Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Sore Muscle Bath Soak Recipe

From Aura Cacia

Ingredients

6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops wintergreen essential oil
2 drops clove essential oil
30 drops precious essential oil- Roman or German chamomile, frankincense, sandalwood, rose
2 ounces carrier (jojoba, almond, avocado, etc.)

Directions

Add to a hottub or bath.

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/sore-muscle-bath-soak-recipe/2009/06/06/

Monday, June 29, 2009

Garden Bath Teas

Makes one tea bag.

Ingredients:

1 tsp lavender flowers (dried)
1 tsp rose petals (dried)
1/2 tsp lemon balm (dried)
1/4 tsp rosemary (dried)
1/8 tsp spearmint (dried) (just to give it a bit of a snap)
4 drops lavender EO
2 drops rose EO
1 drop patchouli (spelling?)

Directions:

EO Mix well, put into heat sealable teabag.

Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=864

Pinwheel Soaps

Ingredients:

Clear Soap base
White Soap base
Liquid ultramarine blue
Pineapple Cilantro fragrance
Liquid Glycerin

tools:

Flexible brownie tray
Craft knife
Heat safe containers
Spoon or stir stick

To view a video clip from Soap Queen TV on how to make these soaps go to http://vimeo.com/5291689.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

All natural dog shampoo recipe

If you have been looking for a natural, chemical-free shampoo for your dog, try this recipe from Old Dog Treats and Rawhide. It is a slight variation on a very common recipe. Finish it up with the finishing rinse for a shiny coat!

This recipe makes a nice dog shampoo that keeps the pH balance in check by not destroying the skins natural oils that protect it.

Ingredients:

1 pint of liquid dish soap such as Dawn or Ivory
1 pint of water
1 pint of apple cider vinegar
4 ounces of glycerine which can be found at any pharmacy.

Directions:

Combine the above ingredients and store in airtight containers. Rinse well and save some of your own old shampoo bottles for your dog’s shampoo. You can also get a few bottles from the dollar store if necessary.

Finishing Rinse

This finishing vinegar rinse will add a nice shine to the coat plus retain the acid mantle or the skins natural protective barrier.

Instructions:

Combine 3 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup of organic apple cider vinegar. Gently rinse the dog avoiding the eyes.

Helpful Tips:

To avoid soap getting into the dog’s eyes, some experts recommend rubbing a small amount of petroleum jelly around the eyes. Try a petroleum-free equivalent.

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/all-natural-dog-shampoo-recipe/2009/05/07/

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Book on Bath Bombs

One day in late May I decided to Beverly's Craft Store in San Jose to check out an sale item that they had in their curricular that so happened be ending that day. The item I was interested in was very nice but overpriced. So I was wondering around the store looking for something to purchase since I travelled so far out of the way. First I went down the aisle where they had soap and candle making supplies. I wound up getting some red soap colorant for supplies for classes. Then I wondered around the store and came upon the book shelf and one particular book popped out - a book on bath bombs oddly enough titled, "Bath Bombs".

Bath Bombs is a new book written by Elaine Stavert, who lives in Buckinghamshire countryside in England. After a life changing move from her television career in London to her farm, she formed The Liddicoat Soap Company. Her keen interest in herbalism and aromatherapy, Elaine began developing a range of natural toiletries and bath products.

I really like this book because the book is dedicated on the subject on bath bombs. Most books (soapmaking is the subject) I have seen briefly talk about bath bombs have a few recipes that is about it. This book covers it all from essential oils, colorants, oils and butters, history of perfume, blending fragrances, basic techniques (molds, etc.) and recipes.

There are colorful pictures and the information is basic and very simple to understand. The reason I purchased this book, besides the subject matter is the technique on using a 3D sphere mold. In addition there are really interesting recipes and techniques.

The only thing that I do not like about the book (and it is minor) that the font or typeface and sized that they used. It made it extremely difficult for me to read with the vibrant colors of the pages and some of the backgrounds that they used. But I remedy that by purchasing reading glasses.

For those interested in having a book on this subject, I would highly recommend this book.