Soapy Social Media Roundup Archives

Soapy Social Media Roundup

October 2, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy weekend! For the next few days, I’m spending time in Minneapolis with my mastermind group. What’s a mastermind group you ask? In short, it’s a support group. I recently wrote about my love of mastermind groups and how to start your own on my other blog (yep, I have another blog). You can also find more information about mastermind groups in this post, all the way from 2008. Clearly, they work for me! =) I always feel so inspired and motivated after meeting with my group.

Make everyday the best day ever with your own Best Day Ever mug!

We all need a little “treat yo’ self” day every now and then, right? Next week on the blog, be on the lookout for a series of projects for a home spa day! Recipes will include bath bombs, salt scrub, lotion bars and more. In the meantime, check out my favorite pins, tweets and ‘grams from the week.

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This was the first week of my Best Day Ever Fall Challenge, so my diet has been full of veggies. This Fall Green Smoothie looks like the perfect addition!
The swirl and colors in these marble bars made by Ecohouse are so beautiful. It really looks like marble.
I love the look of sea glass, but had no idea you could create your own with spray paint! This tutorial shows you how.
The leaf pattern on this Aloe Vera Soap by Steso is so realistic. The colors are gorgeous too.

Instagram:
In need of a home spa day? Next week, look for a series of projects made with calming cucumber and lavender scents. The bath bombs below are scented with a unique blend of Cucumber Melon Fragrance Oil and Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil.

Did you catch the newest Soap Queen TV video? In the video, I show you how to make Orange and Poppy Seed Salt Scrub with my friend Courtney. It’s easy to make and smells amazing!

Twitter:

This Sun and Cloud Melt and Pour Project by Otion Soap Bar is so cute and creative!
Goldfish may seem harmless, but when introduced into they wild they cause serious biological problems. Who knew?
Homemade lunches can get a little boring. This list has some great ideas if you need to spice it up.
Think your brand is fully developed? Ask yourself these ten questions.

To keep up with soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine, YouTube and Snapchat. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making!

Soapy Social Media Roundup

September 4, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy Labor Day weekend! Yesterday, I hiked Oyster Dome with friends. It’s an amazing 5-mile hike that overlooks Samish Bay, the Olympic Mountains and several islands. It’s a rather steep trek, but so worth it once you get to the top. If you’d like to be inspired to eat healthier and move more, I’m running a new nutritional and movement challenge. It starts September 28. You can find more details about it here. Today is a family day. Depending on what the kiddos want to do, we are either going to a corn maze (yay, fall!) or visiting a bluegrass festival. I love that Bellingham and the surrounding areas have so many fun family activities. How are you spending your weekend? If you’re soaping, tag #SoapShare on Instagram so I can see! =)

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I have a feeling these Confetti Dipped DIY Envelopes might be a little messy, but when they look this cute…does it matter? 😉
The little pearl details on these Tiffany-Blue Macarons are so beautiful. That blue color is perfect too.
Sometimes simple soap is the way to go, as shown in this Simple Natural Soap Tutorial by The Nerdy Farm Wife.
These La La Lavender & Lemon Cloud Cupcakes are inspiring me to make some lavender soap cupcakes!

Instagram:
Fall is basically here. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back, leaves are falling and the air is getting crisp. If you’re feeling inspired by the change of seasons, this Pumpkin Pie Soap Tutorial is the perfect project. Prefer melt and pour? Check out this tutorial.

Next Friday, we are shooting three full-length Soap Queen TV videos. One goes over how to use the silicone impression mats. If you have any tips for using the mats, I’d love to hear them. Shown here is soap made with the Cupcake Impression Mat and the Butterflies and Feathers Impression Mat.

Twitter:

How cool is this Dinosaur Fossil Soap by Simplistic Living? Little boys would love it!
Speaking of awesome tutorials, check out this foundation and tinted moisturizer recipe. =)
Is your soapmaking a hobby, or a business? It matters to the IRS!
Yes, I have another blog (one just wasn’t enough!) In this post, I’m sharing my tips for putting together a Mastermind group.
If you’re a creative person, this article on unlocking your creative thinking is a must-read.

Soapy Social Media Roundup

July 23, 2016 Filed Under: Personal Ramblings

Happy weekend everybody! Can you believe July is almost over already? Summer is moving by so fast. Today, the family and I are taking it easy, and enjoying summer while it’s still here. Lily has discovered a new love for playing dress up, as shown below. This sparkly pink tutu dress is one of her current favorites. Everyday a new aspect of her personality reveals itself with new words, likes/dislikes, and skills. I feel so lucky to be her mom!

In soapy news, the Bramble Berry team is hard at work making the online shopping experience better for our customers. But, we need your help. We created a short, 5 minute survey to help us pinpoint exactly what you want when shopping at Bramble Berry. Click here to take the survey and help us out! We really appreciate it. =)

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This Moroccan Watermelon Salad with Pistachios looks perfect for a summer barbecue. It’s also an interesting twist on your typical fruit salad.
These Wood Base Terrariums are so cute; they would make a great gift.
I love Jen’s tutorial for these Body Oil Perfume Spray Favors. See more of Jen’s DIY wedding ideas here.
The light green layers in this Purity Soap by Thumbprint Soaps are so pretty! The bars look so creamy.

Instagram:
For #SoaptheRainbow green week, I shared the tutorial for these Refreshing Lemongrass Soaps from the Natural Soap Kit from Beginners. It’s made with Chrome Green Oxide for a vibrant green color and features poppy seeds on top.

Erica of Bath Alchemy Lab created these beautiful Green Sawblade Cold Process Soaps for #SoaptheRainbow Green Week; see the full tutorial here. She also created adorable Green Turtle Melt and Pour Soaps, they are too cute. =)

Twitter:

This interview with the ladies of Sugar Paper and Paperless Post is full of great tips for small business owners.
Praise and criticism often holds us back from being authentic. This essay has great advice for incorporating feedback into our lives.
I loved watching this Handmade Beauty Box unboxing video from Katie of Royalty Soaps!
Have you ever taken a workplace personality test? As an employer I love them, but are they fair?
I drink a ton of water everyday. If you need help drinking more water, this post has 5 tips.

I hope you’re having a great weekend so far. To keep up with soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine, YouTube and Snapchat. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare and #PureSoapmaking so I can see what you’re making!

Soapy Social Media Roundup

June 25, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy weekend! The past few weeks have been incredibly full. Last week, I attended the Entrepreneur of the Year Gala in Seattle. I had the honor of being nominated alongside many incredible entrepreneurs in the Northwest. While I did not win the award, it was an honor to be nominated. I know that’s a little cliche, but it truly was amazing to be recognized. Below, Chris and I enjoy the night. It was wonderful to have him by my side and enjoy a date night!

Today, I’m enjoying the sun with the kiddos. The weather has been hit or miss lately, but today is turning out to be a lovely. If you’re looking for a little crafting inspiration, below are some of my favorite pins, tweets and ‘grams from the past week.

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This trick for cutting watermelon is genius. Why didn’t I think of this?
These Red, White & Blue Pretzel Rods would be really fun for a 4th of July gathering.
This DIY for Crazy Straws tutorial has a potential Pinterest-fail written all over it, but they are so stickin’ cute! Who knows, maybe it’s easier than it sounds?
Soapinsuz_ made my Blueberry Embed Round Bars from my book, Pure Soapmaking, and they turned out perfectly. Awesome job!

Facebook:
I have been doing a lot of Facebook live videos recently. It’s such a fun way to connect with you all! Below, I made the Aloe Vera Hanger Swirl project from Pure Soapmaking.

Instagram:
Below is the Energizing Orange Soap, created with the new Natural Soap Kit for Beginners. The kit includes everything you need to make the soap, including printed instructions, labels and free shipping to the lower 48 United States. It’s a great kit for experienced soap makers too!

Did you hear about the #SoaptheRainbow series on the blog and Instagram? From now until August, each week represents a color, starting with red. Post a photo on Instagram with the tag#SoaptheRainbow for a chance to win Bramble Berry gift certificates! Click here to get all the details and learn about the grand prize. Believe me, you want to enter for the grand prize…it’s a good one! =)

Twitter:

Happiness is a choice. Remind yourself of that everyday with a Best Day Ever Gold Foil Notebook.
A big thank you to New England Handmade Artisan Soaps for this awesome roundup and review of my Pure Soapmaking book.
This summer, what are you going to save money on?
We have all felt disengaged at work. As a manager, here are 5 Things to Do When an Engaged Employee Disengages.
You may be missing out on about 70% of your Instagram feed. Wait, what!?

I hope you’re having an awesome weekend so far. To keep up with soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine, YouTube and Snapchat. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare and #PureSoapmaking so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

April 9, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy weekend! The past couple weeks have been beautiful here in Bellingham, WA; it’s been mostly sunny with highs in the 70s! Below, Jamisen, Lily and Chris enjoy the sun by playing soccer in the yard. I can’t wait for the sun to stick around more consistently. =)

Next week, be on the lookout for more projects featuring fragrances in the Spring Fever Fragrance Collection. If you haven’t picked up a kit on sale yet, you have until April 15th. Then the fragrances can only be purchased separately (and, at full price). There is a scrub and a cold process project on the way using Blueberry Jam Fragrance Oil and the Clover and Aloe Fragrance Oil (my favorite from the Spring Collection!). In the meantime, check out my favorite social media links below.

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These Colored Coffee Filter Flowers are so pretty. I used LabColors to create a similar effect in this tutorial.
If you love mason jars for decorating, this Colored Mason Jar Tutorial will be right up your alley.
The yellow and pink hues in this ombre soap by Linda O’Sullivan remind me of a tropical vacation. Learn more about Linda in this interview.
Speaking of a tropical vacation, I would love to sip this Sunrise Detox Smoothie on the beach.

Instagram:
Looking for a new way to decorate your bath bombs? Check out the mica painting technique in the Painted Berry Bath Bomb Tutorial. I can’t wait to experiment more with this technique – there are so many possibilities! These bath bombs are made with the new Blooms and Berries Fragrance Oil, which is available in the Spring Fever Fragrance Collection until April 15th.

On Thursday, I shared the tutorial for these adorable Sunflower Cold Process Soaps made with the new Sunflower Fragrance Oil. I’m so happy with how these bars turned out, they make me excited for summer. They are also fairly easy to make.

Periscope/Katch:
In case you missed it, check out all the gorgeous soap I received in my Soap Swap box! Check out this blog post to read about each bar. I was blown away with the variety of techniques and beautiful packaging of each bar. Check out the video below to watch me open my box.

Twitter:

If you use your phone camera regularly, this post is full of great tips for improving your photos.
Ever wonder if brown eggs are actually better for you? Or if egg yolks will ruin your diet? This post clears up those egg myths.
Have questions about coloring your soap? Amanda Gail’s new e-book How to Color Cold Process Soap is full of awesome information and beautiful photos.
The FDA is asking luxury hotel toiletry maker Gilchrist & Soames to prove they fixed their shampoos and shower gels that were found to contain microbial contamination.
If you have a business, you need to get on board the Instagram train. This post goes over some Instagram marketing strategies. I’m working on a blog post about utilizing Instagram for business, so look for that post soon.

To keep up with soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine, Katch, YouTube and Snapchat. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare and #PureSoapmaking so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

March 26, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy Saturday! Today the family and I are getting ready for Easter Sunday tomorrow. It’s a bit strange having Easter so early this year! My parents, brother, sister-in-law and niece are coming over for dinner and egg-dyeing. To dye our Easter eggs, we try to use LabColors, click here if you’d like to learn how. Can’t wait for some quality family time. =) Below, Jamisen had a lot of fun exploring a local park. I can’t believe how big he is getting.

On the business front, I’m getting ready to attend the 2×4 Live Weekend in Nashville, Tennessee at the historic Scarritt Bennett Center. The workshop is April 1st and 2nd, and one ticket just opened up! Click here to learn more about the event, and snatch up the last ticket. It’s gonna be a blast, I hope to see you there. =)

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We can be our own toughest critic. I love this watercolor painting by Heartmadearts, it’s such a nice reminder.
If you’re looking for a colorful sweet treat for Easter tomorrow, these Layered Peeps Rice Krispie Treats are adorable! They look quick to make as well.
Jen of Something Turquoise created these Push-Pop Lotion Bar Favors; I love the way they turned out.
These little Cactus Soaps by Seventh Tree Soaps are so cute. The packaging is fantastic as well.

Instagram:
These lavender soaps colored with Ultramarine Lavender Pigment went through partial gel phase, which is what caused the “circle” in the center of the soap. If you’d like to learn more about gel phase and how to avoid partial gel phase, check out this blog post.

It’s so amazing to see soapers make recipes from my book, Pure Soapmaking. Below, Wild Poppy Soap Co. shared the recipes she has made. They have turned out so great!

Twitter:

There is now one last ticket for the 2×4 Live Weekend available! To learn more about this awesome business workshop, click here.
Alcohol gets in the way of weight loss, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. This article does a great job of explaining why, and has some great suggestions for how to enjoy alcohol in a healthier way.
Plants growing in your shower? Ack! This lotion bar from Lush has sprouted a few plants in customer’s bathrooms.
This blog post by Katie of Royalty Soaps about starting your own soap business is full of great tips.
Speaking of quality soaping advice, this post about Lye in Soapmaking by Amanda of Lovin’ Soap Studio has a lot of great information.

Soapy Social Media Roundup

March 19, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy weekend everybody! Tomorrow is the first day of spring and I couldn’t be happier about it. Now that Daylight Saving Time has passed, it’s still light out at 7 p.m. It’s nice to have a few extra hours in the day. The kiddos have been enjoying it as well. Long days means more time playing in the yard. Below, Lily came to visit the Bramble Berry warehouse to “help” ship packages. She is such a happy little girl, she wakes up everyday smiling. =)

Here on the blog we have been focusing on spring projects and inspiration. Be on the lookout soon for projects featuring new spring fragrances! In the meantime, check out some of my favorite sources of inspiration on the web below.

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What makes a three tiered cake with raspberry jam and melted chocolate even better? Covering that cake in mini chocolate eggs of course. 😉
This Winter Wonderland Soap by Claudia with Om Nom Soap is stunning. The colors, layers and details are amazing. I would love to try this technique!
These Flower Cold Process Soaps by Otion Soap Bar are so cute. They would be a great spring project. See the tutorial here.
This DIY Rose and Chamomile Gift Set by The Nerdy Farm Wife would make a great Mother’s Day gift.

Instagram:
This blue ombre soap is made with Zippy Blue Pigment and titanium dioxide. If you want the tutorial, sign up for our Bramble Berry newsletter! It will be in the newsletter next week. =)

This week, I tackled the topic of how to price your products. It’s a tricky process, but if you need a good place to start check out the How to Calculate the Price of Your Products blog post.

Twitter:

Fermented foods like yogurt and kimchee are not only delicious, they are incredibly good for you. I eat sauerkraut almost daily. =)
Are you trying to learn a new skill? A new study suggests the key is small variations of the task – don’t practice the same thing over and over.
The key to happiness may be as simple as making your bed. Okay maybe not…but it might help!
If you need a laugh, celebrities dramatically reading Kanye tweets will make you giggle.
Researchers in Taiwan found that children born in August (the cut-off month for school entry in that country) were more likely to be diagnosed with A.D.H.D. Is raises the question: is it A.D.H.D. or simply immaturity?

Happy weekend! To keep up with soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine, Katch, YouTube and Snapchat. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare and #PureSoapmaking so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

February 20, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy weekend everybody! The past few days have been fairly rainy and wet here in Bellingham, to nobody’s surprise. But the days are getting longer and the nights are warmer so signs of spring are popping up. Last weekend we had a few days of sun, so the family took advantage of the weather with an afternoon trip to a Bellingham beach. Below, Jamisen and Lily soak up some sun. Between Jamisen’s inquisitive pose and Lily lounging on the rocks, this photo just cracks me up. =)

Next week be on the lookout for a St. Patrick’s Day melt and pour project, along with another natural cold process soap. In the meantime, check out the soapy inspiration below from Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

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Can you believe Easter will be here in a little over a month? These DIY Marbled Indigo Eggs use a deep blue nail polish to create a beautiful marbled effect on the egg.
Holly of Missouri River Soap created the Aloe Vera Hanger Swirl Recipe from the Pure Soapmaking Book, and it turned out wonderfully!
I love these Cute Garden Carrot Cupcakes. Decorating strawberries as carrots is genius.
Amy Warden of Great Cakes Soapworks created the Annatto and Yarrow Cold Process Soap from the Pure Soapmaking Book. I love her chunky embeds.

Instagram:
This week there was a lot of green projects. Below is a melt and pour project created with a Celtic Combination mold that will be available soon. The mold includes four cavities featuring different designs. I used an injector tool to fill the details with Evergreen Mica colored soap.

Evergreen Mica also works great in cold process soap. Below is a cold process spin swirl using Evergreen Mica, Kermit Green Mica, Titanium Dioxide and Black Oxide in the 9 Bar Birchwood Mold. We are planning on making this project into a Soap Queen TV video.

Twitter:

In case you missed it, there was a short update regarding FDA legislation for 2016. Read about it here, then sign up for the COHE to stay updated.
This visualization of how Americans spend their day is amazing. Does your day fit into the trends?
Commencement speeches often sound the same. This one is particularly inspiring because it doesn’t sugarcoat the message.
Is this product the biggest personal care innovation of 2015?
These “Keep Calm and Make Soap” tote bags are now available! Grab one before they are gone.

I hope you’re having an awesome weekend.To keep up with soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine and YouTube and Snapchat. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare and #PureSoapMaking so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

February 13, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy weekend everyone! Yesterday I had a Pure Soapmaking book signing at Village Books, and it was so fun to meet fellow soapers. Thanks to everybody who came. If you have your copy of the book, there is still time to enter to win one of ten $25 Bramble Berry gift certificates. Simply post a selfie with the book on Twitter or Instagram and use the tag #PureSoapmaking. The contest ends on February 15th, so don’t wait.

It’s kind of hard to believe that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Time has been flying this year. The good news is there is still time to bid on the items in the Lovin’ Soap Project Auction. All proceeds go to the Lovin’ Soap Project, which helps improve the lives of women and girls through health, education, soapmaking, etc. This year we donated a signed copy of Pure Soapmaking and the Annatto and Yarrow Cold Process Kit. I highly recommend checking the auction out – it benefits an amazing organization. If you’re looking for some love inspired projects, check out my favorite pins below. There are some great last minute gift ideas.

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These DIY Cement Valentine Hearts are so adorable. I would love to put magnets on the back to stick on the fridge.
If you haven’t picked up a gift for your loved one, this Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Card tutorial shows you how to make an adorable card.
This DIY Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Recipe would be a great gift for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The colors in this Crystal Bar Soap is gorgeous. The gold, orange and red remind me of a sunset.

Instagram:
I will be shooting several Soap Queen TV videos in the beginning of March. To make sure the projects work perfectly, they are tested a few times. Below is a blue ombré cold process project that’s in the works. It’s scented with Bonsai Fragrance Oil for a crisp and unisex scent.

In addition to Soap Queen TV projects, I’ve also started working on projects for spring. Below are cold process sunflowers, made in this cute Sunflower Mold. It’s scented with a new fragrance oil that will be released soon! Hint: it smells sunny. =)

Katch:
Katch is a website that allows you to save Periscope videos. Check out my channel here, and find me on Periscope (username: brambleberry) to see the videos live. Earlier this week, I tested a spin swirl cold process project for Soap Queen TV. The spin swirl is a tricky technique, because the texture of the soap needs to be absolutely perfect. I’m so happy with how it turned out. What do you think, would you like to see this project on Soap Queen TV?

Twitter:

I always thought drivers in Seattle were bad, but now it’s confirmed.
If you love kombucha, I would definitely recommend making your own! It’s way more cost effective and really fun.
Looking for a little inspiration and motivation? This list of 50 Ways Happier, Healthier and More Successful People Live on Their Own Terms is full of awesome advice. I love #49.
Do fruits and vegetables taste better in Europe? I probably need to go to Italy, so I can report back. =)
Leadership takes time and effort. If you’re having a hard time squeezing it in, this article has great tips.

To keep up with the latest soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine and YouTube and Snapchat. To watch my ‘stories’, which include sneak peeks into future projects, add me. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

January 30, 2016 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy weekend everybody! To those of you still battling the blizzard, I hope you’re all staying warm. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the weather has been stereotypically rainy and grey. Although I really can’t complain at all, as I recently got back from a week in Cancun for the Indie Business Cruise hosted by Donna Maria of Indie Business Network. It was so fun to spend time with fellow entrepreneurs in a beautiful place. Cancun was actually quite rainy as well…but hey, it was the beach! Be on the lookout tomorrow for a post all about my experience.

Today I’m spending time with the kiddos on the Washington coast. Above, Lily attempts to master her tricycle. Don’t worry, her helmet was nearby. She managed to get it off for a few minutes while I grabbed the camera. Of course! =) If you’re spending the day crafting and surfin’ the web, check out my favorite pins, tweets and ‘grams from the week.

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These Conversation Heart Cookies are so cute! The colors for the frosting are spot on.
I love the beautiful marble pattern on these Clay & Wood Bracelet Jewelry Boxes.
Holy bath bomb, Batman! These Lady Large Multicolored Bath Bombs are huge, and look amazing!
The spin swirl technique is tricky. Soap Techniques really nailed it with their Mirage Spin Swirl Soap.

Instagram:
I can’t believe my new book, Pure Soapmaking is here, yay! If you received your book, post a selfie with it on Instagram or Twitter and use the hashtag #PureSoapMaking for a chance to win one of ten $25 Bramble Berry gift certificates. Post by February 15th to enter.

I’m so excited about how this natural colorant rainbow soap turned out. To get these colors, I used madder root powder, an annatto seed infusion, spirulina powder, indigo powder and alkanet root powder. All these colorants will be available in a sampler pack soon =)

Twitter:

I’m currently doing this 21-Day Superhero Challenge, and I’m really loving it! What are you doing to reach your fitness goals this year?
If you’re looking to make your weekends more productive and meaningful, this list of 5 Ways Remarkably Successful People Spend the Weekend has some great ideas.
About to send a snarky message? Use this Politeness Checker to see if it can be toned down.
I recently updated my Goodreads list; check it out if you’re looking for some book suggestions!
Speaking of books, check out this list of the Top 12 Books for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs. It’s full of great reads.

I hope you’re 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 and Snapchat. To watch my ‘stories’, which include sneak peeks into future projects, add me. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

December 5, 2015 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy weekend everybody. =) This past week has been extremely (extremely!) exciting. I got my hands on the first copy of my upcoming book Pure Soap Making, and I visited Project Violet to donate the proceeds of October’s Handmade Beauty Box. In addition, Otion participated in a local Christmas tree decorating event put on by the Bellwether Hotel. Check out their adorable tree below! Get it? The Christmas tree is hanging out in the shower. =)

Next week, I’ve got a few more holiday-inspired tutorials to share before we start focusing on the new year and Valentine’s Day. Kinda crazy that it’s already time to think about 2016, isn’t it? If you’re not ready for Christmas to be over, check out some of my favorite holiday pins below. =)

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I love the frosty look of these DIY Glitter Bulb Ornaments. They would be perfect for bulbs that have died.
Tis the season of sugar, and these Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes fit the bill perfectly. =)
This DIY Sharpie Doodle Gift Wrap is such a simple idea and looks fantastic! The gold really pops against the black.
This Swirled Soap by Handmade in Florida is so elegant. I love the crisp and delicate swirl.

Instagram:
It’s been quite a long time since I made bubble bars, so I decided to make a fresh batch. The bath bars below are made with this recipe and LoveSpell Type Fragrance Oil. They are colored with the Easter Purple LabColor and Pinkberry Sherbert LabColor, and dusted with a little Fine Iridescent Glitter.

Every year, Pantone chooses a color of the year. Last year was Marsala (see the Marsala Lip Tints here). This year, Pantone announced two colors to represent 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity. When I saw them, I instantly thought of the Once Upon a Dream Cold Process Soap. =)

Twitter:

The holidays can be stressful, and it’s easy to fall back into bad (yet comforting) habits. If you need to get back on track, here are 50 ways to be happier.
This Custom Pet Dog Portrait Carved Crayon is so cute…but I don’t think I could ever use it! Amazing craftsmanship.
Reserve your spot for the 2×4 Live Weekend in Nashville in April, it’s going to be a blast. There are only 15 tickets left (!)
Love a good Netflix binge? Find out exactly when you are most likely to get hooked.
Could there be a link between beer drinking and exercise? Some studies suggest there is!
Goldfish tea is all the rage in Taiwan. Intrigued? Click here to find out what it is. =)

I hope you’re having a wonderful Saturday! To keep up with the latest soapy social media throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine and YouTube and Snapchat. To watch my ‘stories’, which include sneak peeks into future projects, add me. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

November 29, 2015 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy Sunday! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Mine was full of family and food…just the way I like it. =) Today has been a day to get back on track and prepare for the week. In addition, we took the kiddos to see Santa and get photos today. I’m officially in Christmas mode now! Are you feeling ready for the holidays? If you’re looking for project ideas, check out the Holiday Project Inspiration post. Below are just some of the cute project ideas shared in the post.

Top left, clockwise: Whipped Champagne Shea Butter, Chocolate Mint Melt and Pour Squares, Scented Beeswax Ornaments, Glamorous Gold Eye Shadow Quad

Want even more soapy inspiration? Check out my favorite pins, tweets and grams below!

Pinterest:

Top left to right, clockwise:

This adorable DIY Snowman Can looks like an easy way to bring a little holiday cheer into any space.
These Peppermint Brownie Bites look so yummy! I love chocolate and mint together.
I love to make Christmas ornaments with the kiddos every year. This tutorial for Salt Dough Ornaments looks like a great option.
The Unscented Calendula Soap by The Soap.Bar looks amazing! The blue hue looks so vibrant against the creamy white.

Instagram:
Have you tried the hanger swirl technique yet? Below is a cold process soap made with the hanger swirl technique and real aloe vera puree. This recipe is in my new book, which comes out in February 2016. It’s available for pre-sale (with extra goodies) now. =)
Below, I used the Vertical Wood Mold to create these cranberry and currant soaps with poppy seeds. They’re scented with a blend of Cranberry Fig Fragrance Oil and Pomegranate and Black Currant Fragrance Oil. They smell so good; I can’t wait to use them. =)

Twitter:

I love a good kale salad and consider myself to be a bit of an expert…I’ve had quite a few. =) This is my absolute favorite kale salad recipe, it can’t be beat!
Getting older is both fun and a little scary. These charts and graphs about being 20 vs. being 30 are hilarious and so true.
Speaking of hilarious, this lip sync performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt is amazing. He can really dance!
Did you buy Adele’s new album? You’re not the only one; Adele’s new album accounted for 42% of all music sales last week. Whoa!
If you love tea as much as I do, click here to learn how to use it in your bath and body products.

I hope you all had 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 and Snapchat. To watch my ‘stories’, which include sneak peeks into future projects, add me. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

November 21, 2015 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy “pre-Thanksgiving” weekend! Are you preparing for Thanksgiving next week? I’m doing a little prep work today to relieve stress. My grocery shopping is done and I did a “test batch” of my Thanksgiving appetizer (see it on the blog tomorrow!). I’ve also got some easy kid activities planned for the day of to keep everybody busy, entertained and happy. I’m looking forward to having my family all together to enjoy a great meal next week. If you’re already planning for Small Business Saturday and you’re local, know that Otion – The Soap Bar has some great discounts planned so plan to get downtown on the 28th after Thanksgiving. =)

In more serious soapy news, Pete Sessions introduced H.R. 4075, “The Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act.” This bill is the latest development in proposed new rules and regulations for cosmetics manufacturing, and is better for the handcrafted industry than the previous bill crafted by Senators Feinstein of California and Collins of Maine. Click here to learn more about the bill. If you’d like to stay up to date on legislation regarding the handcrafted industry, join the Coalition of Handcrafted Entrepreneurs.

Now, back to our scheduled program of soapy inspiration and my favorite links via Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter!

Pinterest:

Left to right, clockwise:

I love the idea of giving small gifts at Thanksgiving, and these Free Thanksgiving Gift Tags & Note Card Printables would be perfect.
This blog post on How to Wholesale Your Handmade Products is full of great information.
How adorable are these Little Dog soaps? Designed specifically for small dogs, they are packaged beautifully. Little Dog also offers custom labeling!
The colors in this Lemon Blossom Soap by I Am Handmade look amazing! It would make a wonderful gift.

Instagram:
Below is a little bath bomb experiment that turned out really well! I used the Disk Mold and Package to create the bath bombs, then painted the top with a mixture of micas and 99% isopropyl alcohol. Tutorial coming soon =)

The team and I have been working hard to bring in a wide range of new micas! Below are the 16 micas we decided on, I can’t wait to see what you all make with them. The new micas will be available next week =) The micas below are in clear melt and pour, but all work well in cold process with minimal morphing. Which one is your favorite? I love the purple on the bottom left!

Twitter:

If your skin needs a little extra TLC from the dry winter air, this Fresh Avocado Face Mask is full of skin loving oils =)
Love the look of freckles, but don’t have any? Freck Yourself creates temporary freckle tattoos. Check out the Kickstarter here.
If you’re a parent (or even if you’re not) these comics by Brian Gordon will make you laugh out loud.
Giving a toast while enjoying the company of friends and family creates a feeling of togetherness and celebration. Here are some tips for making a great toast.
I love this list of 20 Things I Wish I Knew At Age 20 by Cupcakes and Cashmere. Some great advice here!

I hope you’re having a wonderful, “pre-Thanksgiving” 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 and Snapchat. To watch my ‘stories’, which include sneak peeks into future projects, add me. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making! =)

Soapy Social Media Roundup

November 7, 2015 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Happy, happy weekend! Is it just me, or did this week fly by? There is something about the last few months of the year…time seems to speed up. Daylight saving time is now in effect, so here in the Pacific Northwest it is dark by 5 pm. Maybe the “shorter” days have something to do with it. =)

This past week I have started prepping for a new round of Soap Queen TV videos. We will be shooting three full length cold process recipes on Friday, yay! Be on the lookout for a new video this coming Thursday. The video is a popular soaping technique that has never been demonstrated on Soap Queen TV before…can you guess? For now, take a look at my favorite social media happenings from the week from all of my social media accounts:

Pinterest:

Left to right, clockwise:

How adorable are these Reindeer Noses Mason Gift Jars? These would make great stocking stuffers and gifts.
I love the simplicity of this Goldenrod Cold Process Soap by Jan of The Nerdy Farm Wife. The herbs are infused in the olive oils for extra skin-loving benefits.
This Dark Chocolate Caramel Pumpkin Bark is healthy because it contains almonds and other nuts…right? I think that’s how it works. =)
I wear rings just about everyday, and this Wire Rings with Beads Tutorial is the perfect way to freshen up my collection.

Instagram:

I used the new Soap Shaver to give these linear swirled soaps from the Soap Crafting book perfect, smooth tops. I love that this tool also gives you super thin soap shavings that you can use in a variety of ways. Check out the How to Use Leftover Soap Scraps post for ideas.

On the left, the kiddos and I enjoyed an evening of trick-or-treating. The rain couldn’t keep us inside! Speaking of holidays…the countdown to Christmas has begun. The tutorial for this advent calendar will be on the blog soon.

Twitter:

Need a reason to get happy? This infographic will do the trick!
If you’ve ever thought about trying vegan food, Purple Carrot is a meal delivery service that sends ingredients to create two to three vegan meals a week. Sounds pretty great to me.
Social media is a funny thing…it allows you to carefully curate an online image. This “Instagram famous” teenager is now getting real about her image, and how social media can be damaging.
Did you get the memo that duck face is over, and “fish gape” is the new hot selfie face? Hah! Me neither. =)
This entrepreneur turned a Jiffy Lube into a successful yoga studio. I love success stories like these!

I hope you’re 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 and Snapchat. To watch my ‘stories’, which include sneak peeks into future projects, add me. I’m Bramble-Berry on Snapchat. Don’t forget to tag your soapy projects on Instagram with the hashtag #SoapShare so I can see what you’re making! =)