Tutorials on soapmaking, bath fizzies, lotions and more
Mold Growth 2 Months after Mold Discovery Initial Mold Growth, 4 months after product was purchased I get asked, a lot, about preservatives in lotions. The post about Organic & Natural standards prompted Shelly to ask about Bramble Berry's official stance on preservatives in the "Comments" … Continue Reading
My cousin, Katie, is getting married next month! Unfortunately, since the wedding is in Wisconsin (I'm in San Diego) I can't be there, but I will attend in spirit! Katie asked me if I would make her wedding favors. Knowing how significant every decision in wedding planning is, I am so flattered and … Continue Reading
PJ, the talented soap artist who created the Realistic Clamshell Project from last week, made a piece of medieval artwork using just simple soap colors, the Milky Way Crest Mold and the PJ Tool Kit. PJ did some research about her mold and had this to say about the historical realism of Milky … Continue Reading
The eco-chic trend is the all rage these days. It’s about decadence and pampering while being friendly and gentle to our environment and bodies. The trend is taking off and so are the prices of many organic products. In the United States, the USDA has a certification program but it's primarily … Continue Reading
When I got this 3-D mold, I was so excited to try it out! The calligraphy is beautiful and since it already said "Energy" then I could use one of my favorite Bramble Berry scents named Energy, too. The fragrance is so bright and refreshing that it inspired me to use fiery colors, and what better way … Continue Reading
Shelly from Nahia Creations (see previous posts about Nahia Creations great products here and here) made some gorgeous melt and pour soap this weekend, using the Bramble Berry Orca mold. Her soap turned out great. The detail work around the eye is appealing and adds to the realistic look of the … Continue Reading
I had the honor to host my (soon to be) sister in law's Bridal Shower last night. At a bit of a loss about what to do, I was relieved to find these on the Rare Bird Finds blog. They had the scoop about Flying Wish Paper. As for the folks at Flying Wish Paper, they were a joy to work with, answering … Continue Reading
Thank you Gale, from Pregailia's Lathers in Alabama, for this adorable Checkerboard Soap. It smells bright and citrusy! I can't get enough of it. It's in my shower right now, honest to blog!Gail was my gracious chauffeur from the airport to the Alabama Soaper's Gathering. She was a delight to hang … Continue Reading
Click here for Day One Click here for Day Two Click here for Day Three Check out the creative results from the class! Most of the students at the Soapmaking Weekend Intensive had never made soap of any type. The bumps and irregularities add to the natural look of the soap. If you … Continue Reading
Click here for Day One Click here for Day Two When the first two thin layers are set and the striping is to your satisfaction, cover and zap the small container of white soap for 30 seconds or so. When heated add one dropper of Gardenia Fragrance and blend well. Cover and set … Continue Reading
Click here for Day One While waiting for the second layer to harden, use the large container and melt 16-20 oz of clear shaving soap for 55 seconds, checking, stirring and heating an additional 30 seconds until melted. Add black oxide (click here to see how to use oxides in Melt and Pour) and … Continue Reading
What You'll Need (4 Bars of Soap): Pre-heat 4 quart pan of water on simmer (for rinsing your tools) 1 dropperful of Gardenia Fragrance Oil 1 dropperful of Sensuous Sandalwood 6 dropperful of Sea Moss Fragrance Oil 6 oz Shea Butter Melt and Pour Base 32 oz Shaving Melt and Pour Base Brown … Continue Reading
I'm lucky to work with a talented crew who like to make soap and are creative in many areas of their lives. In addition to be a talented gardener, Kelly runs the warehouse at Bramble Berry. To make these soaps, she used our White Soap Base and Hemp Soap Base. For coloring these little beauties, … Continue Reading
It's one of the last weekends of summer - well, summer as only Washington can do. The actual temperature high today is a grand total of 59 but without any rain, it's a close facsimile of an actual summer. My brother is getting married in a few weeks and we're doing family pre-wedding fun, with … Continue Reading