C per 3.5 x 5 Muslin Drawstring Bag .

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

Recycled Baby Food Jar Candles

This baby food jar candle project from Cathie Filian would be an adorable party favor and an easy craft for a baby shower.  This candle could be made and decorated for any kind of party you have coming up.

Materials:

Soy container-blend wax
Recycled glass baby food jars
Cotton-cored wick
Metal wick base
Candle thermometer
Skewer
Large glass measuring cup
Microwave
Optional: fragrance or color chips

Steps:

1.Thoroughly clean the baby food jars. Attach the metal wick base to one end of the wick, following instructions on the package. Wrap the other end of the wick to the center of a skewer; balance the skewer across the opening of the jar. The skewer will keep the wick straight during the pouring and cooling stages.

2. Place the soy wax in a large glass measuring cup. In a microwave, melt on medium temperate in short intervals. (1 minute at a time) Remove and place the thermometer in the wax, stir as needed, until the melted wax has reached a temperature of 160 degrees (never heat above 160 degrees). Note: One pound of melted soy wax will make 2-1/4 c. liquid wax.

3. Cool the wax to 110 degrees, pour it very slowly into the prepared jar. Make sure the wick is centered and taut. When the wax is completely cool, trim the wick to 1/4" long. In order for the fragrance to settle, wait four days before burning.

How to Make Handmade Paper

Are fascinated on how to make your own handmade paper?  Nanette Richford from ehow provides instructions on a fashionable technique that allows a pattern, stamp or graphic image to be inlaid in handmade paper during the papermaking process. In her article, Home to Make Handmade Paper, she shows you how to make paper step by step on how to make your own paper from paper napkins, tissue or other paper of your choice. 

If you are wanting to jazz up your paper project by adding other materials, then you should check out this article by Pamela Pender on How to Make Homemade Paper From Pulp & Fibers.  She suggests using magazines, newspapers, paper towels and even post its.

Mint Swirl Avocado Oil Soap Recipe - Cold Process

I found this interesting Mint Swirl Avocado Oil cold process soap recipe from Pure and Natural Soaps. What I found most interesting is how the author colored with Crayola crayons.  I have never seen or heard of that before, but if you feel uncomfortable with coloring your soap that way then use something more appropiate colorant which would work much better in cold process soapmaking. Colorants that are in a powder form would probably work much better. But you have to make sure that they are compatible for cold process soapmaking, some of them are not.

The author of this recipe mentions that they purchased their oils in the pharmacy of their local market.  Most of the stores in my area such as Safeway or Lucky do not carry them.  But I know that Whole Foods and Mollie Stone's do carry a selection of essential oils.  You may want to check your health food store to see what is available.

Handmade Salt Pouches For The Shower Or Bath

Do love salt scrubs but you find yourself having the time to only take a shower?  Then why not try making these Handmade Salt Pouches from Mother Huddle? These pouches are perfect for combining both bath salt and salt scrub into an exfoliating pouch I can bring into the shower, and they are simple to make. Why not make them to put in as an extra gift in a gift basket for Mother's Day, Bridal or Baby Shower?

Java Luv Exfoliating Wash

Here is another interesting recipe from Allison B. Kontur of Bath Body Supply.  You can purchase all of the supplies you need from her website.  If you like this recipe you may want to check out her blog - Design it Yourself Skincare.

You Will Need:

8 oz Suspension Gel Soap
0.50 oz Organic Coffee, ground
5 ml (1 tsp) Seaweed, Tincture (Organic)
1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) Teak & Sandalwood Fragrance Oil

Phase 1: Combine Suspension Gel Soap, Seaweed Tincture and Fragrance Oil in a glass mixing container. Combine thoroughly before folding in ground coffee.

Phase 2: Pour into your choice of container and label.

FYI: You can control the abrasiveness of your ground coffee by selecting coarse grind for a scrubbier product or espresso grind for a lightly abrasive product.

Note: Lots of fragrances compliment coffee. To enhance the coffee scent, trying adding chocolate, vanilla or hazelnut fragrances. To compliment the coffee scent try using woodsy notes like teak, sandalwood, rosewood, patchouli, tobacco or vetiver. To tone down the coffee scent, try using peppermint, spearmint, rosemary or eucalyptus.

Love Tacos?

Then why not make your favorite treat into a soap?  Here is a melt and pour soap video tutorial from Denise at Go Planet Earth. These soaps definately look good enough to eat! It makes my run down to my local Taco Bell and place an order. 

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If you would like to purchase a hard copy of this taco soap tutorial, you can purchase a copy from Go Planet Earth for $5.95. Once you make the purchase, Go Planet Earth will send the PDF tutorial file to the email address listed on your order form. You can open, print and save the file to your computer. A complete list of supplies needed are included in the printed PDF tutorial.

Lemon Ice Foot Butter

Love the scent of lemons?  Lemons always remind me of lemonade and summer time.  I found this recipe by  Diane Buono of Queen Esther's that you may want to apply to  your tired and sore feet after a long day.   According to Diane it can be applied to insect bites that can tolerate the cool and hot scensation of peppermint.  This recipe makes up to 22 ounces of cream. So it should last you along time.

What I found sort of weird is that it is called a foot butter, but the list of ingredients for the base calls it a cream. Normally, a cream has water in it which this recipe does not.  So I would say that it is a butter recipe.

Ingredients for Cream Base:

1 lb. Shea butter
2 oz. jojoba oil
2 oz. fractionated coconut oil
1 TBS Calendula infused oil
1 TBS evening primrose oil
1 TBS Rosehip seed oil
10 ml Lemon-Ice essential oil blend (see below)

Ingredients for Essential Oil Blend:

1 1/2 tsp. lemon - organic
3/4 tsp. tea tree
1/4 tsp. myrrh
1/4 tsp. rosemary
1/8 tsp. peppermint - organic
1/8 tsp. carrot seed

Directions:

*Make essential oil blend at least 3 - 5 days ahead of time.

*Place Shea butter in large bowl and, using the back of a large spoon, mash until it breaks down; slowly add all other ingredients to Shea butter and mix until oils are well blended.

*For extra creaminess: use a mixer (blend for about 15 - 20 minutes) or a food processor (blend for 5 minutes).

*Pour into desired containers and allow mixture 1 - 2 days to set up. For quicker set up, place in refrigerator several hours.

Method of use:

Begin with a very small amount, (about the size of a pea), work in between fingertips until cream is pliable, apply to desired area. Repeat as necessary. Use 1 - 2 times daily, depending on severity of problem.

Source: http://www.blogger.com/

Homemade Citrus Skin Glow Scrub

According to Mindy Terry, spring is the perfect time to shed the dead, dry layer of skin cells that has accumulated over the harsh winter months. And the way to do that is to create this Citrus Skin Glow Scrub recipe by Mindy herself. Mindy Terry is the Founder and President of Creative Spa Concepts. Terry is also a licensed cosmetologist, aesthetician, yoga instructor, and certified infant massage instructor.

The only I would be concerned about this recipe is the fact is that you are using limes in the product.  I know for a fact that citrus essential oils are photosensitve when you wear them out in the sun.  Since you are using fresh limes in this recipe, I would take the same precautions.  Instead of using this product in the morning, why not use it prior to going to bed.

Orange Julius Soap - A Homemade Bath Soap.

As a kid, I remember the fast food place called an Orange Julius.  My brother's first job was at an Orange Julius in San Mateo way back in the 80's.  When I saw this recipe for Orange Julius Soap on a website titled Attention Deficit Order Center, I had to share this.  Hope it bring it brings back memories to you like it did with me.

This recipe is very simple and uses a few ingredients. It starts out with transparent glycerin melt and pour soap base, honey, almond, French white clay powder, orange and vanilla frangrace oil.

Natural Candles - Coloring your Candles with Herbs and Spices

Do you like to make candles but you are looking for natural colorants to color your candles?  Unfortunately, you will not be able to find natural candle colorants off the shelf. In fact, naturally coloring soaps is not common, but according to Erica from The Bonnie Bath Company says that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. She says that just like making an herbal oil infusion for soap and bath oils, you can use this method to color your candles without clogging the wick. Instead of oil, you’ll use soy wax or other natural wax.

If you like to find out more, read her article Natural Candles - Coloring your Candles with Herbs and Spices to find out all the details.  It is a very interesting read and I will have to try it myself.

Source: http://bonniebathblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/natural-candles-coloring-your-candles.html

Getting Scrubby: A Guide to Using Natural Exfoliants

Here is an interesting article from The Natural Beauty Workshop - Getting Scrubby: A Guide to Using Natural Exfoliants.   The articleslists all of the different types of exfoliants under each of the following categories Ultra Mild Exfoliants, Mild Exfoliants, Medium Exfoliants and Strong Exfoliants and also explains what each category is best used for.

So check this article out, you may learn something like shredded  coconut is a medium exfoliant which is great for body scrubs.

Foaming Bath Butter

I found this recipe from Soap Making Essential's website in their receipe section and I thought it was really interesting.  So I wanted to pass it along. I have not made it yet so if any one has, please let us know.  Also check out their other body recipes page.

This has got to be the coolest product ever! Foaming body butter is a premade beauty base that you customize yourself. The kick is that you can make so many different things with it. You can make fantastic bath and body products like foaming sugar scrubs, foaming salt scrubs, whipped body parfaits and meringues, shaving butters and facial washes. Accoring to the website, Brambleberry Soap Making Supplies and New Directions Aromatics carry the base and it is very affordably priced. But when I checked, Brambleberry did not have this product listed on their website. So I do not know if it is gone permanently or what, but at this time they do not sell this product.

To make this simple recipe you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb (454 grams) foaming bath butter
2 ounces (56 grams) Carrier Oil
Essential or Fragrance oil (optional)
Color (optional)

And the directions are very simple to follow.  And Soap Making Essentials says that the process for making these foaming bath and body products is very much the same as the whipped shea butter. And one very imporant tip is not to over mix.  The foaming bath mixture can collaspe if it is whipped more than double its original volume.

Watermelon Sherbert Scrub

Here is a refreshing scrub for the summer from The Natural Beauty Workshop - Watermelon Sherbert Scrub:

Makes about 16 ounces

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Shealoe Butter
• 2 cups Dendritic Salt
• 1/4 ounce Watermelon Candy Fragrance Oil
• 2 .15 cc scoops of FDA Red Mica*
• 2 .15 cc scoops of FDA Green Mica*

*Please note: These colorants may bleed or fade over time.  For a more reliable color, try using Chromium Oxide Green or Avocado Mica for the green section and Rouge Flambe Mica or Pink Glimmer Mica for the red section.

Directions

Start by mixing the Dendritic Salt, Fragrance Oil, and Shealoe Butter together in a large mixing bowl.  The Shealoe Butter should be soft enough to mix at room temperature, but if it is too firm, try warming it gently by submerging the sealed container in a hot water bath for several minutes.  When the first three ingredients are mixed thoroughly, separate the mixture into four equal portions.  Place two portions into a separate mixing bowl and add the FDA Red Mica, mixing well to fully disperse the colorant.  Next, put one portion in another bowl and add the FDA Green Mica.  Leave the last portion of scrub white.  (Tip: If you like, you can add a little extra Mica for a bolder color.  Just don't add too much, or the color could end up dyeing your skin while using the scrub.) Now that your scrub is colored, you can scoop it into your containers.  Start by adding the green scrub, then the white, then the pink.  You'll want to fill 1/4 of the jar with green scrub, 1/4 with white scrub, and 1/2 with pink.  It helps to tap the mixture down in between each layer.

Packaging

For this recipe, we used four 4 ounce PET Jars with White Lids.  You can split the scrub into smaller or larger portions by using another sized jar.  Your scrubs will look extra cute if you use our free printable labels.  Download them here: Download WatermelonSherbScrubLabelsSheet  You can attach the labels to the jars directly, or punch a small hole in them to use them as tags.

How to Make Wax Dipped Flowers

Here are instructions from Lone Star Candle Supply on How to Make Wax Dipped Flowers. If you are interested in creating other types of candles check out Lone Star Candles Step by Step Guides section on their website.

Fill a rooom with fragrance and beauty with scented, wax dipped flowers. Make fragrance filled arrangements any time of year that last much longer than fresh cut flowers. This fun, easy project can be adapted to different holidays by using different flowers.

Materials Needed:

Artificial Flowers
Pillar or Votive Wax
Fragrance Oil
Candle Dye (Optional)
Pouring Pot
Thermometer
UV Stabilizer (Optional)
Butcher Paper or Newspaper
Paper Towels
Metal Spoon or Stir Stick

Cover your work area with butcher paper or newspaper. Spills or drips are most times unavoidable, and clean up is much easier if you don’t have to clean wax off of your work surface.

Step 1 – Prepare wax

Prepare the wax as if you were making candles. The wax should be at the appropriate pouring temperature for the wax you are using. This will usually be between 160 and 180 degrees.

The amount of wax needed will vary depending on the size flowers and quantity that are being dipped. For this example, we melted about 1.5 pounds of wax. that was enough for about 10 flowers, and there was a considerable amount left over.

The addition of dye may not be necessary if you would prefer the color of the artificial flowers be unchanged. Dye can be added, but keep in mind it will change the appearance of the flowers.

Step 2 – Submerge the flower

Submerge the flower in the melted, fragranced wax. Make sure to cover the base of the flower, but it is not necessary to dip the stem. When removing the flower from the wax, gently shake off the excess so beads of wax do not form on the top as the flower is cooling.

If a flower with many smaller petals was used, it may be necessary to separate the petals so they are not stuck together when it cools. To do this, either use a plastic fork (or something similar) or gently blow on the flower while rotating it to help separate the petals.

Step 3 – Allow flower to dry

Next, hang the flower upside down to dry. Make sure to place something under the flower to catch any wax that may drip.

That's it!

You're finished! The flowers may be given or sold individually, or make an arrangement with different fragrances that compliment one another.

NOTE: Be careful when moving or transporting the flowers. There is a very thin layer of wax surrounding each petal. They feel hard to the touch, but they can crack easily.

Lavender Dusting Powder for the body

Love lavender?  Love using dusting powder?  Then why not combine the two by making this Lavender Dusting Powder recipe from Cultivating Life. 

This recipe is very simple to make and only needs a few ingredients and tools.  I found adding a pinch of sea salt very odd in a powder recipe and I would leave it out. I get enough salt in my diet anyway.  I  need to be more care with my salt intake.

Tools:

Mixing bowl
Glass storage jar

Materials:

1 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon arrowroot
1 teaspoon dried ground lavender buds
(Optional) ½ tsp dried rose, sage, thyme and/or calendula petals,
Pinch of sea salt

Directions: 

Put cornstarch, arrowroot, dried ground herbs/flowers and salt in bowl and whisk together. Remove any prickly pieces of dried plants. Put mixture in glass jars and seal tightly. Allow mixture to rest in dry place for a day or two so ingredients can meld.

To use: sprinkle onto dry clean skin or apply with a fluffy powder puff to areas prone to moisture. Excellent when used as a natural underarm deodorant, foot powder or dusting powder for babies.

Source: http://www.cultivatinglife.com/Lavender-Hand-Cream-and-Dusting-Powder.html?searched=lavender+dusting&advsearch=oneword&highlight=ajaxSearch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1+ajaxSearch_highlight2

Lotion Bar Recipe from The Soap King

Learn how to make these Lovely Lotion Bars from The Soap King. They are simply to make and once you have made them you can simply package them in a travel candle tin with some tissue paper. And to top it off you can place a label on the lid.  What a unique and handmade gift to give to friends and family for any occassion.

In this recipe, The Soap King left out fragrance and coloring.  He does mention it in his instructions.  Just be careful when you add coloring. If it is waterbased it may not totally incorporate since this recipe has oils in it.  And we all know that water and oil do not mix.  You can either used essential or fragrance oil to scent your recipe.  If you infuse your oil with lavender (or any other herb), I would suggest not scenting your recipe because the natural fragrance will pentrate the oil.

Another fair warning:  In the recipe, the author mentions melting your beeswax in the microwave.  I have always been told not too because of its flashpoint and it may combust and start a fire.  It is just as easy to melt it in a double boiler.

The author also gives this tip:

If your balm is very hot when you pour, it is more likely to crack on the tops as it cools. If you start getting cracks, pour at a lower temperature. Wait for 1 hour before moving, then cap, label and use. I like to put mine in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help them pop right out of the mold. Try using the Bug-Be-Gone Synergy Blend with an inspect inspired mold. You'll be a real hit at any outdoor festival or market this summer.

To view the complete recipe on how to make these lotion bars, visit The Soap King's Blog entry on July 1, 2010 - Lovely Lotion Bars.

How To Make A Lemon or A Lavender Sachet

Create Lemon or Lavender Sachets Adapted from Gifts for Herb Lovers by Betty Oppenheimer (Storey Books, 1997). Once you begin to create sachets, you'll probably find them irresistible. You'll need to purchase a few ingredients, such as the fixative and the oils, but the rest can be grown in your garden. Bags to hold the ingredients can be made from scrap material and kept ready to use whenever the spirit moves you to make a batch of potpourri.

MATERIALS

For each bag, finished size 4" x 2-1/2"6" x 6" piece of tightly woven fabric (cotton or silk is classic)Sewing threadRibbonRubber band (optional)1. Turn under (toward wrong size) and press 1/2", then 1" of fabric on one edge, and stitch 1/8" in from the bottom of the hem (or 7/8" down from top edge of hem).2. With right sides facing, fold the bag in half and stitch 1/2" from edge on the two raw edges.3. Clip the raw-edged corner and turn the bag right-side out. Press seams.

FILLING THE BAGS

4. If your fabric is not tightly woven, make inner bags, using a double layer of cheesecloth, but make the bags 2" x 2-1/2".5. Fill the bags (or inner bags) about 2/3 full with sachet mix, about 3 tablespoons.6. Tie a ribbon around the bag, around the seam line from the hem. If the ribbon is not secure enough, fasten the bag closed with a rubber band first, then hide the rubber band with the ribbon.FillingsKeep the fillings in a glass jar with an airtight lid and age them for several weeks before using. This allows the oils and fixative to blend, and for all the scents to meld. These recipes make large batches -- enough to make several. You can store any extra filling in the jar for later use.

Forever Lavender

16 ounces lavender flowers
2 ounces sweet woodruff
1/2 ounce oak moss
1/2 ounce thyme
8 ounces dried orange peel
4 ounces gum benzoin
Several handfuls of other herbs and flowers (such as peppermint, violets, rose geramium petals)
1/4 ounce cloves and anise, combined.

Combine all of the ingredients and shake occasionally during aging.

Very Lemon

1 pound dried lemon peel
1 pound cut orrisroot
1/8 ounce oil of lemongrass
1/2 ounce oil of lemon peel
1 ounce oil of bergamot

Put the lemon peel in a jar. Add the orrisroot. Add the oils and allow them to seep down into the mix, shaking occasionally.

Source: http://www.homemade-gift-basket-ideas.com/sachets.html