Anne-Marie Faiola, Author at Soap Queen

"Not Martha" Shout Out

May 16, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Not Martha is a blog run out of Seattle Washington that I just love! Since 2001, Megan has shared her “Martha Stewart caliber” ideas and tutorials including baking and cooking, stuff to wear, temporary home improvements and of course, everything for holidays and parties.

Not Martha has been mentioned by Fred Flare and Daily Candy and was called one of the Coolest Websites of 2006 by Time.

Check out her FABULOUS blog (really, you must)!

Megan recently gave Soap Queen TV a shout out on her blog.
Thanks for the kudos!

Read the post here and check out SoapQueenTV here.

Turn It Up, Mom!

May 15, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

I just received the nicest email from MJ at theTurn It Up, MomBlog. This blog is a survival guide for making the most of everyday as a mother. She found some of our tutorials in an article in Parent Guide News and blogged about it. Get crafty and try our recipes for Cookie Cutter Soaps, Embedded Toy Soap, Lip Balm and Bath Fizzies. See the recipes at their site here or just search the SoapQueen Blog. There are lots of good ones to choose from!

Visit Teach Soap for more helpful tips and tutorials!

All Hail the Queen

May 15, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

I just wanted to Thank Teresa R in Indianafor the shout out on her blog, Life, Homesteading and Everything. Even though she’s taking a blogging break right now (self-imposed), she took the time to post our SoapQueenTV Schedule. Thanks, Teresa!Read about her schwag bag here.

Watch SoapQueenTV here!

It’s Gillian! Best CP Soap at HMSG

May 14, 2009 Filed Under: Personal Ramblings

I fell completely head over heels in-like with a volunteer helper during my Advanced Lotionmaking classes. Gillian (from Little Bitty Soap Company) was amazing. She fixed everything, was everywhere and did it with a smile on her face. She also has hidden talents. She made the above soap and entered it in the “Soapers’ Showcase” at the Handcrafted Soap Guild conference. Clearly, she’s talented a being an amazing helper but even more clever with her soapmaking.

I was delighted (but probably not more than she) when she won the BEST cold process soap in the Handmade Soap Guild Show tonight for the soap (‘Picture‘) above. Her unique style of swirling, layering AND embedding clearly wowed the voters and deservedly so. She is inspiring in person with her can-do attitude and her soaps are an aspirational art form for us all to aim for.

Check out her site here. Drop her a line and tell her how cool her soapy art form is.

Soap Queen Episode 3 Swirling

May 14, 2009 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

Ever wonder how to achieve those beautifully complicated looking swirls in Melt & Pour soap?In this episode I’ll show you how! Look out Cold Process soapmaking – M&P is taking on one of your best tricks.

Soap Queen TV Episode 3: Swirling M&P from Soap Queen on Vimeo.

We’ve made it really easy to follow along by creating a kit for making this exact soap project! It’s only $29.99 and you’ll end up with at least 10 bars of cosmically swirled soap. Check it out!

Why yes, we do sell BTMS-50!

May 13, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News, Lotion

Yesterday, I taught two back-to-back Advanced Lotionmaking classes. Each class was only 60 minutes and I covered types of emulsions and the HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance) theory around lotion design. I spoke for exactly 16 minutes. And then? It was a free for all! I broke the class into five teams to make 5 different recipes. The teams made:

1. Classic Emulsifying Wax recipe

2. Beeswax/Borax Emulsifier Combo

3. Beeswax/Borax/Soy Lecithin Emuslfier Combo

4. Xantham Gum/Beeswax Emulsifier Combo

5. BTMS-50 as the Emulsifying Agent

I have to give the Xantham Gum/Beeswax group in both classes huge props (yes, that gloppy mess is Xantham Gum in the photo above). It is a common urban myth that Xantham Gum/Beeswax emulsifies into something resembling lotion. That is a lie. It looks more like snot and acts similarly. It even dries in sheets on your skin. You can peel it off. It is that strange and weird. The Xantham Gum/Beeswax groups in both classes really gave it their all working with this strange emulsifying system. They both heated up their stick blenders so much that we were worried that they were going to burn out!

Overall, while I did not take a vote, judging from the lotion learners coming up to me after the class, the BTMS-50 emulsifier blend is the clear and definite winner of the 5 lotions. You can mix BTMS-50 with Emulsifying Wax NF in regular lotions or just use it alone as the emulsifying agent.

Why BTMS-50 over straight Emulsifying Wax? Because BTMS-50 has a conditioning agent added to it that gives it just that extra silky, powdery feel on the skin. It’s just as easy to work with as Emulfisying Wax NF and it has just that extra touch of smoothness that makes it feel expensive, classic and sophisticated. By the way, BTMS-50 can be used in hair conditioners as well. It’s an easy, cost effective conditioner base. The recipe is here.

An even bigger surprise? I knew the Mango Peach Salsafragrance would be a huge crowd pleaser (even Nate in the restaurant loved it when I brought him a freshly-made dollop of the lotion) but who knew that Fresh Zucchini Flower would be such a hit? It was the perfect light, fresh, airy fragrance without being overpowering and it was like a sneak-attack of “Hey! I love that! What fragrance is that!?”

Both classes were super troopers with the hands-on portion and it was one of the most fun classes I’ve ever taught, thanks to the awesome helpers the Soap Guild sent to be hands-on, and the exhuberant spirit of the attendees.

Breathtaking Wall of Soap

May 13, 2009 Filed Under: Personal Ramblings

Wall of Cold Process Soap Entries from the Soapers’ Showcase Entries
Inspiring. Breathtaking. Amazing.

Tired but Happy at the Soap Guild Show

May 12, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

I am a wee bit tired, after a day that started with a fabulous 6:15 a.m. Indie Fitness walk led by the incorporable Donna Maria and did not stop until 10:30 p.m. after a wonderful dinner (complete with hilarious entertainment!) sponsored by Essential Wholesale. In between those 16 hours, I also taught two back-to-back, hands on lotionmaking classes where we made 5 from-scratch recipes, testing different emulsification systems. Given that I have a 6:30 a.m. date with Donna Maria again tomorrow morning for a fitness walk, I hope you’ll forgive the short post about The Handcrafted Soap Guild Conference goings-on today.

Erin Brockovich started us off with an inspirational story of how her movie was made, the behind-the-scene details, and her personal philosophies about life. One of the things I really appreciated about her messaging was that determination, persistence through adversity and “sticktoitiveness” (stick-to-it-ive-ness) is key to overcoming obstacles, meeting all challenges and thriving in life. It was refreshing to have someone say, “I’ve failed more times than I can count,” and finish with the silver lining that resulted.

Above is one zany photo from the amazing full sit-down meal, comedy night stand up that Dennis and Kayla Fiorivanti put on for the entire Guild Gathering. This is just a few of us having fun (notice my ultra cool, supermodel pout?) – the fabulous Sindi from Georgia, Sandy from Alabama, Lela from South Carolina (Lela of Bella Lucce fame) and a helpful mime jester.

Tomorrow, I’ll post more about the Advanced Lotionmaking classes and new tidbits that happen tomorrow. Thus far, this has definitely been the best Soap Guild ConferenceI have attended. It has run incredibly smoothly, the classes all have had A+ take-home value, and the mood of the attendees has been positive and happy. They announce the 2010 Conference location on Wednesday night; I can hardly wait.

Great News – We’re Expanding

May 12, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Remember that Birthday present I mentioned last week? Well here it is!

For immediate Release

Brambleberry.com is pleased to announce the purchase of an exquisite line of soap molds, originally produced by SpinningLeaf. Says founder Anne-Marie Faiola, “Purchasing the 4-cavity soap molds portion of SpinningLeaf is a dream come true for Bramble Berry. We had long looked for a strategic partner in the soap molds industry and this was a perfect opportunity.”

Bramble Berry has carried the SpinningLeaf line of soap molds under the name “Heavy Duty Molds” for over six years with excellent sales and customer comments. Because of this acquisition, Bramble Berry will continue to carry the soap molds under the Heavy Duty Mold line and supply other wholesalers with the quality soap molds. Debbie Chialtas, from soapylove.com, is delighted about the acquisition, stating, “I have long used the Heavy Duty Mold line because they are the most hearty and easiest to work with of all the molds. As a Bramble Berry customer, I’m thrilled about this news.”

Eye of Horus Soap by PJ Soaps using Heavy Duty mold

Faiola is so excited about the possibilities this line has that she has started an entirely new plastics manufacturing company called ELF Industrial (named after her younger brother’s initials) and promoted said-younger brother Erik Faiola to a managerial position within the company. Erik expands, “After two years of working at Otion – The Soap Bar, I am delighted to be taking this leap and learning an entirely new trade. The Spinning Leaf line is a natural choice for us to start with and I look forward to designing additional soap, wedding and plaster molds for custom projects.”

Lori Carter, the founder of SpinningLeaf says. “SpinningLeaf is honored to have passed the Heavy Duty Soap Mold line on to Bramble Berry! We are very confident that they are in great hands, and we are proud to be a part of Bramble Berry’s growth. We look forward to working closely with Bramble Berry in the years to come to serve soap makers better than ever. We wish Bramble Berry and ELF Industrial all the best in their new venture!”

ELF Industrial will start producing the Heavy Duty Mold line in early June for retail and wholesale purchase.

Soap Guild Show Pre-Gaming

May 11, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Greetings from the amazing and fabulous Miramonte Resort in Palm Springs, California. I’m here for the Soap Guild Annual Conference and so excited to see all the familiar faces.

Me, Kayla and the fabulous Marie (President of the Soap Guild)

After a lovely reception for sponsors and speakers, I snuck off to check in all the boxes for the Advanced Lotionmaking Classes. In the classes, we’ll be making five different recipes with five completely different emulsification systems (from plain emulsifying wax to a beeswax/borax combo to soy lecithin and xantham gum). Did I mention the class is only one hour? With that short of a timeline, all the products need to be present and accounted for lest we have a disaster like the National Goatsmilk Show two years ago.

My shameful little secret was that earlier I had snuck a little bit of cheese back to my room from the reception, knowing that I had a full day of emails to catch up on and of course, sharing to do with you from the event. See my little cheese plate? Isn’t it cute?

When I got back into my room around 9:30 after checking in all my boxes, what was waiting for me but the mother of all cheese plates? Four kinds of cheeses, flatbread Parmesan crackers, and copious amounts of fresh fruit and nuts along with a gracious note from President Marie Gale and Conference Organizer Leigh O’Donnell, thanking Bramble Berry for its sponsorship of the event. It put my (stolen) cheese plate to shame!

I am embarrassed to admit how much cheese I ate. There was some left and it is shoved into my mini-fridge in the room for tomorrow’s midnight snack.

Tomorrow is a big day with a keynote by Erin Brokovich, a media presentation by Donna Maria Coles Johnson and a variety of breakout classes, including Melt and Pour by Lisa from Feto Soaps and yours truly for Lotions. I can’t wait to share the details with you.

DIY Summer Lip Balms to Impress

May 11, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Wow! One of our fabulous customers, Starla, tried our lip balm recipe from Kiwi Magazine and just raved. Here’s what she had to say…

“When I told my friends I was going to make lip balm (from your recipe in the Kiwi Magazine) they thought I was nuts….fast forward to having made the lip balm and passed it out to people to try – “WOW, this is the best stuff Ive ever used…” I received the same unsolicited comment from about five different sources…Soooooo – thanks for sharing the recipe…I created my own combos of fragrance and colors (with your micas) but the basic recipe is yours!!! Now I have to order more lip balm tubes so I can make more!!!” -Starla

Here’s a link to the recipe if you want to give it a try too!

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2009 Filed Under: Personal Ramblings

Thanks to the creative team at Otion for making this homage in soap for Mother’s everywhere. And, a special loving wish for our amazing, wonderful and spirited Mom. She’s the best!

The background story about my Mom is that she was my first soap salesperson. When I was 16 and making soap in her kitchen, she would take those bars of soap and buy them for for her friends and then force those same friends to buy even more from me.

She helped get me my first store that I sold in. It wasn’t even a store. She convinced the local gym to put my soaps in a basket and put them out for sale as an “honor system.”

And through almost every Bramble Berry move (we’ve moved 5 times!), she’s come up to help by moving boxes but more importantly, treating the staff to her delicious sandwiches. She makes some yummy creations for us.

Both Erik and I are so lucky that our Mom supported us, cheered us on and has been our biggest supporter for years.

Thanks Mom. We love you!

Chocolate for Men Only?

May 9, 2009 Filed Under: Personal Ramblings

Yes, this is a real product and it totally made me laugh out loud today (thanks for sending it, Dad). It’s particularly ironic given tomorrow’s celebration of women everywhere. Watch the funny YouTube commercial here (I hope it makes you chuckle too). So, if you’re a manly man and won’t admit to craving a bonbon or a truffle every once in a while, then this is the chocolate for you!

Here’s another one I just found: Pockey for Men at the Asian Food Grocer. Apparently it’s not as sweet as the original pocky. We women can handle our chocolate sweet!

Soaps are great for fundraisers!

May 8, 2009 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Here at Bramble Berry, we’ve always actively supported non-profit organizationswithin our local community and around the nation. We do this by donating financially as well as serving on non-profit boards in our local community. We are proactive in trying to help our world be a better place for everyone.One of the non profits we’ve recently supported sold soap for a fundraiser. I’d like to share the thank you note from Jen at the Burma Humanitarian Mission. Jen also just notified us that she recently made $500 in one day selling her soaps. Way to go Jen! Bells and whistles!

Dear Anne-Marie,

On behalf of Burma Humanitarian Mission I am writing to thank you for your generous donation of soap making supplies to our “Burma Soap” fund raising effort. I am delighted to report that between the supplies you donated and the supplies I purchased from Bramble Berry we have generated over $1900 in funds for medical aid to eastern Burma this year! I had been selling the soaps to friends and family members to fund raise for BHM, and this fall we expanded our efforts and are selling the bars at church craft sales. Your donation was directly responsible for us having enough bars of soap to expand into the craft fairs. Most people select multiple bars to give as gifts to friends and family members. On every label is information about BHM and our work in Burma, as well as our website address. Burma Save Soap is not only creating some very happy and clean people, but is generating public awareness about our work. I am going to send this letter to you digitally as well, along with a photograph of the soaps if you’d like to put it on the community page of your website. We have an acknowledgement of Bramble Berry on burmamission.org Thank you for your generosity in supporting our work in Burma, The funds raised from soap sales will be enough to train and outfit almost two village medics for an entire year. I want you to know that your generosity is saving lives.

Joyfully,

Jennifer Zurick Burma Humanitarian Mission