The team and I have been busy testing new fragrances, soapy tools, molds and colorants. It has been a few months (and by "few", I mean "eight") since I shared all the new products that have arrived at Bramble Berry. We have quite a few! To find new items as they are added to the site, check out the … Continue Reading
Facebook Photo of the Week (Jan. 31st ~ Feb. 6th)
One of my favorite things in life is to look at beautiful things; specifically, YOUR beautiful soap creations. My book hashtag, #soapcrafting, on Instagram has many stunning photos already. But because I just can't get enough of your photos, I'd love to see even more! Each Friday, I will pick a … Continue Reading
Over the Rainbow Cold Process
If gloomy February has you seeing grey, this Over the Rainbow Cold Process is sure to cheer you up. Made using the negative embed technique, this soap requires two steps. First, PVC pipes are inserted into the mold, and strapped down using large rubber bands. White soap is poured around the pipes … Continue Reading
What is a Niche, and How Do I Find Mine?
When you own a business, it's crucial to stand out from the pack. In order to stand out among other businesses, it's helpful to find or create a niche. The term, "niche," refers to a distinct segment of a market. Having an identifiable element will catch the eyes of customers that identify with the … Continue Reading
Sparkling Strawberry Melt and Pour Bars
Still looking for Valentine's Day gifts for your loved ones? Handmade presents are a great way to show you care, and these Sparkling Strawberry Melt and Pour Bars are the perfect alternative to traditional flowers and chocolate. Give these soaps along with a handmade wax sealed card, and your … Continue Reading
Interview with Burly Stone: Soap with a Masculine Perspective
Some people assume that the bath and beauty market is a women’s world, but Burly Stone Soap Co. proves this is not the case. Created by Gates and Maurice, Burly Stone is cleverly marketed towards men with rustic packaging and masculine names. In addition to cold process soap, Burly Stone also … Continue Reading
Behind the Scenes of Soap Queen TV
This week, the team and I filmed several videos for Soap Queen TV. A few weeks ago, we also filmed a few informative product videos for the new Bramble Berry YouTube channel (coming soon!). I also did a Live Google Hangout (watch in the comments) for the Handmade Beauty Box crew. It's been a lot of … Continue Reading
Soapy Social Media Roundup
Can you believe tomorrow is the 1st of February already? Time flies when you're having fun! Yesterday the team and I filmed several videos for Soap Queen TV and the new Bramble Berry YouTube channel. Look out tomorrow for a behind-the-scenes post into the shoot. We filmed two cold process recipes, … Continue Reading
Facebook Photo of the Week (Jan. 24th ~ Jan. 30th)
While cold process recipes are an office favorite, it's also fun to try other techniques. The clay tutorials ended this week with two easy-to-make recipes, including the Marbled Clay Hot Process Soap. The recipe uses a Crock Pot to "cook" the soap, which speeds up the saponification process. Then, … Continue Reading
Pink Clay & Primrose Hand-Milled Soap
Hand-milled soap is a fantastic option for crafters who prefer not to work with lye, but still love the look and feel of cold process soap. Hand-milling (also called rebatching) involves melting down pre-made cold process soap and adding a small amount of extra liquid. If you'd like to see this … Continue Reading
5 Steps to Build a Better Newsletter
Earlier in the week, I asked the question, "Is a newsletter right for you and your business?" Newsletters are a fantastic method for sharing content with your customers, and ultimately making sales. Of all the online marketing strategies, newsletters have the potential to be the most lucrative. If … Continue Reading
Marbled Clay Hot Process Soap
If you're a regular reader of the blog, you know cold process is my favorite method of soap making; it's how I originally learned to make soap, and is my "first love." But, there are multiple ways to create gorgeous soap, including hot process soap making. Hot process soaping is a fantastic (and … Continue Reading
Is a Newsletter Right for You?
In a marketing world highly influenced by new and emerging social media, a newsletter may seem like an old-school advertising method. The view of newsletter as old-fashioned is not unsubstantiated; newsletters are considered by some as the oldest news media, with ties going all the way back to the … Continue Reading
Wax Sealed Valentines
With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, now is the time to start creating gifts for your loved ones. Handwritten valentines are an excellent way to show love and appreciation; I'm a firm believer in the power of a well written card! This year, make your love note one to remember with a dramatic … Continue Reading