Guest Soaps: Party Confetti Guest Loaf

This cute guest-sized soaps from Wholesale Supplies Plus.makes a perfect party favor for graduation parties, baby or bridal showers. Customize colors for your special occasion.  This Party Confetti Guest Loaf Soaps project is easy and should take one hour to get  approximately eight 1.5 ounce bars.  I know that the holidays are over and your guests have already left but why not get started making these for the next time you receive guests.

Natural Colorants

In a Sunday Night Spotlight, The Soap Queen site has concentrated on Natural Colorants. In this post, The Soap Queen discusses the following natural colorants of rose clay, indigo powder and paprika.  On the Soap Queen blog there are several posts and resources on this subject.  In this posting there are several links on tutorials using natural colorants.  So if you are interested in this subject check out the tutorials and see how you can use natural in you want to use in your particular project.

The Dream Catcher Swirl Cold Process Soap

In cold process soap making there are so many swirl techniques to do that it hard to imagine that there could possibly be another one.  Guess what?  There is another one and it is called Dream Catcher.  The Dream Catcher Swirl tutorial appears on the Soap Queen site and if you have done any of the other swirl technique then you should not have a problem doing this one.  Have fun!

Making a body milk

Have you heard of a body milk?  I have heard of a milk bath but never a body milk. According to Point of Interest, there isn't an official definition, but I think we can agree that it's an emulsified or lotion-like product that moisturizes and hydrates our skin that can be sprayed or poured as if it were milk. It'll have at least 70% water soluble ingredients and generally won't have thickeners, like cetyl alcohol or stearic acid, and it might not contain butter for the same reason. In a three part series,  Point of Interest discusses and shares some really great recipes.  Start with part one and go from there. Part 3 , Part 2 and Part 1

Homemade Holiday Snow Globe

I shop at Michaels a lot.  Last Christmas season they had some plastic snow globes for sale.  I totally missed out when they went on sale.  This year I was lucky and when they were on sale for 70% off the week before Christmas I purchased four.  But if really love snow globes but missed out on the sale at Michaels, here is a Holiday Snow Globe idea from The Soap Queen that uses a bale jar.

Smoky Bay Cold Process Tutorial

According to the Soap Queen, this sensuous soap may or may have been inspired by the book 50 Shades of Gray but once the movie comes out you may want to make this cold processed soap called Smokey Bay. This is an intermediate level tutorial which will result in 16 4 oz bars.

How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

I follow a blog called Totally Tutorials and they recently posted a great idea to make peppermint candy can sugar scrub. This simple Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub recipe is from Sewlicious Home Decor and would be a great gift to give.

The oil cleansing method (Parts 3 & 4)

If you loved parts one and two on The Oil Cleansing Method from Point of Interest,  I am glad to share with you Part 3 and Part 4.  Part Three is devoted to a recipe for oily skin and Part Four takes a look at normal skin.  Make sure to review parts one and two before venturing out on this segment.

Orange Spice Holiday Simmer

After doing the Deborah's Palm Holiday Bazaar on December 7th, I have a few things leftover.  I was happy to see this recipe for Orange Spice Holiday Simmer from The Natural Beauty Workshop  that I can use in this recipe.  I thought this would be a lovely idea to share during the holidays.

Cleansing Oils

In a two part blog post, Susan of Point of Interest has shared some really great information about the basics of cleansing oils.  Part One really goes into the basics of cleansing oils and Part Two is devoted to creating a cleansing oil. So if you want to learn more, then read both parts. I know I am.

Chevron Cigar Soap Labels

Erica of Bath Alchemy generously is giving to all of her readers these really cute Chevron Cigar Soap Labels to use on their personal or commercial soaps.  But she is asking that you do not sell them or claim it as your own.  She will be coming out with more designs.  I will be watching for them.  Once she posts them I will share them with you. 

Pomander Lip Balm

I remember along time ago my mother made a pomander.  I really loved the aroma.  When I saw this Pomander Lip Balm recipe from Mountain Rose Herb, the memories came flooded back. I will definitely have to make this sometime in the future.

Soothing Coconut Milk & Lavender Bath Salts

Do you have a lot of friends who prefer to take baths instead of showers?  And you do not know what to give them for the holidays?  Well, I have some good news.  I found this recipe for Soothing Coconut Milk and Lavender Bath Salts from Wholesale Supplies Plus. It is a very simple recipe that does not take a lot of time to make.  All supplies can be purchased through Wholesale Supplies Plus.

Lavender Rose Bath Fizzies

                                                 When I had by sachet making table at Deborah's Palm Holiday Bazaar a couple of weeks ago, I had lavender and rose petals.  I would make the suggestion of combining those two with rose fragrance oils and lavender.  Now I want to share this bath fizzy recipe from Wholesale Supplies Plus for Lavender Rose.  What an easy give to make and give for the holidays.

Soapylove Tutorial: Fluffy Frosted Cupcake Soaps

In August 2011, I took Debbie's Sweet Treats Soap class at The Nova Studio. In this class we learn how to make these Frosted Cupcake Soaps. If you cannot make it to the Nova Studio for this next class, you may want to consider purchasing the e-handout of the class (if available) or try making these adorable soaps from this tutorial called Fluffy Frosted Cupcake Soaps which appears on the blog Soap and the Finer Things in Life.   These are a really cute idea even though it is Christmas time and these are more for birthdays. If you are giving a New Years Eve party, why not make these as your party favor?

Pumpkin Pear Soap

I know that autumn ends soon but I saw this Pumpkin Pear Soap from The Soap Queen that I still wanted to share in case you want to put it on your list to make next year.  Pumpkin Pear Soap is an advanced cold process recipe that will take 2-3 days for both phases.  Once you make this recipe you should get approximately 10-12 bars of soap.

Does beeswax offer any benefits to our skin?

Have you seen a recipe that calls for beeswax and wondering if it has any benefits to your skin?   Well, yes it does.  According to Point of Interest, beeswax provides a protective barrier to the skin and it is an emollient so it can moisturize the skin.  But there are some lotions that call for beeswax as an emulisifier. But according to the author, it is not a emulisifier on its own. It has to be added with borax to actually incorporate. In their recent blog post Does Beeswax Offer Any Benefits to Our Skin? explains why.  There is some really interesting information in this post that you should read.

Fall Sherbet Cold Process Soap

As a kid I loved Rainbow Sherbet. Even as an adult I still love it on a hot summer's day.  But it is Fall and in a week it will be coming to a close.  I saw this cold process soap recipe from The Soap Queen called Fall Sherbet that looks extremely scrumptious.  It is an advanced recipe that takes 45 minutes to make plus curing time to get three pounds of soap.

What makes a whipped butter remain whipped?

Are you wondering what makes a whipped butter remain whipped? Well, would you believe it is a very simple answer that I am not going to reveal here because I want you to be in suspense. I am going to direct you to Point of Interest's recent blog post - What makes a whipped butter remained whipped? 

Cucumber Melon Deodorant Tutorial

Are you worried about aluminum being in commercial deodorants? Here is a tutorial from the Soap Queen that is made with an aluminum free base called Cucumber Melon Deodorant. This is a simple recipe made for the beginner.  It takes only 15 minutes since there is a prepared base but once made you will get four 1 oz push tubes.

Perfectly Preserved + a body butter recipe

If you are confused about using a preservative in your lotions?  Well, Susan Barkley-Nichols of Point of Interest, author and cosmetic chemist is a recent guest blogger for the Soap Queen's blog writing about this issue.  In her posting called Perfectly Preserved + A Body Butter Recipe clears up the confusion. It definately has some really good information that should be read.  And you can always follow Susan on her own blog Point of Interest.

What do you want to know? Combining emulsifiers

Have you ever wondering about combining emulisifiers in your products?  I have thought about it before because I normally use e-wax. And if it calls for beeswax I will sub it for e-wax.  What about you?  If you ever wanted to know about combining emulsifiers, Point of Interest recently posted an entry called What Do You Want to Know?  Combining Emulisifers.

Simply Elegant Holiday Melt and Pour Soap Loaf

Are you a melt and pour soap maker? Here is a tutorial for the holidays called Simply Elegant Holiday Loaf.  This recipe from  Wholesale Supplies Plus is an intermediate level project that should take you an hour to make and results in (8) one inch slices.  So if you have a lot of gifts to give then you may want to try this one.

Stormy Seas Cold Process Tutorial

When I saw the title of this cold process tutorial from the Soap Queen two things can to my mind: (1) the song Stormy Weather and (2) the latest weather across the country if you are a soap maker snowed in and need a new cold process soap recipe to try then try this one called Stormy Seas.

Holiday Diffuser Blend Recipes

It has been very cold here in California for the last few days.  It seems like Winter has already arrived before its actual date of December 21st. Since Christmas is just around the corner, I found these essential oil Holiday Blend Recipes from Mountain Rose Herb that you may want to try.

Modifying the low surfactant foaming facial cleanser with foaming oat protein

Are you looking for a low surfactant foaming facial recipe?  Well, I have one for you that you may want to try.  This low surfactant foaming facial cleanser recipe is from Point of Interest looks simple enough to make.  I may have to try it myself.

Candy Cane Impressionist Swirl Soap

Now that Thanksgiving is over with, it is time to think about Christmas.  When thinking about Christmas the first thing that comes to mind is candy canes.  If candy canes are your favorite candy at Christmas then this would be perfect for you.  This Candy Cane Impressionist Swirl Soap is a cold process soap tutorial from I'd Lather be Soaping is a refreshing soap to make for gifts to give at the holidays.

Preserving difficult to preserve products. Adding beeswax to any lotion recipe.

If you ever had questions about preserving your products, especially difficult ones?  Well, good news!  In a recent post from Point of Interest, Preserving Difficult to Preserve Products, tells you what you should do. Also in the article includes the discussion of adding beeswax to any lotion recipe.  Make sure to see the recipe for their lotion and see if you like to try and make it for yourself.

Baby Massage Oil Video

Do you have a baby and do you apply baby oil?  Instead of using a commercial brand that may contain yucky ingredients such as mineral oil,  why not make your own?  Believe me it is easier than you think.  Just check out this recipe and video for Baby Massage Oil from The Soap Queen.

Formulating on a Budget: An Introduction

As many as you know that making your own bath and body products is not an inexpensive hobby.  For me it was not because I purchased so many essential and fragrance oils, equipment and other items that it started to add up.  But once you purchase the basics and learn what ingredients you like and don't like, it gets easier. Plus fragrances and some colorants can be used for different products.  Would you like to learn more?  I found this posting from Point of Interest called Formulating on a Budget:  An Introduction that can make your purchasing decisions a little easier.

Chocolate Mandarin Lip Balm Recipe

As the days are getting colder, we need to protect our lips from the cold harsh wind.  I found this recipe from Saffire Blue called Chocolate Madnarin Lip Balm.  It is a wonderfully fragrant and rich treat for your lips.  According to Saffire Blue, this recipe is formatted using percentages so you can use grams or ounces so that you can make as much or as little as you want.

Basic Bath Tea with Spa Salts Recipe

Do you love taking baths?  Here is an easy recipe from Wholesale Supplies Plus called Basic Bath Tea with Spa Salts. This recipes yields 16 large bags so it would be great to make for favors at a bridal or baby shoer.  Or you can easily make it to give out as gifts.

Facial scrubs: Which exfoliant to choose? Physical exfoliants (part 1)

Always wanted to make a facial scrub and do not know what to put into it?  If you have had this burning question, then I would suggest reading this post from Point of Interest called Facial Scrubs:  Which Exfoliants to Choose Physical Exfoliants (Part 1),  Stay tuned for more posts on this subject from Point of Interest.

Pumpkin Pie Soap Loaf

                                                                                                            This  week is Thanksgiving.  And even though it is late this year it is too late to make this Pumpkin Pie Soap Loaf  from Wholesale Supplies Plus to give out for the holidays.  But keep it in mind for next year. This is perfect to give to someone who loves pumpkin pie.

 

 

Bath Salts with Botanicals

 

Do you have alot of friends to give holiday gifts to and you are on a budget?  Instead of buying each person a present, why not make something?  This recipe from Wholesale Supplies Plus called Bath Salts with Botanicals is an easy recipe that yields 50 eight oz bags. 

Charcoal and Rose Clay Spa Bar

Are you a melt and pour soap maker looking for a new project to try?  Here is one from The Soap Queen called Charcoal and Rose Clay Spa Bar. It is a unique combo of charcoal and rose that gives you a luxurious bar of soap.

Pumpkin Seed Oil: Making a Light Lotion

Are you looking for a lotion that offers protection?  Well, I found a recipe from Point of Interest that just may fit the bill.  The posting called Pumpkin Seed Oil:  Making a Light Lotion does not use cocoa butter so it is great for someone who has oily skin.  Plus it includes chamomile hydtosol, aloe vera, and witch hazel for anti-flammatory properties and glycerin as the humecant to draw moisture to the skin.

Jolly Jublee Embeds

Even though Thanksgiving is next week, it does not hurt to start looking for ideas for Christmas.  Here is a melt and pour tutorial from The Soap Queen called Jolly Jubilee Embeds.  This intermediate projects takes 90 mins. to make four soaps. So start thinking who you want to make soap for and how much supplies you need to order to make these adorable soaps.

Strawberries & Cream Soap: A cold process tutorial

Strawberries and Cream Soap  swirled cold process tutorial from The Soap Queen. This is an advanced recipe that takes an hour to make plus curing time to get 8 - 10 bars of soap.  This is a special tutorial inspired by the Soap Queen's book called Soap Crafting.

Homemade Holiday Snow Globe!

 

Do you love snow globes?  As a kid I had an inexpensive one but even as an adult I am still memorized by them.  Well, I have some good news.  Would you believe you can make your own?  Yes, it is true. I found simple instructions on Brambleberry's website.  Just follow the simple instructions for the Homemade Holiday Snow Globe and you will have a great gift to give at the holidays or put out every year at the holdays.



Pumpkin Seed Oil: Making a pumpkin seed butter with Lipidthix, then using it in a cuticle balm

Since Thanksgiving is next week, I remember I saved this posting from Pumpkin Seed Oil:  Making a Pumpkin Seed Butter with Lipidthix. This is a great recipe that you can use on your cuticles.  So if your cuticles get dry during this time of the year, you may want to try and make this cuticle balm recipe. If you wind up liking it, it would be a great gift to make and give out as gift during the holiday season.

Six ingredient lotion: Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter

Point of Interest has been posting quite a few postings on Meadowfoam Seed Oil.  According to Point of Interest, Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a light, slightly greasy oil that has a long shelf life and can boost the shelf life of other oils. In their lasted posting called Six Ingredient Lotion:  Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter has a recipe for a lotion that you may just want to try.  So read this informative post and see if you would like to try a lotion recipe.

Winter Blues Spray Recipe

Daylights Saving returned two weeks ago.  As it gets darker earlier, I seem to experience the blues more often.  Mountain Rose Herbs recently posted a recipe for a Winter Blues Spray that I may just give a try. This aroma spray combines four different essential oils that is supposed to uplift your spirits on a deary day. 

Massage Oil Recipe

It has been quite awhile since I posted a massage oil recipe. But I found this recipe on The Soap Queen site. Right now they are having a series on Givember and this time around the post is on Massage Oil.  This massage oil recipe is part of their Romance Gift ensemble which also includes bath salts, whipped shea butter, spruce scented candle, and pink salt scrub recipe tutorials.  You can also learn how to make these other products by scrolling down the page and finding them. 

Cheery Cranberry Seed Melt & Pour Tutorial

It has been awhile since I posted a melt and pour soap tutorial.  I saw this one from The Soap Queen called Cheery Cranberry Seed Melt and Pour. It is a pretty interesting project and that I thought I would share. After I checked the ingredients, I found that it calls for Cranberry Chutney fragrance oil.  Well, I have to say that I received my order from Brambleberry and I received a small sample of this fragrance oil.  I am planning to take it to the holiday bizarre that I am participating in and let the customers use for their potpourri.

Found a New Source For Muslin Bags

Previously I had order the small muslin bags from Mountain Rose Herb to use in a holiday bizzare that I will be participating in.  I thought they were too small but I kept them anyway.  I ordered the large size and I did not check the measurements.  But they wound up being 4" x 6" . They were too large.  I wanted something in between the 3" x 5" and 4" x 6".  I searched on line and found a company in Kansas City, MO called State Line Bag Co. I am happy to say that they had a 3.25" x 5" bag that was perfect.  State Line Bag Co. has a variety of sizes from 2" x 3" to 12" x 20".  So if you are looking for an unique size for muslin bags, then I would check them out.

Holiday Crimson Lip Stain

Do you normally love to wear a lip stain instead of lipstick? Guess what?  Here is a simple recipe from The Soap Queen called Holiday Crimson Lip Stain that you can make your own. It only takes 20 minutes and it yields 5 tubes.  What makes this so easy is that it is made with Brambleberry's Nourish Lip Balm Base which contains a luscious blend of coconut, sweet almond and avocado oils.  But if you already have a favorite lip balm recipe I am sure you can adapt it to this fun project.

Coconut Milk Pedicure Soak Recipe

Do you love when you are getting a pedicure and you get to soak your feet?  If you need or want to take time out of your busy schedule to pamper your feet, then you should try making this Coconut Milk Pedicure Soak recipe from Saffire Blue. It is a very simple recipe to make and it only needs four ingredients.  This would be a great recipe to make and give as gifts for the holidays. It would be great to make at baby or bridal shower as an activity.

Bramble Beer Soap

Are you a cold process soapmaker that wants to take their soap making to the next level?  Then you should check out this recipe from The Soap Queen.  It is called Bramble Beer Soap  and it is an advanced cold process recipe that takes 1 - 2 hours to make. Once you make this recipe you will get 8-10 bars of soap.

Festive Holiday Potpourri

Are you having a difficult time coming up with an unique gift to give to someone?  Or do you have a lot of people on your list and you are on a budget?  Have you ever thought of creating potpourri and giving it out as gifts?  Here is a Festive Holiday Potpourri recipe from The Soap Queen that just be the solution to your problem.  This is a simple recipe that a beginner can do in 10 minutes and makes one jar of potpourri.  Order enough supplies and make a bunch of sachets for each of the people on your list.

Six ingredient lotions: A great way to learn what you like!

Point of Interest has a concept of the six ingredient lotion which they encourage you to try because it is a really great way to learn what each ingredient brings to the product.  And what is really great about this process is that a first time beginner or an experienced lotion maker can make and learn from this recipe.  Are you interested?  Then check out the post from Point of Interest called Six Ingredient Lotions:  A Great Way to Learn What You Like!

Selling Success at Fairs and Public Markets

Since I took my very first melt and pour soap making class in 2002, I briefly thought about selling and only decided to teach classes.  But next month I decided to have a table at this year's Deborah's Palm Holiday Bizarre.  But instead of creating products to sell I am going to have a make and take potpourri table.  It has been a lot of planning since I signed up last month and I am hoping it will be a success.  But if you are planning to sell at fair, public markets or farmer's markets, you may want to read this posting from The Soap Queen titled Selling Success at Fairs and Public Markets.

Meadowfoam seed oil: Why is it so stable?

Point of Interest recently had a posting about Meadow Foam Seed Oil. Now they have a follow-up posting called Meadowfoam Seed Oil:  Why is it so Stable? So if you are interested in learning more about this particular carrier oil, then you should read these two postings.