I have long enjoyed gardening. Not only is it a great excuse to spend time outside, it's therapeutic to nurture the land and watch it grow. In the past year Jamisen has begun helping me in the garden, which makes the process even better. I feel extremely lucky to have the space to teach Jamisen and … Continue Reading
Soap Queen Cuisine: Blackberry, Basil and Lemon Sorbet
With temperatures in the 80's this week, I have been on the lookout for ways to stay cool while enjoying the sun (Lily has too!). When a dip in the lake is not possible, a cold treat is a great way to stay cool. While ice cream is a delicious way to indulge, sorbet is a lighter, more refreshing … Continue Reading
Soapy Social Media Roundup
Welcome to August! I can't believe how quickly summer is flying by. This past week has been full of fun in the sun, including playing at the lake (or child-size lake), and celebrating birthdays. Today I'm whipping up a yummy sorbet recipe, so keep your eyes on the blog for that recipe this weekend! … Continue Reading
Facebook Photo of the Week (July 26th ~ August 1st)
This week was chock full of information, from oils and fragrances to organization tips. The Sunday Night Spotlight: Jojoba Oil explains how this versatile product is somewhere between an oil and a liquid wax, and how it can be used in scrubs, lotions, lip balms and cold process soap. Have you used … Continue Reading
How to Make Soap on Soap Queen TV
In this episode of Soap Queen TV, I get back to the basics of soap making. Melt & pour soap is the perfect place to start if you are just learning to make your own bath and beauty products. It's safe, easy and very forgiving; if you make a mistake, just melt the soap and try again. Using the … Continue Reading
Undiluted Aroma Oils + Plastic Don’t Mix
Part of the fun of soap making is choosing from the many fragrance oils and essential oils available. From fruity to floral, masculine to clean, scents add personality and flair to your projects. All Bramble Berry fragrance and essential oils have been thoroughly tested for use in bath and body … Continue Reading
Gentle Glide Sport Stick
From extra time in the garden to afternoon runs, summer months are a great time to increase activity. For areas of high friction such as heels, the extra fun in the sun can result in some discomfort. This Gentle Glide Sport Stick is created with additional Arrowroot Powder and Aloe Extract to leave … Continue Reading
Soapy Session Preparation and Setup Guide
You have done your soapy homework: the recipe is created and prepared, the design is fully thought out, and time has been scheduled in your busy day. Now, it's time to prep your ingredients and set up the soaping work space. Having your supplies and space fully prepared before making cold process … Continue Reading
Sunday Night Spotlight: Jojoba Oil
When you're formulating for anything skincare, there are a wide variety of oils available. One that is a favorite for skincare is jojoba oil; it acts somewhere between an oil and a liquid wax, jojoba oil is a versatile ingredient that can instantly enhance any bath & beauty product. Pronounced … Continue Reading
Facebook Photo of the Week (July 19th ~ July 25th)
It was a rainy week here in Washington state, but lucky for us we were still in Rome! Well, in spirit anyway. The Roman Holiday series of tutorials featuring Neroli and Shea Blossom Fragrance Oil wrapped up, with projects ranging from the simple Neroli & Shea Solid Perfume to the intricate Tile … Continue Reading
Roman Holiday Series Wrap Up
With rich history, fabulous food and gorgeous architecture, it's easy to understand why Rome was the source of inspiration for our Roman Holiday series. The past week was full of Mediterranean-themed projects and sales, but all good things must come to an end, the Roman Holiday series included. … Continue Reading
Roman Holiday: Vespa Melt & Pour
Imagine zipping through the beautiful city of Rome on a scooter, as wonderful sounds and smells fill the air. Thanks to Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, Vespas are now an iconic symbol for Rome and Mediterranean transportation. While a moped ride in Rome may not be a possibility, this moped Melt and … Continue Reading
Handmade Beauty Box Contest Winner!
Today is a great day to give away a free three month subscription to Handmade Beauty Box. Wouldn’t you agree? Thank you to those who voted, offered project suggestions, and liked/followed/shared/pinned Handmade Beauty Box on social media. We read every single comment and created a master … Continue Reading
Give it all You’ve Got, and Then Some
I recently had a mentoring session with a smart woman named Kay. She had been out of work for a while but had finally landed a job. It was 50% under what she wanted to be paid, but it was a job. The company itself was in disarray; it was a serious mess. After just the first week, she knew she could … Continue Reading