Soap Queen

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Self-Care Tips from the Community

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks

The idea of relaxing during the busy holiday season seems bizarre. Right now soapmakers and small business owners are working hard to get orders out the door. However, it’s important to take care of yourself now more than ever – even if that means 5 minutes of relaxing in front of a fire before wrapping and labeling soap. We asked makers on Instagram for their best self-care tips. Find their advice below.

Kelly, Madalmy Soap Company
When I’m making holiday orders, I like to make a special batch just for myself in a favorite scent, or a new one. Some of my current favorites are a Kentucky Bourbon sugar scrub or a cocoa butter Cocoa Cashmere soap. And when they turn out well, you also have a few extra special gifts for the other people who need a little pampering in your life. Finding little “feel good” moments throughout the day helps me to feel relaxed overall.

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Tips for Staying Organized During the Holidays

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks

How to Stay Organized During the Holidays

The holiday season is usually the busiest time of year for soapmakers and small business owners. Preparing for markets and dealing with the increase in orders can feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, the soapmaking community is here to help. We asked how people stayed on track on our Facebook and Instagram pages and got some great tips – thanks to everyone who commented. Find the tips below.

Although I do offer a wide variety of colors, scents and styles of soaps for the holidays, I try to stick with just a couple favorite recipes…instead of many different ones. That way, ingredients are always available, recipes are tried, tested and true and labels are universal. There’s plenty of time after the holidays to play with new recipes and techniques. -Karen W.

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Join Me for a Healthy Holiday Challenge!

Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Faiola Renoud Family

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I hope your day was full of family, friends and reflection on what you’re thankful for. My sister-in-law is hosting today (thanks sis!) so that makes my day pretty stress-free. I’m determined to stick to healthy eating habits even during the holidays, so I made a gluten-free pumpkin pie that was delicious (really, I swear!) =)  If after today (and the weekend…those leftovers are a killer!) you’re feeling sluggish, bloated and gluttonous, join me for a special “Best Holiday Ever” 21 day nutritional challenge.

The Best Holiday Ever Challenge involves small lifestyle changes that have big results. This includes drinking plenty of water and moving 20 minutes everyday. It also includes cutting out sugar, gluten and alcohol (or at least massively decreasing your intake of them). Yes, that can be hard during the holidays. That’s why I’m here to help. The challenge is designed strategically to start on November 28th (the Monday after Thanksgiving) and end on December 19th (the week of Christmas).bestdayeverchallenge

That’s 21 days of support over the holidays to protect your waistline from holiday parties and office cookies. Instead, let’s focus on healthy habits that will build the foundation for the upcoming year. Ready to challenge yourself? Join me, and have The Best Holiday Ever. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours =) 

Holiday Project Inspiration & Ideas

Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

I don’t want to inspire panic…but there are 62 days until Christmas. In other words, Christmas Eve is exactly two months away. If you’re the type who runs to the mall the week before for gifts, you have plenty of time. But, if you’re planning on giving handmade gifts this year, it’s time to start crafting…yay!

Planning on giving cold process soap this year? Soap made by the beginning of November will be fully cured just in time for Christmas or Hanukkah. If the soap has a water discount, you give yourself a bit of wiggle room. =) Below are a few of my favorite holiday-inspired cold process soap tutorials. But of course, keep in mind your soap doesn’t have to be holiday themed. Creating soap made with your recipient’s favorite scent or color is a great way to make them feel extra special.

collage3Far left, clockwise: Sparkling Snowdrop Cold Process Soap Tutorial, Holiday Candy Rebatch Tutorial, Christmas Tree Swirl Cold Process, CPOP Swirls Tutorial

If you have a lot of gifts to give, the Cold Process Soap Wedding Favor Tutorial shows you how to make 72 guest-sized bars in one batch. Switch out the pink colorant for red or green for a festive look. Bundle several bars in a gift bag, or give each bar individually. These little bars make great stocking stuffers or gifts for a teacher, doctor, or mail carrier.

If you have a lot of gifts to give, this tutorial makes 72 bars in one batch!

If you make melt and pour soap, time is on your side because melt and pour doesn’t require any cure time. And with so many design possibilities, you’re sure to find the perfect melt and pour project. For the person who appreciates sparkle and shine, melt and pour soap gems would be right up their alley. Learn how to make emerald and amethyst soap in this Soap Queen TV video, then check out the Sparkly Garnet Soap Gems Tutorial. If you’re looking for an easier project, the DIY Sparkling Bath Crystals would make a great gift as well.

If you prefer something more natural, the Star Anise Melt & Pour Soaps are made with natural colorants and essential oils. Anise stars and cinnamon sticks are placed on top for a finishing touch. The Minty Clay Melt & Pour Bars contain poppy seeds for exfoliation, along with activated charcoal, green zeolite clay and spirulina powder for color. The Lavender & Clay Mondo Bath Fizzies are made with clays and Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil for a calming scent in the tub.

collageLeft to right, clockwise: Lavender & Clay Mondo Bath Fizzies, Minty Clay Melt & Pour Bars, Star Anise Melt & Pour Soaps

Not quite ready to think about making Christmas presents yet? Get in the spirit with DIY Scented Pine Cones. They are super easy to make and fill your house with your favorite scent. This year, I’m going to use Cedar and Amber Fragrance Oil for a woodsy scent. I can’t wait to start decorating the rest of my house for the holidays. My advent calendar is ready and waiting to be hung up! =)

Looking for more holiday inspiration? The #SoapShare tag on Instagram is full of amazing holiday soapy projects. I’ve put together just a few of my favorites below. Keep tagging your photos with #SoapShare, I love to see them! If you’re not a crafter but want to support those who are, many of these talented soapers are selling their creations. Click on their name below to be directed to their Instagram page and learn more. =)

collageTop row, left to right: marissac, youniquely_sophahontas, yanashlegel
Middle row, left to right: ooflowerbudoo, artistandchemist, madalmysoap
Bottom row, left to right: ketoretsoaps, sheaxeensoaps, siennalily_soaps

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Top row, left to right: walkingtreesoaps, wildpoppysoapco, carolovesoaps
Middle row, left to right: sorcerysoap, wanderingoaksoap, suminspiration
Bottom row, left to right: earthsrawbeauty, blissfullyyourssoap, laughingdoglather

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Top row, left to right: soapgallery, walnutgrovesoaps, crickettsoaps
Middle row, left to right: smoochies.id, simplicitysoaps, marierayma
Bottom row, left to right: bluevioletsoaps, mimi_and_boo, whitetaillanefarm

Have you started making soap for the holidays yet? I feel like a broken record when I say “start early!” every year, but planning ahead really is key. Nobody needs added stress during the holidays! =)

Gingerbread Man Lotion Bars

Filed Under: Bath & Body Tutorials, Lotion

These adorable Gingerbread Lotion Bars are made with coffee butter, jojoba oil and cocoa butter to protect skin from the harsh winter weather.

The winter months are notorious for dry and cold air, which can cause extreme skin dryness and flakiness. During this time, skin needs extra moisture to stay comfortable and hydrated. If your skin needs additional TLC during winter, these Gingerbread Lotion Bars are made with a combination of extremely skin-loving oils and butters. Cocoa butter and coffee butter in particular are excellent for creating a barrier that helps your skin retain moisture. They also smell amazing! Combined with Cinnamon Sugar Fragrance Oil, these bars leave a sweet and spicy smell on the skin.

To help the adorable features on the gingerbread man pop, the bars are “painted” with Copper Sparkle Mica mixed with 99% isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol dries, leaving behind lines of sparkly mica. For the first few uses, the bars will give your skin a light sparkle. If you love the Gingerbread Man Mold as much as I do (it’s so cute!), check out the Cheery & Bright Gingerbread Man Melt and Pour Tutorial. If you prefer classic holiday colors, the video below shows you how to make adorable gingerbread man soaps. They make perfect gifts for friends and family.

Packaging and shipping lotion bars can be a little tricky because they are extremely heat sensitive. I recommend keeping these bars in a dry, cool place. If the bars come in contact with heat, they can melt. For tips on shipping during warm weather, check out this post. This box template is the perfect size for the adorable Gingerbread Man Mold. Simply print out the template on plain paper and use the template to trace onto cardstock. You can also print the template directly on cardstock if your printer will allow. Then, fold up the cardstock to create a perfect box for showcasing your gingerbread man creation! You’ll want to line the bottom of the cardstock box with freezer paper to prevent the gingerbread lotion bar man from getting the box all oily. Also, this box won’t hold oil, in the event you ship to someplace extra hot that melts your little gingerbread man lotion bars in transit.

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Cookie-palooza + Cheesy “Cookie” Recipe

Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Christmas is full of delicious food, and in particular, it’s the perfect time to create cookies. This year we celebrated the cookie season with a “Cookie-palooza!”  Everyone in the office and warehouse baked their favorite cookie to share and enjoy. There were so many delicious treats that the team has been enjoying them for days after…talk about a sugar rush!

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Salvation Army Shopping Extravaganza 2014

Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Once you’re past a certain age, giving, rather than receiving, is what the holidays are all about. To get in the holiday spirit, every year Bramble Berry teams up with the Salvation Army to holiday shop for families in need. This year, the team shopped for more than 10 families! Team Bramble Berry had a blast picking out toys, clothing, housewares and anything else on the family’s wish list. A couple volunteer hours later, items for each person were crossed off the list.

Each team member received a list for a specific person to aid their shopping.  This list included what type of items the recipient wanted, along with any sizes or personal preferences. Below, Joe and I skim the coupons for any extra savings. More savings means more presents!

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12 Days of Christmas Project Roundup

Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

With Thanksgiving behind us, the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. If you’re feeling a little behind in holiday gift preparation, don’t fret. There is still some time to create unique, handmade gifts for your family and friends. But don’t wait, it’s time to get crafting!

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The 12 Days of Christmas series featured twelve easy to make projects that would make fantastic gifts. From melt and pour and wax tarts to lip scrub and nail polish, you are sure to find a gift option for everybody on your list. Looking for packaging inspiration? Check out the Packaging Inspiration video on Soap Queen TV, along with the #Make it Monday: Packaging photo gallery on Facebook.

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DIY Ornament Party for the Kids

Filed Under: Home Crafts

Pin_edited-1I’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 ones.

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Soapy Social Media Roundup

Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

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 (see photo below). This Thanksgiving dinner, I’m definitely planning on utilizing my new kitchen assistant.
1389156_391506130997904_1114044187_nKeep your eyes on the blog tomorrow for a delicious Thanksgiving-inspired breakfast option, perfect for the morning of or day after. It’s full of pumpkin, pecans, and oatmeal. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite Christmas-y pins, colorful Instagrams and interesting tweets.

Pins:

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Left to right, clockwise:

Instagram:
The soap below was swirled with the handle of a silicone spatula, producing large swirls. These bars were cute horizontally, and I love how every bar looks incredibly different. What fun and unique swirling tools have you used?

10748132_857737470945478_1940074454_nWhile Christmas is right around the corner, I always have my mind on the next holiday. Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it, and with this heart-filled soap…I’m ready!
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Twitter:

I hope you’re all having a great weekend! To keep up with the latest soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine and YouTube.

12 Days of Christmas: Peppermint Pucker Lip Scrub

Filed Under: Lip Products

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!

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Red Jojoba Beads and sugar add gentle exfoliation and beautiful holiday color while avocado oil leaves a smooth and silky feeling on your lips. Mint Julep Flavor Oil adds a nice fresh kick to the scrub. And because this scrub is made with Nourish Lip Balm Base, it’s easy and quick to throw together as a last-minute handmade holiday gift.

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Cheery & Bright Gingerbread Man Melt and Pour

Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

Soapy inspiration can come from a variety of different sources. From places and design to scents and colors, possible influence is everywhere! For this adorable gingerbread man project, inspiration came from a colorful yet slightly festive color palette via Design Seeds. With a deep burgundy, bright green and icy blues, this color combination is a fresh take on the holidays!

These gingerbread man soaps feature fun colors for a unique twist.Achieving these unique colors requires mixing both liquid and powder colorants. The end results are worth the extra effort; these shades are a great combination of cheerful, sophisticated and festive. Scented with a delicious smelling combination of Almond and Cinnamon Sugar Fragrance Oils, these cute gingerbread men smell good enough to eat. Just don’t forget to add the Vanilla Color Stabilizer to prevent vanilla discoloration!

If you’d like to create a more traditional gingerbread man soap, check out this Soap Queen TV video. You can also download this free box template to package up your cute creation for the holiday season.
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Halloween Project Roundup

Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

With Halloween a few short weeks away, now is the time be inspired by ghosts, ghouls, witches and yes, soap! Keep your eyes on the blog for a festive Halloween melt and pour project tomorrow. To whet your appetite, here are several fun and spooky Halloween projects to get your creative juices flowing.

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
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