Etsy Treasuries -who, me??

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

Curing for 2012 - "Aubergine Trio"

For those Most Passionate About Purple Soap:

Featuring: Gardener's Hand Soap (w/lavender & pumice)
                Night Sky (salt topped bar -special request Christmas blend repeat)
                Friendship Cake in Lavender (topped with shredded soap)


Pure and 100% natural for your health and mine!  Vegan.  Pre-orders accepted
via comment or email becky@heirloomsoapworks.com  Don't miss out -reserve your set today!

Happy Soaping to everyone. ;)

By Request: Fickle Alkanet in Natural Soap

Well, as a follow-up to my last post, and at my friend Cocobong's request....

a photo of two very different results using Alkanet Root Powder in natural handmade soap:

[caption id="attachment_1348" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Lavender Natural Soaps with Alkanet Root "][/caption]

 

Now, before I get down on Alkant Root, I must remind myself that I wasn't quite satisfied with the lovely mauve color of the natural soap on the right.....it just wasn't lavender enough.  So I added maybe an extra half-teaspoon to the next batch (otherwise identical) and WHOA -"That ain't lavender, Sally!"   Of course the soap is perfectly fine & smells divine....but I think I liked the mauve color better!  (Perhaps I should sometimes leave well-enough alone???)

So -there you have it!  The Soap Sister has definitely not mastered Alkanet Root  (or much else, for that matter!)  Natural coloring in handmade soap is not, it would appear, an exact science....but it certainly isn't boring, either.  Plus it keeps me humble, and that is always a good thing!

Have a lovely day, soap fans!

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!

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 used 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.....

My Christmas Soaps So Far...

"Holy Night" - A Christmas Soap

I had one of my "moments" when an idea that had been percolating in my head actually came together, and action was taken!  I love when that happens! :D   I wanted to do a Christmas soap that included the Star of Bethlehem, as well as  the passage "We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Matt. 2:1-2

I'm hoping that the Alkanet root powder will make the "sky" part of the soaps nice and dark like the night sky, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow.  This photo was taken just after I poured the soap:

I don't know yet if I'll sell these or keep them to give as gifts....

Looking so forward to Christmas! ~Becky

"Deep Purple" HP Soap

 Here's my latest purchase: A pretty purple Crock Pot from Walmart -on sale for $18.00! (I got two...to facilitate my new HP passion)
But check out the purple (alkanet infused) oil -had to take a pic. Funny it's the first batch in my new crock.
Here's how it looks this a.m. I'm actually pleased with the look. I'm getting used to and rather fond of the HP marbling. It's fragranced with French Lavender (of course) and smells divine, courtesy of the HP.