tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35842541550237749782024-03-19T05:00:06.644-07:00Oil & ButterCeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-24049179166152048132015-09-26T18:33:00.001-07:002015-09-26T18:53:51.318-07:00DIY Spa Pamper Gift Basket<br />
This is going to be a loooooooooong blog post.....so long in fact, that I am going to have to split it into 2 or 3 parts! I was gifted with some wonderful containers from <a href="https://www.sks-bottle.com/" target="_blank">SKS Bottle and Packaging</a>, and I thought it would be a really fun idea to make a whole head-to-toe inspired DIY gift basket set using their containers:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A50wKkA5cUI/Vgcz_n2pcjI/AAAAAAAAC0k/oYceUblpgPQ/s1600/gift%2Bbasket%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A50wKkA5cUI/Vgcz_n2pcjI/AAAAAAAAC0k/oYceUblpgPQ/s320/gift%2Bbasket%2B2.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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I really wanted to make this a complete head-to-toe experience, so I made products for the head all the way down to the toes. Wax melts, facial mask and serum, hair conditioner, handmade soap, body mist, body/foot scrub, shaving soap and a milk bath with a bath cookie and soap :) With the Christmas season approaching (yikes!), this would be a great gift for anyone special who could use a little pampering. And in the last post, I am going to include a download with the printable labels that I made for these containers (if I can figure out how to do that!) :)<br />
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I decided on a fall-inspired Apple Raspberry theme for this gift basket. The first thing I made was this cute Apple, Pecan & Raspberry layered wax melts in a <a href="https://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/fin30044.html" target="_blank">glass candle jar</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0xA9tzRYE4/Vgc0BV8iNJI/AAAAAAAAC08/oHGdv7b8zQo/s1600/wax%2Bmelts%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0xA9tzRYE4/Vgc0BV8iNJI/AAAAAAAAC08/oHGdv7b8zQo/s320/wax%2Bmelts%2Bpic.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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Now, I purchased the wax melts to put in there...I could have made them - but I would have to buy all the molds and all of the candle scents and colors, so instead I chose to buy them already made. If I was an experienced candle maker (which I am not), I definitely would have used these embeds to make a yummy pie candle, but because I do not know how to make candles, I stuck with just layering the melts, which can be melted in a tart warmer.<br />
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Next, I made a facial clay mask. I used a recipe that I found on Wholesale Supplies Plus:<br />
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<b>Dry Facial Mask:</b><br />
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/education/recipes/cooling-cucumber-face-mask.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>:<br />
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0.5 pound Kaolin Clay<br />
0.5 ounce Aloe Vera Powder 100x<br />
1.5 tbsp Rhassoul Clay (I used Bentonite, but other clays would work too)<br />
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Fragrance Oil (amount according to suppliers recommendation)<br />
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Mix the dry ingredients together with a fork. Drizzle fragrance oil over dry ingredient mixture, a little at a time, and incorporate with the fork until the fragrance oil is fully blended with the powders.<br />
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3 easy ingredients!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWvfRfuXWDo/Vgcz_Cop_oI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/cE2W_AWRmOU/s1600/facial%2Bmask%2Braw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWvfRfuXWDo/Vgcz_Cop_oI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/cE2W_AWRmOU/s320/facial%2Bmask%2Braw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found it was easiest to use a piece of paper to pour the dry ingredients in the bottle:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wULK-lAl17Y/Vgcz-6fmTMI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/FljB7sMt8ec/s1600/dry%2Bfacial%2Bmask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wULK-lAl17Y/Vgcz-6fmTMI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/FljB7sMt8ec/s320/dry%2Bfacial%2Bmask.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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I used a <a href="https://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/fin12f.html" target="_blank">French Square Bottle with a Cork Stopper</a> for this facial mask: </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuYZw1WDhLU/Vgcz-QLb9eI/AAAAAAAAC0A/hfIchk_j1eI/s1600/dry%2Bfacial%2Bmask%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuYZw1WDhLU/Vgcz-QLb9eI/AAAAAAAAC0A/hfIchk_j1eI/s320/dry%2Bfacial%2Bmask%2B2.JPG" width="197" /></a></div>
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<b>To Use:</b> Place 1 to 2 scoops of dry mask into a small bowl. Add just enough water to make a paste. Spread paste on face, avoiding eye area. Let mask dry and then wash off with warm water. </div>
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And of course, no gift basket would be complete without a bar of handmade soap! I made an Apple Raspberry soap using raspberry seed oil and raspberry seed powder. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrW1CYgjzIc/Vgcz927FdaI/AAAAAAAAC0I/HwWhDsW4Dr8/s1600/apple%2Braspberry%2Bin%2Bmold%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrW1CYgjzIc/Vgcz927FdaI/AAAAAAAAC0I/HwWhDsW4Dr8/s320/apple%2Braspberry%2Bin%2Bmold%2Bweb.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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I used a recipe that I adapted from Lovin' Soap. I will insert the video for the soap here, and I will post the recipe below the video: </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ruxwee-cdg8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ruxwee-cdg8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b>Apple Raspberry Cold Process Soap:</b></div>
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Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.lovinsoap.com/2013/10/the-basic-soap-slab-swirl-in-my-shiny-new-silicone-slab-mold/" target="_blank">here</a>: </div>
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158 grams Coconut Oil</div>
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152 grams Olive Oil</div>
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38 grams Red Raspberry Seed Oil </div>
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38 grams Rice Bran Oil</div>
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37 grams Cocoa Butter </div>
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30 grams Castor Oil</div>
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Gold Mica</div>
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Red Mica</div>
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Fragrance Oil of your choice (I used and apple fragrance for the bottom and top layers and a raspberry fragrance for the middle layer) </div>
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I used 160 ml of distilled water to dissolve 63.5 grams of lye. </div>
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I added a small amount of raspberry seed powder to the red portion of the soap. </div>
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If you make any substitutions above, you must recalculate the lye amount! </div>
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As a side note, this was a lovely slow-moving recipe to work with, it's definitely a keeper! :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkOajSeyoe0/Vgcz9xKoh-I/AAAAAAAACz4/sCDm8FPK4z8/s1600/apple%2Braspberry%2Bsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkOajSeyoe0/Vgcz9xKoh-I/AAAAAAAACz4/sCDm8FPK4z8/s320/apple%2Braspberry%2Bsoap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's it for now, next blog post I will continue on making some goodies for this apple raspberry gift basket! A special thanks to <a href="https://www.sks-bottle.com/" target="_blank">SKS Bottle and Packaging</a> for sponsoring this post! </div>
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Cee :)</div>
Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-20248600481917648752015-05-27T10:27:00.001-07:002015-05-27T10:33:22.786-07:00Whipped Beer SoapSomething I've been wanting to try for a while is beer soap. From what I've read, the extra sugar in beer really adds a nice lather to the soap, so I was very curious to try it.<br />
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Now, let me first say, I am not a beer drinker, so I was just amazed at the different kinds of craft beer available! So intriguing - like Chocolate Coffee, Oatmeal Stout, Bourbon, and Raspberry, to name a few. I tried to choose one that didn't have a lot of additional ingredients added, so I settled on a sweet potato variety.<br />
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Before you can use beer in soap, you need to prepare it, which I have demonstrated in the video below:<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/GYTR680J013Z1QHJ" width="400"></iframe></div>
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Once my beer was prepared, I thought it would be fun to try it in whipped soap....I have only ever used water in my whipped soaps, so wanted to try something new. The only glitch is that I think one of the fragrances I used accelerated, which you will see in the video below. I would definitely try beer again in whipped soap, but would make sure that I used well-behaving fragrances next time!<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/BCD3K02GVZCCT07L" width="400"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWdSLBy52Dg/VWX97JnzwBI/AAAAAAAACy8/claxzjvGBNk/s1600/beer%2Bsoap%2Bday%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWdSLBy52Dg/VWX97JnzwBI/AAAAAAAACy8/claxzjvGBNk/s320/beer%2Bsoap%2Bday%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As always, thanks for stopping by! =)<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-63048098076743870502015-05-14T22:57:00.000-07:002015-05-14T22:57:57.672-07:00Whipped Soap Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0lOoI2UPY4/VVV1mOEibiI/AAAAAAAACyk/J4DATtx4Hc8/s1600/close%2Bup%2B2%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0lOoI2UPY4/VVV1mOEibiI/AAAAAAAACyk/J4DATtx4Hc8/s320/close%2Bup%2B2%2Bweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I looooove making cupcake soaps - love it, love it, <i>love</i>. <i>it</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve tried to make my soap cupcakes (bottoms and tops) out of cold process soap before, but the cold process frosting never seems to
work out very well for me. Maybe (probably!) I’m just too impatient waiting for it to thicken
up. In any case, I always find that I have more consistent results when I make the cupcake bottoms out of cold process and the frosting tops out of whipped soap. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve made whipped soap before, you may remember this
previous post: <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2013/07/whipped-soap.html">http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2013/07/whipped-soap.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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To recap the basics of whipped soap:</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">1.
You need a higher ratio of hard oils to soft oils.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">2.
Your lye must be cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">3.
No stickblender! You need an electric mixer for this soap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">4.
You need to make your colors darker than you want them to be, because they turn
lighter/pastel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">5.
Do not gel this soap.<br />
6. Interestingly, whipped soap does not seem to get ash...bonus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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While I was browsing my <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Soap-Crafting-Book.aspx" target="_blank">Soap Crafting</a> book (I highly recommend this book, by the way!), I noticed that Anne-Marie has a recipe for cupcake soaps in it, with the bottoms being made out of CP and the tops out of whipped soap, so I was very excited to give these new recipes a try! </div>
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Just a warning, this post is very picture heavy - there is a video at the end if you'd prefer to watch that instead! :)</div>
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I followed Anne-Marie's recipe for the cold process cupcake bottoms and colored them green, because I am using a delicious watermelon fragrance for these cupcakes:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JGqw0LY4AI/VVVnIv-tqLI/AAAAAAAACvk/3nS_j4Zvf2c/s1600/Snapshot%2B1%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-24%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JGqw0LY4AI/VVVnIv-tqLI/AAAAAAAACvk/3nS_j4Zvf2c/s320/Snapshot%2B1%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-24%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, I prepared my oils for the whipped soap, see the amount of coconut and palm oil in the container compared to olive oil? You can't even really see the olive oil, but there is a little bit in there!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atTSiO_-oR4/VVVnnXhmHKI/AAAAAAAACvs/_5tTc_WRbc8/s1600/Snapshot%2B2%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-26%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atTSiO_-oR4/VVVnnXhmHKI/AAAAAAAACvs/_5tTc_WRbc8/s320/Snapshot%2B2%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-26%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, I melted the oils and cooled them until they were semi-solid and at room temperature:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyibNV9UlC4/VVVn2LyZxZI/AAAAAAAACv0/M3TP_InNk38/s1600/Snapshot%2B3%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-27%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyibNV9UlC4/VVVn2LyZxZI/AAAAAAAACv0/M3TP_InNk38/s320/Snapshot%2B3%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-27%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I used my electric mixer and mixed:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThlauVMJPdA/VVVoFGvdxBI/AAAAAAAACv8/CbVO8OvUSYQ/s1600/Snapshot%2B4%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-29%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThlauVMJPdA/VVVoFGvdxBI/AAAAAAAACv8/CbVO8OvUSYQ/s320/Snapshot%2B4%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-29%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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And mixed:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgwzF0mdsCI/VVVoNP_I-3I/AAAAAAAACwE/o9VU5FLxt0k/s1600/Snapshot%2B5%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-29%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgwzF0mdsCI/VVVoNP_I-3I/AAAAAAAACwE/o9VU5FLxt0k/s320/Snapshot%2B5%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-29%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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And mixed - until the soap had started to thicken up like whipped cream:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWs-9Yus6RE/VVVo-x2CDlI/AAAAAAAACwc/yx5e1aSSsJ4/s1600/Snapshot%2B6%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-30%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWs-9Yus6RE/VVVo-x2CDlI/AAAAAAAACwc/yx5e1aSSsJ4/s320/Snapshot%2B6%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-30%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, I added my cold lye, very carefully to avoid splashes:<br />
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I mixed a little bit more on low speed with the mixer to make sure the lye solution was incorporated well:<br />
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Then I switched to hand mixing, carefully stirring through the bottom to make sure all of the lye had been incorporated:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZAC9vDOkW0/VVVqajaDPiI/AAAAAAAACw0/rOt0R5MQfew/s1600/Snapshot%2B11%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-39%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZAC9vDOkW0/VVVqajaDPiI/AAAAAAAACw0/rOt0R5MQfew/s320/Snapshot%2B11%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-39%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, I can add some color...I am using pink mica:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N31wvkUz5sw/VVVqoq30AlI/AAAAAAAACw8/xPxXPC3osHQ/s1600/Snapshot%2B12%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-40%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N31wvkUz5sw/VVVqoq30AlI/AAAAAAAACw8/xPxXPC3osHQ/s320/Snapshot%2B12%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-40%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made it a shade darker than I needed it, because whipped soap fades as it cures:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1vswLO0bBI/VVVq24Lm3JI/AAAAAAAACxE/ZWzU5DwvH-E/s1600/Snapshot%2B13%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-40%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1vswLO0bBI/VVVq24Lm3JI/AAAAAAAACxE/ZWzU5DwvH-E/s320/Snapshot%2B13%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-40%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I filled my fancy piping bag:<br />
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Okay, it's not so fancy....it's just a freezer bag with a large open star tip :)<br />
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I began by piping a dollop of frosting onto the center of each cupcake:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtSUklWtln4/VVVrdWRAM8I/AAAAAAAACxU/t-t-PSQbi5I/s1600/Snapshot%2B15%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-43%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtSUklWtln4/VVVrdWRAM8I/AAAAAAAACxU/t-t-PSQbi5I/s320/Snapshot%2B15%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-43%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I swirled the frosting around the dollop, working my way up higher and ending up in the center:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKRVOIwBBhI/VVVsKY7kucI/AAAAAAAACxg/zQBhNMR_DRQ/s1600/Snapshot%2B17%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-46%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKRVOIwBBhI/VVVsKY7kucI/AAAAAAAACxg/zQBhNMR_DRQ/s320/Snapshot%2B17%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-46%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had 3 mini cupcakes left over, and I topped all of the cupcakes with mini (melt and pour) cherries:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTeq3YElXJk/VVVsq0O897I/AAAAAAAACxo/lwwEZVqep24/s1600/Snapshot%2B18%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-48%2BPM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTeq3YElXJk/VVVsq0O897I/AAAAAAAACxo/lwwEZVqep24/s320/Snapshot%2B18%2B(14-05-2015%2B8-48%2BPM).png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I added glitter:<br />
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These were too much fun to make and they smell amazing - I forgot how much I enjoyed making whipped soap!<br />
<br />
And here is my video of the whole process:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/TQV0NK1PZDFC75PF" width="400"></iframe></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-8084987775382588602015-05-12T22:01:00.001-07:002015-05-12T23:40:43.450-07:00Brown Sugar Lip Scrub<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So, a couple of months ago, the girls at my work were chatting about
lip scrubs. I’m not familiar with lip scrubs - I’ve never used one…but with me
being the do-it-yourself(er?) that I am – I immediately offered to try to create one for them. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It took me a bit of experimenting to get a consistency that I
liked, and in the end a 1:1:1 ratio of cocoa butter, coconut oil and brown
sugar ended up being what I pictured the perfect lip scrub to be - a creamy and soothing blend that exfoliates but also moisturizes. I took some samples into work and received an enthusiastic stamp of approval from my co-workers, so I
thought I would share the recipe here with you!<br />
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I chose to use food-grade ingredients because I had a feeling my co-workers were not going to be able to stop licking this sugary treat off their lips; in fact, once they tried it...one of my co-workers asked if it could come with a spoon....ummm, no Sara it cannot! lol! ;)<br />
<br />
I like that this creamy scrub softly exfoliates, while leaving behind a nice layer of buttery moisture on your lips: <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZMYk50J9s8/VVJvGX2HI8I/AAAAAAAACvQ/z8C0SNKCi1I/s1600/brown%2Bsugar%2Blip%2Bscrub%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZMYk50J9s8/VVJvGX2HI8I/AAAAAAAACvQ/z8C0SNKCi1I/s320/brown%2Bsugar%2Blip%2Bscrub%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Brown Sugar Lip
Scrub<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
makes 3x 15ml lip balm jars (perfect for 3 co-workers!)<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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20 grams cocoa butter<o:p></o:p></div>
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20 grams coconut oil<o:p></o:p><br />
20 grams brown sugar</div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
(optional – 2 grams of flavor oil, or the recommended
usage rate suggested by your supplier)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Melt the cocoa butter in a microwave safe dish. Add the coconut oil and stir until the coconut oil has melted into the cocoa butter. Cool the butter mixture for 15 minute intervals in the
fridge, until semi solid and creamy when mixed together. Stir in the brown sugar and add the recommended amount of flavor oil (if using), and package into lip pots. Let cool
thoroughly before putting the lids on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Here is a video demonstrating how I made the lip scrub:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/1WM5Z50D88SFFB6Z" width="400"></iframe></div>
<br />
<b>Notes:</b><br />
You can lower the amount of cocoa butter if you like a thinner scrub. You can also substitute white sugar (you may find it less exfoliating). If you over-chill the butter mixture while you are making it, you can soften it in the microwave for just 10 seconds, until it is soft and creamy again. You could definitely experiment with adding liquid oils, such as avocado or sweet almond oil - I liked a firmer texture, and that is why I chose to stick to a harder oil and butter.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-5953674581744903852015-05-09T01:12:00.000-07:002015-05-09T01:22:01.135-07:00Making Coffee Infused Oil (and sugar scrub cubes)Mmmmm, coffee! Is there anything more divine?? I love to drink it and I love the smell of it - and if I could slather myself in it...I would! And I'm happy to report that I think I've found a way to do it!<br />
<br />
<b>Coffee Infused Oil:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 cup olive oil (or other light oil with a longer shelf life)<br />
1/2 cup fresh coffee grounds<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b><br />
Heat gently on low for 1 hour (if using a tiny slow cooker) or for 2 hours (if using regular size slow cooker), then shut off the heat and let it sit overnight or longer. Strain through coffee filter and store in fridge until ready to use.<br />
<br />
Here is a video, demonstrating how I made the coffee infused oil:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/5BYBFH237VSV0D95" width="400"></iframe></div>
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Now, the possibilities seem almost endless with coffee-infused oil...you could add it to hot process soap (after the cook), lip scrubs, body butters, facial scrubs, body polishes, lip balms...so many different ways you could use it!<br />
<br />
I'm going to use it in something I have been wanting to try, which was these super yummy coffee-infused sugar scrub cubes! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LoDsIDkrflo/VU2PeTLT8bI/AAAAAAAACus/sjNtgUNpMmM/s1600/sugar%2Bcube%2Bscrubs%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LoDsIDkrflo/VU2PeTLT8bI/AAAAAAAACus/sjNtgUNpMmM/s320/sugar%2Bcube%2Bscrubs%2Bweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Coffee Infused Sugar Scrub Cubes</b><br />
(recipe adapted from <a href="http://library.rusticescentuals.com/how-to-make-sugar-cube-scrubs/" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
3 oz melt and pour soap base<br />
2 oz coffee infused oil<br />
<br />
1/2 tsp coffee fragrance oil<br />
1 tsp fresh coffee grounds<br />
<div>
6 oz white sugar</div>
<br />
<b>Directions: </b><br />
Melt MP soap in microwave, the add fragrance oil until combined. Stir in the coffee-infused oil and fresh coffee grounds. Add sugar until thoroughly mixed. Pour into a square or rectangular mold, cool and cut into cubes.<br />
<br />
*note, if the mixture cools too quickly to get into the mold, you can reheat it (gently!) in the microwave - don't overheat or the sugar might dissolve.<br />
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Here is a video showing how I made the sugar scrub cubes:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/4LXDXF3G1TXBYSCY" width="400"></iframe></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>How to use sugar cubes:</b><br />
Hold sugar scrub cube under warm running water for a few seconds, then massage the cube in your hands until it crumbles and mixes with the water, exfoliate the dry areas of your skin, rinse. <br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-16742107024179625452015-05-06T14:48:00.000-07:002015-05-06T19:20:37.157-07:00New Video - Doggie Shampoo Bar with Infused OilOkay, I'm having way too much fun learning how to make videos!<br />
<br />
Today I'm trying something I've been wanting to try for a while - Doggie Shampoo Bars!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63tgRzZJkxA/VUrD7WOwm4I/AAAAAAAACs4/nRcgITYKXC8/s1600/pet%2Bsoap%2Bout%2Bof%2Bmold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63tgRzZJkxA/VUrD7WOwm4I/AAAAAAAACs4/nRcgITYKXC8/s1600/pet%2Bsoap%2Bout%2Bof%2Bmold.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I picked this particular recipe from <a href="http://www.soaping101.com/soap-recipes.html" target="_blank">Soaping 101</a>, because the olive oil is infused with flax seeds and oatmeal, which sounded really nice (even for us humans!). Be sure you research your fragrance and essential oils (and any other additives) before using them to make sure they are pet safe. This is the recipe I used:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfm-tVxcFB0/VUrFFSEHnQI/AAAAAAAACtg/ITT_o0SNtXo/s1600/doggie%2Bshampoo%2Brecipe%2Bpicture%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfm-tVxcFB0/VUrFFSEHnQI/AAAAAAAACtg/ITT_o0SNtXo/s1600/doggie%2Bshampoo%2Brecipe%2Bpicture%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="311" /></a></div>
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I started by making a flax seed / oatmeal oil infusion, here I am using a heaping 1/4 cup of the ground flax / oat mixture in 200 grams of olive oil:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMDrNRXWVaI/VUrEQNu0r5I/AAAAAAAACtA/kvMCMUE0YMw/s1600/oat%2Bflax%2Bmixture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMDrNRXWVaI/VUrEQNu0r5I/AAAAAAAACtA/kvMCMUE0YMw/s1600/oat%2Bflax%2Bmixture.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After stirring it in, I heated it gently for 1 hour (if I was using a larger amount of oil in the bigger crockpot, I would have heated it on low for 2 hours), then I turned off the crockpot and let it sit, covered, overnight. This is what it looked like after 24 hours:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qe8zwRU2ma4/VUrE2nQ6WpI/AAAAAAAACtM/UN7UjmwQVW4/s1600/infusion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qe8zwRU2ma4/VUrE2nQ6WpI/AAAAAAAACtM/UN7UjmwQVW4/s1600/infusion.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then strained the oil through a coffee filter, the fine mesh did an excellent job of removing the pulp:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wePxMzOEt_w/VUrE-0D8DXI/AAAAAAAACtU/Clen_SOEZYM/s1600/straining.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wePxMzOEt_w/VUrE-0D8DXI/AAAAAAAACtU/Clen_SOEZYM/s1600/straining.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I prepared my additives and then stickblended the powdered oatmeal into my oils, before adding my lye solution:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75qjtiW-O5k/VUrFXnjHN5I/AAAAAAAACtk/QaHy8WrxuFk/s1600/additives.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75qjtiW-O5k/VUrFXnjHN5I/AAAAAAAACtk/QaHy8WrxuFk/s1600/additives.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I poured my soaps into the mold and texturized the tops:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AQ6187A-Nw/VUrFgDMobZI/AAAAAAAACts/tKtxiCx7B18/s1600/pouring.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AQ6187A-Nw/VUrFgDMobZI/AAAAAAAACts/tKtxiCx7B18/s1600/pouring.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzPl_ss_SBY/VUrFjrPkShI/AAAAAAAACt0/TC4h8DcSkr8/s1600/tops.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzPl_ss_SBY/VUrFjrPkShI/AAAAAAAACt0/TC4h8DcSkr8/s1600/tops.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I added some soapy doggie bones to the tops:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4RwGyhyWVM/VUrFqxMI93I/AAAAAAAACt8/P2JaH_0ztEQ/s1600/bones.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4RwGyhyWVM/VUrFqxMI93I/AAAAAAAACt8/P2JaH_0ztEQ/s1600/bones.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here they are all in the mold:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxvPug7hDtc/VUrFxFdIG2I/AAAAAAAACuE/80txWWZz_4g/s1600/pet%2Bsoap%2Bin%2Bmold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxvPug7hDtc/VUrFxFdIG2I/AAAAAAAACuE/80txWWZz_4g/s1600/pet%2Bsoap%2Bin%2Bmold.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And out:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63tgRzZJkxA/VUrD7WOwm4I/AAAAAAAACs4/nRcgITYKXC8/s1600/pet%2Bsoap%2Bout%2Bof%2Bmold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63tgRzZJkxA/VUrD7WOwm4I/AAAAAAAACs4/nRcgITYKXC8/s1600/pet%2Bsoap%2Bout%2Bof%2Bmold.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the video....hope you enjoy! :D<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/6SW3C432YL33TGFG" width="400"></iframe></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-43217110160094846722015-05-02T23:51:00.003-07:002015-05-04T19:59:08.133-07:00New Video - Hot Process Soap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Az2y_C838BI/VUW1SET2OdI/AAAAAAAACsI/cwhyzmhkEQI/s1600/hot%2Bprocess%2Bpies%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Az2y_C838BI/VUW1SET2OdI/AAAAAAAACsI/cwhyzmhkEQI/s1600/hot%2Bprocess%2Bpies%2B2.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
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I’ve been asked by a few people lately how I make
my hot process soap, so I thought it might be easiest to make a video demonstrating
the process. But before I get to that, I just wanted to share a couple of notes
about hot process soap, based on my experiences:</div>
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1. While you can technically use hot process soap right away, I always let mine sit for at least a week or two, preferably even
longer, until the majority of the moisture has evaporated. The longer they sit and harden, they longer they will last. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2. You can get away with using less fragrance oil with
hot process soap, I tend to use it at a rate of 0.5 to 0.75 oz per pound of
oil, depending on the strength of the fragrance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. You can use any cold process recipe to make hot
process soap. I always use the full water amount suggested, but I hold back 1
ounce of liquid per pound of oils to add after the cook. <o:p></o:p></div>
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4. I always superfat my hot process soaps with 1 tbsp of
oil or butter per pound of oils. I have also added a bit of honey after the cook.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. I always add sodium lactate to my hot process soap, at
a rate of 3% of my oils weight, to help keep the soap more fluid for pouring. <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2012/07/using-sodium-lactate-in-hot-process.html">http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2012/07/using-sodium-lactate-in-hot-process.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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6. If you use milk as part or all of your lye solution,
it will darken as you cook it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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7. For the hot process soap in the video, I used the <a href="http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/sea-clay-avocado-facial-bar/" target="_blank">SeaClay Avocado Facial Bar</a> recipe from Brambleberry, which was courtesy of Amanda
from Lovin’ Soap…I didn’t have any avocado oil, so I subbed rice bran oil (note that because
I subbed the oil, I made sure to run the recipe through a lye calculator again). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is the video showing how I make hot process soap...I hope
you enjoy it! :)</div>
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<center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/NRP4RD39R9MQVG0M" width="400"></iframe></center>
<br /><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" /><br />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-53110082903157161532015-04-26T11:19:00.000-07:002015-04-26T19:25:30.456-07:00Great Cakes Soapworks - May Soap Challenge Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVCPyUso-jc/VT0r6JWCIcI/AAAAAAAACrQ/yWvp8DWoV2s/s1600/soap%2Bdessert%2Bchallenge%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVCPyUso-jc/VT0r6JWCIcI/AAAAAAAACrQ/yWvp8DWoV2s/s1600/soap%2Bdessert%2Bchallenge%2Bweb.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are you familiar with Amy Warden’s Soap Challenge Club? Each
month she picks a new soaping technique to highlight, and offers a video
tutorial where she demonstrates the technique and gives access to a helpful written
tutorial along with tonnes of tips and tricks to help you learn the technique. The
members then submit their own versions of the soaps that they have created
based on this technique, and the soap club members vote on their favorites and
the winners win fantastic prizes such as gift certificates or supplies such as soaping
equipment or fragrances. Last month, Amy was able to add a great new
international option - so, those of us that are outside of the US can compete separately
and win prizes too! :)</div>
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For this next month, I was so honored that Amy asked me to
guest host the Soap Challenge Club! The theme this month is dessert soaps - and
you know how much I love foodie soaps! I got right to work designing some fun
dessert-themed soaps:</div>
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Blueberry Pies:</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Carrot Cakes:</div>
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Raspberry Milkshakes:</div>
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Ombre Rosette Cakes:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4x577-i6Wv4/VT2dhrKEv-I/AAAAAAAACrg/mxWnXEeLy4M/s1600/ombre%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4x577-i6Wv4/VT2dhrKEv-I/AAAAAAAACrg/mxWnXEeLy4M/s1600/ombre%2Bcake.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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Believe it or not - that was the easy part! The next
challenge for me was to shoot a video tutorial - I have always avoided videos,
they scare me! But, I’m always up for a challenge and thought that this would be
a good opportunity to learn how to do this. In the video tutorial, I explain
how I made an assortment of the dessert soaps seen above, along with how to
make the fondant-like soap that I used to sculpt the carrots on the top of the
carrot cakes. In the written tutorial, I offer lots of options, tips and tricks that can be used for making desserts soaps. </div>
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So, if you enjoy a challenge - this is exactly what you are
looking for! The Soap Challenge Club is a great way to stretch your soapmaking
skills and learn some new techniques you may have not had the opportunity to
try before. The membership will grant you access to the private instructional
video and written instructions during the month of the challenge. This month’s grand
prize for the U.S. soapmakers is a $100 gift certificate from Bramble Berry,
and for the international soapmakers it is a $100 gift certificate from Voyageur
Soap & Candle Co!!</div>
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In addition to the grand prizes, there will also be two 2nd and 3rd place winners and 2 Sponsor's Choice prize winners! Voyageur
will provide a $25 gift certificates for their 3 winners, and Bramble Berry
will have these 4-oz fragrance oils for their 3 winners: </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4MAIVwOcXI/VT0rVroGGiI/AAAAAAAACrI/5HC2ntVNkbk/s1600/ChallengeFragrances300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4MAIVwOcXI/VT0rVroGGiI/AAAAAAAACrI/5HC2ntVNkbk/s1600/ChallengeFragrances300.jpg" /></a></div>
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2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> place winners will receive
free registration to the next month's Challenge Club as well!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Registration opens April 27 and closes May 4, 2015. Here is
the link to register: <a href="https://www.greatcakessoapworks.com/products/soap-challenge-club-membership">https://www.greatcakessoapworks.com/products/soap-challenge-club-membership</a></div>
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Looking forward to seeing you there, and I can’t wait to see
what creative dessert soaps you guys come up with! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0C_oTyl2z4/VT0q4dfzYLI/AAAAAAAACqg/sl2esMs9kjU/s1600/dessert%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0C_oTyl2z4/VT0q4dfzYLI/AAAAAAAACqg/sl2esMs9kjU/s1600/dessert%2Bcollage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-27495519644682058512015-04-21T21:12:00.000-07:002015-04-22T09:32:49.033-07:00Introducing Soaps and Suds TV<div class="MsoNormal">
I have some exciting news to share! I was asked a little while ago by the team at Waywire if I would be interested in curating a channel devoted
to soap making. A channel devoted to soap making…how fun is that?!<br />
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Curated video, such as Waywire, is a completely new concept to me - but I love the idea of gathering and organizing all of our favorite videos in one place (much like a traditional TV channel would), so of course I said yes and got right to work on it! </div>
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In addition to soap making, I have rounded out the channel to include all things bath and body related. The sub channels will include hot and cold process soap making, melt and pour soaps, bath products, creams and lotions, and I will be adding a few other categories as well. The videos will include DIY bath and body recipes, as well as informative tutorials and helpful tips. I have already started adding videos and will be sharing my own videos on there as well, and I will continue to add new relevant videos on a regular basis, so
stay tuned and be sure to bookmark the channel and visit often! </div>
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Here is the link: <a href="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/" target="_blank">Soaps and Suds TV</a><br />
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PS - See if you can spot my first attempt at a
soaping video for the channel. Sadly, it ended in a massive soap seize (of course!),
but I thought I would put it up anyway….enjoy! =)<br />
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Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-58737994959380278022015-04-15T20:54:00.001-07:002015-04-15T21:17:37.825-07:00How to straighten photo using PicMonkeyIt seems like sometimes, no matter how carefully and straight I try to aim my camera lens, I end up with crooked pictures! I know it's just a silly little thing to fuss about, but sometimes it drives me crazy! Case in point:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2lVBf6qHxI/VS8uvHdqZmI/AAAAAAAACos/YsU0WBACIm0/s1600/crooked%2Bimage%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2lVBf6qHxI/VS8uvHdqZmI/AAAAAAAACos/YsU0WBACIm0/s1600/crooked%2Bimage%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Now, I could have sworn when I lined up that photo that the bottom was all squared up with the frame of my lens! I know it's such a small detail, but it's actually super easy to fix in PicMonkey (my favorite photo editing site). I was happy to discover this trick a little while ago and wanted to share it with you guys:<br />
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<b>Step 1: </b><br />
Upload your photo, and under Basic Edits choose "Rotate":<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-he_-0VBsFSo/VS8vEBVDcDI/AAAAAAAACo0/Vj5ekWzwpAk/s1600/pic%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-he_-0VBsFSo/VS8vEBVDcDI/AAAAAAAACo0/Vj5ekWzwpAk/s1600/pic%2B1.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2:</b><br />
Click on the "Straighten" button...notice how it places that grid over the photo?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0zYbmZJbpk/VS8vIiUKYeI/AAAAAAAACo8/r4SCNCWm0D8/s1600/pic%2B2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0zYbmZJbpk/VS8vIiUKYeI/AAAAAAAACo8/r4SCNCWm0D8/s1600/pic%2B2a.jpg" height="159" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, drag the straighten button to the left or the right, and it will rotate your photo either left or right. You can use the grid to guide you as to how straight your photo is within the frame: <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6sh76ELH1c/VS8xs2jcNNI/AAAAAAAACpU/r9ucHmwChNc/s1600/pic%2B3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6sh76ELH1c/VS8xs2jcNNI/AAAAAAAACpU/r9ucHmwChNc/s1600/pic%2B3a.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ah, much better! Just 3 easy steps, and see how the bottom is all lined up nicely along the frame? Now I can sleep tonight! :D<br />
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PS - I'm not super picky about this all the time...sometimes I do take crooked pictures on purpose! ;)<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-68268245990468626572015-04-06T19:17:00.000-07:002015-04-06T19:59:17.960-07:00Ice Wine Soap<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend! We just returned
from spending the weekend in Whistler, BC, which is a lovely little resort
village nestled at the base of the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, near Vancouver, BC.
You may have heard of Whistler, as the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics were hosted here:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpEZPdjMBlM/VSMjnWdAPjI/AAAAAAAACmg/avMz1Zp4Gqw/s1600/4441255573_66d2a54856_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpEZPdjMBlM/VSMjnWdAPjI/AAAAAAAACmg/avMz1Zp4Gqw/s1600/4441255573_66d2a54856_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonwick/4441255573/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Photo </a>by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonwick/" target="_blank">Jon Wick</a> licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">CC by 2.0</a> </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzSvx45nDy4/VSMjjsDq_oI/AAAAAAAACmY/qvO8p8AAXPc/s1600/4442030458_cafce0202e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzSvx45nDy4/VSMjjsDq_oI/AAAAAAAACmY/qvO8p8AAXPc/s1600/4442030458_cafce0202e_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonwick/4442030458/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Photo</a> <span style="text-align: center;">by </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonwick/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Jon Wick</a><span style="text-align: center;"> li</span><span style="text-align: center;">censed under </span><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">CC by 2.0</a></span></div>
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Even though we have had a relatively mild winter in BC, the
skiing and snowboarding were still amazing high up in the mountain. Admittedly, I am
not as much of an outdoors enthusiast as my husband and kids, but I really
appreciated the views of the snow-covered mountains, the cozy feeling of the
village, and the foodie aspect along with the shopping that the village
offered. Speaking of food, I stumbled upon this amazing bakery called <a href="http://www.purebread.ca/">Purebread</a>:</div>
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I wanted to pitch a tent and camp outside their door all day
and night. I cannot say enough good things about their rustic but elegant cakes, breads, and pastries; Raspberry Chocolate Loaf, Hazelnut Fig Bread, Salted Caramel Bar, Morning Glory (muffin?
croissant? whatever it was, it was amazing!), Lavender Earl Grey Scone, Berries
and Cream Puff, Brown Sugar Sponge Cake, etc. I seriously wanted to order one
of everything, and I am convinced it is quite possibly the best bakery on
this entire planet. Although, my son reminded me I have not been to Paris.
Touché, son.</div>
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My daughter really loved the <a href="http://luciagelato.com/" target="_blank">Lucia Gelato</a>, and of course
you can’t go there without treating yourself to a <a href="http://www.beavertailsinc.com/" target="_blank">Beavertail</a> pastry, which
seems to be a staple of the Canadian ski slopes! <a href="http://www.cows.ca/" target="_blank">Cows</a> ice cream was my husband and
sons’ favorite. We also had an amazing burger with fresh-cut fries at
<a href="http://www.boomburger.ca/" target="_blank">Boomburger</a>. And even though it’s a small village, there are 3 Starbucks there! </div>
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How does this all tie into soap making? Well, while I was
there, I noticed that many of the gift shops featured ice wine gifts; ice wine
tea, truffles, cookies, syrup, etc. Now, I admittedly am not a wine connoisseur, and I have never heard of ice wine before, so I had to research it. It turns out that ice wine is a type is a dessert wine that is produced from grapes that have been collected while they are frozen on the vine. Because the water in the grapes is frozen, this allows for a
more concentrated grape juice to be squeezed from the frozen grapes. Ice wine
harvesting is fussy - the frozen grapes must be picked on the first morning
that it is cold enough, and the whole crop needs to be picked within a few
hours! This results in a smaller amount but more concentrated and very sweet
wine; needless to say, it is also pricier than traditional wine because of the
risk and smaller yield associated with this type of harvesting. </div>
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Naturally, my thoughts turned to using ice wine in soap! I
have wanted to try wine in soap for a while, and thought it would be fun to try an Ice Wine soap inspired by our trip to Whistler.</div>
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Seeing as I was only using this ice wine in soap, I chose the least expensive bottle that I could
find, which was this bottle of 2011 bottle of merlot ice wine from the Okanagan
Valley in BC: </div>
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To prepare the wine for soap making, you need to boil some of the alcohol out first, as this will help you avoid any heat volcanoes during and after your
soap making. To do this, you need to simmer your wine on low for about 15 minutes (which should remove about 60% of the alcohol content). Studies have demonstrated that simmering, even for long periods, will reduce some, but not all of the alcohol*. </div>
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Unfortunately, I got distracted and ended up simmering mine for much
longer than I wanted too - about 30 minutes, and I was left with a very sticky and condensed syrupy
mixture. My poor kids were convinced I had started a brewery in our kitchen -
the wine aroma was so strong! I ended up reconstituting the syrup with some
water to make it thinner and then let it cool overnight. I did taste a tiny bit
of the condensed wine, and it was VERY sweet and tasted very much like a strongly
concentrated grape juice. It would make an amazing drizzle on top of some
vanilla bean ice cream….mmmm!</div>
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To make this ice wine soap, I used just enough water to melt
my lye (just over a 1:1 ratio of water:lye). I added the ice wine at trace. I
used a combination of strawberry and rhubarb to fragrance the soap, which had the perfect balance of pungent, fruity, juicy and tart elements to compliment an ice wine infused soap. </div>
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Whenever I make soap with a new (unfamiliar) ingredient, I
try to have a plan A, B and C in place:</div>
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Plan A is in case it moves really fast
- my goal here is just to plunge the soap into the mold as fast as I can,
nothing fancy here. </div>
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Plan B is in case it behaves well and I have some playtime,
I can play around with some embeds or layering and texturing the tops. </div>
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Plan C
is my always my failsafe plan; in case all of the above goes horribly wrong, I
can always throw the soap in the oven and hot process it….it may not turn out
as pretty, but it produces a perfectly usable soap!</div>
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This turned out to be a Plan A on the verge of a Plan C soap. When
I added the ice wine, the soap immediately turned chocolate brown and thickened
up…so much so, that I could barely get the fragrance evenly distributed. Did I
mention that the raw soap stunk? Like that lovely ammonia-like smell that we get in soap making from using milks (thankfully, this unwelcome fragrance usually dissipates fairly quickly). Also, because the raw soap color had turned so dark from the ice wine, I had to blindly add some burgundy
and violet mica, hoping that as the soap cures out, I will be left with something
of a merlot color. </div>
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I was hoping to take pictures of the previous part of the
process, but you can see how this part got away on me! </div>
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Because of the extra sugars in the wine, I immediately put
the soap in the freezer to keep it cool. It is kind of a plain soap, so
I jazzed it up by adding some blue, violet and iridescent glitter to the tops along with some iridescent star confetti: </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3UJ8CQRjcDg/VSMwYG5fiWI/AAAAAAAACnI/a6KdWEZhF0Y/s1600/ice%2Bwine%2Bsoap%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3UJ8CQRjcDg/VSMwYG5fiWI/AAAAAAAACnI/a6KdWEZhF0Y/s1600/ice%2Bwine%2Bsoap%2B3.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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PS - After making this soap, I found this wonderful article by Anne L. Watson on formulating and experimenting with beer and wine in soaps, I really wish I had read it before I attempted this soap...hope you find it helpful if you decide to try this -> <a href="http://www.annelwatson.com/soapmaking/creative/october/beerwinesoap.html">Beer and Wine Soaps</a></div>
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PPS - Jenny at I'd Lather Be Soaping has a great <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcAVvMR4ohE" target="_blank">video</a> and <a href="http://lather-be-soaping.blogspot.ca/2014/04/merlot-wine-soap.html" target="_blank">blog</a> post on making wine soap too! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*<span style="color: #191919; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Alcohol Retention in Food Preparation. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 92:486-488 *</span></span><span style="color: #191919; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/80400525/Data/retn/retn06.pdf</span></span></div>
Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-3142386047911209542015-03-11T21:31:00.001-07:002015-03-11T21:33:45.114-07:00Blackberry Sage Soap (with piped rosettes)I haven't made a 'me' soap in a while, and thought I would like to have another try at a rosette soap. You may remember <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2013/06/easy-soap-roses.html" target="_blank">this post</a> from all the way back in June 2013, when I first made soap rosettes!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://vine.co/v/b3Z97xlUiO0/embed/postcard" width="300"></iframe><script src="https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script><br />
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There are a couple of things to keep in mind when doing this type of soap with a piping technique:<br />
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1. Work at low temps (90 to 100 degree lye solution for me)<br />
2. Choose a slow moving recipe<br />
3. Select a fragrance that does not accelerate or discolor<br />
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My first attempt this time was this soap:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DX0euUqjWU/VQES6hY5pdI/AAAAAAAACkI/p9ekHeOH9VQ/s1600/birthday%2Bcake%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DX0euUqjWU/VQES6hY5pdI/AAAAAAAACkI/p9ekHeOH9VQ/s1600/birthday%2Bcake%2Bweb.jpg" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is fragranced with Birthday Cake, and while it turned out okay, I thought I would like to try it again with a smaller tip to see if I could get more definition in the flowers (I use open-star tips for my rosettes).<br />
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Because I am fragrancing this one with Blackberry Sage, I pictured a light earthy green for the bottom and a muted purple topping. I actually colored the whole soap a very slight green, similar to the color you would have if you had used pomace olive oil in your recipe. I poured the bottoms, leaving some room at the top for the rosettes:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXakWmUV89M/VQETjfZrUGI/AAAAAAAACkQ/gti-4xtVuTw/s1600/bottoms%2Bpoured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXakWmUV89M/VQETjfZrUGI/AAAAAAAACkQ/gti-4xtVuTw/s1600/bottoms%2Bpoured.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I remember (maybe from a tutorial of <a href="http://www.greatcakessoapworks.com/handmade-soap-blog/" target="_blank">Amy</a>'s?) that if you place something on top of your mold, the soap underneath will set up a bit faster, so I placed a baking sheet on top of my molds while I prepared the rest of my soap, so that the base would be ready for my heavier rosettes.<br />
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I colored the rest of my soap with purple mica. It's a muddy purple, because the base was slightly green, but I think it works for this blackberry soap. I stickblended it until it was thick enough for piping and put it in my piping bag:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SPjJGWRazc/VQEU8R54qeI/AAAAAAAACkc/wZIC_9OPIw4/s1600/thick%2Bsoap%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SPjJGWRazc/VQEU8R54qeI/AAAAAAAACkc/wZIC_9OPIw4/s1600/thick%2Bsoap%2Bweb.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I test my soap, to make sure it will hold up for piping - this is holding it's shape well and looks good to go! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0th0w0EN3XM/VQEVCxPqwfI/AAAAAAAACkk/Hs1UuGOUNSw/s1600/piped%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0th0w0EN3XM/VQEVCxPqwfI/AAAAAAAACkk/Hs1UuGOUNSw/s1600/piped%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Working on the piping, I think the smaller tip is better...you can see the rosettes better:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1jE6CyTKeA/VQEVSfZJuWI/AAAAAAAACks/2x9cwxBZTRw/s1600/piping%2Brosettes%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1jE6CyTKeA/VQEVSfZJuWI/AAAAAAAACks/2x9cwxBZTRw/s1600/piping%2Brosettes%2Bweb.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is also important to tap down your molds as you are piping your rosettes, it helps the rosettes to settle a bit in the base soap and spread out slightly toward the sides of the mold. Here they all are in the mold:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHDN38ugGIY/VQEVfJHDNlI/AAAAAAAACk0/fgxTjhjl9V8/s1600/blackberry%2Bsage%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHDN38ugGIY/VQEVfJHDNlI/AAAAAAAACk0/fgxTjhjl9V8/s1600/blackberry%2Bsage%2Bweb.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And out!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgxO2_UMYFE/VQEVhmf99xI/AAAAAAAACk8/E2pk4vwKe3A/s1600/blackberry%2Bsage%2Bcut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgxO2_UMYFE/VQEVhmf99xI/AAAAAAAACk8/E2pk4vwKe3A/s1600/blackberry%2Bsage%2Bcut.jpg" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a very simple technique, but so versatile...I love the way these turned out! :)<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-36854979945383590742015-02-13T16:30:00.000-08:002015-02-17T19:12:25.598-08:00Using Aloe Vera (freeze dried) Powder in Soap<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not familiar with freeze dried aloe vera powder at all,
but I received a sample from <a href="http://www.aloeveraofcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">Aloe Vera of California</a> and decided
to give it a try:</div>
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According to the literature I received with the sample, the aloe
gel is harvested and concentrated, and then freeze dried and ground into a fine
powder and mixed with maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is a starch-derived food
additive that is commonly used as a thickening or filling agent in foods; in
this case, I am wondering if it is being used to prevent clumping? </div>
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This aloe vera powder is food grade and certified organic,
and their prices seem very reasonable! The powder
I am using is a 100:1 concentration, and they also offer a 200:1 concentration
and a 50:1 concentration. </div>
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I have used aloe vera juice in soap, and this powder can be
reconstituted to make aloe vera juice. The powder is very economical to use, because
it has a long shelf life (2 years) and you just need such a small amount of the
powder (99 parts of distilled water to 1 part aloe vera powder, if using the 100:1
concentrated powder) to make the aloe vera juice. Once you have made your aloe
vera juice, you can use it right away (chill it first) or freeze it into cubes
to use later. </div>
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I am testing this reconstituted juice using my favorite 100%
coconut oil and aloe vera juice recipe from Kenna of Modern Soapmaking (click on the text in the blue box below to access the recipe): </div>
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<h1 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline" style="background: rgb(46, 189, 188); border-radius: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Oswald, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 15px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;">
<a href="http://www.modernsoapmaking.com/100-coconut-oil-soap/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: small;">TUTORIAL: DEFYING THE RULES OF SOAPMAKING (100% COCONUT OIL SOAP)</span></a></h1>
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I actually converted the liquid in her recipe to grams because I am used
to working in grams, so I measured out 297 grams of water to mix with 3 grams
of aloe vera powder:</div>
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Then, add the aloe vera powder to your distilled water to
make the aloe vera juice:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0gPJJ8cG64/VNfrdEAZlmI/AAAAAAAAChI/gJQ84UtGJn0/s1600/aloe%2Bpowder%2Bin%2Bwater%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0gPJJ8cG64/VNfrdEAZlmI/AAAAAAAAChI/gJQ84UtGJn0/s1600/aloe%2Bpowder%2Bin%2Bwater%2Bweb.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I noticed the powder didn't completely dissolve right away,
but that may have been because I was busy taking pictures and didn't stir it as
it was going in; in any case, after letting it chill in the fridge (it needs to
be chilled for Kenna’s recipe), it was all dissolved and the water was clear.</div>
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Once it had sufficiently chilled, I measured out the lye and
added it to the aloe vera juice - the aloe juice turned a very cool bright
yellow when mixed with the lye! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTMnE5cZhuo/VNfrkapJjzI/AAAAAAAAChQ/_0GG065gxiY/s1600/bright%2Byellow%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTMnE5cZhuo/VNfrkapJjzI/AAAAAAAAChQ/_0GG065gxiY/s1600/bright%2Byellow%2Bweb.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was cloudy at first but then settled to a clear yellow
color. While I was waiting for my aloe vera lye solution to cool down, I
measured out the rest of my ingredients. This is the easiest soap to make,
because there is only one oil to measure - the coconut oil!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaKFQm7L8eM/VNfrp-1TkZI/AAAAAAAAChY/yo0yPiBwPQo/s1600/coconut%2Boil%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaKFQm7L8eM/VNfrp-1TkZI/AAAAAAAAChY/yo0yPiBwPQo/s1600/coconut%2Boil%2Bweb.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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From past experience in working with this recipe, I remember
that this soap likes to heat up like crazy, so I actually chilled my molds in
the freezer prior to pouring the soap:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dX0CUhtV4o/VNfrvh3JeYI/AAAAAAAAChg/_mrgbJo50ng/s1600/chilling%2Bmolds%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dX0CUhtV4o/VNfrvh3JeYI/AAAAAAAAChg/_mrgbJo50ng/s1600/chilling%2Bmolds%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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I previously had not noted on Kenna’s instructions that she
recommends you add half your lye solution to your coconut oil and stickblend
well, then add the remaining half of your lye solution. I asked her the reasoning behind this, and she says it is to make sure the some doesn't trace too quickly - great tip! I will try this method with my other soap recipes too - my base recipe comes to trace VERY quickly, so I am
hoping this method might give me a bit more time. </div>
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As Kenna suggests, I brought my soap to very thin trace only
(just until it was emulsified). For the color, I wanted kind of a mossy green,
so I am going to try this Woodland Green mica powder from <a href="http://www.latherandlotions.com/woodland-green-mica-powder/" target="_blank">Lather & Lotions</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuZMd88vji4/VNfr3j0bpWI/AAAAAAAACho/tuOgDBU_k84/s1600/woodland%2Bgreen%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuZMd88vji4/VNfr3j0bpWI/AAAAAAAACho/tuOgDBU_k84/s1600/woodland%2Bgreen%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></div>
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I love using micas because there is no premixing required,
I just stir them with a whisk into the raw soap:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Px7h7pa0jw/VNfsONnf-9I/AAAAAAAAChw/I1agU2AP_Cc/s1600/adding%2Bmica%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Px7h7pa0jw/VNfsONnf-9I/AAAAAAAAChw/I1agU2AP_Cc/s1600/adding%2Bmica%2Bweb.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also wanted try this lovely Lavender Green Tea fragrance
from <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Lavender-Green-Tea-Fragrance-Oil-P5236.aspx" target="_blank">Brambleberry</a>; apparently it was one of the winning fragances from their
2012 S.O.A.P. panel. It is described on their website as being “fresh and clean
smelling, almost like a linen scent. It reminded one of our panelists of an
Aveda blend with its natural lavender notes.” Sounds divine, right? And a perfect match for an aloe soap :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LbyiFgobpA/VNfsezt2xOI/AAAAAAAACh4/zCcjlnRSbrg/s1600/fragrance%2Boil%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LbyiFgobpA/VNfsezt2xOI/AAAAAAAACh4/zCcjlnRSbrg/s1600/fragrance%2Boil%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>
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Once you have added your color and fragrance, you are ready
to pour your soap into the mold:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXHaij5LglA/VNfsmo7atQI/AAAAAAAACiA/SOwE6tDRkTQ/s1600/aloe%2Bsoap%2Bin%2Bmold%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXHaij5LglA/VNfsmo7atQI/AAAAAAAACiA/SOwE6tDRkTQ/s1600/aloe%2Bsoap%2Bin%2Bmold%2Bweb.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p>Look at that dreamy green color! :)</o:p></div>
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Putting it in individual molds helps to prevent the soap
from heating up too much; however, despite my best efforts, this one did start
to heat up and was gelling in the centers, so I immediately placed the soaps in
the freezer. </div>
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Again, this recipe sets up super fast, so you want to remove
it from your molds and cut it within 6 to 12 hours (make sure you handle with
gloves as the soap will still be caustic at this point). </div>
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In my case, because they were in individual molds and I put
my soap in the freezer, I was actually able to remove these soaps from the mold
after only 1.5 hours! I ended up with partially gelled soaps, but I think it
works in this soap. And it actually allowed me to see what the color of this
mica would be gelled and ungelled, which is pretty cool!</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-31651398651618290882015-01-29T23:16:00.000-08:002015-01-29T23:22:32.175-08:00Fragrance Oil TestingI am in the process of testing some new fragrances :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIAriAZFGlg/VMsitE0psjI/AAAAAAAACf4/PHyAmLT2GPE/s1600/fragrance%2Bsamples%2B%2Bweb%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIAriAZFGlg/VMsitE0psjI/AAAAAAAACf4/PHyAmLT2GPE/s1600/fragrance%2Bsamples%2B%2Bweb%2B2.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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These fragrances are very exotic to me....I usually gravitate towards bakery and sweet scents, so it is good for me to branch out and try new things! I haven't tried any new fragrances in while, so it was nice to pull out my trusty cold process testing recipe to try out these new fragrances.<br />
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As many experienced soapmakers will tell you, it is always a good idea to test any new fragrances in CP (and MP) before you use them. The chemical process involved in making cold process soap can very often change the color and performance of your fragrance oils in the cured soap. Even in melt and pour soap, the vanilla content of the fragrance oil can change the color of your finished soap over time. <br />
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I like to use a basic olive oil/coconut oil/palm oil recipe for testing my fragrances in cold process soap.When I am testing fragrances, I bring my cold process soap to very thin trace (just emulsion) before splitting it out into individual portions for testing. In this case, I used 4 ounces of raw soap to 0.25 ounces of fragrance oil for testing (which is equivalent to 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of oils, if my math is correct!). I bring the soap to thin trace only, so that I have time to split it out and mix the fragrance oils well into each portion and check for any color changes, morphing of fragrances, or any acceleration that may occur.<br />
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The fragrances that I am testing are from a new (to me) company - they have previously been selling fragrances in Latin America, and now have a store in the US, <a href="http://www.parisfragrancesusa.com/" target="_blank">Paris Fragrances</a>.<br />
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Here are my observations upon pouring, along with the scent descriptions from their site:<br />
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<b>Breu Branco Brazilian Wood: </b>No acceleration noted, no discoloration noted on pouring. Top Notes: Bergamot and lemon in a warm woody fragrance. Finished out with notes of pink pepper, black
pepper, paprika.</div>
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<b>Buriti Amazonian Fruity</b>: Accelerated, no discoloration noted on pouring. Buriti is a fruity floral musky fragrance from the fruits
of a rain forest palm tree called Buriti.</div>
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<b>Belissima Bella Donna</b>: No acceleration, no discoloration noted. Sophisticated fragrance. This one is very soft and floral to me. </div>
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<b>Pitanga Red Brazilian Fruit</b>: No acceleration noted, no discoloration on pouring. This Brazilian cherry fruit is from the south forests
of Brazil. Pitanga in the native Brazilian language (tupi) means red. Top
Notes: Red pitanga, tangerine, grapefruit. Exotic smell, it is fruity
- hot and sweet.</div>
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<b>Pink Guava Brazilian Fruit</b>: No acceleration noted, slight
discoloration on pouring. Top notes: Slightly citrus, like orange or
bergamot - a juicy mix of orange, cashew, guava and other notes.</div>
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Here are the fragrances just 2 hours after pouring. You can see even after 2 hours, some of them are starting to discolor already. PS - I am in love the butter yellow color of the Bella Donna fragrance! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPgno6MZO4o/VMsofGF2nNI/AAAAAAAACgY/FG6yuHFB2tM/s1600/2%2Bhours%2Bafter%2Bpouring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPgno6MZO4o/VMsofGF2nNI/AAAAAAAACgY/FG6yuHFB2tM/s1600/2%2Bhours%2Bafter%2Bpouring.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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First impressions? My nose was immediately drawn to the Breu Branco Brazilian Wood, so that is what I soaped first. While bakery scents are my first love, woodsy fragrances are a close second :)</div>
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2 hours after pouring, I can't stop sniffing the Pitanga Red Brazilian Fruit, it is intoxicating! </div>
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<o:p>I will update this blog post again in 1 week and then 1 month after the soaps have cured, to assess how the colors and fragrances have held up. </o:p></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-46822613747289620832015-01-23T22:07:00.000-08:002015-01-24T16:38:07.819-08:00Hemp Soap - made with homemade hemp heart milk and hemp heart infused oilWow...has it really been 5 months since my last post?! I can hardly believe it. My deepest apologies for my extended absence, but I really needed to take a huge step back and focus on important issues that were happening during that time. Thank you to those of you that reached out and checked up on me, and I will look back through the comments and try to answer any questions you have left for me :)<br />
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As you can see, my soap making was put on hold during that time, and I forgot how important it was for me to express myself, be creative, and share my passion with others. I am hoping you will allow me to pick up right where we left off last time :)<br />
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As you know, I love making milks from scratch to use in soap. Yes, it is
more time consuming, but I am always fascinated to learn about and try new
types of milk soaps. Those of you who follow my blog will remember that I have made
vegan milks from scratch a few times before, including <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2012/07/banana-milk-soap-hot-processed.html" target="_blank">banana milk</a>, <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2012/07/oat-milk-recipe.html" target="_blank">oat milk</a>
and <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2012/08/luxury-soap-recipe-tutorial.html" target="_blank">almond milk</a>. The latest that I tried was hemp milk that I made from
scratch using these hemp hearts:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUvVxou1644/VMMtboq5j3I/AAAAAAAACfA/PEYxOUJ5qDM/s1600/hemp%2Bhearts%2Bweb%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUvVxou1644/VMMtboq5j3I/AAAAAAAACfA/PEYxOUJ5qDM/s1600/hemp%2Bhearts%2Bweb%2B1.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>To Make the Hemp
Heart Milk: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I found these hemp hearts at our local health food store. To
make the hemp milk, I combined ½ cup of hemp hearts with 2 cups of water in a
blender, and blended until the mixture was smooth. Then I strained the hemp milk
through cheesecloth to remove the pulp. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FmOESFnFaoM/VMMtbhIOrkI/AAAAAAAACe8/0t56wA55CqI/s1600/hemp%2Bmilk%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FmOESFnFaoM/VMMtbhIOrkI/AAAAAAAACe8/0t56wA55CqI/s1600/hemp%2Bmilk%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
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<b>To Make the Hemp
Heart Infused Oil:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Unfortunately, I didn’t have any hemp oil to use in my soap,
so I thought I would try infusing my olive oil with hemp hearts to use in my
soap. I did this using a quick-steep method; combining 2 tbsp of hemp hearts
per 1 cup of oil in a saucepan, and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and
then turning off the element and covering the infusing oil for 2 hours, then
straining the infused oil through cheesecloth. </div>
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<o:p><b>To Use the Hemp Heart Milk in Soap: </b></o:p></div>
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As with any milk soap, I had a couple of options of how to
use the hemp milk. I could have frozen the hemp milk into cubes and
added the lye to the frozen cubes, but I always find this is risky when working
with a new milk ingredient, plus I would have had to wait for the milk to
freeze…and you all know how impatient I am! So instead, I chose to use the milk
as part of my total liquid amount and add it at trace. </div>
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If you are not familiar
with this method, it involves dividing your total liquid amount into 2 portions;
using one portion as water to dissolve your lye (always remember to use
slightly more water than lye to dissolve it), and then adding the remainder of
the liquid as the milk of your choice at trace. Having said that though, next
time I would try adding my milk directly into my oils, before I added the lye
solution, as the soap traced very quickly and I barely had enough time to mix
the hemp milk in properly. </div>
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I chose not to fragrance this soap, instead leaving it as a
pure hemp soap with the hemp infused oil and hemp heart milk:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wOrPrIc5Sk/VMMtcLamJ4I/AAAAAAAACfM/wDYJyBNa_4Q/s1600/hemp%2Bsoap%2Bin%2Bmold%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wOrPrIc5Sk/VMMtcLamJ4I/AAAAAAAACfM/wDYJyBNa_4Q/s1600/hemp%2Bsoap%2Bin%2Bmold%2Bweb.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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As with any milk soap (because of the sugars), keep in mind that these soaps can heat up
in the early stages of saponification. I was hoping to avoid any gelling or cracking,
so I put my milk soap in the coolest place in our house (the garage), but when I
checked on it an hour later this is what it looked like:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCPj8f161TU/VMMtbSBk2GI/AAAAAAAACe4/81_4WpN1uac/s1600/gelling%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCPj8f161TU/VMMtbSBk2GI/AAAAAAAACe4/81_4WpN1uac/s1600/gelling%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a></div>
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That, my friends, is a sure sign of a partial gel...it starts in the center and moves its way out. Now, there is nothing wrong with a partial gel, but I am an
all-or-nothing type of girl :) I prefer not to gel, because of the opaque and creamy look of ungelled soap, but that is completely a personal preference. Once I see that my soap has started to gel, there is no turning back. So, I encourage it along until it is in full gel, but putting in on top of a
heating pad and then covering it with a towel to encourage full gel. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w125Od_mFe4/VMMtchJySbI/AAAAAAAACfQ/h29Iaze1a0E/s1600/on%2Bheat%2Bpad%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w125Od_mFe4/VMMtchJySbI/AAAAAAAACfQ/h29Iaze1a0E/s1600/on%2Bheat%2Bpad%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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You could alternatively put your mold (if it is heat safe) into a really
low oven (150 degrees F) until it is in full gel, but my oven does not go down
that low, and I end up with bubbles on the surface of my soap, even at the
lowest temperature, which is 170 degrees F. </div>
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Also, to avoid any gelling in the first place, I could have put my soap in the freezer or fridge for 12-24 hours, but I have not had any luck doing that either (I end up with crumbly soap). </div>
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And here is it cut:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AbHaAe9_MY/VMQ63T-_9nI/AAAAAAAACfo/U06-C11Ez4Y/s1600/hemp%2Bsoap%2Bcut%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AbHaAe9_MY/VMQ63T-_9nI/AAAAAAAACfo/U06-C11Ez4Y/s1600/hemp%2Bsoap%2Bcut%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></div>
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Have a wonderful weekend everyone! :)</div>
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Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-37660310692687620502014-08-02T19:41:00.001-07:002014-08-02T19:41:54.648-07:00Advice for Beginner Soapmakers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Hi everyone, I hope
you all are having a great summer! I have been very busy, but feel bad for neglecting my
soapmaking and blog :( Now, I am feeling the pressure to start building my
inventory back up with fall approaching and the Christmas holiday season not too
far behind it. This summer heat seems to suck up all of my energy, but I must
buckle down and get back to work!</span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I love getting emails
from readers, and I always appreciate it when people take the time to email me
and share their successes after trying a recipe or technique I have shared on
my blog. It motivates me to continue to share my soapmaking journey with you.
So, thank you for your support and encouragement!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I received a question
from Stella, and thought it was a good one to share for anyone who is wanting
to learn how to make cold process soap. I think her experience mirrors a lot of
our own experiences, and I thought I would share her question and my answer as
a post, in hopes that it might help others too: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Hi Cee, I happened upon your site through soap making
wanderings and I am so glad I did.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">I have
only just begun my soap making journey and I'm so excited. I've been soaking up
help and information, do's and don'ts from all over the internet. I'm only
doing melt and pour soap at the moment as I want to be able to sell my soaps at
markets and fairs around South Australia, as a hobby at this stage. I know that
if I go with CP I have to register with NICNAS if I intend to sell, so I'm
leaving that avenue for a bit.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: white;">Do you
have any advice for a beginner soap maker?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></i><i><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: white;">many
thanks<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></i><i><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: white;">Stella<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></i></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p><i> </i></o:p></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </i></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Hi Stella, thanks so
much for stopping by and welcome to the wonderful world of soapmaking! I too
started my soapmaking journey by making melt and pour soaps, and I still love
to make them as well as cold and hot process soaps. I’m glad to see you have
done so much research already before jumping in, that is definitely a great
start. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I could fill up a
whole page with advice for beginner soapmakers, but I will try to narrow it
down to a few digestible points for you!</span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">1. Always run any
recipes you want to try through a lye calculator; even the recipes you find
from reliable sources can have calculation errors in them. Also, as </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I am sure you have learned by now, there is also some misinformation on the internet about how to safely make cold process soap, and I hope you have been able to spot and differentiate between the good information and the misinformation. Find reliable sources and stick with them! </span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">2. Document
everything. Take notes of every single batch you make. This blog was my way of
documenting the soaps that I have made, but you should also keep a notebook
with lots of notes and observances of each batch that you make, including
writing down the recipe each time and how the ingredients behaved (did the
fragrance accelerate your soap or affect the color? did your soap gel? how was the feel and lather? did the
fragrance last after curing? etc). You will not be sorry that you took the time
to make these notes; being able to look back and reference any soap batch you
made will be invaluable, and will ultimately save you time and money (and
frustration!) in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">3. Always, always test
your recipes and ingredients. There is nothing worse than working really hard
on a beautifully colored and decorated soap, only to find out that the vivid
colors will bleed onto a washcloth, or that your fragrance will fade or change
the color of your soap by the time curing is complete. Some surprises don’t show up
for several weeks to months, so it is always best to give your recipes lots of
trial and testing time. For instance, I made this Christmas soap and the red
color ran; not enough to stain a washcloth, but it was good to be able to test
this and warn people before I gave it away: <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2012/10/snowman-soap.html">http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2012/10/snowman-soap.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">4. Recipes with milks
and/or natural sugars (like honey) will heat up, so make sure you make an
allowance for this when planning your batch (whether to gel or prevent gel, for example). Here is an example of a batch that heated up, and I ended up with a partial gel and some flaking: </span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2014/06/so-my-story-begins-with-this-promising.html">http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2014/06/so-my-story-begins-with-this-promising.html</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">5. Most ‘failed’ soap
batches can be saved, either by chopping it up and adding it to another batch
or by rebatching it (unless it is lye-heavy, then those ones would have to be
tossed). Here is an example of a batch I had to repurpose here: <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2013/12/rebatching.html">http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2013/12/rebatching.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">6. Fancy recipes with lots
of ingredients aren’t always better, sometimes you just can’t beat a basic
3-oil or 4-oil recipe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">7. Patience is key. I
can’t emphasize this enough…mostly because I am still trying to learn this…lol.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">8. Join forums, ask
lots of questions and don’t be afraid to experiment and step outside the box. Just
because something doesn’t work for one person, doesn’t mean it won’t work for
you. For example, our skin shouldn’t be able to tolerate a 100% coconut oil
soap (normally it would be far too cleansing/drying), but I learned that you
can make a great 100% coconut oil soap here: <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2013/06/pina-colada-twist.html">http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2013/06/pina-colada-twist.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">9. Introduce yourself
to other soapers and join swaps. This is a great way to try out other soaps and
compare qualities to see what you like in a handmade soap and how you can
improve your recipe. The other soapmakers I have connected with have been incredibly
supportive, and we still email each other when we have questions or need advice,
I always know I can count on them! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">10. Don’t be afraid to
make mistakes, and don't feel like a failure because your batch failed or didn’t turn
out the way you had expected. I have learned more from my unsuccessful batches
than I have from my successful ones. And remember to have fun….sometimes jumping
into selling can turn soapmaking into more of a production line and stifle
creativity; be careful to make sure you strike a healthy balance between the
business and creative aspects. Take your time and enjoy the hobby stage, you
will not regret the time you took to carefully experiment to make sure you have
recipes and techniques that you and your (eventual) customers love! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I hope this information has been helpful, and when
you are ready to jump in and get started, I have put together a thorough basic cold
process tutorial with step-by-step instructions on the How Do I Make Soap blog,
which you can find here:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.howdoimakesoap.com/2014/06/04/make-cold-process-soap/">http://www.howdoimakesoap.com/2014/06/04/make-cold-process-soap/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I would love it if some of my fellow soapmakers would chime in with their best advice for anyone starting out...things you wish you would have known before you made your first batch of soap. Looking forward to hearing your advice, and wishing you all the best with your soapmaking Stella! :)</span></span></div>
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Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-52846044185446233472014-06-28T19:46:00.000-07:002014-06-28T19:46:53.616-07:00Butterflies and Cherry Sundae SoapThings have been hectic here the past couple of weeks! Our oldest son graduated this year, so it was a busy time. Things have settled back down a bit for now...<br />
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My daughter asked if we could go to a local butterfly garden this weekend, so we spent a day there. I used the occasion to practice using my macro lens and the butterflies made beautiful models! I hope you will indulge me as I share a few pictures :)<br />
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This butterfly noticed my daughter's outstretched hand, and flew right over and landed next to her hand. Then, it opened its wings to touch my daughter's fingertips. I think it was trying to show us how well it matched my daughter's nail polish! It stayed in this position for the longest time.<br />
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Then, I looked down on my jacket and spotted this little fella, who had decided to hitch a ride. He stayed on and toured the whole exhibit with me:<br />
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Meanwhile, this pretty one landed on my niece's hair. Wouldn't you love to have this as a hair accessory?<br />
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They also had beautiful flowers, and I was especially taken with these ones...does anyone know what they are called? I forgot to look at the name.<br />
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The butterflies liked the plants and flowers too:<br />
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And we saw this little guy, who was desperately trying to escape his enclosure:<br />
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It was so hard to resist his pleading for help!<br />
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And now for the soap! This is one of the very few fragrances that I have used that has ever reversed trace. Have you ever had that happen? It was thickening up so fast before I added the fragrance, so I was trying to quickly move to do my in-the-pot swirl. It wasn't until after that I realized how thin the soap was; luckily, even though the soap was very thin when I did the ITP swirl, it held some definition: <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QnMPT2EsK4/U6926tSeU1I/AAAAAAAACcg/qX9rDwt_ujc/s1600/cherry+soap+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QnMPT2EsK4/U6926tSeU1I/AAAAAAAACcg/qX9rDwt_ujc/s1600/cherry+soap+web.jpg" height="400" width="317" /></a></div>
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My planned soap was actually slightly different than this - I had to adapt to using the thinner soap, but I think it turned out better than I had planned. This is an important lesson that soaping has taught me, you have to be flexible and adapt...embrace the detours in your planned visions! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2FbbmFmTSA/U6927H1X-xI/AAAAAAAACcc/ftG0UhjTjnQ/s1600/cherry+sundae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2FbbmFmTSA/U6927H1X-xI/AAAAAAAACcc/ftG0UhjTjnQ/s1600/cherry+sundae.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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And, I bought these gorgeous meringue cookies today....great inspiration for some soap or bath treats, don't you think?!<br />
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Hope you all have a fantastic week!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-17107851667650413662014-06-08T16:09:00.001-07:002014-06-08T16:12:40.418-07:00Avoiding AshAfter all this time making soap, I still cannot figure out any consistency to when or why soda ash shows up on the tops of my soaps. I find that spritzing with <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2012/08/using-rubbing-alcohol-to-prevent-ash.html" target="_blank">rubbing alcohol</a> works great, but only if I persistently spritz it as it is setting up for the first few hours, and then I also have to spritz it every day for the first few days to keep it from forming. It's a bit of a pain to babysit it, but it's the only thing that I have found that keeps the ash away the majority of the time.<br />
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I find that my gelled soaps usually don't get ash, but I usually try to avoid gelling, so that doesn't help.<br />
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Sometimes, it forms even before I've had a chance to spritz the top. And sometimes, due to the embeds I put on top, I can't spritz the tops because the rubbing alcohol would ruin the top or the embed. Nothing more frustrating than having an intricately detailed top covered up by white ash!<br />
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I know a lot of people find success by covering their soaps immediately after pouring with plastic wrap, but when you are doing intricate tops such as this one below, it is hard to cover it up with plastic wrap without marking up the top:<br />
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I was trying to think of how I could avoid ash with my bumblebee soap, and then I remembered that I had seen a video from Kia of <a href="http://beaconcreations7.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Petals Bath Boutique</a> a while ago, and she showed how she was able to avoid ash by using a combination of plastic wrap and rubbing alcohol. Just as she did in the video, I waited just until the tops were not sticky anymore, and then I spritzed the top with rubbing alcohol and covered it with plastic wrap (so that the plastic wrap was actually touching the entire surface of the top). I was so happy to find that there was no sign of ash at all on the tops this time! Kia very kindly gave me permission to share her video here with you. Thank you Kia!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/msupijkJyRg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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Do you have any other tricks you use to avoid ash, or do you find that using certain ingredients seem to trigger or help deter ash?<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-64036052750384413512014-06-01T21:47:00.000-07:002014-06-01T21:48:57.050-07:00Oatmilk Honey Soap + Honey Bubble Cakes<div class="MsoNormal">
So, my story begins with this promising looking soap:</div>
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Because it contained both oatmilk and honey, I placed the
mold in the fridge while I was preparing the soap, and immediately put the soap
mold back into the fridge after pouring the soap. It looked nice and creamy
with no signs of gelling, and I was really looking forward to unmolding it the
following day. Here it is unmolded:</div>
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Looking good so far, right? Here’s a side shot:</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Uh oh….I can see the telltale signs of a partial gel on the
sides :(</div>
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I cut into it, hoping by some miracle that the partial gel
wouldn’t be noticeable, but no such luck. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement: </div>
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The partial gel actually wasn't that bad, I could have lived with it, but the bottoms were crumbling off as I cut the slices, and the inside of the soap was flaky and crumbly. </div>
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Sigh. Let’s agree to never speak of this again, okay? </div>
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I took a deep breath and pried all of those little
bumblebees off the top of the soap, determined to remake the soap again the
next day. This time, I used my slab/divider mold, so that I could keep an eye
on it to make sure it was gelling evenly. Thankfully this time, it cooperated.
My soap was super stuck to the mold though, I had to really work to pry it out:</div>
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Lately, I've been trying to make coordinating bath products to go with the soaps, and I couldn't decide whether to make bath bomb cupcakes to go with this soap or bubble bars. In the end, I decided to compromise and make Honey Bubble Cakes: </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfMYWl3xwZw/U4v6EYFRIHI/AAAAAAAACS0/FzUxAx4CTrI/s1600/DSC_15111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfMYWl3xwZw/U4v6EYFRIHI/AAAAAAAACS0/FzUxAx4CTrI/s1600/DSC_15111.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I think they turned out cute, and I can't wait to test them! I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead, thanks so much for stopping by! </div>
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Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-29097096737969398822014-05-25T16:39:00.002-07:002014-05-26T15:24:26.589-07:00Chanel No 5<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s fascinating how certain fragrances can trigger memories
and emotions. It’s very comforting, and one of the things that I love about
making soap is the emotion that you can elicit just from the way a soap looks
or smells. </div>
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When I was a child, I always loved to see my mom dressed up.
She would have on a fancy dress or pant suit, and her makeup would be just perfect,
her hair would be curled and coiffed, and when she bent down to kiss me goodbye before
she went out for the evening, she would smell like Chanel No. 5. </div>
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I haven’t smelled that fragrance for years, but when I came
across a dupe for it, I thought it would be fun to make a special soap for my mom. I
got ambitious (why do I do that to myself?!) and thought I would also try to
make the famous Chanel logo to put on top of her soap! </div>
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I began by mixing some clear MP soap with activated charcoal
and poured a thin layer of it into a rectangular mold: </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvOh15poJTs/U4J5XZ07A7I/AAAAAAAACQQ/XoTjqn2R_2U/s1600/DSC_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvOh15poJTs/U4J5XZ07A7I/AAAAAAAACQQ/XoTjqn2R_2U/s1600/DSC_1386.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once it was firm, I cut out a circle:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyovD4WxkMw/U4J5V5BlI8I/AAAAAAAACQE/3V1T3Vd7ibo/s1600/DSC_1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyovD4WxkMw/U4J5V5BlI8I/AAAAAAAACQE/3V1T3Vd7ibo/s1600/DSC_1389.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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Then, I chose a slightly smaller circle to cut the middle
out of the first circle:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ighVw22j6oY/U4J5VytQMnI/AAAAAAAACQI/kukSUB3PszI/s1600/DSC_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ighVw22j6oY/U4J5VytQMnI/AAAAAAAACQI/kukSUB3PszI/s1600/DSC_1390.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I tried just cutting the circle in half to see if I could
form the logo, but it was a bit too narrow: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq0Zs1LorzU/U4J5YaBTyzI/AAAAAAAACQc/lVbHfsyhS8E/s1600/DSC_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq0Zs1LorzU/U4J5YaBTyzI/AAAAAAAACQc/lVbHfsyhS8E/s1600/DSC_1391.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lL5wkrB1mOE/U4J5Y-XvZOI/AAAAAAAACQg/htmP4wCcT_k/s1600/DSC_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lL5wkrB1mOE/U4J5Y-XvZOI/AAAAAAAACQg/htmP4wCcT_k/s1600/DSC_1393.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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So, I cut 2 ‘c’ shapes out this time and cut them a little
over the halfway point: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZFKSk97TRQ/U4J5ZiWJZ5I/AAAAAAAACQo/mi2Xojoo_tU/s1600/DSC_1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZFKSk97TRQ/U4J5ZiWJZ5I/AAAAAAAACQo/mi2Xojoo_tU/s1600/DSC_1394.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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They still looked a bit narrow put together: </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHJBDMzy3RI/U4J5a6ONBXI/AAAAAAAACQ0/vVxbm3TjFgY/s1600/DSC_1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHJBDMzy3RI/U4J5a6ONBXI/AAAAAAAACQ0/vVxbm3TjFgY/s1600/DSC_1397.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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So I gently
bent and curled the ‘c’ shape around a little more until it was a more
pronounced ‘c’ shape:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oxg4lanyovU/U4J5bI5LBjI/AAAAAAAACQ8/WdqTZcIHNgY/s1600/DSC_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oxg4lanyovU/U4J5bI5LBjI/AAAAAAAACQ8/WdqTZcIHNgY/s1600/DSC_1398.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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I glued the shapes in place with a little melted black soap, then I made some flowers out of the rest of the black soap:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQyc7SyRJO8/U4J5bxA2RhI/AAAAAAAACRA/BQOUWs51OVk/s1600/DSC_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQyc7SyRJO8/U4J5bxA2RhI/AAAAAAAACRA/BQOUWs51OVk/s1600/DSC_1400.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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And finished!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f2yI_RWnc8/U4J7w9brzpI/AAAAAAAACR0/F5Wq4_e3tvU/s1600/DSC_1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f2yI_RWnc8/U4J7w9brzpI/AAAAAAAACR0/F5Wq4_e3tvU/s1600/DSC_1409.jpg" height="328" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was very happy that my plan worked. I turned my back
to wash the dishes and when I checked on the soaps several minutes later, they were well into a partial-gel
stage; which isn’t a bad thing…normally I would throw them on the heating pad
and let them finish up. However, gelling + MP = certain disaster. It doesn’t
take much for a thin layer of glycerin soap to melt on top of a hot CP soap. So,
I threw them into the freezer as quickly as I could to try to avoid any melting.
The logo did start to melt slightly in the center, so the middle of the logo is not as well defined as I would have liked, but it could have
been a lot worse!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtD_0cNUI4k/U4J5dbBP_tI/AAAAAAAACRU/uic2P-4tNKE/s1600/chanel+no+5+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtD_0cNUI4k/U4J5dbBP_tI/AAAAAAAACRU/uic2P-4tNKE/s1600/chanel+no+5+web.jpg" height="356" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are the worst of them that started to melt from the heat…still not bad thankfully!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gBVf_OX1xw/U4J6shnhH-I/AAAAAAAACRo/7Ow0YIfHVlQ/s1600/DSC_1421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gBVf_OX1xw/U4J6shnhH-I/AAAAAAAACRo/7Ow0YIfHVlQ/s1600/DSC_1421.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next time, to avoid them trying to gel, I would try soaping
at a lower temperature and I would put them in the freezer as soon as they were
poured. I also wouldn’t bring the soap to as thick a trace because as soon as I
added the fragrance, the soap started to thicken up very quickly. I think I will also freeze the embed slightly before using them on top of the soap, just in case it heats up again. Always a lesson to learn, and I'm thankful that most of them were spared! </div>
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Do you have a favorite fragrance or scent that brings back
happy childhood memories? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOwLx1o4Shs/U4J5ckCZjeI/AAAAAAAACRI/1SH8lYE1log/s1600/chanel+no+5+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOwLx1o4Shs/U4J5ckCZjeI/AAAAAAAACRI/1SH8lYE1log/s1600/chanel+no+5+soap.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
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Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-70516236673029307552014-05-18T12:26:00.000-07:002014-05-18T12:26:25.990-07:00Catching UpWhew...it's been a crazy busy few weeks! I'm sorry I haven't posted here in a while, I hope you are all doing well!<br />
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I've just been working on restocking some soaps and bath goodies, some you have seen before and some are new.<br />
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I hadn't made a hot process soap in a while, so I made a loaf with oatmeal, milk and honey...one of my all-time favorites to make:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5nV65gkJbU/U3kHfcr--5I/AAAAAAAACPY/eS4UmMA7mlE/s1600/hot+process+soap+labeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5nV65gkJbU/U3kHfcr--5I/AAAAAAAACPY/eS4UmMA7mlE/s1600/hot+process+soap+labeled.jpg" height="355" width="400" /></a></div>
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And some CP soaps, this one is Lavender:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6u6p43T2Ss/U3kEoc8KYYI/AAAAAAAACOQ/y8zP3O0D22Y/s1600/DSC_1254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6u6p43T2Ss/U3kEoc8KYYI/AAAAAAAACOQ/y8zP3O0D22Y/s1600/DSC_1254.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was going for more of an apple green here but ended up with a mossy green, which is still nice...this is a warm and spicy masculine soap for men, it contains buttermilk powder and kaolin clay:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHeNouKE4Mc/U3kFC-ofC1I/AAAAAAAACOY/k7NZIFgVKTc/s1600/DSC_1258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHeNouKE4Mc/U3kFC-ofC1I/AAAAAAAACOY/k7NZIFgVKTc/s1600/DSC_1258.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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For summer, I wanted to make a fruity soap, the yellow layer is fragranced with banana and the pink layer is fragranced with strawberry:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEXs5HbLGW0/U3kFVvNwzGI/AAAAAAAACOg/7lsAyViL2xw/s1600/banana+monkey+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEXs5HbLGW0/U3kFVvNwzGI/AAAAAAAACOg/7lsAyViL2xw/s1600/banana+monkey+web.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a></div>
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And for a more sophisticated soap, I did a remake of Baby Rose...I think I like this version the best out of all of the previous rose soaps I've made:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ov4H0MTJUxs/U3kFt1VuGWI/AAAAAAAACOo/A3DcYYsMmeg/s1600/baby+rose+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ov4H0MTJUxs/U3kFt1VuGWI/AAAAAAAACOo/A3DcYYsMmeg/s1600/baby+rose+soap.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XpK7dTW3K8/U3kF2hTfEzI/AAAAAAAACOw/8eJ8wqTYiC0/s1600/DSC_1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XpK7dTW3K8/U3kF2hTfEzI/AAAAAAAACOw/8eJ8wqTYiC0/s1600/DSC_1259.jpg" height="355" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I've been restocking these popular bath treats....Bubble Bath Cupcakes. The bottoms are like a bath bomb, and the tops are more of a bath melt, so while the bottoms fizz and disperse into the water right away, the tops slowly fizz and linger in the bathtub for almost the whole bath. These are a real treat! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDCPoEXiaJU/U3kGofTW9_I/AAAAAAAACO4/Npf8WiwgxzQ/s1600/bath+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDCPoEXiaJU/U3kGofTW9_I/AAAAAAAACO4/Npf8WiwgxzQ/s1600/bath+cupcakes.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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And Bath Cookies, which are more of a bath melt, and again last quite a while in the tub: </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8-BrItbEyc/U3kGy_J61GI/AAAAAAAACPA/_23ri_4o_FU/s1600/bath+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8-BrItbEyc/U3kGy_J61GI/AAAAAAAACPA/_23ri_4o_FU/s1600/bath+cookie.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></div>
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And some new bath cookies made with oatmeal & milk:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BED9-XZmQ0E/U3kHQkGxo-I/AAAAAAAACPQ/2mvbpFecgbA/s1600/DSC_1261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BED9-XZmQ0E/U3kHQkGxo-I/AAAAAAAACPQ/2mvbpFecgbA/s1600/DSC_1261.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's it for now, I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend and thanks for reading!~ </div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-87555310692568290212014-04-24T13:00:00.000-07:002014-04-24T13:00:36.243-07:00Something New! Psst - did you notice something new on the right side of my page?! It's a shiny new badge!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjOWUOJ9J8U/U1lozHUtbrI/AAAAAAAACNc/Lp4xdS99e9A/s1600/HDIMS+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjOWUOJ9J8U/U1lozHUtbrI/AAAAAAAACNc/Lp4xdS99e9A/s1600/HDIMS+badge.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I’m very excited today to be able to announce my collaboration with the wonderful folks at <a href="http://www.latherandlotions.com/" target="_blank">Lather and Lotions</a>! Lather and Lotions is an online and retail store that offers supplies for cold and hot process soaps, melt and pour, lotion and bath products. They also have a <a href="http://www.soapmakingclassroom.com/classes/" target="_blank">Classroom</a>, where you can take classes and workshops to learn how to make all kinds of great bath and body products.<br />
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Together, we are working on an exciting educational/tutorial
blog called <a href="http://www.howdoimakesoap.com/" target="_blank">How Do I Make Soap</a>, where we will be sharing tutorials and tips on making
your own bath and body products, including my favorite - soap :) I’m excited about this great opportunity,
as it will allow me to focus more on my passions, which are the teaching and
creative aspects of soapmaking. </div>
<br />
I am looking forward to partnering with their team to bring you lots of fun and fresh new ideas, tutorials and soap designs, and I look forward to sharing these all with you on the <a href="http://www.howdoimakesoap.com/" target="_blank">How Do I Make Soap blog</a>! So please bookmark this new blog location and visit me often…looking forward to seeing you over there =)<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-65576207739284613452014-04-23T12:01:00.001-07:002014-04-23T12:01:58.928-07:00Giveaway Winner & New TaglineThank you everyone for your amazing tagline suggestions! You all blew me away with your creativity, and every one of your suggestions was much better than anything I could have come up with on my own, so thank you, I really appreciated all of your input!<br />
<br />
First, we have a winner from the giveaway...please help me congratulate Silvia from <a href="http://soapjam.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">SoapJam</a>! Yay, Silvia! :D<br />
<br />
Second, I am so excited to show you my new slogan/tagline - courtesy of all of your excellent suggestions! I loved each and every suggestion and combined a few to come up with this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNK1qZwjFjw/U1gMRjLTwGI/AAAAAAAACMc/0lzIWBDi5C4/s1600/slogan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNK1qZwjFjw/U1gMRjLTwGI/AAAAAAAACMc/0lzIWBDi5C4/s1600/slogan.jpg" height="400" width="368" /></a></div>
<br />
What do you think? I love it, but I am certainly open to any suggestions and/or improvements as well! :D<br />
<br />
Have a great rest of your week!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-50721717229441231072014-04-13T15:04:00.000-07:002014-04-13T15:04:42.024-07:00An Oil & Butter Giveaway! Thank you for each and every like on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oil-Butter/415397471831509" target="_blank">Facebook</a>...I can't believe we are up to 600 likes already! To celebrate, I am going to give away the following gift set with a soap, bath cookie and lip butter:<br />
<br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WrHtZf54GE/U0sCVTIsyPI/AAAAAAAACMI/FOBp2DKBT9I/s1600/giveaway+april+2014+web+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WrHtZf54GE/U0sCVTIsyPI/AAAAAAAACMI/FOBp2DKBT9I/s1600/giveaway+april+2014+web+2.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But, I'm going to make you work for it ;)<br />
<br />
I am trying to come up with a tagline/slogan for Oil & Butter. You are all familiar with my soaps and bath products and can probably come up with some great tagline suggestions! To enter, simply add your comment in the Rafflecopter box below with your best tagline/slogan (one sentence or less), that describes Oil & Butter products. You will then be entered into the draw (one entry per person please), and the winner will be chosen randomly through Rafflecopter. Yes, this giveaway is open to my international friends too :)<br />
<br />
Good luck and have fun...I can't wait to see what suggestions you come up with!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" /><br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/39c8b21/" id="rc-39c8b21" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584254155023774978.post-65655635287424078712014-04-12T11:44:00.000-07:002015-05-03T14:55:00.776-07:00How To Make Emulsified Sugar Scrubs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCb4sOfchUw/Uzg_tZack7I/AAAAAAAACGg/6L7UpH_R1do/s1600/brown+sugar+scrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCb4sOfchUw/Uzg_tZack7I/AAAAAAAACGg/6L7UpH_R1do/s1600/brown+sugar+scrub.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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You asked for it, and here it is! A while ago, I made this
<a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2014/02/lip-balms-and-sugar-scrubs.html" target="_blank">Creamy Sugar Scrub</a>, and some of you had asked for a tutorial on this, so I have
put this post together for all of you :) </div>
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I love using emulsified
scrubs because you are, in essence, creating a lotion each time you shower! A basic
lotion is simply oil + water + emulsifier (to help the oil + water mix). So
when you make an oil + emulsifier scrub, you are creating an instant lotion each
time the shower water hits the sugar scrub on your skin. The shower water activates
the emulsifying agent in your scrub, and mixes with the oil to turn it into a wonderful lotion-y experience
that leaves your skin soft and moisturized without being over-oily or heavy.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I am making sugar scrubs, I like to use a mixture of
raw sugar (bigger grains, more scrubby) and refined/granulated sugar
(smaller grains, less scrubby), but you can use straight raw or straight
refined, it really just depends how exfoliating you want your scrub to be:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7D-zNE5-4o/UzhJdIK4HuI/AAAAAAAACII/9NIL6dWrmV4/s1600/raw+and+refined+sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7D-zNE5-4o/UzhJdIK4HuI/AAAAAAAACII/9NIL6dWrmV4/s1600/raw+and+refined+sugar.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is the recipe I used (not my usual, but a new one I wanted to try):</div>
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(adapted from <a href="http://blog.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/2014/02/new-issue-of-handmade-emagazine.html" target="_blank">this</a> recipe) </div>
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Makes approximately 16 ounces (4 x 4oz jars)</div>
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<br /></div>
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2.4 ounces Apricot Kernel Oil (or another light oil)</div>
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2.05 ounces Grape Seed Oil (or another light oil)</div>
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0.8 ounces Emulsifying Wax (traditional)</div>
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0.8 ounces Stearic Acid </div>
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0.8 ounces Shea Butter</div>
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0.8 ounces Cocoa Butter</div>
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<br /></div>
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4 mL fragrance of your choice</div>
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Preservative* </div>
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<br /></div>
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9 oz Sugar (raw or refined, or a mixture of both)</div>
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Directions: </div>
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Pour your oils into microwave-safe container:<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sReMKSLFWJM/UzhHw-YragI/AAAAAAAACGw/Tmiuc29ma0g/s1600/oils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sReMKSLFWJM/UzhHw-YragI/AAAAAAAACGw/Tmiuc29ma0g/s1600/oils.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Add stearic acid and e-wax:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--B3HbS4F2yk/UzhIF2kT7PI/AAAAAAAACG4/RDSxD8ksEN8/s1600/adding+stearic+acid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--B3HbS4F2yk/UzhIF2kT7PI/AAAAAAAACG4/RDSxD8ksEN8/s1600/adding+stearic+acid.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Add cocoa butter and shea butter:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGTNbTV56kU/UzhITRipweI/AAAAAAAACHA/Msp8uBcuzXU/s1600/adding+cocoa+butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGTNbTV56kU/UzhITRipweI/AAAAAAAACHA/Msp8uBcuzXU/s1600/adding+cocoa+butter.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAd5tZsEqDk/UzhIZd4uBkI/AAAAAAAACHI/yWdO497jcHY/s1600/adding+shea+butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAd5tZsEqDk/UzhIZd4uBkI/AAAAAAAACHI/yWdO497jcHY/s1600/adding+shea+butter.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
Gently melt all together in a microwave (or in a double-burner over low heat) until completely melted:<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxJOSiNjx-M/UzhIhIuEIRI/AAAAAAAACHU/-q8i4hALbXE/s1600/before+melting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxJOSiNjx-M/UzhIhIuEIRI/AAAAAAAACHU/-q8i4hALbXE/s1600/before+melting.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CAok815PAFU/UzhIv52Xy5I/AAAAAAAACHY/M1sRV1qsKRw/s1600/all+melted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CAok815PAFU/UzhIv52Xy5I/AAAAAAAACHY/M1sRV1qsKRw/s1600/all+melted.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let cool until temperature is just below your suppliers
recommended temperature for adding fragrance and preservative; add both and
stir well:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxLnaf9hUoE/UzhI43bZHDI/AAAAAAAACHg/rZ-bEaLvi3Y/s1600/temperature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxLnaf9hUoE/UzhI43bZHDI/AAAAAAAACHg/rZ-bEaLvi3Y/s1600/temperature.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fragrance:<br />
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrV0MAJgto0/UzhI_xDvDyI/AAAAAAAACHo/1yXbtP1b1L8/s1600/adding+fragrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrV0MAJgto0/UzhI_xDvDyI/AAAAAAAACHo/1yXbtP1b1L8/s1600/adding+fragrance.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Preservative:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJx12uXzFQY/UzhJBe7O_uI/AAAAAAAACHw/urffIFR4jaM/s1600/adding+preservative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJx12uXzFQY/UzhJBe7O_uI/AAAAAAAACHw/urffIFR4jaM/s1600/adding+preservative.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Place bowl in fridge or freezer until a skin forms. I think I left
mine a little too long…oopsie!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lGlk4baVos/UzhJKxopy3I/AAAAAAAACH4/Iq8Iz5ePlAI/s1600/out+of+freezer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lGlk4baVos/UzhJKxopy3I/AAAAAAAACH4/Iq8Iz5ePlAI/s1600/out+of+freezer.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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But it still worked just fine. Use a hand mixer and whip
until thick and creamy (putting back in fridge or freezer for short intervals
if mixture is too thin):</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qYLvvvMmkE/UzhJRRJ1vzI/AAAAAAAACIA/EtD1BLYQi0Y/s1600/after+whipping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qYLvvvMmkE/UzhJRRJ1vzI/AAAAAAAACIA/EtD1BLYQi0Y/s1600/after+whipping.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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Once it is thick, add sugar (you may need to transfer your
mixture to a bigger bowl) and mix until thoroughly combined:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfwyJT1jO9w/UzhJnp774AI/AAAAAAAACIQ/nTCIZdp-CGQ/s1600/adding+sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfwyJT1jO9w/UzhJnp774AI/AAAAAAAACIQ/nTCIZdp-CGQ/s1600/adding+sugar.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jeaa9SE1kmY/UzhJuZT3zKI/AAAAAAAACIY/ByJfykaQab8/s1600/sugar+mixed+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jeaa9SE1kmY/UzhJuZT3zKI/AAAAAAAACIY/ByJfykaQab8/s1600/sugar+mixed+in.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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Scoop into containers and make sure it is completely cool
before putting the lids on:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhNb5IEafXw/Uz3xoy0J5UI/AAAAAAAACK8/QIoo0EvOpPw/s1600/jarred+sugar+scrub+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhNb5IEafXw/Uz3xoy0J5UI/AAAAAAAACK8/QIoo0EvOpPw/s1600/jarred+sugar+scrub+web.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<b>*Tip:</b> Even though
sugar scrubs are anhydrous (not containing water), you should use a preservative
because they will come into contact with water while being used. To calculate
your preservative, you need to calculate it based on the <i>total </i>weight of your recipe (including the sugar) and calculate it
according to your supplier’s recommended usage rates for your particular
preservative. </div>
<br />
This recipe starts out quite soft but thickens up after a couple of days. I would encourage you to try different recipes and combinations of oils and butters, and varying amounts and combinations of sugars until you have a consistency and exfoliating factor that you love; experiment and enjoy!<br />
<br />Here is a video demonstrating the process from Anne-Marie at Brambleberry:<br />
<iframe src="http://soapsandsudstv.waywire.com/embed/player/1VW9KB08634NJX6R" width="400" height="400" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>
<br />
You may have also noticed my new logo! I wanted to give a huge shout-out to Gila from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrossTheLime?utm_source=theorangeappforfaceb&utm_medium=api&utm_campaign=api" target="_blank">Cross The Lime</a>, she did an amazing job on my Oil & Butter logo and was such a pleasure to work with, I just LOVE it...thank you Gila!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVMiXGM2mjo/U0mIBQMEHHI/AAAAAAAACLk/SVB-3L2UDM0/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVMiXGM2mjo/U0mIBQMEHHI/AAAAAAAACLk/SVB-3L2UDM0/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Also, you may remember from <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.ca/2013/04/great-cakes-soapworks-challenge-3.html" target="_blank">last year</a> that this past week was a busy week in the Cee Gee household, we celebrate 3 birthdays this week, my husband and 2 sons all have birthdays within 1 week of each other. Here are the cakes I made for our sons this year:<br />
<br />
First up, burgers (cupcakes) and fries (cookies):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKsTiTPfo_U/U0mD7CUOvvI/AAAAAAAACLQ/8xt0bXdUw7Q/s1600/Burger+and+fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKsTiTPfo_U/U0mD7CUOvvI/AAAAAAAACLQ/8xt0bXdUw7Q/s1600/Burger+and+fries.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And a sushi cake (black forest cake with Rice Krispies sushi):</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHZKuwS0vhU/U0mEHds_PRI/AAAAAAAACLY/egaeDiVzVKo/s1600/sushi+cake+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHZKuwS0vhU/U0mEHds_PRI/AAAAAAAACLY/egaeDiVzVKo/s1600/sushi+cake+2014.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you all have a great week! </div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/soapcakes/blogsig.png" />Ceehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894195914088348516noreply@blogger.com1