There are so many color options when it comes to soaping. You can choose a vibrant neon palette with plenty of pinks and oranges, or a more subtle and rustic palette with natural blue and gray tones. If you're going for a vibrant palette, there are several tips and tricks to make your colors really … Continue Reading
Thank You Veterans
My grandma and grandpa. Grandpa Louis served in World War II in the South Pacific. A very Happy Veterans Day to all those who have so bravely serve and served our country, and the families that also sacrifice while loved ones are deployed. Personally, I want to give a special thanks to the … Continue Reading
Easy Handmade Advent Calendar
Have you started crafting for the holidays? They will be here before you know it, so now is the time! In particular, if you're planning on making soap for holiday gifts...start soaping! =) Today I'm switching gears from soap to a fun DIY project that will fill your house with Christmas cheer. If … Continue Reading
The “Perfect Red” in Cold Process Soap
Experimenting with color in cold process soap is counfoundingly fun. There are many different colorant options, like pigments, LabColors and micas. One of my favorite parts of soapmaking is mixing various colorants together to create unique shades. Conversely, one of the toughest colors to achieve … Continue Reading
Sunday Night Spotlight: Melt and Pour Bases
Melt and pour soapmaking involves melting and customizing pre-made soap bases. Melt and pour soap is quick to make and doesn't need to be cured like cold process soap. As soon as the soap hardens and cools, it's ready to go! Melt and pour soap does not require handling sodium hydroxide lye, making … Continue Reading
Soapy Social Media Roundup
Happy, happy weekend! Is it just me, or did this week fly by? There is something about the last few months of the year...time seems to speed up. Daylight saving time is now in effect, so here in the Pacific Northwest it is dark by 5 pm. Maybe the "shorter" days have something to do with it. … Continue Reading
Facebook and Instagram Photo of the Week (Oct. 31st ~ Nov. 6th)
This week was all about trying new things, like a soapy technique or a daring hair color. If you're looking for a cost effective DIY way to try a new color, you can use LabColors. LabColors are concentrated liquid dyes that add a pop of color to blonde hair. To add moisture to your hair, Stephenson … Continue Reading
Hair Recipe Roundup + #ThrowbackThursday Video!
On Tuesday, I showed you how to get fun rainbow colored hair using only LabColors and Stephenson Organic Hair Conditioner Base. If you missed that tutorial, check it out here. While the pink tips of my hair are gone (I got a hair cut a few weeks ago), the hair care fun doesn't have to stop. =) There … Continue Reading
Understanding INCI Names on Cosmetic Labels
Knowing how to properly label your products is key to your business success. No matter what kind of product you're making, clear ingredient lists are beneficial to your customers and required (legally) for your business. With so many different ingredients and various names, it can be tricky to get a … Continue Reading
How to Dye Hair with LabColors
Rainbow hair has become beyond popular over the past few years, and it's easy to see why! Adding color to your locks is a fun way to switch up your look. I love how versatile the trend is; there is a color and technique for every comfort level. Looking for a dramatic effect? Dye your whole head! … Continue Reading
Water Discounting Cold Process Soap: How & Why
Water and lye are crucial components of cold process soap. Water is used to dissolve the sodium hydroxide lye so it can interact with the soaping oils to begin the saponification process. As the soap cures, some of the water evaporates and makes a harder, longer-lasting bar of soap. How much water … Continue Reading
Kissing Alpacas + Halloween + Sibling Advice
Happy Fall! Judging from the flood watch we have in Whatcom County this weekend (true story), fall is here to stay. The leaves are gorgeous reds, russets, gold and yellow and just popping outside for an easy run isn't as effortless as it was a month ago. We were so happy when sister-in-law Cheriss … Continue Reading
Soapy Social Media Roundup
Happy Halloween everybody! I hope you are all having a wonderfully spooky, fun and safe day. This past week has been eventful and full of both ups and downs. Some of the "ups" include attending the Whatcom Women in Business charity (college scholarships) event and making some successful batches of … Continue Reading
Facebook and Instagram Photo of the Week (Oct. 24th ~ 30th)
Even though Halloween is only a day away, we already have Christmas on the mind! This week featured several holiday-inspired tutorials, including the Gingerbread Man Lotion Bars. They are ideal for dry winter skin. The recipe includes moisturizing oils like cocoa butter and coffee butter. The bars … Continue Reading