Traditional scents like Pumpkin Spice Fragrance Oil are always a favorite when fall rolls around. However, sometimes it’s nice to switch it up and try something different. That’s where the new Autumn Frost Fragrance Collection comes in! It includes four unique fragrances that are perfect for fall and winter. They are Cocoa Butter Cashmere Fragrance Oil, Vermont Maple Fragrance Oil, Sparkling Snowdrop Fragrance Oil and Cedar and Amber Fragrance Oil.

For a limited time, try all four fragrance oils in a 2 oz. size and save $10! All of these fragrances are permanent additions to the Bramble Berry line, but this specially discounted kit is only available until September 30th. Try the collection today for just $13.98.

Each fragrance oil has been tested in cold process soap for scent, discoloration and performance. We tested hundreds of fragrances to bring you the best of the best! See the individual notes in each scent, information on how the fragrance oil performs in cold process soap, and color inspiration below. I introduced these four fragrances live on Facebook (scroll to the bottom of this post to see the video!), with color palette suggestions and related product ideas. Watch the video below! In addition, I created a Pinterest board if you’re looking for more inspiration. Find it here.

Cocoa Butter Cashmere Fragrance Oil: Mild acceleration, discolors to dark brown.
Top notes: light spices, cedarwood
Middle notes: vanilla tonka, coconut, jasmine petals
Base notes: olive wood, sandalwood, amber, musk, cocoa butter

Vermont Maple Fragrance Oil: Mild acceleration, discolors to light brown.
Top notes: pure maple syrup, orange peel, blackberries
Middle notes: wood, fallen leaves
Base notes: vanilla cream coffee

Sparkling Snowdrop Fragrance Oil: Mild acceleration, no discoloration.
Top notes: Valencia orange, bergamot, wild berries
Middle notes: wild primrose, violet petals, clove leaf, purple lilacs
Base notes: fresh twigs, white musk

Cedar and Amber Fragrance Oil: Performs well, discolors to light tan.
Top notes: rich pine
Middle notes: cinnamon, clove
Base notes: cedarwood, amber

I can’t wait to see what kind of projects you make with the new fragrance oils! Be on the lookout for projects featuring them soon and hashtag your creations #soapshare so I see them. =)

The post Introducing the Autumn Frost Fragrance Collection! appeared first on Soap Queen.

Looking for new fragrances for your fall projects? Tomorrow, Bramble Berry’s new Autumn Frost Fragrance Collection is launching! We tested hundreds of fragrance oils this year and found four of the very best smelling and performing fragrances for fall and winter. Want to learn more about the new scents? I’m introducing them live on the Bramble Berry Facebook page at 2 p.m. PST tomorrow! Click here to “attend” the event on Facebook, and be reminded to tune in. 

Cold process soap created now will cure by the middle of October. That’s the perfect time for pumpkins, warm colors and spooky projects. Pumpkin spice products are always a hit, and we have plenty of inspiration. The Pumpkin Spice Swirl Cold Process embraces the trend of tall bars and the drop swirl technique. The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cold Process Soap features soap frosting for a foam-like appearance. If soap frosting is intimidating, dollops of frosting are created by allowing the soap to thicken in the Pumpkin Pie Cold Process Soap Tutorial.

Far left, clockwise: Pumpkin Spice Swirl Cold Process, Pumpkin Spice Latte Cold Process Soap, Pumpkin Pie Cold Process Soap Tutorial

Melt and pour soap does not require cure time and is ready to use when fully cooled. It’s a great soapmaking method for last-minute projects. The Pumpkin Soap on a Rope Tutorial uses two 3D molds (the Spooky Pumpkin Mold and Spooked Pumpkin 3D Mold) that are great for rope soap. The Pumpkin Pie Melt & Pour Soap contains ground pumpkin seeds for a bit of exfoliation.

Left: Pumpkin Soap on a Rope Tutorial, Pumpkin Pie Melt and Pour Soap

Walnut shells are combined with sugar for a gentle feel in the Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub Tutorial on Soap Queen TV. Foaming Bath Whip and coffee butter feel light and fluffy when whipped together. The coffee butter also adds a light scent, which smells amazing with the Pumpkin Spice Fragrance Oil and Turkish Mocha Fragrance Oil. Learn how to make it in the video below.

Fall projects aren’t just about pumpkin spice. Fall can be expressed in a number of ways, from a comforting scent to deep, rich colors. The Neptune Column Pour Soap is a great example. It’s made with Tobacco and Bay Leaf Fragrance Oil, which features notes of fir needle, cedarwood and bergamot. The slightly smoky scent is complemented by deep burgundy, yellow and blue. It’s a great “fall-ish” project!

The Neptune Column Pour Soap is a non-traditional fall tutorial.

For many, fall means the return of the NFL. If you’re ready to cheer on your team, the Mini Melt & Pour Football Soaps are a great way to do so. They are scented with Leather Fragrance Oil and Grass Stain Fragrance Oil for a combination that’s fresh yet earthy. I plan on bringing them to a football party as a host/hostess gift.

Fall means the return of football! How cute are these Mini Melt & Pour Football Soaps?

Autumn and winter also bring darker, moodier cosmetic products. In particular, it’s time to bust out bold lipstick colors! Red is a classic choice and is great for holiday parties. In the Radiant Red Lipstick Tutorial on Soap Queen TV, there are three color combinations to choose from. The formula is creamy, shiny and leaves lips feeling moisturized. Check out the video below. If you prefer something a little less dramatic, the Creamy Marsala Lip Tints give lips a sheer color. It’s inspired by the Pantone color of the year for 2015, “Marsala.” It’s also easy to make with only one colorant: Merlot Sparkle Mica.

When the weather gets colder, I tend to take more baths. If you need a hot bath to fight the cold, the Pumpkin Spice Bath Bombs fill your tub with bubbles, moisturizing coffee butter and a milky quality thanks to powdered goat milk. They also smell amazing with a combination of Pumpkin Spice Fragrance Oil and Espresso Fragrance Oil. If you prefer hot showers, the Aromatherapy Shower Fizzies fill the shower with scent. Depending on what fragrance or essential oil you use, they are the perfect way to relax before bed or to start the day.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte Bubble Bath Bombs are inspired by the popular fall beverage.

How do you celebrate fall with handmade projects? If you get photos, I would love to see them! Tag #Soapshare on Instagram. =)

The post Fall Into Autumn Projects & Inspiration appeared first on Soap Queen.

When considering fall scents, you can’t ignore the current fall favorite: pumpkin spice. Inspired by the classic spice combination, pumpkin spice is warm, comforting and sweet. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular! Bramble Berry has several pumpkin scents, including the Pumpkin Spice Fragrance Oil, Pumpkin Souffle Fragrance Oil and the Pumpkin Pie Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil.

Thanks to Starbucks, pumpkin and coffee have become an incredibly popular combo. I’ve even been getting in on the #PSL action with Bulletproof Pumpkin Spice Lattes (they’re delicious!).  If you can’t get enough of pumpkin spice lattes, the Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub on Soap Queen TV uses Pumpkin Spice Fragrance Oil and Turkish Mocha Fragrance Oil to create a mouthwatering scent. You can see the original tutorial here. Looking for soap projects? Check out the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cold Process tutorial to learn how to create these adorable bars. Made with soap frosting and melt and pour embed, they imbue fall into every slice.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cold Process was inspired by the popular fall drink.

If you prefer the classic pumpkin scent, the Pumpkin Pie Melt and Pour Bars are easy to make and smell just like the fall dessert. Made with ground pumpkin seeds, these bars give the soap gentle exfoliation. The Pumpkin Spice Swirl Cold Process also smells like pumpkin pie, and has real pumpkin puree! The Pumpkin Puree Cold Process soap also uses real pumpkin. Want to learn how to make your own pumpkin puree? Click here.

Left to right: Pumpkin Pie Melt and Pour Bars, Pumpkin Spice Swirl Cold Process

Feeling a little pumpkin’d out? There are plenty of other great fall scents and ideas! The Fall Sherbet Cold Process Soap is a fun take on pastel shades. Looking to celebrate Oktoberfest? The Bramble Beer Soap uses blonde ale instead of water to create a beautifully layered bar. Speaking of layers, the Fall Sweater Stripes Tutorial is inspired by the comfort of warm fall sweaters.

Top, clockwise: Fall Sweater Stripes Tutorial, Fall Sherbet Cold Process Soap, Bramble Beer Soap

Cooler temperatures can mean dry, flaky skin. Now is the perfect time to use heavier body butters and lotions to keep the skin feeling comfortable. The Moisturizing Heel Butter has a thick, Vaseline-like texture that is hydrating and spreadable. It’s also suitable for the rest of the body. If you like a lighter, whipped texture, the Whipped Champagne Shea Butter is creamy and bubbly smelling. Missing your summer glow? Fake it with the Whipped Amber Bronzing Butter. With a mousse-like texture, warm scent and slight tint, it’s sure to be a favorite.

Fall is the perfect time to cozy up at home, and nothing creates a comfy atmosphere quite like a warm scent. One of my favorite fall candle projects is the Chai Tea Latte Candle Tutorial. It fills the room with the warm and spicy notes of Chia Tea Cybilla Fragrance Oil. It also looks just like a warm chai tea latte. I gave these candles to some of my friends last year, and they still rave about them. If you prefer a no-flame option, you might like the Spicy Holiday Potpourri or the Winter Gardenia Room Diffuser.

The Chai Tea Latte Candle features whipped candle wax for a realistic layered look. 

I have loved seeing all your gorgeous fall projects popping up on social media. In particular, I love scrolling through the #SoapShare hashtag on Instagram. Below are a few of my favorites…keep them coming!

Top left, clockwise: Pumpkin Spice Cream Soap by lssc0000, Leaf Guest Soap by tandjsoap, Pumpkin Spice Pie Soaps by woolinandco, Pumpkin Spice Soap by orchardhilltradingco

Top left, clockwise: Candy Corn Soap by singlebarrelsoaps, Peek-a-Boo Ghost Bath Bombs by indulge_bath_bombs, Pumpkin Spice Bubble Bars by shellyswicked, Harvest Moon Soap by riverbendsoap

What are you making this fall? I’m trying to get a head start on holiday projects this year =)

The post Fall Project Ideas & Inspiration appeared first on Soap Queen.

These bars are made with the creamy and hydrating Goat Milk Melt and Pour Soap Base. This base is great for dry skin, and has a neutral custard color. Ground pumpkin seeds give the bars a very mild amount of exfoliation. To learn more about various exfoliant options, click here. A small amount of ground cinnamon is used for a realistic pumpkin pie appearance. Some people have a sensitivity to using cinnamon (particularly cinnamon essential oil). If your skin is sensitive to cinnamon, feel free to leave it out.

What You’ll Need:
12 Cavity Rectangle Silicone Mold
41 oz. Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base
12 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
Perfect Orange Color Block
Shimmer Cappuccino Color Block
1 oz. Pumpkin Pie Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil
1 oz. Vanilla Color Stabilizer
3 Tbs. Ground Pumpkin Seeds
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Optional: Dash of ground cinnamon

Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!

ONE: Chop and melt 12 oz. of the Clear Melt and Pour Base, and 1 oz. of the Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base in the microwave using 20 second bursts. A combination of bases is used to give a rich brown color, while still being slightly opaque. Once melted, add shavings of the Shimmer Cappuccino Color Block and stir until they have melted and the soap is a rich brown color. If necessary, place the soap back into the microwave using 10 second bursts to reheat.

TWO: Pour the brown soap evenly into all 12 cavities of the mold. Each cavity will receive about 1 oz. of soap. If it helps, weigh the first pour and eyeball the rest. After pouring, spray each cavity with rubbing alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Set aside to cool and harden.

THREE: Chop and melt 40 oz. of Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base in the microwave using 30 second bursts. Once completely melted, add shavings of the Perfect Orange Color Block until you have reached a soft orange color. Keep in mind that because the base is white, the soap will never be bright orange. If you prefer a brighter orange color, you may consider using clear soap for this step. 

FOUR: Add 1 oz. of the Pumpkin Pie Candle and Soap Fragrance Oil and stir to combine. Then, 1 oz. of the Vanilla Color Stabilizer into the soap and stir to thoroughly combine. The Vanilla Color Stabilizer is used to prevent the Pumpkin Pie Candle and Soap Fragrance Oil from discoloring the soap. Learn more about vanilla color discoloration in this blog post. 

FIVE: Add three heaping tablespoons of ground pumpkin seeds and stir to combine and get rid of any large chunks. Then, add a few dashes of ground cinnamon. A little goes a long way; you want just enough so that you see a few speckles in the soap. If your skin is sensitive to cinnamon, feel free to leave this step out.

SIX: Check the temperature of the orange soap. You want to make sure it is no hotter than 125 ° F. If it is too hot, the ground pumpkin seeds will not suspend and the soap may melt the dark brown layer below. Check to make sure the brown soap has cooled and developed a thick skin in order to support the orange soap. Spritz the brown layers with rubbing alcohol to help the orange soap stick, and gently pour the orange soap into each cavity. Spritz the soap with alcohol to disperse any bubbles.

SEVEN: Immediately sprinkle the top of the soap with a fine dust of ground cinnamon. Allow to fully cool and harden, and enjoy! To avoid glycerin dew, wrap them immediately in plastic wrap, or another airtight packaging option.

What is your favorite pumpkin spice fall treat? I love pumpkin spice breakfast dishes, like this Pumpkin Pecan Baked Oatmeal!

Print

Pumpkin Pie Melt and Pour Soap

These Pumpkin Pie Melt and Pour Bars look and smell like real pumpkin pie. Ground pumpkin seeds and real cinnamon give gentle exfoliation.

Course Melt and Pour Soap

Author Soap Queen

Ingredients

• 12 Cavity Rectangle Silicone Mold
• 41 oz. Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base
• 12 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
• Perfect Orange Color Block
• Shimmer Cappuccino Color Block
• Pumpkin Pie Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil
• 3 Tbs. Ground Pumpkin Seeds
• 99 % Isopropyl Alcohol
• Optional: Ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Chop and melt 12 oz. of the Clear Melt and Pour Base, and 1 oz. of the Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base in the microwave using 20 second bursts. A combination of bases is used to give a rich brown color, while still being slightly opaque. Once melted, add shavings of the Shimmer Cappuccino Color Block and stir until they have melted and the soap is a rich brown color. If necessary, place the soap back into the microwave using 10 second bursts to reheat.
• Pour the brown soap evenly into all 12 cavities of the mold. Each cavity will receive about 1 oz. of soap. If it helps, weigh the first pour and eyeball the rest. After pouring, spray each cavity with rubbing alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Set aside to cool and harden.
• Chop and melt 40 oz. of Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base in the microwave using 30 second bursts. Once completely melted, add shavings of the Perfect Orange Color Block until you have reached a soft orange color. Keep in mind that because the base is white, the soap will never be bright orange. If you prefer a brighter orange color, you may consider using clear soap for this step.
• Add 1 oz. of the Pumpkin Pie Candle and Soap Fragrance Oil and stir to combine. Then, 1 oz. of the Vanilla Color Stabilizer into the soap and stir to thoroughly combine. The Vanilla Color Stabilizer is used to prevent the Pumpkin Pie Candle and Soap Fragrance Oil from discoloring the soap. Learn more about vanilla color discoloration in this blog post.
• Add three heaping tablespoons of ground pumpkin seeds and stir to combine and get rid of any large chunks. Then, add a few dashes of ground cinnamon. A little goes a long way; you want just enough so that you see a few speckles in the soap. If your skin is sensitive to cinnamon, feel free to leave this step out.
• Check the temperature of the orange soap. You want to make sure it is no hotter than 125 ° F. If it is too hot, the ground pumpkin seeds will not suspend and the soap may melt the dark brown layer below. Check to make sure the brown soap has cooled and developed a thick skin in order to support the orange soap. Spritz the brown layers with rubbing alcohol to help the orange soap stick, and gently pour the orange soap into each cavity. Spritz the soap with alcohol to disperse any bubbles.
• Immediately sprinkle the top of the soap with a fine dust of ground cinnamon. Allow to fully cool and harden, and enjoy! To avoid glycerin dew, wrap them immediately in plastic wrap, or another airtight packaging option.

The post Pumpkin Pie Melt and Pour Soap appeared first on Soap Queen.

I introduced these four fragrances LIVE on Thursday. I gave my color palette suggestions as well as related product ideas. You can watch that 28 minute video here. These four fragrance oils were chosen out of hundreds of fall scents. We tested each fragrance in several different batches of cold process soap, to make sure they are tried-and-true and didn’t perform poorly. We found that all of these fragrances behaved awesome in cold process soap, with only some mild acceleration. Read more about each fragrance oil below.

Honey & Leather Fragrance Oil: Mild acceleration, discolors to ivory. 
Top Notes: juicy nectarine, bergamot
Middle Notes: honey, orchid, jasmine
Base Notes: leather, cedarwood

Cinnamon Sticks Fragrance Oil: Mild acceleration, discolors brown. Some of the “bready” notes fade in cold process soap.
Top Notes: butter, sweet icing, warm baked bread
Middle Notes: cinnamon, clove, anise, cardamom, ginger
Base Notes: vanilla bean, brown sugar, maple

Warm Flannel Fragrance Oil: Behaves wonderfully in cold process soap, discolors to dark brown. 
Top Notes: simple citrus accord of bergamot and orange
Middle Notes: sweet nutmeg atop vanilla orchid accord
Base Notes: cedar, patchouli and creamy sandalwood blended with a balsamic ambery background

Rustic Woods and Rum Fragrance Oil: Behaves wonderfully in cold process, discolors to a light brown. 
Top Notes: white citrus, ginger
Middle Notes: hay, cinnamon
Base Notes: rum, birch, tobacco

I was so inspired by these new fragrances that I created Pinterest boards for each, along with a custom color palette. You can find all the boards on my Pinterest page. If you make projects with these fragrances, I would love to see them. Share them on the Bramble Berry Facebook page and on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare. I can’t wait to see your projects! 

The post Introducing the Rustic Fragrance Collection appeared first on Soap Queen.

The 3D molds  are made up of two pieces, a white opaque back and a clear (or white) front. The molds also include two thick rubber bands to ensure the front and back pieces stay together while pouring the soap. In the instructions below, the front half of the mold is filled first, and the two mold pieces are put together. If you prefer, you may also put the pieces together and pour all at once, as seen here. For more 3D mold tips and techniques, check out this Soap Queen TV 3D Mold Episode.

What You’ll Need:
Spooked Pumpkin 3D Mold
Spooky Pumpkin 3D Mold

(NOTE: These Molds have been discontinued. They have been substituted with the 4 Sphere Silicone Mold.)
9 oz. White Melt and Pour
Liquid Orange
Green Chrome Oxide Pigment
Luster Black Mica
2 Black Soap Rope
.25 oz. Pumpkin Souffle Fragrance Oil
.25 mL Vanilla Color Stabilizer

ONE: Cut and melt 9 oz. of white melt and pour base in the microwave using 10 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Once the soap has melted, add drops of the Liquid Orange until the desired color is achieved. Thoroughly stir the color in with a spoon.

TWO: Add the Pumpkin Souffle Fragrance Oil and Vanilla Color Stabilizer. Use a spoon to thoroughly combine.
THREE: Pour the orange soap into both clear mold cavities. Spray with isopropyl alcohol to disperse any bubbles.

(NOTE: The Spooked Pumpkin 3D Mold and Spooky Pumpkin 3D Mold have been discontinued. They have been substituted with the 4 Sphere Silicone Mold. Pour soap into the sphere mold and place the rope into the soap. Once the soap has hardened, remove from mold and follow step SEVEN to paint on a pumpkin design.)

FOUR: While the soap is still liquid, gently press the soap ropes into each mold and allow to fully harden.
FIVE: Once the poured orange soap has fully hardened, spray with 99% isopropyl alcohol  or rubbing alcohol and press the white back of the mold onto the clear. Be sure the funnels are lined up to facilitate easy pouring. To help the two pieces stay together while pouring, place both heavy duty rubber bands around both the top and the bottom of the mold.
FIVE: Reheat the remaining orange soap in the microwave using 5-7 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Pull the rope to the side, and begin to slowly pour the melted soap into the funnel at the top. Once full, tap down to settle any soap at the top. I spray alcohol liberally around the top just to make sure I don’t have a bunch of bubbles in the top and it’s all soap. Allow the soap to fully cool and harden.
Note: Some soapers find it a little tricky to know when the soap cavity is full. If you’d like, you can pour the white side of the mold first and fill while looking at the clear side of the mold.
SIX: Remove the soap from the molds. If necessary, remove hardened soap from the rope, and clean up the edges of the soap. There will be clean up. Use a cheese knife or the clean up tool (pictured below).

SEVEN: Now it’s time to add some detail! In a small container, add 1/16 tsp. of Luster Black Mica and 1/16 of a tsp. of isopropyl alcohol. Stir to combine. The mixture should be liquid, and highly pigmented. Use a small paint brush to fill in the eyes, nose and mouth. In a separate small container, add 1/16 tsp. of Green Oxide and 1/16 tsp. of  isopropyl alcohol and stir to combine. Use a small paint brush to fill in the stem, and allow to dry.

Pumpkin soap is a holiday hit (#pumpkinspiceeverything, anyone?). The theme lends itself to so many fun ideas! What is your favorite fall-inspired soap project?

The post Pumpkin Soap on a Rope Tutorial appeared first on Soap Queen.

If you are a cold process soaper, the Cold Process Spider Webs project is created by utilizing squeeze bottles and a simple chopstick-tool technique. Made with contrasting black and white hues, this project also looks great with eerie greens, purple or orange tones.

Cold Process Spider Webs

If you prefer melt and pour soap, the Caramel Apple Melt and Pour Soaps are perfect for Halloween party favors. Looking for something more spine-chilling? The Textured Headstone Melt and Pour brings the creepiness.

In the Hats, Bats and Spider Tutorial, mica is used along with a free downloadable stencil to create a variety of spooky silhouettes. Eerie eyeballs are are layered upon various melt and pour bars in the Spooooooky Eyes and Melt and Pour, creating a fun and festive project.

Top left, clockwise: Caramel Apple Melt and Pour Soaps, Hats, Bats and Spiders, Spoooooooky Eyes Melt and Pour, Textured Headstone Soap

With Halloween comes lots of candy, sweets and of course trick-or-treating. In the Easy Candy Corn Soap Project, recreate the classic Halloween treat by using a loaf mold and cutting the soap into triangle shapes. Incredibly simple, this project is great for the first time soaper.

Easy Candy Corn Soap Project

If you love classic Halloween designs, the Flexy Fast Fall Pumpkins is the perfect project for the fall season. These cute pumpkins are made using the Flexy Fast Molding Putty, a flexible silicone product which allows you to create your own mold. As you can see from the Making a Mini Cooper Tutorial, the Flexy Fast Molding Putty can create a wide variety of creative shapes!

Flexy Fast Fall Pumpkins

Looking for even more Halloween project inspiration? Check out the wide variety of ghoulish fun created by readers for the Make It Monday Challenge! With everything from orange soapy cupcakes to spooky melt and pour, the creativity of the Soap Queen soaping community is unparalleled.

What spooky Halloween projects are you working on? Keep your eyes on the blog for a tutorial tomorrow! Hint: it involves pumpkins, and some rope! =)

The post Halloween Project Roundup appeared first on Soap Queen.

Now until midnight on Sunday, October 5th, the Disk Mold and Package used in this project is 35% off! Use the code: SPICYSALE during checkout. The Disk Mold and Package is incredibly convenient as it acts as both a mold and packaging. Simply create your project in the mold, add the lid and your soap is ready to sell, give or store.

When making a layered melt and pour project, temperature and patience is key. When layers are poured too hot, the soap may melt the layer below. Pouring each layer no higher than 125 °F avoids this problem, and keeps each layer looking crisp and clean. It’s also important to wait for each layer to harden and form a thick skin before pouring the next layer.

What You’ll Need:
16 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Base
.5 oz. Spiced Amber Ale Fragrance Oil
4 Disk Mold and Package, Plastic
Shimmer Cappuccino Color Block
Shimmer Copper Sparkle Color Block
Shimmer Merlot Sparkle Color Block
Shimmer Sparkle Gold Color Block
Shimmer Super Pearly White Color Block
Fizzy Lemonade Color Block
Neon Blue Raspberry Colorant

TWO: While the melt and pour is still fluid, pour even amounts into five small, heat safe containers. Each container will weight 3.2 oz.
THREE: To one cup of soap, add shavings of the Cappuccino Color Block and stir well. If necessary, reheat the soap in the microwave using  3-5 second bursts, stirring in between each burst.
FOUR: Place all four Disk Molds onto a digital scale. Pouring each layer while the molds are on a scale helps ensure all the layers are even. Remember to tare the scale after each layer is poured. Pour .7 oz of the cappuccino colored soap into each mold, and spritz with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol to remove any bubbles.
FIVE: Allow the first layer to cool and form a thick skin. Add shavings of Merlot Color Block to a clear container of soap until desired color is achieved. If necessary, reheat the soap in the microwave using 3-5 second bursts to melt. Once the soap has reached  125 °F or below, spritz the first layer with alcohol and pour .7 ounces of the merlot colored soap into each mold. Spritz with alcohol to disperse any bubbles.
SIX: Allow the second layer of soap to cool and form a thick skin. To a clear container of soap, add shavings of the Sparkle Gold Mica Color Block. If necessary, reheat the soap in the microwave using 3-5 second bursts. Once a rich gold color has been achieved and the soap is 125 °F or below, spritz the second layer with alcohol and pour .7 ounces of gold soap into each mold. Spritz with alcohol to disperse any bubbles.
SEVEN: Allow the gold layer to cool and form a thick skin. To a clear cup of soap, add shavings of the Super Pearly White, Fizzy Lemonade Color Block and a very small amount of the powder Neon Blue Raspberry Colorant. If necessary, reheat the soap in the microwave using 3-5 second bursts.  To easily incorporate the blue, spritz a couple squirts of rubbing alcohol into a spoon. Next, spoon out two mini scoops of the blue colorant into the small alcohol puddle until it is fully dissolved. Stir all of the blue into the soap, it should mix easily.

Use a spoon to fully mix in the colors, and add more of each colorant to achieve the desired green color. Spritz the gold layer with alcohol. Once the green soap has reach 125 °F or below, pour .7 ounces into each mold. Spritz with alcohol to disperse any bubbles.
EIGHT: Allow the green soap to cool and form a thick layer of skin. To the last clear container or soap, add shavings of the Copper Sparkle Color Block until the desired color is reached. If necessary, reheat the container in the microwave using 3-5 second bursts. Once the soap has reach 125 °F or below, spritz the green layer of soap with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Pour .7 oz of copper soap into each mold, and spritz with alcohol to disperse any bubbles.
Allow the soap to fully cool and harden for approximately 2-3 hours. Place the lid on each soap to package, or release each soap from the mold to use!

Have you been inspired by fall? I would love to hear about your fall projects, and see photos on the Facebook page! 

The post Shimmer Fall Layers Melt and Pour appeared first on Soap Queen.

What You’ll Need:
2 medium baking pumpkins
a dash of salt

ONE: Preheat oven to 400 °F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Remove the stems from the pumpkin, cut in half and scoop out the seeds and fiber. A large metal ice cream scoop works well for this. Sprinkle the inside with a bit of salt, place on the cookie sheet flesh side down and place into the oven.
TWO: Let the pumpkin roast for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until a sharp knife can be easily inserted. Remove from the oven, and allow the pumpkins to thoroughly cool.

THREE: Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the flesh of the pumpkin. Place the flesh into a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. To create a smoother texture, add small increments of water while blending. Transfer puree to an airtight container and place in the fridge to use within a few days, or store in the freezer to use later.

Have you started utilizing fall produce yet? I would love to hear your favorite recipes using squash, pumpkins and apples! 

The post Soap Queen Cuisine: Homemade Pumpkin Puree appeared first on Soap Queen.

What You’ll Need:

3.7 oz. Avocado Oil

11.1 oz. Canola Oil

1.8 oz. Chia Oil

5.5 oz. Coconut Oil

9.2 oz. Rice Bran Oil

5.5 oz. Shea Butter

4.8 oz. Sodium Hydroxide

12.2 oz. distilled water

Ultramarine Pink

Aqua Pearl Mica

Titanium Dioxide

Apricot Blush
(Apricot Blush has been discontinued. This kit now contains Peach Shimmer Mica. When the recipe calls for Apricot Blush, substitute with Peach Shimmer.)

Tangerine Wow

Brown Oxide

Comb Swirl Tool

Fragrance Blend: 1.8 oz. Litsea Essential Oil, .5 oz. Egyptian Geranium Essential Oil, .5 oz. Palmerosa Essential Oil

9-Bar Birchwood Mold

Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart! If you’re using a Quick Mix and are wondering which one to use, choose the Swirl Quick Mix.

If you’ve never made Cold Process soap before, stop here! I highly recommend checking out our FREE four part SoapQueen.tv series on Cold Process Soapmaking, especially the episode on lye safety. And if you’d rather do some reading, Bramble Berry carries a wide range of books on the topic, including my newest book, Soap Crafting. You can also checkout the digital downloads for that instant gratification factor.

SAFETY FIRST: Suit up for safe handling practices! That means goggles, gloves and long sleeves. Make sure kids, pets, and other distractions and tripping hazards are out of the house or don’t have access to your soaping space. Always soap in a well-ventilated area.

COLOR PREP: Disperse 1 teaspoon of each pigment except Titanium Dixoide into 1 tablespoon of liquid oil (we like Sweet Almond or Sunflower). Disperse 2 teaspoons of Titanium Dioxide in 2 tablespoons of liquid oil. Prepping your colors in the beginning will allow you to work quickly and give you more time to work with your soap. Use the mini mixer to get all those clumps worked out smoothly.

FRAGRANCE PREP: In a glass container, combine the Litsea, Egyptian Geranium and Palmerosa Essential Oils. Give the mixture a good stir, and then set it aside.

TOOL MODIFICATION: This tutorial uses the Comb Swirl Tool, which will come fitted and ready to use with our 18-bar Birchwood Mold. To size it for the 9-bar Birchwood Mold, unscrew the wingnuts, pull the tool apart, and remove all but 12 nails. This will fit the 9-Bar mold perfectly!

ONE: Slowly and carefully add the lye to the water, and stir until clear. Set aside to cool. If you’d like a harder bar of soap that lasts longer in the shower, you can add Sodium Lactate to the cooled lye water. Use 1 teaspoon of Sodium Lactate per pound of oils in the recipe.

TWO: Melt and combine the Avocado, Canola, Castor, Coconut, Chia, Rice Bran and Shea Butter oils in a large glass container. Once the lye water and the oils have cooled to 130 degrees or below (and are ideally within 10 degrees of each other), add the lye water to the oils and stick blend until thin trace.

THREE: Split the batter evenly into 5 containers (each container should hold about 10 oz.). Then, add one color per container in the following measurements:

• 1/4 teaspoon dispersed Brown Oxide + 1 teaspoon dispersed Titanium Dioxide
• 1 teaspoon dispersed Aqua Pearl + 1 teaspoon dispersed Titanium Dioxide
• 1 teaspoon dispersed Ultramarine Pink
• 1 teaspoon dispersed Apricot Blush + 1/2 teaspoon dispersed Tangerine Wow
• 2 teaspoons dispersed Titanium Dioxide

FOUR: After the colorant has been fully incorporated, split the essential oil blend between the five containers and stir in with a wire whisk or spoon.

FIVE: Pour off about 2 oz. of each color into a condiment bottle. Set the bottles aside for now.

SIX: Now take the five containers and pour each color, one by one, directly into the center of the mold. Pour off just a small bit of color (counting “one-one thousand, two-one thousand” worked for us!). Pour the colors in the same spot in the same order until you’ve emptied the containers.

SEVEN: Now get your condiment bottles ready. Make half-dollar sized circles randomly around the mold until you’ve emptied the condiment bottles.

EIGHT: Use the the modified Comb Tool to make one make stroke vertically. Lift the tool straight up and out.

NINE: Rotate the mold and make a second stroke horizontally. Because the tool won’t have enough nails to do it all in one stroke, do one half of the mold first and then the second half.

TEN: Make a final vertical stroke, but make sure you do it from the opposite end you did the first. We originally dragged the tool from the top down, so for the last swipe we went from the bottom up.

Spray the entire top with 91 or 99% Isopropyl Alcohol to reduce soda ash. Cover and insulate for 24 hours and unmold after 3-4 days, and allow to cure for 4-6 weeks. Enjoy!

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