Homemade Baby Wipes

Have you or someone you know recently have a baby?  One of the main staples is having baby wipes at the ready when you need to change their diapers.  Now the products that are on the shelves are probably filled with chemicals that you probably do not want to put on your baby.  So what is the solution?  Well, did you know that you can make your own?  Yes indeed!  You can make your own plus these can be washed and reused.  Plus it is a healthier alternative to the disposable products.  Want to learn how?  Here are instructions from BOrganic on how to make your own Homemade Baby Wipes. 

DIY Lotion Project From BOrganic

There is a show that airs on PBS called BOrganic.  It is hosted by a gal named Michelle Beschon.  In season one, Michelle had a guest demonstrate how to make several beauty products and one happened to be a lotion.  In this particular lotion recipe does not include a preservative but does include an anti-oxident of vitamin e.  So beware that this lotion recipe will not last very long.

Lotion Bar Recipe from Duffin's

Love Lotion Bars and would like to make your own?  Or you would like to try a new recipe?  Here is a recipe from Duffin's Soap Bakery that you may want to try.  This Lotion Bar Recipe is very easy to make and you do not have to use the mold that Duffin's uses. I recognize this mold.  It looks like a soap mold that Life of the Party once sold at my local craft store.  So look for a flexible mold that would work best for you.  What would be nice it is to get bite molds that Wilton makes and make travel or guest size bars.

Sea Masque Recipe

Like I said in yesterday's post, I have been having a difficult time finding my favorite mud mask on the shelves.  I happened to find this Sea Masque recipe by Allison B. Kontur which appears on Design it Yourself Skincare. It seems like a very simple recipe that I may like to try if this is a reasonable substitute. If not, I will be on the hunt for the right one.  Anyone have a suggestion for a recipe for a mud mask recipe?

Oat and Clay Body Wash Recipe

I have always loved using a bath wash while I shower.  And I would often use a mud mask on my face.  But for about four years I cannot seem to find my favorite mud mask in the stores I shop in.  While I was searching for some new recipes I found this recipe on Alison Kontur's Bath Body Supply Blog - "Design It Yourself" Skincare called Oat and Clay Body Wash .  This maybe something that could solve my problem. So I will have to give it a try.

Red Raspberry Facial Mask

This fresh Red Raspberry Facial Mask recipe from The Natural Beauty Workshop is great for combination skin.  The Organic Honey Powder acts as an antiseptic to help fight acne and oily patches while Organic Red Raspberry Oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, nourishes the skin.  Gentle Pink Kaolin Clay provides deep cleansing action without over-drying.  Our main wetting agent in this mask is Neroli Hydrosol, a gentle, but effective astringent with a sweet fruity and floral aroma.  This recipe makes about a third of a cup (or about 3 ounces) of mask.  You can share with a friend or two when you make this up or you can store the remaining mask, sealed tightly in your refrigerator for 3 - 5 days.  As with all natural formulations, the mask will run the risk of becoming contaminated or going rancid  prematurely without a preservative added.  Discard your mask if it changes color, odor or if appears “off” in any other way.

Tiger Stripe “Hanger” Swirl Tutorial

Awhile back I was at my local Michael's s store and I saw a similiar project in a book for melt and pour soap. The Soap Queen has posted this tutorial on how to make this Tiger Stripe “Hanger” Swirl Soap. It is an intermediate project that takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete.  Once you are done you should get eight bars of soap.

I have tried to make the melt and pour version but it did not come out like the picture.  I guess it will take a little more practice since the consistencies are different.

Pink Chiffon Heart Bath Melts

Here is another great idea for a Valentine's Day gift for someone who loves to take a bath - Pink Chiffon Heart Bath Melts .  This recipe from 
Wholesale Supplies Plus is an intermediate project that should take two hours to get 48 bath melts.  What is great about these melts, when they are put under running, they will release the acai and tucuma butter to moisturize and soften the skin.

Heart Cupcake Bath Fizzies

Valentine's day is less than a month away and you are wondering what to give your Valentine this year?  Well, if your special Valentine loves to take baths, why not create this recipe for Heart Cupcake Fizzies  from
Wholesale Supplies Plus?  These adorable bath fizzies take two hours to make a whopping 20 fizzies.

Egg Oil & Amla Hair Serum

Have you ever tried a hair serum?  According to The Natural Beauty Workshop, Hair Serums can be used just like hair oils. These intensive ingredients contain potent antioxidants, strong moisturizers, and fortifying components, making them like a super-vitamin for your locks. Apply just a few drops to damp hair after washing to use it as a leave-in conditioner, or try applying just a tiny dab to the ends of your hair before bed. Depending on how thirsty your hair is, you can use this serum as a special treatment now and then, or as an everyday leave-in conditioner. Here is a recipe from The Natural Beauty Workshop that you may want to try - Egg Oil and Amla Hair Serum.  For those who are allergic to eggs like I am, I would not even attempt to make this for the fear that I may have a reaction.

How to Make Petit Four Soap Video

Have you ever been to a tea party where they had beautifully decorated mini cakes called Petit Fours?  How about for your next bridal or baby shower you make them to give out as favors?  It is really simple if you follow The Soap Queen's How to Make Petit Four Soap Video. Anne Marie has conveniently listed the ingredients you need so you can make these adorable soaps while watching the video.

Fruit & Vegetable Hair Oil

Have you ever used hair oil before and would like to try for the very first time?  Well, I have some good news, The Natural Beauty Workshop has this recipe for Fruit & Vegetable Hair Oil. It is a simple formula that is composed of five fruit and vegetable ingredients that each bring something unique and beneficial to your hair.  This recipe yields two ounces of product which I think is a good amount to start out with.  Then if you like you can always make more.

Tiger Stripe Bath Bombs

Love bath bombs?  I saw this tutorial on Soap Queen.com  for a completely different looked called Tiger Stripe Bath Bombs.  Even though this recipe calls for buttercream and snickerdoole fragrance oil and capacchino mica for coloring, you can change the fragrance and coloring to suit your liking.

Free Beginner’s Guide To Soapmaking: Melt and Pour

My first introduction to making my own bath and body products was taking a melt and pour soap class through a local community education course. I could not believe how easy it was. Once I learned how to make soaps this way, I really started getting interested in making my own bath and body products as a hobby. It was a great introduction that gave me the confidence to purse this interest. For those who are interested in getting started on a new craft, The Soap Queen has proved a Free Beginner's Guide to Soapmaking:  Melt and Pour. Give this craft a chance and see where it leads you.

Org. Certification for Cosmetic Ingredients: Be Careful

Being organic is very important these days.  And there is a lot of confusion about being organic.  Even though  products can be made from natural items does not mean that they are organic.  I know that may seem confusing but if you are making your own products and selling them you need to educate yourself on what is actually excepted as an organic product.  In an article by Oh, Oh Organics' blog titled Org. Certification of Cosmetic Ingredients:  Be Careful there are two different types of certification:  public and private.  In this post, there is a discussion of what is the difference and what are some of the examples of each.

Tutorial for Everything Balm

According to the Soap Queen this recipe for everything balm is excellent for many applications. Because the oils used in this recipe are all lip-safe, it makes a great lip balm as well (though, you’ll want to ensure any essential oils you use are lip safe as well if you go that route). Try it on your cuticles, or on stubborn winter dry patches (like elbows and knees) for intensive moisture. Make sure to check out the end of the tutorial for some of Anne-Marie's favorite additives to kick the benefits up a notch!

Hidden Color Bath Bombs

Having a difficult time getting your kids to taking a bath?  Well, here is something that maybe the perfect thing to help you with getting them to take a bath.  This Hidden Color Bath Bomb recipe from the Soap Queen is unique because there's enough colorant in each bath bomb to color the bath water.  And since you cannot see the color until the bath bomb is activated, you will have to been in the bath to actually see the surprise.

Opalz Zoaps Has Moved

For those who have taken a class from and purchased supplies from Opalz Zoaps in Palo Alto, I just wanted to let you know that they have moved.  They are now located at 897 Independence Way, Suite C3, Mountain View.  If you do not know know where that location is it is the street between Costco and Michaels.  But I also need to let you know that their hours will be by appointment only since Opalz no longer a retail store but will have classes, birthday parties, workshops and sell supplies.  If you are inetrested in purchasing supplies it would be best to call Annie at (650) 322-6500 or email (annie@opalzoap.com) her to make arrangements to purchase the supplies you need.

Formulating on a budget: Equipment

If you are just starting out on making your own body products and you are trying to stick to your budget, I do not blame.  Purchasing ingredients and equipment can be overwhelming.  If you want to get an idea of what is important in what equipment you should purchase, I would advise you to read the article on Point of Interest's site titled Formulating on a budget:  Equipment.  The author has a couple of different links that you should take a look at so you can determine what you really need to buy right away.

Solid Shampoo Bar for Dogs

Are you someone who gives their dog a bath at home?  Are you concerned about the ingredients that are in your dogs shampoo?  Well, would you believe it is simple enough to make your own Solid Shampoo Bar for your dog. Ever since I have been taking classes on how to make my own bath and body products, I have have interested in learning more about making products for the dogs I take care of.  If any of my readers have recipes or recommend any sites that have natural recipes for our furry friends, please share.  I would love to make and give to the parents of my furry friends.

Hair Chalk Recipe and Application Tutorial

I have often have seen someone color their hair with bright colors.  But recently, I have seen women with streaks of variety of colors in their hair and have wondered how they do that.  While I am a follower of the Soap Queen, I saw this tutorial for a Hair Chalk Recipe and Application Instructions.  Thought this a really cool idea because I have never heard of hair chalk.  What is really great about hair chalk is that there is no commitment - it washes out in 2 - 3 shampoos.  Is this is too cool not to try. I bet it would be a hit.

Ayurvedic Hair Cream Recipe

This moisturizing hair cream recipe called Ayurvedic Hair Cream from The Natural Beauty Workshop combines soft, creamy Shealoe Butter with Amla Oil and Mahabhringraj Oil, two Ayurvedic Oils that are especially beneficial to hair care treatments.  Amla Oil can help to strengthen hair at the root, improve scalp condition, and encourage the growth of healthier hair.  Mahabhringraj Oil can help to inhibit the frequency of gray hair, and help prevent hair loss.  This mixture has a very soft, creamy texture, and can be used to help condition and style the hair.  Intensely moisturizing, this formula would probably not be helpful to those with oily or fine hair.

Jasmine & Acai Berry Hair Oil Recipe

Jasmine Acai Berry Hair Oil recipe from The Natural Beauty Workshop is a moisturizing treat for tired, dry hair. Acai Berries are rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and Vitamin C. The highly prized oil of Acai helps to nourish and condition dry and damaged hair, making it an excellent ingredient for use in natural hair care. Jojoba is a liquid wax that is very similar in composition to sebum, the body’s natural protective barrier of the skin and hair. Camellia Seed Oil is another ingredient that is very moisturizing to the hair and scalp, but is light and non-greasy. The trio of nutritive oils in this recipe is complemented by the alluring aroma of Jasmine, making this all natural hair oil a pleasure to use. 

Gel Candles

Are you interested in making gel candles? Making gel candles are different than traditional candles in that you are using different type of wax and fragrances. But what is great about gel candles is that they are transparent which makes them great for placing embeds in them.

If you would like to learn more about gel candles, then I recommend reading Erica's article entitled "Gel Candles - General" which appears on her blog The Bonnie Bath Company.

Sparkling Champagne Melt and Pour Loaf Soap

If you love Champagne but do not like the after effects, why not make this Sparkling Champagne Loaf Soap from Wholesale Supplies Plus to celebrate with?  Even though New Years has past, this is a project you can use for next year or another special occasion.   This is an intermediate project that should take two hours and one it is completely done you should get eight 1" soaps.

Sparkling Snowflake Wax Melts

Even though the holidays are over, this project for Sparkling Snowflakes Wax Melts from Wholesale Supplies Plus can be created to be enjoyed through the winter season. This is an easy project to make and in just six hours you can make 54 melts.  It would be perfect to give some of these melts with a ceramic melter which can be purchased where they sell candles. I have seen them being sold at such places at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Hot Process Series: Oven Process Layers

Have you seen the Soap Queen's series on her site about Hot Process Soap Making?  She did one on Hot Process - Camo and Hot Process CPOP Swirls.  Her next article in the Hot Process Series is on Oven Process Layers. So if you have done the crock pot method but would like to try the oven method, then give this recipe a try.

Penguins Soaps (M&P)

Remember when the movie "March of the Penguins" came out?  I believe it was 2005 and penguins became the big thing from this movie. How about making these adorable Penguin Soaps?  The instructions are provided by Wholesale Supplies Plus should take the advanced melt and pour soapmakers two hours to yield nine bars of soap.

Facial scrubs: Which exfoliants to choose? Physical exfoliants (part 2)

If you love to make facial scrubs, but do not know what options you have for exfoliants, then I would suggest reading Point of Interest's article entitled, Facial Scrubs:  Which Exoliants to Choose? Physical Exfolaints (Part 2).  In part 2 discusses a variety of options that part 1 did not cover.  If you missed part 1, then I would recommend checking it out.

Oils That Can be Purchased Locally to Make Lotions and Creams

If any of my readers have taken a lotions class from me in the past, I just wanted to let you know that Sprouts Farmers Market located at San Antonio Road and El Camino in Mountain View carries the following oils in Avocado, Almond, Flax Seed, Grapeseed. Coconut and Rice Bran in regular food aisle. But if you are looking for Macadamia Nut, then go to Whole Foods.  Just to let you know if you are looking for Avocado Oil at Whole Foods, it can be a crap shoot.  They had it for awhile and now they don't.  I asked and they said it will be back in the future but they could not tell me when.

In beauty section you can purchase Jojoba and a few others.  In addition, I noticed that they do have the following essential oils that you may not find at Whole Foods: Vanilla, Pine, and Lemon Eucalyptus.

Black Tie M&P Soap Tutorial

Hosting a black tie affair and would like to give out favors to your guests?  Here's a thought - making Black Tie M&P Soaps.  This fun melt and pour soap project is for the intermediate soap maker but is rather rewarding product to make.  This project from Wholesale Supplies Plus makes six bars but you can multiple this recipe to make more.