SoapyLove Sweet Soap Class

When I took my first melt and pour soapmaking class in 2002, I did not know the potential of how far I could take this soapmaking process in creating soaps. I found a variety of books on the subject and then I heard of Debbie Chialtas of Soapy Love fame who is best known for her glycerin soap pops. When her book "Soapylove: Squeaky-Clean Projects Using Melt-and-Pour Soap" came out in September 2009, I knew I had to have it. By this time, she started teaching classes at The Nova Studio I knew I wanted to take a class, but something seemed to happen that I was unable to take the class. But in August 2011, I was luckily enough and excited to take Debbie's Sweet Saturday Soap class. What prompted me to take this class was the different projects such as S'mores, Marshmallow, Sprinkles and Cupcake soaps which were not included in her book.

What was really great about this class was the fact that we learned to make all of the soap projects from clear glycerin soap base. This was a surprise to me that not one ounce of white opaque soap was used. Debbie showed us how to use the appropriate type of colorant to turn clear glycerin soap base into opaque soap. It is so amazing on how we created soap that looks like delicious desserts. Even when I showed friends and family the S'mores soap they could not believe how cute they were.

In 3 of the projects (Cupcake, S'mores and Marshmallows) we learned how to take clear glycerin soap and make it to three different consistencies to make frosting, melted marshmallows and regular marshmallows. The concept for this is very simple, but it can get tricky. You think that the consistency is not quite there, and then you find yourself going just alittle to far. But no fear! The beauty of this is that you can pop it back into the microwave and start over again. The fourth project, is learning how to make sprinkles. These are perfect to put atop of your cupcake soap or even on a muffin bath bomb. If one finds these to be too difficult to make, you can purchase jojoba beads in a variety of color and put them on your cupcake soap instead. I saw this option being done by my partner.

In this class brand new class, there were only 8 students in the class which made the seating arrangements really comfortable. Luckily there was an even number in the class because we worked in pairs on each project, which means that we got hands on practice but also had the added comfort with working with someone.

I would highly recommend this class. It was fun and educational. I was sorry to miss the Spooky Halloween Sunday Class. But I was luckily enough to purchase the e-class handout directly from The Nova Studio website. It was well worth it and I am looking forward to creating the exploding soap project. Always check The Nova Studio website for new class offerings from Debbie and other teachers.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Class @ The Nova Studio

In my everyday life, I try to be green and eco-friendly as I can. I lived through the energy crisis of the 1970’s so I always turned off the lights after I left the room. And I was taught to turn off the water while brushing my teeth and taking short showers. This came handy during the 1976 and 1977 drought years in California. Then when Menlo Park started there recycling program in the late 80’s, I was diligent about recycling newspapers, aluminum cans, etc. And of course, I save the plastic bags from the grocery store and recycle them properly. Then in 2011, Menlo Park finally graduated to composting paper products and food scraps with the garden clippings. But one thing lagged and that was using eco-friendly cleaning products.

Now some of the eco-friendly cleaning products had been on the market for some time and I had not been using or gave much attention to them. My reasoning behind that was one the cost and two I was unfamiliar with these products. It was only until recently, I started using Planet dishwashing soap for washing my dishes and I felt that it was time to learn more. But I did not know where to go. I know that The Nova Studio in Point Richmond, CA had offered a class in eco-friendly cleaning products class in a boot camp but it was not offered as an individual class until now.

For the first time in January 2011, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products was offered as a separate class and I was really excited. To tell you the truth, I did not know what to expect because this class was out of my element of bath and body products classes that I have taken over the years through The Nova Studio.

In this class taught by Melanie Monteverde was a very informative class on how to make your own window and mirror cleaner, bathroom cleaner and powder scrub. I was a little nervous on how complicated it would be to make these products but after the class I found that it was not all that difficult. What make the making of each product go smoothly was Melanie’s helper Nancy setting up stations with the different ingredients plus having a post it note at each telling each student how much of the ingredient was needed. This was most helpful because we did not have to carry our handouts to each station and read the recipe.

Another idea I liked about the recipes that most of the ingredients could be found at your local supermarket, which means I can save a lot of money by not having to pay shipping and handling charges if I had to purchase the supplies online. What is also great about the recipes is that one can make small batches at time which means that I am more likely to make my own cleaners. Some might find small batches to be a nuisance, but you figure that you make have a three month expiration period and if you may make a large batch and do not use it all then you are wasting valuable products and ingredients in addition throwing out money. Just think that if you make small batches you can change the fragrance each time you make a batch. For my class products, I used mostly eucalyptus and mint but I am thinking of orange and clove for my next batch.

And finally, I learned that making my own cleaning products was extremely easier than I thought. That was the most important factor. Because if it is too difficult to create then I will lose interest and never recreate what I learned in class. I would say that from now on I will be making these household cleaners to use on a regular basis. For the products that I find too difficult to make such as dishwashing soap or detergent, I will be purchasing those from my local supermarket or discount store.

So are you looking to become more environmentally friendly and want to start out slow? Or would you like to take a gander at making your own cleaning products instead of purchasing them? Well, I highly recommend taking Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products at The Nova Studio. To see when the next class is offered, check the studio’s website for the next available class. You will not regret taking this class.

Luscious Lip Balms, Gloss and Exfoliator Class @ CSM Community Education

On Saturday, October 16th (2010), I took a class through Community Education on how to make lip balms, gloss and exfoliators with Melanie Wessner. Some of you maybe wondering why I took this class since I recently took a class on sugar scrubs last month which included how to make a lip scrub. And I already knew how to make a lip balm. So it would seem to be a waste of time. Well, most importantly I wanted to learn how to make a lip gloss but I find that taking a class on a subject that I may have some experience in also has some benefits. For example, I learned tips how to create my own recipes. Melanie provide me the information on the correct percentages of ingredients that I needed to know to make a lip balm recipe from scratch rather than following some one else's recipe. In addition, I gained alot of tips and tricks to making other products. For example, if I wanted to make a lip balm and wanted to put the mixture into a pot instead of a tube. I would have to make the recipe abit softer which means adjusting the wax.

The first produce we learned how to make was a lip balm. Melanie demonstrated on how to make a simple recipe. Then a second lip balm recipe was made with the assistance of the class. Each student got to participate learning how to measure the ingredients and if a simple mistake was made in measuring, Melanie instructed the class on how to adjust the other ingredients in the class. Since I had previously made a lip balm before I graciously gave up my chance to try. I really wanted the students who did not prior experience to give it a try.

The second product we made was a sugar lip exfoliator. It is similar to making a lip balm but with the added ingredient of sugar to scrub off any dead skin off of our lips. Melanie was also kind enough to demonstrate how to use the product.

The last product we made was a lip gloss. In Melanie's handout she provided several recipes we could choose from. The class unanimously chose to learn how to make a lava lamp lip gloss. This is a very unique product that none of us has ever heard of before and were all excited to learn to make. If you grew up in the 60's you would really like this product and I believe this would be a hit with the teens and tweens.

Overall, I enjoyed this premiere class. All though there were eight students in the class, I felt that Melanie was able to provide ample to attention to everyone and accomodated the different skill level. I am glad that I had the opportunity to take this class and did not miss it.

I would highly recommend this class who would be interested in learning how to make your own lip products. Hopefully, Melanie would offer this class again in the future. If you missed this class, you may want to check out her Natural Scented Festive Candles Class offerred on November 20 from 10 am to 1:30 pm. The candles you learn how to make in this class would make great gifts for any holiday.

Simply Sweet Sugar Scrubs Class @ The Nova Studio

Recently, I have heard the buzz regarding sugar scrubs and was really interested in finding more about them. Well, I had found a tutorial for a solid sugar cube recipe by Erin Pikor that appeared on a blog titled Soap and the Finer Things in Life . I was really intrigued and wanted to know more. Interesting enough I saw that Erin would be teaching a class at The Nova Studio in Point Richmond, CA. I thought hurrah! And I immediately signed up and anxiously waited for the faithful day in September 2010 for the class to happen.

What I was really look for was learning how to make a scrub that does not feel greasy to the skin or leave the tub slippery where I could potentially slip and fall. In this new and innovative full-day class at The Nova Studio we learned how to make 4 different types of creative & skin-loving sugar scrubs including a sugar whipped soap, a lip exfoliator, a foot scrub and sugar cube scrubs. I have to tell you that I found all of the products made in the class intriguing. First of all, I never heard of a sugar whipped soap. The feeling is very silky and smooth so it will be very interesting to try it for the first time. I never heard of a lip exfoliator before or never needed the use for one but I could use this product during the cold winter months. And it is something that I am looking forward to using soon. And finally the sugar cube scrubs. What can I say? That the product is simply irrestible! I like it so much better than dipping my fingers in a jar of an oily substance.


What was so amazing in this class is what you left with. Each student left with two 10.5 oz jars of body sugar cubes, one 10 oz jar of sugar whipped soap, one 6 oz jar of Green Tea Foot scrub and at least two adorable pots of mango lip scrub. And with the added BONUS from Erin that each student got a kit with ingredients to make six more lip scrubs at home! I wound up getting a pineapple flavor which I have not made yet since I have not finish the apple flavor exfoliator in class. At the table I was sitting at we decided to our scented our sugar cube scrubs with a kumquat fragrance oil. Too me it smelled like a fresh grapefruit, but when I let someone else take a whiff they thought it was tangerine. Go figure. But what really exordinary was Erin's handout. It contained beautiful color photographs corresponding to each step plus the recipes for each product had ingredient amounts to make small and large batches. I could not ask for anything more.

Another great testament to the class was that there were 18 people taking this first time class. And the participants most came from all over the bay area except for one couple who came all the way from Mexico. Alot them were crafters, some had their own businesses and some were teachers who actually taught other classes at the studio. With such a diverse group how could one had a great learning experience in the class.

Erin was a fantastic instructor. Erin is the owner of Naiad Soap Arts and a proud member of the handcrafted Soap Makers Guild. With a background in fine art and photography, she began making soap in 2006 with an attention to formulating soaps and bath products that suited her problematic and sensitive skin but also appealed to her sense of composition and color. She is best known for her award winning soap design, her dessert line of soaps including the French Macaroon soap and her body sugar cubes, a no mess single use, cube shaped sugar scrub. Her soaps can be found online and in boutiques around the country.

So if you are really interested in learning more about making sugar scrubs, I highly recommend taking Erin's class at The Nova Studio. Make sure to check The Nova Studio's website to see when the next time this class is offered. Make sure to sign up for the class because it is well worth the $125 class fee plus the $35 materials fee. I really cannot say enough or more about this class. You just need to be there and experience the joy of making all of these products. I am so looking forward to using the products made in this class and of course making these products as gifts. All of the recipes are very simple to make. But I would say that the sugar cube scrubs would be the most challenging because you have to make sure to pour it into the mold before it cools down and solidifies. But with practice that challenge could be conquered.

If whatever reason you are unable to take the class, The Nova Studio offers an eclass handout for a great price of $39.00. You are wondering what an eclass is? Well, basically you are purchasing the handout that is given in the class in a downloadable form that you can save right on your computer. Are you interested in purchasing an E-Class Handout? Then visit the E-Class Handout Link to The Nova Studio to find out more info.

Class: Make Meltable Transparent Soap ~with David Critchfield~

It has been 8 years since I took my first melt and pour soap making class. To tell you the truth it seems like it was only yesterday. But since taking that first class back in April 2002, I have purchased a lot of soap base and was wondering if it was possible to make my own soap base.

Earlier this year I saw this Meltable Transparent Soap class offered at The Nova Studio. I originally signed up for the class in February 2010, but unfortunately the class had to be canceled. So I put my name on the list for the next available date which was on June 13, 2010. After I signed up for the class, I was at my local used bookstore and found that they had a copy of Catherine Failor's Making Natural Liquid Soap. I had intended to read the book prior to the class, but I did not immediately read it.

So as the date was approaching I was getting a little apprehensive and not sure if I wanted to actually take the class because I took David's Liquid Soap Making class nearly two years ago and I felt making liquid soap was not my cup of tea. I found out that liquid soap was a lot more difficult than making an soap in bar form. I decided what the heck, what do I have to lose? I plunged ahead and read Catherine's book a day before the class and made the trek over to Point Richmond.

About midway through the class, I was extremely happy how things were going. And I am truly glad that I decide to make the class after all. I wound up learning a lot more than I thought. First thing, learned was that the recipes in Catherine's book were not meltable, which is major disadvantage for me. I really wanted to be able to make a soap base and be able to remelt the batch at a later date. Even though her process seemed simple enough, I really did not like how Catherine used alcohol in her batches. The way David taught the classes was like making hot process soap in a crockpot/slow cooker. This was great because I had taken the hot process soap making class at The Nova Studio and already had purchased a slow cooker so I was already halfway home. Second, I really liked learning about certain ingredients that appear in Life of the Party brand of soap base. Some of these ingredients were used as substitutes for other natural products and also were to insure shelf life. David also discussed about solvents. And one particular came up was glycerin. Glycerin is found in most "commercial" soap bases and has a purpose but it often makes a bar of soap sticky and sweat. David's recipe does not include glycerin and it will be interesting to see how a bar turns out. Third, the soap base that you buy at Michaels that has the olive oil etc in it only has a small amount in the soap base. And lastly, the recipe demonostrated in class makes a womping 7 3/4 pounds of soap which can be used immediately unlike Catherine's recipe you have to wait two weeks before you can use it. Just want to let you know if you make a batch of David's soap and you allow it to harden in a large mold to be used later, it will be an amber color. But if you slice it and remelt the soap, it will become clear.

This class will focus on creating a transparent soap that is as “natural” as possible, but which employs man made solvents to achieve transparency. This class will include a discussion about the use of both natural and man made ingredients in transparent soap and the trade-offs involved. The only thing that concerned me was being able to purchase sorbital. It maybe difficult to purchase in small amounts, but David graciously sold one pound increments and I took him up on his offer. Since David's recipe calls for 17 oz. I purchased two pounds. I guess I will worry about purchasing more when I get to making my second batch.

This demonstration style class covers a discussion and demonstration on how transparent soap is made. It is important to understand that by sticking with mostly "natural" or "naturally-sourced" ingredients, it's impossible to achieve a very clear, hard bar of soap. Natural-ingredient transparent soaps are always going to be more amber in color, slightly milky (as opposed to crystal clear), and a bit softer than their detergent-based, synthetic counterparts. What was really interesting is that the sample we received was pretty close to clear. David did show the class a batch that was cooled in a larger block and you could really see the amber coloring. But David did say that if you melted the bar down into smaller bars, the clarity would be more apparent.

Just to let you know that the making of transparent soap from start to finish takes longer that 3 hours, so parts of the process will be pre-made (where necessary). Each student will take home 1 full-sized bar of soap (in a to-go container) made in the class, to cure at home and handouts which include the recipe made in class, as well as instructions.

I would highly recommend this class for seasoned cold or hot process soap makers, but it is great for someone who makes their soap by the melt and pour method. It is truly worth taking. For those who are interested, three are some requirements in taking the class. This is an intermediate-level soap making class and is designed for students who have either taken our Cold Process 101 Class, the 2-day Soap Boot Camp, or who have experience making soap from scratch on their own. If you have never made soap from scratch before (cold process or hot process), you must first take our Cold Process 101 Soap Class which demonstrates soap making using a 4-pound batch and teaches all the basics (including lye safety) needed for all beginning soap makers.

Are you ready to take this class? Then check out The Nova Studio's website and see when the next time this class is offered.

Review: Eco-Friendly Candlemaking Class at The Nova Studio

In May 2002, I took a rolled beeswax candlemaking class at the Palo Alto Adult School which sparked (no pun intended) in my interest in candlemaking. This class was interesting, but I really preferred the wonderfully scented pillar candles that you would find in the retail establishments. So I went to my local Michaels Arts and Crafts store to purchase some candle making supplies. And soon started to experiment.

While expermenting with my new supplies, I found a a couple of things that really turned me off with melt and pour candlemaking technique. First of all, I found the pillar candle molds to be very messy. No matter how well I sealed the hole where the wick was inserted, wax always seemed to leak out and made a mess. Of course, I was not smart enough to place any paper down where I was working. But luckily enough I was smart enough to melt my wax in the kitchen and pouring my melted wax into the mold on the washing machine. But some of the colored wax did seap and stain the floor which was not in a noticeable spot where anyone could see my mistake. I wound up with some success making container candles with mugs and beautiful tea cups.

Secondly, I found the Yaley scent chips I purchased at Michaels really did not scent my candles at all. Even though I used the whole block, I could barely smell the scent I added to the candle wax. As a novice, it did not occur to me to purchase the liquid scent that was being sold at Michaels or that I could use the fragrance oils or essential oils that I had been using for my melt and pour soap projects and classes. So after awhile, I just gave up and decided to give away my supplies.

Then after years of taking bath and body products classes from The Nova Studio in Point Richmond, CA, I saw that Lori was selling handouts to her classes, the candlemaking class handout was not available at the time. I knew that she taught a candlemaking class but the class was rarely offered. So soon after I saw that the class was scheduled to be offerred in April 2010. So, I jumped at the chance to be the teaching assistant for the class and I am so happy that I did because it has inspired me to take on this craft again.

In this four hour class the instrauctor covers everything you need to know about making candles: basic safety considerations, necessary equipment and materials, different types of wick, how to color your candles, how to scent and mold them, as well as ideas for how to package them.

The instructor will also discuss scenting candles with natural, pure essential oils for their aromatherapy benefit and to keep our candles natural. Each student will custom scent and color (optional) their own candles. Whether you are making candles for yourself, for gifts, or to sell, this is the class you've been looking for! It's hands-on class that is packed with information.

Students get to take home thorough handouts, enough information to make natural wax candles on your own as well as a pair of beeswax rolled taper candles, a 6 oz. aromatherapy soy container candle, and 2 aromatherapy scented soy wax votives. Just to be on the safe side, please don't wear your favorite outfit to class.

Now this class is normally taught by Lori Nova, herself, but she has turned the rains over to Melanie Monteverde. Melanie has been going to The Nova Studio since 2006 and has taken classes in pouring natural candles, and making bath and body products. Her kitchen gets more use from making bath and body products than it does from cooking! She has taught students of all ages, ranging from preschoolers to adults in a corporate setting.

This was Melanie's first time teaching a class at The Nova Studio and she did a wonderful job especially with a full class! She demonstrated the techniques very well and answered the students questions with the expert knowledge she has in the subject.

I would highly recommend taking this rare class the next time it is offered at The Nova Studio or any class that Melanie is teaching. This class and all of the classes at The Nova Studio are supreme.

And if you are wondering if I have purchased any supplies to make candles. Yes I have. I used a 50% coupon last week for Michaels where I purchased a wax melting pot. I also bought some glue dots, metal candle containers (4 to a package) and some wicks. For making the votive candles, I am going to start out using the dixie cups like shown in the class. The votive metal molds at Michaels are $15.99 for 6 which I thought was expensive. So I am going to use a coupon. But as for the wax and colorant, I am going to purchase it from one of the recommended vendors in the handout. Will let you know how my newly developed technique works out.

Advanced CP Soap Designs in Loaf Molds Class @ The Nova Studio

Calling all cold process soapmakers! Are you tired of the same old, same old soap techniques? Would you like to put some pizazz in your soap creations? Then sign up for a new class at The Nova Studio (http://www.thenovastudio.com/) called Advanced CP Soap Designs in Loaf Molds with Ruth Esteves.

In this day long class, you will learn design techniques concentrating on the loaf mold rather than a slab mold. The techniques covered in this class are color layering (vertical and diagonal), color swirling (In the Pot and Funnel Swirls), embedding soap shapes and adding texture to the top of a bar of soap.

Originally, I started out as a Melt and Pour soapmaker, but recently have started dabbling in the cold process method by taking Lori's CP 101 Cold Process Soapmaking class in November 2007, CP 201 Layers and Swirling in January 2008 and Hot Process Soap Making (Crock Pot Method) in August 2008.

What really interested me in this class was the funnel swirls technique and the embedded soap shapes. As a melt and pour soap maker, I use alot of embedded soap shapes in my single bars and recently have started to make soap loaves. So I wanted to see how difficult this technique would be in the cold process method. Actually it was not that difficult transition there are some slight adjustments or modifications to the process. What was really great was that students got to help make some soap shapes embeds from a previously made soap brought in by Ruth.

To be honest, I really had fun assisting Ruth on the funnel swirl soap. This process was actually a two person job which I was more than happy to volunteer (I am sure with practice that someone probably can do this by themselves). When I sawthat this technique was going to be covered, I actually went online to do a search. I did find some instructions on this process, but is really nice to see it up close and personal. Out of all of the techniques I would say that the diagonal layer would probably be most difficult out of all of them. But, I would say that

someone could master it in no time.

What was really great to learn is that there is a wooden mold on the market that you can purchase that has a silicone liner. This is really great because it really saves a lot of time and patience of having to line your wooden mold with freezer paper. Also, it gives you smooth bars.

Overall, I really enjoyed the class and learned a great deal. Plus it was great to meet a variety of different soap makers in the class. The day I took the class there were only 10 student in addition to Lori being there. Which was a great number of students because everyone got to see and actually got to ask a lot of questions. The handouts were outstanding and Ruth went out of her way to send each student via email color photos of the soap in the handout. Although soap will be made in the class, you will not get to take the soap home with you that day. Ruth will cut the soap when it is ready and mail to the address you give her in class.

One of the students by the name of Lulu, who also happens to teach soap making in Southern CA, was really interesting to talk to. Since I also teach classes it was nice to compare and exchanges stories and ideas on the ride from The Nova Studio to Richmond Bart station until she had to get off at the Oakland Coliseum.

I would highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to take their CP soaps to the next level or wants to create new soaps to sell. If you are interested in this class, check out The Nova Studio's calender to see when it is offered next. Fair warning, you must have previously taken CP 101 class or the the boot camp prior to taking this class because making the soap recipe will not be covered. If you have previous CP experience but not taken the CP 101 class at The Nova Studio, I would call the studio and check with Lori prior to signing up for the class.

Packaging Bath and Body Products Class

On March 21st, I ventured out to Point Richmond to take a new class on packaging bath and body products at The Nova Studio (http://www.thenovastudio.com/) taught by Joan McCoy.

This was a very informative class that anyone who makes there own bath and body products to give away or to sell. You will go away with some great handouts, other goodies and ideas.

If you are interested in this class, the next offering of this class will be in June 2009. If you would like to see a full description of this class, here is a direct link - http://www.thenovastudio.com/description_jmccoy_packaging.htm.

I hope The Nova Studio adds more classes like this to their class schedule. I am looking forward to Lori adding her "Color with Confidence" class on a Saturday sometime in the future.

I also wanted to add this little snipette. I happened to take Bart like I normally do. As I got off the train, and exited the station I was approached by a man who needed financial assistance. Too be honest I am always wary about giving handouts, but it is my personality to help out someone in distress. So I gave him what I could ($2) since I barely had enough for Bart and bus fare and bridge toll. He thanked me and promised he would pay me the next time that he saw me. I knew that would never happen since travelling to Richmond was few and far between and I told him so. But I asked him to promise me that he would pay it forward (help someone down the line).

So you think that would be the end of the story right? Well, no. After I finished the class got on the bus to return to the Bart station. I arrived at the Union City Station around 3. I wound up getting some food in addition to doing some errands. By this time I was tired and wanting to get home. I got on to highway 84 to approach the Dumbarton Bridge. As I approached the toll gates I noticed that there were several cars waiting to pay and I was wondering why it was taking so long. I was starting to get irritable. Because I had been up early and I wanted to get home. But when I approached the toll booth, the attendant told me that the car infront of me paid my $4 toll. I was pleasantly surprised! And could not believe that paid it forward actually came around to me this time.

I am sorry to say that I could not catch up to the driver and thank him. So to the owner/driver of the Charocal Grey Nissan Xterra, wherever you are, I want to thank you. You have given me the faith in the common man. I will pay it forward more often.

So if you ever doubted pay it forward - one day it will it happen to you like it did to me. I am asking all of you who read this entry to do the same. And let's make this alittle bit nicer world.

Thank you!

Whipped & Push-Up Body Butters Class by Joan

This class is a great addition to your repertoire. Even if you have previously taken Lori's class. You will learn how to create two types of body butter - one whipped and one solid push-up version- which are all made with natural and organic ingredients.

Just to let you know that this class is a 3 hour demonstration style class. So, Joan first starts out the class discussing the ingredients. This is a great way to start out, but sometimes it gets to be too much and it seems like she has to rush to complete the class by the ending time. I would suggest condensing the discussion of the ingredients in the beginning in order to accommodate ample time to complete the products. This is only a minor thing which does not diminish the overall atmosphere of the class.

Joan is very easy going and is more than happy to answer any questions one may have. Her handouts are very easy to follow and have wealth of information from ingredients to suppliers. By the end of the class, students will take home with them a jar of whipped body butter, a solid stick body butter bar.

I really liked the feel of the whipped butter. And the recipe is pretty easy, but the most time consuming part of this recipes is whipping and cooling down the hot mixture over a an ice bath. The push up lotion stick is very convenient to travel with and makes the product easy to apply. What is really great about Joan's recipes is that they are small enough to make a small batch of products to make. And it is really easy to multiple up to make more. That is a definite plus! Because I do not want to have to make 20 lotions sticks when I only need to make 10 for gift giving purposes.

I would highly recommend taking this class. So, if you would like to see when Joan is teaching this class next at the Nova Studio, go to the studio's website at http://www.thenovastudio.com/ or check out Joan's website at http://www.joanmorais.com./. If you would like to see a full description of this class, then check out this link, http://www.thenovastudio.com/description_joan_butters.htm.

I would like to take Joan's Aromatherapy Soy Candles class. I am not sure if I am able to take it the next time it is offerred since money is on the tight side. She also teaches a beeswax candle making class. I think it may be offered on the same day. If you can take these classes, I would suggested it. Because candles make great gifts and this is the right time for it. It always seems that friends and family like to receive gifts that you make, especially the type they can use.

Hot Process Soap Making Class (w/Deanna Salter) at The Nova Studio

After waiting almost a year, I finally had the opportunity to take the Hot Process Soap Making Class at The Nova Studio (http://www.thenovastudio.com/).

At first I was a little nervous about the course because Lori was not teaching the class herself. But after talking to Lori about Deanna's credentials, I felt more at ease. Deanna makes soap by the hot process method, although she primarily uses the oven, but she seemed very comfortable with the crockpot version. In addition, she was using Lori's handout with a few of her own modifications.

I really enjoyed the class and really learned alot. What is really great about the hot process method is that it is alot like cold process but the saponification process is accelerated by cooking the soap. Which means that you do not have to cure the soap as long as you would in cold process. Plus you use less of your fragrance in this method, which means you save money. What is great is that I don't have to worry about my fragrance oils seizing and I can use my silicone loaf molds until I can afford a wooden mold from Mission Peak Soap.

I am looking forward in making soap by the hot process method. When I attempt my first batch, I will let you know how it goes.

If you are interested in taking this class, check out The Nova Studio's website (http://www.thenovastudio.com/) when the next class is offered. If you would like to check out a full description of this class, then here you go http://www.thenovastudio.com/description_deanna_hp101.htm. But, I must let you know that their is a requirement of experience making soap by the cold process method or taking the studio's cold process class (which Deanna now is also teaching). For the full description of the Cold process soap making class, here is the link for you to check out - http://www.thenovastudio.com/description_deanna_cp101.htm.

Overall, I would recommend this class. And for all of you melt and pour soapmakers, this is a great soapmaking process to use your fragrance oils. And if you are afraid of working with lye, after taking the cold process class and this class, I will admit I have no more fears.

Have Fun!

Lip Balm, Eye Balm and Body Balm Class with Joan

On October 11, 2008, I took a class on lip balm, eye balm and body body balm class with Joan at The Nova Studio (http://www.thenovastudio.com/).

This is the second class I have taken from Joan (the first class was a body butters class that I took back in July) and just like the first class I was very satisfied with the outcome. Joan is very knowledgeable about the ingredients she uses and her instructions in her handouts are very simple and to the point. This is really nice because then it makes it so much to recreate these products at home.

Just to let you know that this class is a 3 hour demonstration style class. So, Joan first starts out the class discussing the ingredients. This is a great way to start out, but sometimes it gets to be too much and it seems like she has to rush to complete the class by the ending time. I would suggest is condensing the discussion of the ingredients in the beginning and include more of a discussion of the differences between a body balm, foot balm and eye balm. And maybe include in her handout how to adapt her recipes from a body balm to a foot balm. This is only a minor thing which does not diminish the overall atmosphere of the class. What was a definate bonus during this portion of the class is that Joan discussed how to make your own infused oil. It is really simple and I look forward to doing this in the future!

Joan is very easy going and is more than happy to answer any questions one may have. Her handouts are very easy to follow and have wealth of information from ingredients to suppliers. By the end of the class, students will take home with them a lip balm, an eye balm and a 8 oz body balm.

After taking this class, I will make all of these products. I will probably start making the lip balms first. The eye and body balms are a firmer product than a body butter. And I found them difficult to retrieve from the jar. So, when I make them in the future I may package them in push tubes and see how that works. Maybe it will be easier to apply a foot balm to my cracked heels!

What was especially nice that out of the 15 students, three of them were guys! So for all the guys out there - learning to make your own body products is not only a gal thing, but for guys too!

I would highly recommend taking this class. So, if you would like to see when Joan is teaching this class next at the Nova Studio, go to the studio's website at http://www.thenovastudio.com/ or check out Joan's website at http://www.joanmorais.com./. If you would like to see a full description of the class, here is a link that you can review http://www.thenovastudio.com/description_joan_balms.htm.

I would like to take Joan's Aromatherapy Soy Candles class. The next time the class is offered is in December. I am not sure if I am able to take it then since money is on the tight side. She also teaches a beeswax candle making class. I think it may be offered on the same day. If you can take these classes, I would suggested it. Because candles make great gifts and this is the right time for it. It always seems that friends and family like to receive gifts that you make, especially the type they can use.

Whipped Butter and Lotions Stick Class @ The Nova Studio

On July 12th, I took the Whipped Butter and Lotions class taught by Joan Morais at The Nova Studio. I had previously taken a body butters class from Lori in which we learned how to make 3 different types of body butter which included atraditional body butter, massage bar and an exfloiating body butter scrub. But, I was really interested in learning how to make a lotion stick. And I saw this class offered through The Nova Studio (http://www.thenovastudio.com/).

I knew of Joan, but never took a class from her since she primarily teaches in the north bay (Napa, Fairfield, Sonoma and Sacramento area). I forgot how I found out about Joan, but I do remember going online and finding a clip of her appearing on a Sacramento TV station demonstrating how to make a whipped body butter.

First of all this class is a demo class. The first part of the class was discussion of products and ingredients and the last part was a demo of making the products. Joan's recipes are small and are easy to multiply to make larger batches of products. But the end of the class each student got to take home a jar of whipped butter and a lotion stick and a great information packaged handout.

If you have already taken Lori's body butters class, I would highly recommend taking Joan's class to supplement your knowledge. You will not be sorry. I am definately happy with the class. I am only sorry that her Age Defying Cream class (Note: This class will be offered again on 11/8/08) at The Nova Studio is filled or I would take that class to. Joan will be teaching a soy candle class in September if anyone is interested. If you would like more information about Joan and where she is teaching her classes go to her website at http://www.joanmorais.com/. For other classes offered at The Nova Studio, go to http://www.thenovastudio.com/.

Mineral Make Up Class @ DeAnza College

On March 29th, I finally got the opportunity to take Lori Nova's Mineral Make-up class at DeAnza College. Last year at this time, I tried to sign up for the class and it was full. And I have to report there were 30 students enrolled in this class. I think this may have been her largest class ever! I believe in previous classes at DeAnza she has had at least 20 students. So if you ever see a class taught by her at DeAnza, sign up immediately because her classes fill up quickly.

If you missed this opportunity, Lori will be offerring this class on April 5th from 1 pm to 5 pm at her studio in Point Richmond. For more information visit her website at www.thenovastudio.com.

Overall, the class was great. And it was not as difficult as I thought. What was most overwhelming for me was the choosing the right colors to my eyeshadows, blush and foundation. I knew that I wanted to have more yellow in my foundation to tone down the redness in my face. Since this was the case, I felt that really did not need to apply blush or a bronzer. And for eyeshadow, I was not planning to wear one for everyday use because my eyelids have a natural coloring that I do not think I needed any. So, it made it difficcult since I have not warn much make-up in my lifetime.

By the end of the four hour class each student created a foundation, blush or bronzer and eye shadow. (Of course, each student walked away with an extensive handout for each of them to recreate each product.) If you have never worn mineral make-up, I would suggest a kabuki brush to apply your foundation, blush or bronzer. The normal fan or flat brush does not seem to cut it. I wound up bringing a face brush from Maybelline's Expert Tools line. I thought I would be saving buying something from Walmart. I should have know better. I originally wanted a kabuki brush, but I was Walmart any. Big mistake! I should have gone with my original instincts. At least I still had the recent from Walmat and the brush in its original packaging (unopened and unused) so I can return it. I will be heading to Opalz in Palo Alto for a Kabuki brush. Look out Annie - here I come!

I would suggest if you where make-up on a daily basis, especially mineral make-up, that you take your make-up as samples in order for you tp make an close of a match to what you wear. If you normally do not wear make-up (like me) and would like to, consider seeking out some professional help for some direction.

I would also like to mention, if you would like to learn more about applying mineral make-up, Annie Jenkins, owner of Opalz Zoaps in Palo Alto, offers classes in make-up applications and more. Annie has been a successful film and television make-up artist since 1979. She has worked with both celebrities and ‘real people’, doing everything from from specialized character make-up to, most often creating beautiful natural looks. If you like to contact Annie, send her an email at annie@opalzoap.com or she can be reached at (650) 322-6500 (Opalz). Check out her new designed website at www.opalzoap.com.

Cold Process Soap Making (Layering and Swirling) Class

On January 19, 2008, I took Lori Nova's Cold Process Soapmaking 201 (Layering and Swirling) Class. Normally this class is offered with her two day boot camp, but now she is offering this intermediate class separately. This is great news for potential students the opportunity of learning this technique if the cannot or unable to commit to the two day boot camp.

In this demo style class, you will learn how the layering and swirling techniques that Lori is famous for. Her soaps have won the past two years at the Soapmaker's Guild Conference two years in a row! With this class, you will receive a detailed handout on the process, handout regarding using a lye calculator and a bar of soap.

If you are a cold process soapmaker, I highly recommend taking this class. If you have never made a bar of soap by the Cold Process (CP) method and would like to take this class, you are required to take her Cold Process 101 class which goes over the basics you need for this class.

I was not sure if I was going to like the CP method and I could not commit the two day camp. So, I took the intro class separately. Then I saw this class. To be honest, I am not sure how frequently Lori is going to offer this class separately, but if she does not then I recommend the two day camp.

For more information check out Lori's site at http://www.thenovastudio.com/.

Lip Balm Class at the Nova Studio

On October 13th, I finally go to take the lip balm, bath melts (aka Tub Truffles or bath candy), solid scrubs at The Nova Studio. I was really looking forward to taking this class since it was cancelled back in June (2007).

If you are wondering bath melts are they are solid oil product at room temperature but slowly melts in the tub softening the water and releasing a fragrant scent. It was great to learn which oils and butters you can use , what other fun ingredients can be added to make fizzy bath melts, how to scent them using pure essential oils, and several ideas for how to creatively mold and package your melts for gift giving. When finished they actually looked like pieces of candy found in a fancy box.

Solid scrubs have all the exfoliating benefits of a regular salt scrub without the mess - and less packaging too! After taking this class, I know how to make three different versions of scrubs. I think I may like this one the best because it is less messy.

In this primarily demo style class, we learned how to make and package each item. What was really great is that the process is simple. You basically have to measure your ingredients out on a scale, melt the appropriate ingredients and add any colorings, fragrances once everything is melted. What I like about these recipes is that you do not have the melted ingredients at a particular temp before pouring like you do for lotions or creams.

Since we made two of each, I gave a friend one of the bath melts and solid scrubs. I could not decide which lip balm flavor to give her so I kept both. But since the process is so simple, I plan to make my own to send to her.

I would highly recommend this class to everyone! So check out Lori's website at www.thenovstudio.com to see when the next time this class is offerred.

3-Types of Body Butters Class @ Nova Studio

In this demo style class, you will learn how to make three completely different types of all natural body butters that are great for rough, dry skin.

The first recipe you will learn is a traditional body butter. This butter is usually a mixture of pure vegetable, nut butters and sometimes liquid oils to create a rich, dense body balm which is great for dry elbows, knees, lips, cuticles and feet. I really like this recipe because of its texture and the way it glides on my skin. It can be alittle greasy, but I just got use to it. The only products that I have tried in this category was a treatment butter with shea butter and sweet almond milk that I purchased on HSN. I would say that this product did not compare with the one made in this class. I really like this recipe because I can add my own fragrance and coloring to fit my mood. What I really found interesting was adding color to this recipe. I normally have used a liquid colorant to most of my body and bath products, but this product I am unable to. Since this product is oil based and a liquid colorant well is water based, the two will not mix. In order to color this traditional body butter we added a mica powder. Mica powders are shimmery, but added to this recipe it will be more creamy because there is no light going through the product. I picked a light green color with a mojito scent. My finished product reminded me of a margarita or daiquri ice sherbert from Baskin Robbins.

The next recipe created in the class was a solid butter bar. This recipe can be used for either a massage bar form or adapted for a stick version for easy carrying. For class purposes, we made the bar version. Once the ingredients were melted, it was poured into a mini muffin silicon pan. Once cooled each student learned how to wrap the bar into a foil candy wrapper. And place a label on the appropriate spot. This would really be cute to make multiples of these and place them in a cellophane bag and give it as party favor. In the future, I do plan to try to make the stick version of this recipes for gifts.

The last recipe created was an exfoliating body butter scrub. I would describe this products as cross between a whipped body butter and a body scrub. If you ever made a salt body scrub with a carrier oil it similar in someway but only in a solid form. After making both products, I think I prefer the body butter version over the regular salt body scrub. The reason being is that I like the creamy consistency of the butter than the liquid body scrub.

Just to let you know that you will receive a bonus recipe that will not be created in class. This bonus recipe is for a whipped body butter version. It is very similar to the exfoliating recipe without the exfoliating ingredients. I would have to say that the whipped body butter recipe is probably a widely used process because I once did see another local person by the name of Joan Moraris demonstrate a recipe on a Sacramento television station.

What is really great about this class is the handouts. They are very detailed with all of the information you need to recreate these recipes. Information on selling your products, packaging and labelling and online resources are also included. I am glad Lori covers how to make your own labels, even though she includes resources on others creating them for you. I had an experience of purchasing some Avery labels and the number did not match so I had to match up the actual size of the label instead. But it still worked out great!

So, I strongly recommend this class if you are interested in making this type of body product. The next class I am taking is the Lip Balm, Bath Melts and Solid Scrubs on 10/13. Look for my next class review!

Making Your Own Lotions

I really wanted to learn on how to make my own lotions. The time I spent trying to learn on how to make this type of product this is what I learned. There are many recipes and ways to learn how to make your own lotions. Here are my trials and tribulations. First there are the kits that you can purchase Michael's or Joann's. These kits include a lotion base, fragrance, coloring, bottles and labels. The good thing about these kits is that everything is included to make 4 bottles of lotions. The bad thing is that you do not have any control over the ingredients and you might have a difficult time finding more ingredients to make more lotions so you will have to purchase another kit. And these kits cost around $20.00.

Second, finding books on this subject are very rare. I found a book titled "Natural Bodycare" by Julia Meadows. It does not have too many recipes although it has a basic recipe. The author claims to be simple to make through an one jar process. It did seem simple enough, but what not as simple was some of the ingredients. For example, the recipe calls for 2 tbsp sorbitan monstaerate, 2 tsp isosteroyl lactylate and 1/2 tsp modified lecithin. I am thinking what are these ingredients and where do I purchase them. So, I through the book and I found out what the ingredients were. Sorbitan monstaerate is derived from the berries of the mountain ash tree, sorbitan monstaerate powder is a food-grade emulsifier and humectant used in natural lotions and creams. Isosteroyl lactylate is a derivative of lactic acid (a natural component of human skin), isosteroyl lactylate is an excellent alpha hydroxy acid which is an excellent humectant that maintains the skin's pH level. Adding this ingredient will emulsify and stabilizers oil in water. And modified lecithin originates from soybean oil. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier and contains phospholipids, an integral part of all human and planet cells. Phospholipids from lecithin are remarkable emollients, moisturizer and cell-regenerating substances when added to skincare formulas. Even more difficult pronouncing these words was trying to find vendors to purchase these ingredients. The book was no help and I got lost finding them on the Internet, so I gave up on this recipe.

Next I found a recipe from a show called Creative Living. Creative Living is a show that airs on my local PBS channel. They had a guest who was demonstrating some bath products. I went to the internet and found site (http://www.kenw.org/cl/cl.htm) and located a down loadable book entitled "Creative Living - 5000 Series". The recipe I was looking for was under the health section on page 2. The recipe was simple enough but once again I stumbled on one main ingredient which was Velvachol. Oh no here I go again! I was trying to figure it out since it ended with "achol". I thought it might be an alcohol based ingredient. According to the author this ingredient is an emollient based which can be found at drug stores and it may be special ordered for approximately $20.00. I am not sure that was very reassuring because sometimes the employees of these establishments are not always knowledgeable. Since I was currently in the internet search mode, I found alot of sites that had recipes. But I was still at a major roadblock.

The best option for me was taking a class on the subject. I was lucky enough to know someone who taught such a class. And I knew of her reputation because I had previously taken some bath and products from her in the past through DeAnza College's Community Eduction. This class was offered at her studio (www.thenovastudio) in Pt. Richmond, Ca. Sure at first I was hesitant to drive but I really wanted to take the class. So I decided that I was going to venture out on BART to get her studio. Once I planned my route taking BART was not so bad as it sounded. What was great about her class is that Lori is very knowledgeable in her craft plus was really great is that she created this recipe all by herself. So she really knows that this recipe works. She combines distilled water, carrier oil, preservative, glycerin and antioxidants into a luxurious lotion. Plus she tells you were you can purchase the ingredients! What is great about this recipe is that once you learn this process you can use any carrier that you wish as long as you stick to Lori's amount. The one thing you should know that her recipe is more involved than mixing it in a boil. So prepared to use more equipment than a boil and a spoon. I don't want to scare anyone off, but I once I got over the fear of measuring precisely and heating the ingredients to the correct temperature then I felt it was worth the time and effort to making a better product. So, if you live in the bay area and are interested in learning about making lotions and creams then I recommend taking a class at the Nova Studio.

Class Review: Lotions and Creams 101

On May 19, 2007, I took the Lotions and Creams 101 class at the Nova Studio in Pt. Richmond.

In this class we learned how to make lotions and creams for the body from scratch. The class covered all necessary ingredients, humectants, emollients and all of the equipment to get started making our very own lotions and creams. After the class was complete, we left with 3.5 ounces of lotion, 2 ounce jar of shea butter hand/foot cream, handouts of detail instructions, supplies and information on all of the ingredients.

I will tell you that the products in the class are great! I do not have dry skin so I do not need to use alot of lotions or creams. But I will tell you that the products feel great on your skin and the scent in the products seem to last for along time on your skin.

I will admit I am alittle nervous trying to make these products on my own since you need to be very precise on your measurements and make sure that everything is at the right temperature. But to start off I did purchase the KD-7000 scale from her. I am planning to purchase all the right tools to create these magnificent products (ie Blending stick, a thermometer, etc).

If you are thinking of selling this type of product to the public, Lori goes over what you need to do to be able to sell your creations (ie Product Challenge Testing to Labeling to Insurance).

Also, I just want to let you know that this class is primarily demonstration/lecture style with some hands-on elements. Due of the necessity of making the emulsion product in batches, Lori demos that portion of the class, but the student gets to scent, color and package the product.

It is well worth the trip over to her studio. I give the class 2 thumbs up!