So excited and flattered to be included in not one but TWO Etsy treasuries in the last 7 days -it's a first for me!
Passion in Purple
Resistance is Futile
Grinning from ear to ear & feeling very appreciated this afternoon! :D
Showing posts with label natural handmade soap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural handmade soap. Show all posts
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lillian's By Design
In downtown Alton, IL a certain quaint, historic brick building faces the mighty Mississippi River. Nestled inside is a warm and inviting shop filled with unique artwork: paintings, fashion accessories and wonderful handmade custom clothing: Lillian's By Design.
The proprietor, and seamstress is Lillian Bates -and although I've only met Lillian once, her warmth, enthusiasm and bubbly personality made me feel as though I had known her for years. This is a rare precious quality -especially for a shop owner, and I can honestly say that when visiting Alton you really should make a point to stop in to meet Lillian and browse her shop!
Lillian, who has been sewing since the age of 13 is clearly a master of thetextile arts. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind, and range from unique jackets (that would look fabulous worn with jeans) to stunning formal dresses. She can even take old "favorites" from our closets ( that ~ahem~ may have fit us better say, 20 years ago) and "recycle" them into new favorites that we can use and enjoy again! -Love that! Well, I've said all of this and almost forgotten the part that is most exciting to me personally: (You've probably already guessed it) Lillian's By Design is now offering all natural handmade soap by Heirloom Soapworks! Yay! I am tickled pink and honored to have my natural soaps in a boutique such as Lillian's. -I love everything about her shop, it's location, the fabulous antique brick walls, the warm and inviting atmosphere, not to mention the fabulous one-of-a-kind finds.
I hope that you'll stop by Lillian's By Design the next time you're in Alton, IL -you're in for a unique treat. Oh, and please say "Hi" to Lillian for me! :)
[caption id="attachment_1537" align="aligncenter" width="479" caption="Lillian at Lillian's By Design, Alton, IL"]
[/caption]
The proprietor, and seamstress is Lillian Bates -and although I've only met Lillian once, her warmth, enthusiasm and bubbly personality made me feel as though I had known her for years. This is a rare precious quality -especially for a shop owner, and I can honestly say that when visiting Alton you really should make a point to stop in to meet Lillian and browse her shop!
Lillian, who has been sewing since the age of 13 is clearly a master of thetextile arts. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind, and range from unique jackets (that would look fabulous worn with jeans) to stunning formal dresses. She can even take old "favorites" from our closets ( that ~ahem~ may have fit us better say, 20 years ago) and "recycle" them into new favorites that we can use and enjoy again! -Love that! Well, I've said all of this and almost forgotten the part that is most exciting to me personally: (You've probably already guessed it) Lillian's By Design is now offering all natural handmade soap by Heirloom Soapworks! Yay! I am tickled pink and honored to have my natural soaps in a boutique such as Lillian's. -I love everything about her shop, it's location, the fabulous antique brick walls, the warm and inviting atmosphere, not to mention the fabulous one-of-a-kind finds.
I hope that you'll stop by Lillian's By Design the next time you're in Alton, IL -you're in for a unique treat. Oh, and please say "Hi" to Lillian for me! :)
[caption id="attachment_1537" align="aligncenter" width="479" caption="Lillian at Lillian's By Design, Alton, IL"]
[/caption]
Monday, March 21, 2011
Behind the Scenes... "blonde natural soap photography 101"
Thanks to everyone whe has complimented my natural soap photos recently! I can say that I am much happier with my results of late. However....
I must give credit where credit is due: Cocobong is the Master Instructor when it comes to soap photography (of course, she is an artist....for real -I'm sure that helps, eh?) -I give her all the credit for improving the quality of my photos! (Not only does she know what to do to get quality shots, she's willing to share her knowledge with the rest of us. Thank You, C'bong!)
However, the Soap Sister is capable of making even the simplest, easy-to-follow instructions into a "caper"....this is my life as a "blonder-than-I-pay-to-be -Frahtz" I don't mean to be this way....but as I get older, I've come to: 1. Notice it 2. Be amused at it and 3. Realize that most folks don't necessarily do things in quite this manner.....maybe it's the left-handed thing, too? So, with #3 in mind, I thought I would give you a small peek at how it typically goes at my house when it's "picture day":
1. Gather soap & camera and proceed to the best natural lighting...
"Oh look! It's gray and overcast (yay!) -time to take some pictures!" "Hmmmm, I think I could get a better one ofmy natural Lavender Oatmeal soap...." "Oh, and that new (fill in the blank) soap....I really should do that one, too" O.K....here we go (with hands over-filled with soap).....now where's that stupid camera? I saw it the other day....Oh there it is....I can carry it too" Oh rats! I dropped the Lavender.....rats again! I messed up that corner....oh we'll, we'll use that one here at the house. Better get another one....(I'm now fumbling with the sliding glass door with my free hand, balancing soaps & camera in the other while being nearly trampled by an 85 lb. dog on my way to the patio....fill in dialog with expletives regarding said dog)
2. Arrange soap on a plain white background...
"O.K -whew, made it without dropping any more soap!" "Eeeeew! What's that on my shelf??? Better get the Windex! Hey! (to the dog) Come back here...you stay in your own yard! O.K....here we go....oh yeah, Windex....There! That's better....o.k....now let's take some pictures!"
3. Adjust "exposure compensation"... even on my little 'point-and-shoot'-type camera (to lighten things up a bit) -never fear -I found this on my camera's "menu" after C'bong told me what I needed to do, didn't even need to hunt down the manual!
"O.K. Becky, here we go....that looks good! (here's where visions run through my head of irresistable natural soap listings on my site) (click....flash!) Dang, I thought I turned that flash off....o.k let's try again....click (no flash)....hmmm, that doesn't look too good.....kinda dark...oh, I forgot the exposure comp.....adjust adjust....click (no flash again) boy that's a boring shot....
4. Remember Cocobong's simple (yet effective) instructions: "get in close & think of the angles"
"Well of course it's boring....you forgot the angles (I rearrange the soap)....that's not it either.....(I rearrange again)...hmmm....that's better (click).......too far away...zoom zoom, remember? Oh yeah, think Mazda, Mazda, Mazda.....(zoom - click) Ah yes! That's the one....I'll have to crop out that corner......that's alright, though! Success! Big Smile! Time to go inside and crop....(faint barking of neighbor dogs) Oh shoot, where's that DOG??? Hey! Hey! Yes YOU! Get OVER here!" I KNOW you HEAR me! HEY!
And you thought you had issues! LOL! :D Happy Soap Photos, everyone!
p.s. My apologies to all the brilliant blondes out there....I think it's the peroxide that makes me this way! :)
I must give credit where credit is due: Cocobong is the Master Instructor when it comes to soap photography (of course, she is an artist....for real -I'm sure that helps, eh?) -I give her all the credit for improving the quality of my photos! (Not only does she know what to do to get quality shots, she's willing to share her knowledge with the rest of us. Thank You, C'bong!)
However, the Soap Sister is capable of making even the simplest, easy-to-follow instructions into a "caper"....this is my life as a "blonder-than-I-pay-to-be -Frahtz" I don't mean to be this way....but as I get older, I've come to: 1. Notice it 2. Be amused at it and 3. Realize that most folks don't necessarily do things in quite this manner.....maybe it's the left-handed thing, too? So, with #3 in mind, I thought I would give you a small peek at how it typically goes at my house when it's "picture day":
1. Gather soap & camera and proceed to the best natural lighting...
"Oh look! It's gray and overcast (yay!) -time to take some pictures!" "Hmmmm, I think I could get a better one ofmy natural Lavender Oatmeal soap...." "Oh, and that new (fill in the blank) soap....I really should do that one, too" O.K....here we go (with hands over-filled with soap).....now where's that stupid camera? I saw it the other day....Oh there it is....I can carry it too" Oh rats! I dropped the Lavender.....rats again! I messed up that corner....oh we'll, we'll use that one here at the house. Better get another one....(I'm now fumbling with the sliding glass door with my free hand, balancing soaps & camera in the other while being nearly trampled by an 85 lb. dog on my way to the patio....fill in dialog with expletives regarding said dog)
2. Arrange soap on a plain white background...
"O.K -whew, made it without dropping any more soap!" "Eeeeew! What's that on my shelf??? Better get the Windex! Hey! (to the dog) Come back here...you stay in your own yard! O.K....here we go....oh yeah, Windex....There! That's better....o.k....now let's take some pictures!"
3. Adjust "exposure compensation"... even on my little 'point-and-shoot'-type camera (to lighten things up a bit) -never fear -I found this on my camera's "menu" after C'bong told me what I needed to do, didn't even need to hunt down the manual!
"O.K. Becky, here we go....that looks good! (here's where visions run through my head of irresistable natural soap listings on my site) (click....flash!) Dang, I thought I turned that flash off....o.k let's try again....click (no flash)....hmmm, that doesn't look too good.....kinda dark...oh, I forgot the exposure comp.....adjust adjust....click (no flash again) boy that's a boring shot....
4. Remember Cocobong's simple (yet effective) instructions: "get in close & think of the angles"
"Well of course it's boring....you forgot the angles (I rearrange the soap)....that's not it either.....(I rearrange again)...hmmm....that's better (click).......too far away...zoom zoom, remember? Oh yeah, think Mazda, Mazda, Mazda.....(zoom - click) Ah yes! That's the one....I'll have to crop out that corner......that's alright, though! Success! Big Smile! Time to go inside and crop....(faint barking of neighbor dogs) Oh shoot, where's that DOG??? Hey! Hey! Yes YOU! Get OVER here!" I KNOW you HEAR me! HEY!
And you thought you had issues! LOL! :D Happy Soap Photos, everyone!
p.s. My apologies to all the brilliant blondes out there....I think it's the peroxide that makes me this way! :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
"Mimosa-Rosa!" Natural Handmade Soap
Yowza! This is a newbie natural soap, and the first batch sold out right away with my family, friends and retailers( before it made it into my online store!) Extra softening for hands, and a super natural soap for shaving....I think you all will LOVE this one!
[caption id="attachment_1414" align="aligncenter" width="406" caption=""Mimosa-rosa!" by Heirloom Soapworks "]
[/caption]
I listed it today, here's the detailed description from my soap shoppe:
Uplifting and "fresh cut grassy" fragrance is just in time for spring. This natural handmade soap is infused with Mimosa Floral wax which not only softens the scent of palmarosa essential oil, it leaves your skin feeling softened, too! The best leg-shaving soap we've ever used! The tiny mimosa wax particles suspended in the soap exfoliate when rubbed directly on wet skin, but are smooth and silky when used on a washcloth or pouf. Lovely pink bar with generous amounts of shea, mango & cocoa butters will moisturize and pamper your skin.
As fast as the last batch went, I'd better snag a bar for myself! :D
[caption id="attachment_1414" align="aligncenter" width="406" caption=""Mimosa-rosa!" by Heirloom Soapworks "]
[/caption]I listed it today, here's the detailed description from my soap shoppe:
Uplifting and "fresh cut grassy" fragrance is just in time for spring. This natural handmade soap is infused with Mimosa Floral wax which not only softens the scent of palmarosa essential oil, it leaves your skin feeling softened, too! The best leg-shaving soap we've ever used! The tiny mimosa wax particles suspended in the soap exfoliate when rubbed directly on wet skin, but are smooth and silky when used on a washcloth or pouf. Lovely pink bar with generous amounts of shea, mango & cocoa butters will moisturize and pamper your skin.
As fast as the last batch went, I'd better snag a bar for myself! :D
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Label Me "Content"
[caption id="attachment_1401" align="aligncenter" width="458" caption="Lavender Oatmeal Soap by Heirloom"]
[/caption]
[/caption]
Friday, March 4, 2011
Natural Soap Spotlight: "Lavender Bouquet"
Good day, soap fans! It's a gorgeous day in Southern Illinois... warm, sunny, slightly breezy.... in a word: FABULOUS! Spring is in the air.
This week's "Spotlight Natural Soap" is Lavender Bouquet...a.k.a. Lavender-Lavender.
[caption id="attachment_1298" align="aligncenter" width="553" caption="Lavender Bouquet Natural Soap by Heirloom Soapworks"]
[/caption]
This natural soap has been a bestseller for me for the last seven years, and is one of my personal favorites, as well as my husband's. Dying to know what's in it? Well, here we go:
Olive Oil: Olive oil is the main ingredient percentage-wise. Nourishing and mild, said to have many healing properties. Full of "unsaponifiables" -(these don't turn into soap during the saponification process, but rather remain in the bar of finished soap to nourish and moisturze your skin.) Contributes creaminess to the final soap's lather. Small, tight bubbles.
Saponified Coconut Oil -Always in a smaller percentage than olive oil in my soaps, coconut oil is moisturizing in small amounts, but can be drying if too much is used in a recipe. Coconut oil contributes to the finished soaps hardness. The trick is to use enough to harden the bar and nourish skin -without getting too much. Contributes to a "bubbly" lather.
Saponified Palm Oil - Palm oil contributes hardess and makes for a stable lather. Cleans gently and effectively.
Unrefined Shea Butter - The "queen" of butters (in my opinion). Why? Well it's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) yet it moisturizes very effectively. Rich in vitamins A and E, and is useful in treating wrinkles, skin rashes and itching. Like olive oil, unrefined shea butter is rich in unsaponifiables that remain in the finished soap to nourish skin.
Unrefined Mango Butter - Also high in healing unsaponifiables, mango butter is said to help with the dryness that is associated with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis & wrinkles.
Unrefined Cocoa Butter - Rich in antioxidants, cocoa butter also helps the skin retain moisture. Helps to smooth rough, dry skin.
Lavender Essential Oil - Properties include: antidepressant, deodorant, antiviral, relaxing, calming, said to be good for psoriasis....plus it smells lovely!
Honey - A wonderful ingredient that acts as a natural humectant -holding moisture next to the skin. Also acts as a natural preservative to keep soap fresh!
Alkanet Root Powder -Natural colorant.
Pink Clay - Great for sensitive and dehydrated skin, and gives a lovely pink to natural soaps.
Lavender Flower Buds - Just for pretty!
There you have it! Nothing particularly fancy or unusual, but when combined, these ingredients make a mighty fine all-natural soap. It's gentle, conditioning and mild enough for face and body, whith a creamy lather that leaves your skin soft and smooth. Hmmm -maybe that's why folks love it so!
If you would like to try a bar of our Lavender Bouquet natural soap, just visit our online Soap Shoppe or one of these fine St. Louis-area retailers.
Happy Soaping everyone!
This week's "Spotlight Natural Soap" is Lavender Bouquet...a.k.a. Lavender-Lavender.
[caption id="attachment_1298" align="aligncenter" width="553" caption="Lavender Bouquet Natural Soap by Heirloom Soapworks"]
[/caption]This natural soap has been a bestseller for me for the last seven years, and is one of my personal favorites, as well as my husband's. Dying to know what's in it? Well, here we go:
Olive Oil: Olive oil is the main ingredient percentage-wise. Nourishing and mild, said to have many healing properties. Full of "unsaponifiables" -(these don't turn into soap during the saponification process, but rather remain in the bar of finished soap to nourish and moisturze your skin.) Contributes creaminess to the final soap's lather. Small, tight bubbles.
Saponified Coconut Oil -Always in a smaller percentage than olive oil in my soaps, coconut oil is moisturizing in small amounts, but can be drying if too much is used in a recipe. Coconut oil contributes to the finished soaps hardness. The trick is to use enough to harden the bar and nourish skin -without getting too much. Contributes to a "bubbly" lather.
Saponified Palm Oil - Palm oil contributes hardess and makes for a stable lather. Cleans gently and effectively.
Unrefined Shea Butter - The "queen" of butters (in my opinion). Why? Well it's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) yet it moisturizes very effectively. Rich in vitamins A and E, and is useful in treating wrinkles, skin rashes and itching. Like olive oil, unrefined shea butter is rich in unsaponifiables that remain in the finished soap to nourish skin.
Unrefined Mango Butter - Also high in healing unsaponifiables, mango butter is said to help with the dryness that is associated with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis & wrinkles.
Unrefined Cocoa Butter - Rich in antioxidants, cocoa butter also helps the skin retain moisture. Helps to smooth rough, dry skin.
Lavender Essential Oil - Properties include: antidepressant, deodorant, antiviral, relaxing, calming, said to be good for psoriasis....plus it smells lovely!
Honey - A wonderful ingredient that acts as a natural humectant -holding moisture next to the skin. Also acts as a natural preservative to keep soap fresh!
Alkanet Root Powder -Natural colorant.
Pink Clay - Great for sensitive and dehydrated skin, and gives a lovely pink to natural soaps.
Lavender Flower Buds - Just for pretty!
There you have it! Nothing particularly fancy or unusual, but when combined, these ingredients make a mighty fine all-natural soap. It's gentle, conditioning and mild enough for face and body, whith a creamy lather that leaves your skin soft and smooth. Hmmm -maybe that's why folks love it so!
If you would like to try a bar of our Lavender Bouquet natural soap, just visit our online Soap Shoppe or one of these fine St. Louis-area retailers.
Happy Soaping everyone!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Natural Soap "Pyramid"
What have I been up to? Stocking up! Trying to get a good supply of my regular varieties of natural soap on the curing rack to stay ahead of demand. Of course, I never seem to be able to limit myself to that....gotta get creative and make a few newbies now and then....
[caption id="attachment_1294" align="aligncenter" width="528" caption="Natural Soap Logs by Heirloom Soapworks"]
[/caption]
I made these last week. Yesterday I added 4 additional batches....today I'm waiting for lye/water to cool, but planning a batch of Old Fashioned Lye Soap and a batch of Goats Milk-Honey Soap.
Only 2 "Newbies" among 9 recent batches -pretty good for me: Orange-Poppyseed and an Orange-Rose blend that smells lovely, if I do say so myself! I enjoy, as you all know, combining essential oils to add excitement to my natural handmade soaps....I did a soap with such a blend a couple of weeks ago that I'm very excited about - I'll blog about it very soon (how's that for a teaser) ....so stay tuned!
[caption id="attachment_1294" align="aligncenter" width="528" caption="Natural Soap Logs by Heirloom Soapworks"]
[/caption]I made these last week. Yesterday I added 4 additional batches....today I'm waiting for lye/water to cool, but planning a batch of Old Fashioned Lye Soap and a batch of Goats Milk-Honey Soap.
Only 2 "Newbies" among 9 recent batches -pretty good for me: Orange-Poppyseed and an Orange-Rose blend that smells lovely, if I do say so myself! I enjoy, as you all know, combining essential oils to add excitement to my natural handmade soaps....I did a soap with such a blend a couple of weeks ago that I'm very excited about - I'll blog about it very soon (how's that for a teaser) ....so stay tuned!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Spotlight Soap: "Orange Spice" Natural Soap
Spotlight on Orange Spice Natural Soap:
I will be doing a "Spotlight Soap" -hopefully weekly, to help my readers become more familiar with the different varieties of natural soap that I make, while educating them with regard to the specific "skin benefits" of the soap's primary ingredients.
So, without further ado, this week's "Spotlight Soap": Orange Spice Natural Soap
[caption id="attachment_1194" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Orange Spice Natural Soap by Heirloom Soapworks"]
[/caption]Description: An oatmeal and clove-flecked orange soap, (colored with Moroccan Red Clay) fragranced with sweet orange and May Chang (a.k.a. litsea cubeba) essential oils sits atop a cream soap fragranced with an exotic blend of cinnamon & sweet fennel essential oils. Rich with cocoa, shea and mango butters, it's a perfect blend of exfoliation and moisturization!
Saponified Olive Oil -saponified means that this oil has been transformed into soap, and olive oil is prized for it's moisturizing and nourishing properties. Pomace Olive Oil in particular (the kind I use) is high in "unsaponifiables": fatty acids which are not turned into soap, but rather remain in the final bar to moisturize skin.
Saponified Coconut Oil -makes for a wonderful bubbly lather. Used in proper proportions, coconut oil is moisturizing and contributes to bar hardness (making soap that lasts longer).
Saponified Palm Oil -great for creating mild soap that cleans gently. This oil also contributes to the hardness of the bar.
Shea Butter (unrefined) - Who hasn't heard of how moisturizing shea butter is? It is also non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), rich in vitamin E (said to help with eczema and dermatitis) and has a high percentage of "healing fractions" to help nourish and heal the skin.
Mango Butter (unrefined) - Also high in healing unsaponifiables, mango butter is said to help with the dryness that is associated with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis & wrinkles.
Cocoa Butter (unrefined) - rich in antioxidants, cocoa butter also helps the skin retain moisture. Helps to smooth rough, dry skin.
Oatmeal (finely ground) -acts as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, oatmeal is also said to be soothing, anti-inflammatory, and useful in reducing dryness.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil - said to be anti-depressant, anti-septic, aphrodisiac, calming, and helpful in treating acne and dermatitis....plus is smells yummy!
Sweet Fennel Oil -wondefully aromatic oil that is also thought to bring courage and strength....hmmmm. We like it mostly for it's smell!
Cinnamon Essential Oil -Again, we love it's warm & spicy scent, but this oil is also said to be very restorative and helpful in promoting feelings of well-being. (Note: Cinnamon EO can be too much for those with sensitive skins -if you have sensitive skin, you may wish to try our Lavender-Lavender Natural Soap, or one of our Fragrance Free Natural Soaps!)
Honey - A wonderful ingredient that acts as a natural humectant -holding moisture next to the skin. Also acts as a natural preservative to keep soap fresh!
Moroccan Red Clay - Originally chosen for it's lovely color, this natural clay also draws impurities from the skin, promotes circulation, and is used in many exclusive spas throughout the world!
Not bad for a bar of soap, eh? I'm offering Orange Spice Soap at a special sale price this week -while supplies last: $5.25! Get 'em before they're gone!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Eureka! The Lavender is LAVENDER!
Is there anything like a batch of natural lavender soap.....handmade....that actually turns out a pretty lavender color?! I'm so excited ....I know for many of you this is no big deal, but I've had "issues" shall we say, in getting a "lavender" color (or anything close, for that matter.)
This is all natural soap, including the colorants. I used both Alkanet Root Powder and Pink Clay to obtain this color. I'm hoping that it stays this way, but of course only time will tell.
Here it is:
[caption id="attachment_1070" align="aligncenter" width="553" caption="Lavender Lavender by Heirloom Soapworks"]
[/caption]
It's the closest I've been to a light dusty purple, which is what I wanted...so I'm pleased as punch with the outcome. It's so nice when you try something and it actually works, isn't it?
Happy Soaping everyone!
This is all natural soap, including the colorants. I used both Alkanet Root Powder and Pink Clay to obtain this color. I'm hoping that it stays this way, but of course only time will tell.
Here it is:
[caption id="attachment_1070" align="aligncenter" width="553" caption="Lavender Lavender by Heirloom Soapworks"]
[/caption]It's the closest I've been to a light dusty purple, which is what I wanted...so I'm pleased as punch with the outcome. It's so nice when you try something and it actually works, isn't it?
Happy Soaping everyone!
Friday, January 7, 2011
And the Winners are....
Thanks to all who left comments and opinions on their favorite natural soap fragrance(s)! I will be taking all of the comments into consideration as I determine my static "line" of homemade soaps for 2011. Of course I'll probably do a few limited editions, but I'm trying very hard to simplify while still offering plenty of the most sought-after fragrances.
What? Oh yes, the drawing.....well, without further ado, and thanks to the random number picker at www.random.org the winners are: 1.) #13 -Amy Warden 2.) #7 -Elaine R. 3.) #10 -Wehaf
Congratulations! Please contact me with your soap choice at thesoapsister@gmail.com
Thanks again to everyone who participated! :D
What? Oh yes, the drawing.....well, without further ado, and thanks to the random number picker at www.random.org the winners are: 1.) #13 -Amy Warden 2.) #7 -Elaine R. 3.) #10 -Wehaf
Congratulations! Please contact me with your soap choice at thesoapsister@gmail.com
Thanks again to everyone who participated! :D
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Just a harmless CP "fix"...
[caption id="attachment_909" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Almond & Amyris CP Soap -with Oatmeal and Honey"]
[/caption]
With all the inventory-boosting CPOP (Cold-Process-Oven-Process) and HP (Hot Process) homemade soaps I've done in the last month, I was craving a session of plain ol' CP (Cold Process) soap-making. Since this is officially still Christmas Vacation, and really only the Third Day of Christmas -we're taking it way easy here....
However, the soap room called....little dude was wii-ing....surely I could sneak a little time for a harmless CP "fix"....
What a lovely and relaxing 45 minutes! Got to release a bit of creative energy, minus the crazed "gotta get this done" attitude of the last 8 weeks and (of course, because it didn't really matter) the soap turned out just as I envisioned. I was in The Soap Zone....relaxed and enjoying the process instead of treating it as a task that must be done. Amazing how much attitude affects the soap making, isn't it? Do you all find this to be true, or is it my imagination?
Hope you're enjoying any "down time" you have as much as we are! :D ~Becky
[/caption]With all the inventory-boosting CPOP (Cold-Process-Oven-Process) and HP (Hot Process) homemade soaps I've done in the last month, I was craving a session of plain ol' CP (Cold Process) soap-making. Since this is officially still Christmas Vacation, and really only the Third Day of Christmas -we're taking it way easy here....
However, the soap room called....little dude was wii-ing....surely I could sneak a little time for a harmless CP "fix"....
What a lovely and relaxing 45 minutes! Got to release a bit of creative energy, minus the crazed "gotta get this done" attitude of the last 8 weeks and (of course, because it didn't really matter) the soap turned out just as I envisioned. I was in The Soap Zone....relaxed and enjoying the process instead of treating it as a task that must be done. Amazing how much attitude affects the soap making, isn't it? Do you all find this to be true, or is it my imagination?
Hope you're enjoying any "down time" you have as much as we are! :D ~Becky
Saturday, December 11, 2010
There's a "Soap Star" in Texas...
...and her name is Michele!
A while back I won three lovely bars of natural handmade soap in a contest by Michele at Tierra Verde Soaps. Not only is Michele a real sweet & helpful 'gal, she's also a "star" in my book. Not a Lone Star, though she's from Texas,nor a shooting star but a Soap Star. (Although they do tend to "carry" , or "pack heat" in TX, you never know, 'Chele could be packin' -maybe she's like me and likes to pop a cap in a target once in a while...but I digress, and LOL!) But take a look at what I got to try:
The first soap I tried was "Oatmeal, Milk & Honey", and I must say it is a wonderful soap. Fragrance free, mild, and with a creamy -silky lather that passed my left-leg-right-leg shave test with flying colors. (And I compared it to the best I've got.) This one would be a great "everyday" soap, meaning that you could use it every day and I don't think you would ever tire of it.
Next I tried the Oamilk & Almond. Another lovely soap with finely ground almonds that gently exfoliates without being "too much", if you know what I mean. It's a very conditioning soap, too; and a hard, long-lasting bar. Again, this is a soap that holds its own without any "foo-foo" -no fragrance or colorants to potentially irritate sensitive skin, just a mild & moisturizing bar that will surely develop a cult following if it hasn't done so already.
I'm still looking forward to trying her "Star Anise" bar. It's so pretty and smells so nice on my counter that I hate to use it up! But one of these days I'll give in to temptation and remove that pretty brown ribbon and lather up....
Oh, and if you haven't visited Michele's website, you really should check it out: http://tierraverdesoaps.com
Happy Soapin' y'all, and Michele, I thank you again for your lovely prize! :D
A while back I won three lovely bars of natural handmade soap in a contest by Michele at Tierra Verde Soaps. Not only is Michele a real sweet & helpful 'gal, she's also a "star" in my book. Not a Lone Star, though she's from Texas,nor a shooting star but a Soap Star. (Although they do tend to "carry" , or "pack heat" in TX, you never know, 'Chele could be packin' -maybe she's like me and likes to pop a cap in a target once in a while...but I digress, and LOL!) But take a look at what I got to try:
The first soap I tried was "Oatmeal, Milk & Honey", and I must say it is a wonderful soap. Fragrance free, mild, and with a creamy -silky lather that passed my left-leg-right-leg shave test with flying colors. (And I compared it to the best I've got.) This one would be a great "everyday" soap, meaning that you could use it every day and I don't think you would ever tire of it.
Next I tried the Oamilk & Almond. Another lovely soap with finely ground almonds that gently exfoliates without being "too much", if you know what I mean. It's a very conditioning soap, too; and a hard, long-lasting bar. Again, this is a soap that holds its own without any "foo-foo" -no fragrance or colorants to potentially irritate sensitive skin, just a mild & moisturizing bar that will surely develop a cult following if it hasn't done so already.
I'm still looking forward to trying her "Star Anise" bar. It's so pretty and smells so nice on my counter that I hate to use it up! But one of these days I'll give in to temptation and remove that pretty brown ribbon and lather up....
Oh, and if you haven't visited Michele's website, you really should check it out: http://tierraverdesoaps.com
Happy Soapin' y'all, and Michele, I thank you again for your lovely prize! :D
Saturday, December 4, 2010
SugarBaby Soaps
As promised, here's another photo of my SugarBaby "Oatmeal-Mango" Soap -designed specifically for babies, but great for anyone with sensitive skin:
I love the gossamer look of the organza bag....smell-through, see-through....I'm satisfied -at least for now. Only time will tell, you all know by now how fickle I can be with my packaging.
This is "Girls' Weekend" for myself and my best friend Terese. Hubbies are gone-a-hunting, so it's chick flicks, shopping, yoga & lunch out -big treats for the Soap Sis! Gotta go do my toes now -hope you all have a lovely weekend! :D
I love the gossamer look of the organza bag....smell-through, see-through....I'm satisfied -at least for now. Only time will tell, you all know by now how fickle I can be with my packaging.
This is "Girls' Weekend" for myself and my best friend Terese. Hubbies are gone-a-hunting, so it's chick flicks, shopping, yoga & lunch out -big treats for the Soap Sis! Gotta go do my toes now -hope you all have a lovely weekend! :D
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Science, Students & Soap -Oh My!
Thursday was a very fun and out-of-the-ordinary day for me: I made a bunch of natural handmade soap! Huh? Why Becky, whatever do you mean?
What I mean is this: I got to demonstrate soapmaking to 6 groups of very bright & amusing kids at my son's school. The kids are part of a special program through which they get to participate/learn about extra subjects that aren't part of the regular curriculum -and this week the subject was Soap Making!
I'll admit that when I received the request from the sweet ladies who coordinate the program (Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Scott), I had mixed emotions.... first: "Oh how FUN!" "This will be a blast!", followed by: "Hmmm, I'll need to write some sort of information for the students" "Hmmm...I'll have to get all my stuff transported" (Hubby was a GREAT help with that!) to finally: "What if the kids aren't interested?" "What if I forget something?" Where does all that crazy self-talk come from? It was a great time, I didn't forget anything, I think the kids learned quite a bit, and they seemed genuinely interested, were polite, respectful & fun!
We talked a bit about the History of Soapmaking, the Science of Soapmaking, Soapmaking Safety, Materials Used....and then they saw the "Cold Process" soap making technique. The students chose the nutrients and essential oils for each batch, and they really got creative and chose some fabulous combinations. Just take a look:
[caption id="attachment_617" align="alignleft" width="262" caption="Class 1 - Gentle Baby Soap with Mango Butter & Oatmeal "]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_618" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Class 2 -Lemongrass & Honey w/Brown Sugar"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_626" align="alignleft" width="282" caption="Class 3, "Christmas", Bay essential oil, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon honey & brown sugar"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_620" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Class 4: Ylang Ylang essential oil, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, poppy seeds and honey"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_621" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Class 5: TeaTree & Eucalyptus essential oils, poppy seeds, oatmeal & honey"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_622" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Class 6: Palmarosa essential oil, cinnamon nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, honey & brown sugar"]
[/caption]
Aren't these some great soaps?
What I mean is this: I got to demonstrate soapmaking to 6 groups of very bright & amusing kids at my son's school. The kids are part of a special program through which they get to participate/learn about extra subjects that aren't part of the regular curriculum -and this week the subject was Soap Making!
I'll admit that when I received the request from the sweet ladies who coordinate the program (Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Scott), I had mixed emotions.... first: "Oh how FUN!" "This will be a blast!", followed by: "Hmmm, I'll need to write some sort of information for the students" "Hmmm...I'll have to get all my stuff transported" (Hubby was a GREAT help with that!) to finally: "What if the kids aren't interested?" "What if I forget something?" Where does all that crazy self-talk come from? It was a great time, I didn't forget anything, I think the kids learned quite a bit, and they seemed genuinely interested, were polite, respectful & fun!
We talked a bit about the History of Soapmaking, the Science of Soapmaking, Soapmaking Safety, Materials Used....and then they saw the "Cold Process" soap making technique. The students chose the nutrients and essential oils for each batch, and they really got creative and chose some fabulous combinations. Just take a look:
[caption id="attachment_617" align="alignleft" width="262" caption="Class 1 - Gentle Baby Soap with Mango Butter & Oatmeal "]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_618" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Class 2 -Lemongrass & Honey w/Brown Sugar"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_626" align="alignleft" width="282" caption="Class 3, "Christmas", Bay essential oil, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon honey & brown sugar"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_620" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Class 4: Ylang Ylang essential oil, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, poppy seeds and honey"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_621" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Class 5: TeaTree & Eucalyptus essential oils, poppy seeds, oatmeal & honey"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_622" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Class 6: Palmarosa essential oil, cinnamon nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, honey & brown sugar"]
[/caption]Aren't these some great soaps?
We're not quite finished with the "soap making" project, though. In two weeks each student will get to design their own packaging/soap label & the student-packaged soaps will be donated to the annual "Mouse House: at the school. (Something tells me these will go like hotcakes!)
I hope the students had as much fun learning as I had demonstrating; and a special Thanks to Mrs. Moore & Mrs. Scott for all your help! (Wish you guys helped me all the time!) :D ~Becky
p.s. The soaps we created on Thursday will be "cured" and in the Online Store around Dec. 12th.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Yesterday, the "Good"... Today? The "Bad" and the "Ugly"
I don't know why it's so hard to admit that a batch of soap is "doo doo"? Maybe it's the way we, in my family, were raised..."Use it up, wear it out, make it 'do', or do without." (My parents were raised during the Great Depression -BELIEVE ME: "Re-Use and Recycle" are NOT new ideas!) At any rate, I think that's why I find it almost impossible to throw any handmade soap out.
Case in point: The Christmas Tree debacle of 2010 -quite possibly my biggest "flop" of the year (debatable, though) Here's the deal, I over stirred (soap is too light and "whippy") which, I think, has caused it to remain "soft" (ick!) The color is just "o.k.", without the red dots the whole project seems anemic to me....blech! Just take a look and see for yourself:
So there you have it -a picture paints a thousand words, they say.... Thoughts of faith are interrupting my rambling today...I'm getting something here, I think. You know, I'm like that broken, cracked-from-the-fall soap. We all are, according to Rom. 3:23. I'm not perfect, I've made bad choices, I haven't turned out as I had planned, (in truth, I'm broken) but here's the deal: I want to be useful anyway...I want God to use me anyway...I know He can....I know he used/uses we broken ones all the time to tell of Christ's love and redemption. He came for me, for you, for "broken ones", you know, because I can no more make myself right than my pitiful green soap can fix itself. But God, through Jesus, is the Great Re-Batcher! I've read about it. And I've seen it. And I love it -it gives me hope! Melt me down, Lord, and make me new!
Does my soap have to be perfect in order to be used? Naaaah. I'll be showering with this ugly green soap 'til July! LOL! Must we be perfect to be used? Nahhhh. The Lord will be re-batchin' this ol' soap-maker 'til the day she dies! (Thank You, Jesus!)
Happy Soapin' folks!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Blatant Self-Promotion + Encouragement
O.K, so I know there's a fine line between salesmanship and bragadociousness, and perhaps in this post I'm stepping over that line -if so, please forgive me.
That having been said, I'm so excited about a review that was done about my soap! Sarah at the Bennyville Blog was kind enough to photograph and review three of my soaps (which she won in a giveaway done by Joanna at The Soap Bar.)
My fellow soapers out there know how encouraging it is to have others love their soaps, so I wanted to share this with all you and encourage you in this:
"You never know when someone will surprise you with kind words about your work -out of the blue!"
Hang in there -the handmade soap that you lovingly create is worthwhile, too, and I hope that you receive just the encouragement you need -just when you need it most!
Here's the link http://bennyvillelove.blogspot.com/2010/11/soapbar-and-heirloom-soaps.html and thanks again Sarah for your kind words! :D
Happy Soaping, folks! ~Becky
That having been said, I'm so excited about a review that was done about my soap! Sarah at the Bennyville Blog was kind enough to photograph and review three of my soaps (which she won in a giveaway done by Joanna at The Soap Bar.)
My fellow soapers out there know how encouraging it is to have others love their soaps, so I wanted to share this with all you and encourage you in this:
"You never know when someone will surprise you with kind words about your work -out of the blue!"
Hang in there -the handmade soap that you lovingly create is worthwhile, too, and I hope that you receive just the encouragement you need -just when you need it most!
Here's the link http://bennyvillelove.blogspot.com/2010/11/soapbar-and-heirloom-soaps.html and thanks again Sarah for your kind words! :D
Happy Soaping, folks! ~Becky
Friday, November 12, 2010
Rebatched Stars & More Alkanet
O.K., I've never claimed to be the sharpest crayon in the box, but I think I finally figured out why the Star of Bethlehem soap wasn't quite as dark purple as I wanted. Well, the amount I was using (same as Lava Lamp soap) was for a HALF BATCH! Can we have a collective "Duuuhhh" in my honor?
The realization floated into my consciousness the other day like a bluebird -a welcome surprise! Sure enough, I doubled the alkanet and have a lovely deep purple curing as I type. Chalk one up for the Sister! See the final color below.
I also rebatched soap in the microwave this a.m. for the first time! Lots of fun. Here are my photos of the process I u
sed to make the stars. (I actually like their marbley look better than the plain ones!)
The realization floated into my consciousness the other day like a bluebird -a welcome surprise! Sure enough, I doubled the alkanet and have a lovely deep purple curing as I type. Chalk one up for the Sister! See the final color below.
I also rebatched soap in the microwave this a.m. for the first time! Lots of fun. Here are my photos of the process I u
sed to make the stars. (I actually like their marbley look better than the plain ones!).... 
Now that's what I'm talkin' about! THE dark sky I was wanting! --If at first you don't succeed.....
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Frenzy, Setting Soap & Near Calamity...
Do you ever have one of "Those Batches"? It usually starts, at least for me, with a really Good & Creative Idea. The idea percolates in my head (like a ping pong ball in a mayonnaise jar) and finally becomes A Plan.
There are a few things Mom taught me about myself, the least of which is not "Honey, you really shouldn't start a project at this time of night...you should wait 'til morning when you're fresh" -Mom, if you're reading this: You were right back then, and you still are! :) But I digress...
My plan was a Christmas soap with little white hand-cut trees imbedded in a lovely green soap. Simple. Elegant. Understated. Welllll...
I started last evening around 5:00. I know that's early to many of you, but by that time of day I have banged my drum like the Energizer Bunny all day - "wide open" - "in high gear" (pace myself? what does that mean, exactly?) and I am a bit too spent to be starting soap. I know this. Mom taught me this. I refuse to acctept this.
I thought things were going pretty well. I had come hope from doing the "art thing" at my son's school, whipped up a rather creative casserole, my soap was mixing in the ol' KitchenAid in the soap room...(move over Helen Reddy, "I am woman hear me roar...la la la la-la) "I can bring home the bacon da-da-da-da, fry it up in the pan da-da-da-da! (Although my hubby really is the bacon bringer & I often burn what's in the pan...) What's that old saying about "Pride comes before a Fall?"
So I check on the soap. Oh my! It's getting pretty thick and pretty big. I add the EO's and scurry back to line the mold. That's right, I had become distracted & forgot to do my LEAST favorite thing -aaarggh. So I'm snipping & folding and getting a bit tense. Whew, that's done. I scurry to the soap room and get the soap and hurry to pour it in.... "Can you grab those Christmas Tree cutouts for me?" Uh oh...I can feel myself getting a bit "bark-ey" it was a question, but not really -if you know what I mean....look out, she's gonna blow!
But it's o.k. the soap is just right for imbedding my little trees. I'm conversing with myself in my head, as usual: " Tra-la-la, get 'em straight..oh this is gonna be so GOOD!" Keep goin' just a couple more. Oh yes, this is nice. Now a little round red candy dot at the top of each tree. Lovely. A few clear sugar crystals at the bottom of each tree for "snow". Genius. They're going to want these at the Smithsonian. Now lets put it in the laundry room, mist the top with a bit of alcohol to prevent 'the ash'" (you can see where this is going, right?)
Do you ever have those fleeting thoughts that "flash" across your consciousness -you know the one's that you don't like? The "I wonder if's"? I got one of those, that I mistakenly ignored, as I was setting the red candy dots. It went like this "I hope the alcohol doesn't make the red color run....nah! It'll be fine"
Why don't I listen? I spray the alcohol...ha -it's fine. I'm looking around to figure how to insulate without anything touching the top....I turn back to the soap....AAAAARRRRRGH! Oh help! The red is "run-ning" like Forest Gump -everywhere! Oh no! I frantically grab a spoon...I'm scooping the offensive red blobs....I'm trying to blot pink stained alcohol from the tops....what to do...I know, I'll use the white snowflakes -the ones I thought about using in the first place (but the red really did look nicer, before the alcohol debacle) But the top isn't pretty and smooth anymore -my bottom lip protrudes...man, this isn't what I wanted. But I have no time to pout about "The Soap that Almost Was" because "The Soap that Is" is starting to set up before my eyes.
Do something, Becky!! So I did what any soaper would have done...I swirled the top! " No No, 'DingBat' -Not ordinary swirls...try to make it look intentional -like wind...that's it...little, tiny, delicate winds swirling around your Happy Trees!" ( Have I ever mentioned that my "self talk" is often rather harsh? )
Ever the Optomistic Realist, I think these may be o.k. after all. Wish I had saved the first photo with the red candy dots, it was actually quite striking, but I didn't decide to share this ghastly goof-up until this a.m. But here's what they look like now...let's hope the color stays....surely it will....right?
There are a few things Mom taught me about myself, the least of which is not "Honey, you really shouldn't start a project at this time of night...you should wait 'til morning when you're fresh" -Mom, if you're reading this: You were right back then, and you still are! :) But I digress...
My plan was a Christmas soap with little white hand-cut trees imbedded in a lovely green soap. Simple. Elegant. Understated. Welllll...
I started last evening around 5:00. I know that's early to many of you, but by that time of day I have banged my drum like the Energizer Bunny all day - "wide open" - "in high gear" (pace myself? what does that mean, exactly?) and I am a bit too spent to be starting soap. I know this. Mom taught me this. I refuse to acctept this.
I thought things were going pretty well. I had come hope from doing the "art thing" at my son's school, whipped up a rather creative casserole, my soap was mixing in the ol' KitchenAid in the soap room...(move over Helen Reddy, "I am woman hear me roar...la la la la-la) "I can bring home the bacon da-da-da-da, fry it up in the pan da-da-da-da! (Although my hubby really is the bacon bringer & I often burn what's in the pan...) What's that old saying about "Pride comes before a Fall?"
So I check on the soap. Oh my! It's getting pretty thick and pretty big. I add the EO's and scurry back to line the mold. That's right, I had become distracted & forgot to do my LEAST favorite thing -aaarggh. So I'm snipping & folding and getting a bit tense. Whew, that's done. I scurry to the soap room and get the soap and hurry to pour it in.... "Can you grab those Christmas Tree cutouts for me?" Uh oh...I can feel myself getting a bit "bark-ey" it was a question, but not really -if you know what I mean....look out, she's gonna blow!
But it's o.k. the soap is just right for imbedding my little trees. I'm conversing with myself in my head, as usual: " Tra-la-la, get 'em straight..oh this is gonna be so GOOD!" Keep goin' just a couple more. Oh yes, this is nice. Now a little round red candy dot at the top of each tree. Lovely. A few clear sugar crystals at the bottom of each tree for "snow". Genius. They're going to want these at the Smithsonian. Now lets put it in the laundry room, mist the top with a bit of alcohol to prevent 'the ash'" (you can see where this is going, right?)
Do you ever have those fleeting thoughts that "flash" across your consciousness -you know the one's that you don't like? The "I wonder if's"? I got one of those, that I mistakenly ignored, as I was setting the red candy dots. It went like this "I hope the alcohol doesn't make the red color run....nah! It'll be fine"
Why don't I listen? I spray the alcohol...ha -it's fine. I'm looking around to figure how to insulate without anything touching the top....I turn back to the soap....AAAAARRRRRGH! Oh help! The red is "run-ning" like Forest Gump -everywhere! Oh no! I frantically grab a spoon...I'm scooping the offensive red blobs....I'm trying to blot pink stained alcohol from the tops....what to do...I know, I'll use the white snowflakes -the ones I thought about using in the first place (but the red really did look nicer, before the alcohol debacle) But the top isn't pretty and smooth anymore -my bottom lip protrudes...man, this isn't what I wanted. But I have no time to pout about "The Soap that Almost Was" because "The Soap that Is" is starting to set up before my eyes.
Do something, Becky!! So I did what any soaper would have done...I swirled the top! " No No, 'DingBat' -Not ordinary swirls...try to make it look intentional -like wind...that's it...little, tiny, delicate winds swirling around your Happy Trees!" ( Have I ever mentioned that my "self talk" is often rather harsh? )
Ever the Optomistic Realist, I think these may be o.k. after all. Wish I had saved the first photo with the red candy dots, it was actually quite striking, but I didn't decide to share this ghastly goof-up until this a.m. But here's what they look like now...let's hope the color stays....surely it will....right?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Sweet Prize from Texas!
Some of you may know that I was lucky enough to win the drawing for a Lovely Basket filled with Three Lovely Soaps from my soapin' pal Michele at Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps. Let me warn you, you're gonna be jealous when you see this... 
The pumpkin basket is adorable (sorry my photo is not the best) there's Indian corn in there, tied with a lovely ribbon...almost to pretty to open ....but not quite! ;D
Check out these soaps....
they are just as gorgeous in person as they are on her website. Even I, as pictorially challenged as I am could get a lovely shot of these babies! The packaging is to die for -one lovelier than the next. The three soaps I received are "Oatmilk & Almond" left, "Oatmeal, Milk & Honey" center with the lovely oat-flecked top, and "Star Anise" right, which is amazing, and, strangely, reminds me of Easter!
Smells like a black jelly bean, and I am suddenly transported back in time to 1971 or so, eating Easter candy with my sister from our Easter baskets, in the nearly-dark living room before sunrise service (hence the near-darkness) Easter morning! What a lovely and unexpected memory -all from a bar of soap. Amazing!
Thanks Michele, for the lovely basket, soaps and the unexpected trip down Memory Lane!
The pumpkin basket is adorable (sorry my photo is not the best) there's Indian corn in there, tied with a lovely ribbon...almost to pretty to open ....but not quite! ;D
Check out these soaps....
they are just as gorgeous in person as they are on her website. Even I, as pictorially challenged as I am could get a lovely shot of these babies! The packaging is to die for -one lovelier than the next. The three soaps I received are "Oatmilk & Almond" left, "Oatmeal, Milk & Honey" center with the lovely oat-flecked top, and "Star Anise" right, which is amazing, and, strangely, reminds me of Easter!
Smells like a black jelly bean, and I am suddenly transported back in time to 1971 or so, eating Easter candy with my sister from our Easter baskets, in the nearly-dark living room before sunrise service (hence the near-darkness) Easter morning! What a lovely and unexpected memory -all from a bar of soap. Amazing!
Thanks Michele, for the lovely basket, soaps and the unexpected trip down Memory Lane!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)