Tutorials on soapmaking, bath fizzies, lotions and more
Easy to use in a wide variety of projects, vitamin E oil is a fat soluble antioxidant. Thick and rather sticky, vitamin E oil is great for use in lip balms, lotion, balms and soap. It is well known for its skin loving properties, including its ability to protect the skin from free radicals. … Continue Reading
It's hard to believe it's almost December and Thanksgiving is over! After all the food, fun and festivities, it was nice to enjoy Baked Pumpkin Pecan Oatmeal. This dish, which is like a heavenly combination of pumpkin and pecan pie, has a gooey center and a crunchy nutty topping. It is easy to make … Continue Reading
Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving! I hope you were able to sit and celebrate the season with your families yesterday, away from the traditional and normal hustle and bustle of our every day lives. My folks arrived mid-morning, my brother Erik, sister-in-law Cheriss and new baby Alise arrived … Continue Reading
It's another throw-back Thursday video! This one features Kristy Schemrich, an amazingly talented soapmaker and teacher at our 2011 Soap Weekend Intensive (when we filmed this video). This soap has many steps but once you break it down the technique is surprisingly easy. It's been wonderful looking … Continue Reading
Recently, I spoke on the Indie Business Radio Podcast about business. Donna Maria, the host and founder of Indie Business Network (yes! they have insurance for small home crafters; check them out here!) invited audience members to ask questions. One of the questions that came up was, "How do I work … Continue Reading
Here in the Pacific Northwest, there are mustaches of every kind - some flipped up, some with a little curl added. If you'd like to add a little flair to your facial hair, this Sculpting Mustache Wax is the product for you! Made with whipped cera bellina wax, this wax is a great firm yet spreadable … Continue Reading
I'm a firm believer in engaging kids in crafty projects at a young age. Arts and crafts enhance confidence and teach children to think creatively and problem solve. Not to mention, kids love creating! A great way to entertain the kids this holiday season is by throwing a DIY party for the little … Continue Reading
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It's full of family, food and appreciating what you have. If you're family is like mine, the day after Thanksgiving is also full of enjoying the company of family and more good eats. This Baked Pecan Oatmeal is the perfect dish for day-after-Thanksgiving … Continue Reading
This weekend, I'm enjoying the California sun during a UPS event for west coast clients. It's been wonderful to escape the Pacific Northwest rain! When Monday comes around, Thanksgiving prep will be in full swing. Jamisen's interest in helping in the kitchen is growing, which is both fun and messy … Continue Reading
The 12 Days of Christmas promotion is officially over tomorrow. Hopefully you have lots of handmade gift ideas for the holidays! The promotion features easy to make projects, like the adorable Chocolate Mint Melt and Pour soaps. With a delectable mix of Dark Rich Chocolate Fragrance Oil and Moroccan … Continue Reading
We saved something sweet for last for the final tutorial in the 12 Days of Christmas series. Layers of melt and pour scented with Moroccan Mint and Dark Rich Chocolate Fragrance Oils create delicious smelling (and looking!) guest-sized soap. Reminiscent of a classic mint candy, this project is easy … Continue Reading
A BIG thank you to everybody who signed up for Handmade Beauty Box on Kickstarter, and via the new homepage. The first round of boxes will be shipping December 10th, and as you can see below, we are just a little bit excited. If you are unfamiliar with Handmade Beauty Box, click here to learn how it … Continue Reading
Adding oils and butters to melt and pour bases can be tricky. Extra oils can cause the melt and pour to not set up correctly, or may inhibit lather. After a bit of testing, we found a way to add the skin-loving Aloe Lotion Base to the Shea Melt and Pour to create an extra creamy, firm bar. Adding … Continue Reading
While the holiday season is full of cheer, it can also be tough on your lips. Blowing wind, cold temperatures, rain and snow can cause chapping or dryness. This Peppermint Pucker Lip Scrub lightly exfoliates, allowing lip balm to soak in better. This results in more hydrated, happy lips! Red … Continue Reading