Tutorials on soapmaking, bath fizzies, lotions and more
This week featured new ideas to try this holiday season. The Horse Sculpted Layers Soap Tutorial is a newer technique made popular by Claudia Carpenter of Om Nom Soap. It involves using cardboard cutouts to create shapes in your soap. We used a horse cutout and an in-the-pot swirl to create these bars. It is an advanced tutorial that requires patience, but we think the results are definitely worth it!
I’m constantly blown away by the talent and innovation in the soapmaking community. There are so many amazing ways to manipulate soap to create various effects. One of the most impressive techniques that I’ve seen in the past few years is the Sculpted Layers technique made popular by Claudia Carpenter of Om Nom Soap. When I first stumbled on Claudia’s Winter Wonderland Soap made with this technique, my first reaction was “HOW!?” I had never seen any soap quite like it before.
Claudia graciously shared her technique, which involves creating sturdy shapes that slide across the length of the mold to “sculpt” firm soap, leaving behind various shapes. The next layer is then poured on top, allowed to harden, and sculpted with the accompanying piece. Amy Warden of Great Cakes Soapworks hosted a Sculpted Layers challenge in June. The entries were amazing. It’s a bit of a tricky technique to describe, so I recommend watching this video by Love Is Sweet Shop, this video by Kapia Mera Soap Co, or this video by Earth’s Raw Beauty to see it in action.
If you watched the videos above, you already know this technique is quite advanced. Between making the sculpting pieces, prepping the ingredients, and waiting the correct amount of time to sculpt each layer, it’s a long process. My team and I (thanks Caitlin!) came up with a fairly simple horse design which only required two sculpting pieces and three layers. The horse head template is already sized to fit inside the Silicone Liner for 5 lb Wood Mold; just download and print! To help the horse silhouette really pop, I chose a deep black color against swirls of white, pink, blue and yellow soap. Apple Sage Fragrance Oil gives the bars a sweet scent, and works great for this project because it gives you plenty of time to swirl.
The only downside to this technique (in my opinion) is it does result in a lot of “extra” soap. The technique requires you to scrape away soap to leave behind a shape. This requires you to make a lot of soap that you ultimately remove from the mold. If you want to save the soap that is scraped away, I recommend having an extra mold nearby to plop the soap into. My bars made with the leftover soap weren’t the prettiest (rainbow swirls and black soap mushed together is an interesting look) but they were still wonderful bars of soap!
Years ago when I started soaping, after 6 failed Cold Process soap batches, I switched and focused on melt and pour soap. Eventually, I tackled cold process soap again, which then lead to trying hot process and rebatch. There are several other soaping techniques that fall somewhere in between, like CPOP (cold process oven process), HPOP (hot process oven process), but melt and pour, cold process, hot process and rebatch are the “main four.” Each of them creates a great bar of soap, but in very different ways.
There are pros and cons to each method, and every soaper has a personal preference. If you’re wondering which method may be the best one for you, I’ve included a roundup of the most obvious pros and cons of each method below. As I was writing this post, it dawned on me that some of the things I would consider a “pro,” might be another soapers “con.” It’s really all about personal preference, and the skill set of the individual soaper. What is your favorite soaping method, and why?
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I love each and every method for different reasons, although my favorite method has to be cold process soap. I’m just a sucker for the swirls! What is your favorite method of soapmaking, and why?
Hot process is a great soapmaking method when you want to enjoy your soap quickly. The main difference between hot process and cold process soap is that hot process soap is “cooked,” which speeds up the saponification process. This results in a loaf of soap that can be cut and enjoyed the same day. That being said, I always recommend a couple weeks of cure time to help water excess water evaporate and create an even firmer and longer lasting bar.
Hot process is usually made in a slow cooker, but can also be done in a double boiler. For this small recipe, I used a two quart Crock-Pot. Your recipe should only fill the cooking vessel halfway or less, because the soap will expand as it cooks. If you’re using a larger recipe, be sure to use a larger pot. If you have a larger sized slow cooker you can still make a smaller batch of soap. Just keep in mind that it may cook faster because it comes in contact with more surface area of the pot.
This recipe took about 12-15 minutes total cook time. Once the soap is done cooking, it will have a thick, fluid Vaseline-type texture. If you want to see hot process in action to get a better idea of the texture, check out this video. It can be tricky to know for sure when it’s done. One way is to place a small amount of the soap (just a small spoonful does the trick) into a cup of distilled water. Stir the soap in the water, and dip a pH strip into the water. If the pH is less than 10, it’s done cooking! If not, it’s still a little lye heavy. Cover and let it cook for a few more minutes.
This soap was inspired by icy winters. Caribbean Blue Mica is added once the soap is done cooking. A bit of Snowflake Sparkle Mica is also added. Because the Snowflake Sparkle Mica is a larger particle mica, you can actually see the sparkles in the final bar. I didn’t disperse the Snowflake Sparkle Mica in this tutorial because the original plan was to create “sparkle veins.” However, I ended up stirring a bit too much, then decided to nix that idea. It mixes in well without dispersing, but you can disperse it in a small amount of liquid oil if you’d like. =) The mica on top will wash away after a use or two, but gives a lovely finishing touch.
The holidays are a great reason to get together with friends and family. With all the stress the holidays can bring, a party is the perfect way to unwind. I try to host one get together every holiday season, even if it’s just a small wine night with a couple close girlfriends. If you’re hosting a holiday party this year, including a craft component is a great way to bring some creativity to the occasion. Want some quick tips for throwing a craft party? Scroll to the bottom of the post to learn my tips for throwing a smooth and fun party.
Crafts are a fun way to help people interact with each other at parties. Sure, standing around eating and drinking is fun…but it’s nice to give your guests something to do! A couple years ago I hosted a holiday craft party that included a nail polish and sugar scrub station. Easy projects like these are great for parties, because guests don’t need much assistance making them.
It’s important to keep in mind that what you consider easy might be a little intimating for a beginner. To give them a little extra help, I print “How-To Sheets” that include step-by-step instructions for each attendee. You can find the free printables below! In addition, I recommend giving your guests a little demo at the beginning of the night. That way they will feel more confident with the project.
Thinking about throwing a party this year? Click here to see my ideas for a sugar scrub party, along with an easy recipe. The scrub recipe includes meadowfoam oil, potassium cocoate, jojoba beads and granulated sugar. It’s easy to customize by replacing the fragrance, fixed oil or jojoba beads of your choice. You can also simplify it by only using sugar (although the jojoba beads give a lovely color!) The DIY Party Winter Gardenia Sugar Scrub Kit includes everything you need to make ten sugar scrubs.
Nail polish was the other “station” at the party. It’s particularly well suited for a party because exact amounts of ingredients are not necessary, and just about everybody can use more nail polish! 😉 When making nail polish, I recommend placing the colors in individual containers to allow for easy access. I used little plastic sampler cups from the grocery store (shown below). I also recommend covering your counter with craft paper, newspaper, parchment paper, or another protective surface. That way if a little nail polish spills, it will be easier to clean up. Definitely have some nail polish remover on hand as well!
Just like the sugar scrub, I had instructions on the counter for guests to refer back to. On the sheet is also a nail graphic where guests can “test” their color while creating. The free template also includes nail polish labels, so you can name your polish once you’re done. This is one of the best parts of the process; my guests had a blast coming up with silly names for their polish.
Once guests are done making nail polish, keep the crafting going and use the polish to paint glassware! The Bramble Berry team had a mini painting party with nail polish and champagne flutes earlier this year. Learn more about the process here. It’s an easy project that any skill level can do. All you need to provide is the glassware (I recommend checking out the dollar store!), Q-tips, and a sealing spray if you’d like to make the glasses a little more durable. You could also tell your guests to bring their favorite polish color to decorate their glass.
A glassware nail polish painting party is a fun way to make nail polish, and use it too!
Jen of Something Turquoise also created a DIY Nail Polish Bar, complete with mimosas and plenty of shimmer. Jen did an amazing job of setting everything up with thoughtful labels for each nail polish bottle and printed instructions. She also included a tray for guests to pour over to catch any drips of polish or spills of color – so genius! Doesn’t it look beautiful? In particular, Jen’s party was for a bridal shower or bachelorette party, which is such a great idea.
Jen of Something Turquoise threw a beautiful, sparkly Nail Polish Party, complete with mimosas.
After hosting a few of these parties for family and friends, of course I had to host a party for the kiddos. We kept things mess-free by making DIY Ornaments with the Bath Bomb Mold and Package; click here to see all the details and instructions. The project really couldn’t be easier. Lay out an array of craft materials (with a protective cover for your table for easy cleanup), and let the kids fill their mold with glitter, ribbons, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, and little toys like the Black and White Penguin Erasers. I found that the kids did need some help putting the mold together, but were able to do just about everything else by themselves. Of course this will vary depending on the age range. =)
Ready to party? I’ve compiled some of my “go-to” tips below. Throwing a craft party isn’t hard, but it’s important to do some thorough prepping! You’ll thank yourself later. After all, you want to be able to enjoy the party too!
Have you thrown a holiday craft party? I would love to hear about what you made, and if you have any tips!
Happy Halloween weekend! It’s always a little bit of a bummer when Halloween falls on a weekday, but it’s also fun to celebrate at the office. This weekend, the kids did a little trick-or-treating, and have become very protective and concerned with their buckets of candy. I don’t keep a lot of sugar around the house, so that bucket of candy might as well be a bucket of gold! I must admit, it’s a little bit tempting to me as well, but I can’t let my Best Day Ever challenge group down. =)
Now that Halloween is over, it’s full steam ahead to the holidays. Be on the lookout for another holiday inspired tutorial, and in the mean time, check out my favorite links from around the web below!
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The tutorial for this snowdrop inspired hot process recipe will be up soon. I don’t make hot process soap often, but when I do, I so appreciate being able to cut and use it the next day! The beautiful blue in these bars is created with Caribbean Blue Mica.
Halloween might be over, but pumpkin season is still in full swing. If you ask me, it’s pumpkin season until the end of the year. =) Learn how to make this Pumpkin Pie Cold Process Soap here. Just make sure guests know it’s not for dessert!
To keep up with soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making!
The holidays will be here before you know it, so now is the time to start thinking of gifts. This week the blog was full of handmade gift ideas. The Melt and Pour Gem Soaps are a great option. They’re easy to make and customize with your favorite colors and scents. Find more inspiration in the Holiday Project Ideas post.
Silicone mats aren’t just for baking! When placed at the bottom of a mold, they create gorgeous and intricate patterns on soap. In this tutorial, cold process soap is colored with Mermaid Mica and poured into the Butterflies and Feathers Impression Mat. White soap fragranced with White Magnolia Fragrance Oil is poured on top. After several days, peel away the mat from the soap to reveal a beautiful pattern on the top of the bars.
This project uses a mat that has a recessed pattern. When the mat is peeled away, it reveals a design that is raised. Some mats are opposite, with a pattern that is raised and leaves behind a recessed pattern. The type of mat you have will affect how you work with it, so keep that in mind. The Bamboo Mint Impression Soap Tutorial shows you how to work with a mat that has a raised pattern. I highly recommend using a triangle spatula or scraper tool for this project. The flat surface of these tools is perfect for scraping away the excess soap, making the silicone mat clean and the final design crisp.
Starting a small business can seem daunting for many reasons. There are so many numbers to crunch, and demands to meet. There are also the legal aspects of small business. And let’s be honest, unless you’re a lawyer or have access to one, it can be tricky to make sense of all that. One of the most common questions I get from soapers who are thinking about turning their hobby into a business, is how to make it “official.” Do you need to register somewhere, or need a license? Is a trademark essential? Let’s talk about it.
First of all, congrats! You have want to start a business, and have a business name. Sometimes coming up with a business name is the hardest part. Now that you’re ready to make it official, the first step is registering the business name in your state with a business license. This process ensures there isn’t another business in your state with the same name, or something extremely similar. To get started, I recommend searching around online to see if anybody else is using your desired business name.
A business license protects you from other businesses creating a business with the same name as yours (or something extremely similar). Many states have an online search function to check if a business name is already registered (for example, see Washington’s Business License Lookup here). Keep in mind, registering your business only protects your business name in your state. The process of getting a state business license varies widely from state to state, and each state has different rules and guidelines. To learn more about the state permits you need, find your state here.
When applying for a business license, you will need to choose what type of business you’re registering as. The Small Business Administration has an overview about the different types of business structures (corporation, sole proprietorship, cooperative, etc). A sole proprietorship is the most common type of small business. According to the Small Business Administration, a sole proprietorship is “an unincorporated business owned and run by one individual with no distinction between the business and you, the owner. You are entitled to all profits and are responsible for all your business’s debts, losses and liabilities.” Amanda of Lovin’ Soap has a great article that dives a little bit deeper into two popular business structures for new businesses.
Another piece of making your business “official” is quickly grabbing your website domain. Even if you don’t plan on creating a website now (or ever) you want ownership of your business name online. I also highly recommend creating accounts of various social media channels like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. You don’t have to be active on all these sites (although I recommend it!) but that way you have the most control over your business name online. For example, I didn’t get on Snapchat early-on because when it came out, it didn’t seem relevant to business. Then when their focus changed it was too late to get the name ‘brambleberry’ and the person that does have it (a) isn’t using it but (b) also doesn’t want to give it to me. So, we are ‘Bramble-Berry’ on Snapchat. Moral of the story, if you have a name, grab it everywhere as soon as you can.
Make sure to register your name on various social media channels ASAP, even if you don’t plan on using it.
After you have a business licence, the next level of legal protection is a trademark. A trademark protects a word, symbol or phrase on a federal level by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A trademark is not essential for owning and operating a business. Whether or not you get a trademark will depend on the level of protection you desire. Some small business names are sufficiently protected at the state level. But if you want exclusive rights for the name of your business or product in all 50 states, you need to apply for a trademark. A federal trademark is important if your business will do business across state lines. In terms of soap businesses, this happens often if you sell online.
While the process of registering your business name on a state level is usually fairly easy, registering for a trademark is trickier. It can take a long time, and can also be expensive. The process can be done online via the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). Get a breakdown of the trademark application process here. In general, obtaining a trademark usually takes about a year. Once you have a trademark, it is good for 10 years. After 10 years, you can renew your registration.
Although it’s not required, many applicants choose to hire a trademark attorney to guide them through the application process. I like Andrea Evans who knows soap and small business. Listen to her podcast with Indie Business Network here. When I first applied for a trademark for Bramble Berry, I went the DIY route to save fees on lawyers. This meant I did my own paperwork, and I did it wrong. The errors in the paperwork resulted in my application being denied. Afterwards I hired a lawyer, but it took more work and money to untangle the mess I had made. I definitely learned my lesson; DIY isn’t always the best route to take when it comes to legal processes. In the last decade, I’ve added several trademarks in multiple countries that Bramble Berry does business in, such as Australia, China and Canada.
During my early days of selling soap, I didn’t have a trademark. Many small businesses don’t obtain a trademark for several years.
So, which is right for you? This is a question only you can answer. It will depend on how “serious” your soaping business is, your plans for the future and how protected you’d like your business to be. If you are going to sell, you need to get a business license. It’s easy to do, and there are many benefits. One of the largest benefits, besides making you legal, is it shows you are serious about your business. Customers may feel more confident in buying products from a licensed business, and potential partners may be more likely to work with you. A business license also gives you a certain amount of protection, and is important for tax purposes.
Should you get a trademark? I’m not a lawyer (you should talk to a lawyer about any legal advice) so everything here is based on my experience. Many small businesses choose to get a trademark eventually (I did very early on, despite the hiccups on my poorly done DIY application). It may not make sense for your business in the first few months, first year, or even first few years of business. This is a decision that every business owner must make for themselves. However, I do recommend applying for a trademark for your business name or any unique product or product name that you’d like to make sure no one else will use. In general, when financially feasible, obtaining a trademark sooner rather than later is better.
Here on the western side of Washington state, we don’t get a lot of snow. Luckily, the mountains are nearby when we want to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or just building a snowman. Personally, I have my fingers crossed for a little snow below the mountains this year; our yard has a little hill that would be perfect for sledding!
The thought of fresh snow led me to create these super sparkly snowflake melt and pour soaps. They would make a great holiday gift. It’s also a fun project to do with family and friends who are staying during the holidays. If it doesn’t snow, I’ll probably whip up another batch with my mom to make our own white Christmas! =)
These soaps are scented with Fresh Snow Fragrance Oil, which is a clean, ozone-y fragrance. It reminds me a bit of clean laundry. A small amount of soap is colored with Slushy Blue Mica and placed in the snowflake details with an Injector Tool. This does take require a steady hand and a little patience. Having a spray bottle full of rubbing alcohol helps the soap “spread” into the details more easily, and a Clean Up Tool is great for fixing any mistakes.
I don’t want to inspire panic…but there are 62 days until Christmas. In other words, Christmas Eve is exactly two months away. If you’re the type who runs to the mall the week before for gifts, you have plenty of time. But, if you’re planning on giving handmade gifts this year, it’s time to start crafting…yay!
Planning on giving cold process soap this year? Soap made by the beginning of November will be fully cured just in time for Christmas or Hanukkah. If the soap has a water discount, you give yourself a bit of wiggle room. =) Below are a few of my favorite holiday-inspired cold process soap tutorials. But of course, keep in mind your soap doesn’t have to be holiday themed. Creating soap made with your recipient’s favorite scent or color is a great way to make them feel extra special.
Far left, clockwise: Sparkling Snowdrop Cold Process Soap Tutorial, Holiday Candy Rebatch Tutorial, Christmas Tree Swirl Cold Process, CPOP Swirls Tutorial
If you have a lot of gifts to give, the Cold Process Soap Wedding Favor Tutorial shows you how to make 72 guest-sized bars in one batch. Switch out the pink colorant for red or green for a festive look. Bundle several bars in a gift bag, or give each bar individually. These little bars make great stocking stuffers or gifts for a teacher, doctor, or mail carrier.
If you have a lot of gifts to give, this tutorial makes 72 bars in one batch!
If you make melt and pour soap, time is on your side because melt and pour doesn’t require any cure time. And with so many design possibilities, you’re sure to find the perfect melt and pour project. For the person who appreciates sparkle and shine, melt and pour soap gems would be right up their alley. Learn how to make emerald and amethyst soap in this Soap Queen TV video, then check out the Sparkly Garnet Soap Gems Tutorial. If you’re looking for an easier project, the DIY Sparkling Bath Crystals would make a great gift as well.
If you prefer something more natural, the Star Anise Melt & Pour Soaps are made with natural colorants and essential oils. Anise stars and cinnamon sticks are placed on top for a finishing touch. The Minty Clay Melt & Pour Bars contain poppy seeds for exfoliation, along with activated charcoal, green zeolite clay and spirulina powder for color. The Lavender & Clay Mondo Bath Fizzies are made with clays and Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil for a calming scent in the tub.
Left to right, clockwise: Lavender & Clay Mondo Bath Fizzies, Minty Clay Melt & Pour Bars, Star Anise Melt & Pour Soaps
Not quite ready to think about making Christmas presents yet? Get in the spirit with DIY Scented Pine Cones. They are super easy to make and fill your house with your favorite scent. This year, I’m going to use Cedar and Amber Fragrance Oil for a woodsy scent. I can’t wait to start decorating the rest of my house for the holidays. My advent calendar is ready and waiting to be hung up! =)
Looking for more holiday inspiration? The #SoapShare tag on Instagram is full of amazing holiday soapy projects. I’ve put together just a few of my favorites below. Keep tagging your photos with #SoapShare, I love to see them! If you’re not a crafter but want to support those who are, many of these talented soapers are selling their creations. Click on their name below to be directed to their Instagram page and learn more. =)
Top row, left to right: marissac, youniquely_sophahontas, yanashlegel
Middle row, left to right: ooflowerbudoo, artistandchemist, madalmysoap
Bottom row, left to right: ketoretsoaps, sheaxeensoaps, siennalily_soaps
Top row, left to right: walkingtreesoaps, wildpoppysoapco, carolovesoaps
Middle row, left to right: sorcerysoap, wanderingoaksoap, suminspiration
Bottom row, left to right: earthsrawbeauty, blissfullyyourssoap, laughingdoglather
Top row, left to right: soapgallery, walnutgrovesoaps, crickettsoaps
Middle row, left to right: smoochies.id, simplicitysoaps, marierayma
Bottom row, left to right: bluevioletsoaps, mimi_and_boo, whitetaillanefarm
Have you started making soap for the holidays yet? I feel like a broken record when I say “start early!” every year, but planning ahead really is key. Nobody needs added stress during the holidays! =)
It’s that time again…another week almost over! Every time I write a weekly roundup, it makes me realize just how quickly time flies. Speaking of time moving at the speed of light, I stumbled on this photo of Lily below and can’t believe how grown up she looks. The baby of the family is no longer a baby, she is a full fledged “kid.” In the photo below we are hanging out at the doctors office (nothing serious, just a check-up) and even during mundane trips she is all smiles.
Next week, look out for a holiday project and a new Soap Queen TV video. I’m also working on a business post about trademarks and business licenses. Not the most riveting subject, but I know how confusing that can be for new business owners. If you need some links to fuel your internet surfing, check out my favorite pins, tweets and ‘grams below.
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How amazing is this soaping studio? It belongs to Jill who is participating in my nutritional challenge for Best Day Ever. It’s so incredibly organized and clean! It makes me want to overhaul just about every room in my home.
The Chamomile & Coconut Oil Body Balm Tutorial was designed to be easy to make and multipurpose. The coconut oil is infused with chamomile herb, and the balm does not contain any fragrance oil so it can also be used for the lips.
In need of a little sparkle? Whip up some Sparkling Bath Crystals! They are really easy to make, and can also be used as potpourri if you fragrance them heavily. I think the pink might be my favorite, which is yours?
To keep up with soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine, YouTube and Snapchat. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making!
This week the blog was all about coconut oil. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in scrubs, balms and more. It’s commonly used at 33% or less in cold process soap, otherwise it can be drying on the skin. However, you can make a soap with 100% coconut oil. A 20% superfat helps make it moisturizing. This 100% Coconut Oil Soap is made with annatto seeds, bergamot essential oil and litsea essential oil.
There is something so mesmerizing about gemstones and crystals. With their unique shapes and variety of colors, it’s easy to understand why crystal jewelry and home decor has become so popular. Who doesn’t want to surround themselves with sparkly crystals? 😉 If you’re a crystal and gemstone lover like me, these Sparkling Bath Crystals are an easy way to incorporate them in the bath.
First, drop fragrance oil onto the extra large bath crystals to give them scent. A bit of Polysorbate 80 helps the mica disperse throughout the tub water more evenly. Then, coat the crystals lightly in micas and glitter. This project can be customized with any skin-safe fragrance oil and mica of your choice. This tutorial used Celestial Waters Fragrance Oil and Queen’s Purple Mica for an amethyst effect. The other colors shown were created with Shamrock Green Mica scented with Clover & Aloe Fragrance Oil, Rose Gold Mica scented with Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil and Caribbean Blue Mica scented with Rain Cybilla Fragrance Oil.
I do recommend using micas for this project and not oxides and pigments. The particles of oxides and pigments are larger and won’t coat the salts as nicely. They also won’t look very nice in your tub water! In our tests, we found these salts did give a light ring of colorant around the tub without Polysorbate 80. The cleaner your bath tub, the less color will transfer. Also, use less mica rather than more to help avoid any extreme color transfer. Add just enough to cover the crystals. See how these crystals affect bath water with and without Polysorbate 80 at the bottom of this post.
The salts can also be used as potpourri. If you’re not adding them to your bath water, feel free to heavily scent them. Then place them in a glass container to showcase the colorful crystals. I also recommend some gloves for this project. Mixing the ingredients with your hands works so much better than a spoon, and helps avoid any irritation.
