Tutorials on soapmaking, bath fizzies, lotions and more
Soap design inspiration can come from anywhere. From fragrances to color, places and people, inspiration can strike at any moment. This Sahara Sunset Cold Process was inspired by the iconic image of an African sunset. As the bright yellow sun sets over the landscape, the silhouettes of wildlife and … Continue Reading
When coming up with a soapy project, my inspiration usually starts with a fragrance oil or color palette. I love pairing various colors together to create different moods and themes with my soap. In general, I tend to gravitate towards really bright and vibrant color palettes, but it's also fun to … Continue Reading
Zebras, alligators and leopards...oh my! This melt and pour project is straight from an African safari. Made with the Animal Print Tray Mold, this project creates nine bars of soap with three different animal prints. Each print is filled in with various colors using a dropper for precise color … Continue Reading
Fragrance oils are made up of various scents, referred to as top, middle and bottom notes. These notes come together to create a complete and complex fragrance. Designed to smell fantastic alone, fragrance oils can also be blended together to create your own custom blend. Blending fragrance oils … Continue Reading
Now that summer is right around the corner, it's officially ice cream season! While creating the African inspired tutorials (find them here and here, with more coming soon) I started thinking about African cuisine. Immediately, my mind went to African peanut soup. But with temperatures around 75 … Continue Reading
It's been a full seven years since I last spoke to the Alabama Soap & Candle Association. I don't want to let another seven years go by before I see them again! The soapers are incredibly warm, passionate and express their love of soaping and makers at every turn. I got more hugs last weekend … Continue Reading
With vibrant colors and wild animals, Africa is full of crafting inspiration. This week featured several Africa-inspired projects, including the Whipped Amber Bronzing Butter. The butter gets its fluffy and moisturizing texture from three butters, including coffee butter. It has Copper Sparkle Mica, … Continue Reading
This Wild Leopard Print Cold Process soap was inspired by the beautiful coats of African leopards. This artistic soapy effect requires a thick trace to create the spots inside. Soap is placed in frosting bags and layered on top of each other. Once cut, realistic-looking animal spots are revealed! … Continue Reading
The first time you smell a fragrance or essential oil out of the bottle is definitely memorable. A fragrance can immediately inspire designs, colors and additives for your next soap recipe. But, sometimes the fragrance and essential oils can fade or change in cold process soap. The pH level of cold … Continue Reading
This Whipped Amber Bronzing Butter is sure to become a summer beauty staple. It's fluffy, moisturizing *and* sparkly - basically, a trifecta of awesome. First avocado and coffee butters are whipped until smooth. Melted cocoa butter is incorporated, along with a warm and sophisticated scent blend of … Continue Reading
Update, June 22nd: Thanks to everybody who entered to be on the S.O.A.P. Panel! It was so hard to choose only eight panelists. If you did not get chosen don't fret...we will have another panel in the fall! Below are the eight awesome soapers who were chosen. Be sure to follow them on social media … Continue Reading
Tamanu oil is pressed from the nuts of the tamanu tree, also known as the "ati-tree." The tree is indigenous to Southeast Asia and blooms twice a year. The tamanu tree produces sweet-tasting fruit which contains a large nut. Once the kernel is dried in the sun for about a month, it becomes sticky … Continue Reading
Happy weekend everybody! This weekend I'm in Alabama for the 17th Annual Alabama Soap Meeting. I'm here to give two talks, one about alternative liquids in soapmaking and the other about building your social media presence. So far the conference has been a blast! It's always wonderful to connect … Continue Reading
Warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities, like swimming and gardening. After a long day of fun in the sun, it's nice to relax. The Aloe Bubble Bath Bombs are a great way to unwind. They create big bubbles with the addition of SLSA, and soothing properties from aloe extract. The fizzies get a … Continue Reading