Tranquil

"Tranquil" (and yes, that's a bit of silver mica you see on top)

Just cut (and Oops! not cleaned up yet) I was a bit worried the blue might bleed upon use- I tested a bar and no bleeding...Yay!

An eo blend of Rosemary,Peppermint, Cedar and Lemon (actually a re-make of a blend I did a week or so ago in yellow and white, because I thought blue was more fitting). Tranquil is my "dupe" of a  popular Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief scent-it's not spot on or anything but definitely resembles the fresh aroma and will remind you of it for sure. 

Mansome

I am loving this strikingly "Mansome" Etsy treasury today. Woot!!

'Mansome' by BrownBooks

Panda Bear Hat Art Print, Ti... frighten $25	Grandpa's Whiskers Comb ... ideasinwood $7	70% off Shop Closing Sale Vi... CapriciousTrav... $7.2
Dust Shaker Whisker Wax ScodioliCreati... $21	Silver Comb & Footed Tray boxofhollyhock... $40	Muscle Man and His Mustache ... StayGoldMedia $6.99
Man Bath Salts Detox Mens Gi... WildRoseHerbs $9.95	Handcrafted Black Walnut Sha... TierraVerdeSoa... $98	Antique Sepia Tone Real Phot... allsfairyvinta... $4
Mens Shaving Soap Kit Set : ... BambuEarth $24	BEER RHASSOUL Shampoo Bar - ... BeautifulSoaps $5.75	Mourning sweetheart ring in ... GoodMourningSh... $125
Mr. Mustachio - Soothing Sha... sweetpetula $14	Pears Soap ad man shaving 18... CUTESTUFF1 $10.5	Razor Handle, Ivory Acrylic,... KEScarvings $37
Mens Shaving Soap Real Green... rtisan $7

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I Heart Soap

  Fresh Fir Needle

Look - "I heart soap"

Just playing-breaking some of my self imposed (anal)rules and what do you know...it was fun! For whatever reason I tend to be a bit of an uptight soaper- I take temps, I scrape every last bit of soap out of the bucket,I ponder over emulsification and trace, what colorants to use, what eo blend works with what colors...but then I got to watching other soapers (the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild Conference is a great place to observe other soapmakers in action) and realized that they just seem to fly by the seat of their pants. They make fabulous soap and yet it isn't a huge production with all kinds of pondering on the process. Hmmmm, I think I might need to pay heed  to that lesson-how about you?  What kind of soaper are you-it's all about fun and playing with scent and color-or very serious and calculating?

More Summer Goodness

Eucalyptus,Spearmint and Bergamot...

Testing more summer blends. I always think summer blends should be fresh and light to help combat the warm sticky days of working and playing outside. Blends with Eucalyptus,Lavender, Orange and Mint are perfect for those three digit days ahead.

Lavender Orange-Mmmmm

Lavender Orange before gel-such a lovely shade of pale orange

 Lavender Orange after gel-not quite as orange,but still very pretty.

Mmmmm, the orange is much more subtle now and the lavender is toned down-smells so nice.

Well, as expected the orange is even lighter after gel. Like most of us, I wish color was more dependable,but it is what it is. This was a clay, and so it's to be expected really. Still I think they are beautiful and they smell very nice so that's what counts.

On Today's Menu

Lavender-Orange

On today's menu; a test batch of Lavender Orange- Succulently juicy orange paired with lovely herbacious and slightly sweet lavender. Mmmmm, makes my mouth water.

Getting Back In The Saddle

Playing and pondering on switching to a Palm free formula...

I haven't made soap in probably a good couple of months, and I haven't made soap in the log mold in probably a year (after having some issues with the condensation and the silicone liner-now I think it was too much water in my formula, I discounted even more and that helped) I've been making rounds in PVC mostly and not working with color much,but after attending the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Conference-well I just had a hankering to get out the ol' log mold and play a bit. Here's the first attempt-I'm pretty darn happy with it. I have to say I was a bit nervous. (I hate to screw up a batch and waste perfectly good eo's) The colors aren't exactly what I wanted to do-I wanted a base a bit more towards white and pale green on top,but I didn't have anymore green oxide sooooo, yellow kaolin it is. The eo blend is so lovely and refreshing for summer-Rosemary, Peppermint, Cedarwood and Lemon 5x-just so very clean and fresh. 

What Do Nerds and Cheerleaders Have To Do With Soap?

Dr. Kevin Dunn speaking on Superfat or Discount? Identical or Different?

If you're wondering what the answer is, head on over to the Soap Queen blog where I not only explain what "nerds and cheerleaders" have to do with soap, but also give you the low down on Dr. Dunn's session on Superfat or Discount? Identical or Different?

We're Having Babies!

Made you look. lol!

 Herb babies that is; Sweet Marjoram, Thyme, Sweet Basil, Lavender, Rosemary and Parsley. Aren't they sweet? Love them!

Beautiful Sky

Beautiful clouds and sky, somewhere between Dallas and Lubbock on the day of the Moore tornado-hard to believe such an ugly event could occur so close to home on a day like this. Our hearts and prayers go out to those that are picking up the pieces in Moore,Oklahoma-we are your neighbors and our condolences come from the heart.

Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild Conference 2013-Vendors

*Pardon the yellow in the pics, I wasn't sure how to change the setting to Tungsten obviously.

Every day (several times a day) the vendors were there to allow easy shopping for conference attendees. There were many products and services available to peruse and choose from. Everyone was so friendly and there were lots of samples to be had too. (we love samples!)

Vendors included-

 Alimar Labs LLC

Back Porch Soap Co. 

Bath Bomb Press

The Chemistry Store

Essential Depot

HSCG Store

Leburmuth

Lovin' Soap 

Luck Break Consulting  

MyGMPRecords.com

Mossy Creek Soaps

National Shrink Wrap 

Propay

Pure Essential Supply Inc.

Sagescript Institute LLC

Silicone Soap Molds

Simply Body

Stephenson Personal Care

Veracity Insurance

Wholesale Supplies Plus

As you can see there were lots of exhibitors that took time out of their schedules to be at the conference-Thank you so much for all your kind hospitality! It was great to see so much product in one place.

A Field Trip To The North Carolina State Farmer's Market

Warning-this is a very pic heavy post and may take some time to load. If you aren't into the glorious beauty that IS the North Carolina State Farmer's Market you might want to skip this blog post. :-))

  Right off you are greeted by glorious fresh bouquets of flowers.

 Fresh produce of every kind is abundant at this fabulous market.

 Oh my! How beautiful are these tomatoes? Just look at those amazing cucumbers in the background.

 Flowers, herbs, veggie plants of all kinds are prolifically displayed at this Farmer's Market

 Mmmmm, herbs of all kinds-some I've never heard of.

 There's a wide assortment of hanging pots to add beauty to any space.

 Even more hanging beauty...

 I want one of each...

 Love the wee hanging air plants...

 LOOK at the Hydrangeas-AMAZING!

And happy colorful Zinnias make me smile.

Thursday was the first full day in North Carolina, and since it was a half day of workshops at the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild 2013 Conference thatI did not attend we(the Mister and I) went to the North Carolina State Farmer's Market.

I wish I could bottle up the sights and wonderful aroma of this glorious farmer's market. The wide array of colors overwhelm you as you make your way through the various aisles, the pleasant aroma of fresh strawberries and juicy ripe apples are soon replaced with the herbal freshness of rosemary and other herbs.

This farmer's market boasts "30,000 square feet for North Carolina farmers to sell fresh produce, plants, and other specialty items produced on local farms.  Plants are available starting in March and local fruits and vegetables are sold throughout the growing season.  This is where you can find the freshest and widest variety of produce and plants in the area."

You can find anything from seafood,meats,cheeses,wines,handcrafted soap,crafts,baked goods, plants, and of course fresh produce.  The farmer's market grounds also hosts three restaurants-one of which is the mainstay North Carolina Seafood Market-the servings are generous, hot and very tasty (I recommend the popcorn shrimp.) Also, remember this is the South where you will be offered "Sweet Tea" at every stop. 

If you're ever in the area I highly recommend a visit to the North Carolina State Farmer's Market.

Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Conference 2013-Raleigh North Carolina

The beautiful Midtown Hilton we stayed in...the folks there were so nice and the food was delicious!

For those of you who wonder if the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild Conference is worth it....I would say a resounding "Yes!" Not only were there so many interesting sessions to attend on topics from Marketing to Swirling,SEO to making silicone molds,but there are many, many vendors-some of who may be new to you, and probably the best part are all the new and interesting people you'll meet.

I'll have more information for you over the next few days.I'm waiting for my notes to get shipped home from North Carolina.- Stay tuned!

Nature Walk

 Sweet little Apple Blossoms

I'm a bit unsure exactly what this is...could it be a Magnolia?

Just so pretty

The first nature walk of the season-a scouting trip actually. Just checking to see what is blooming- not a whole lot yet, but it won't be long. I love the anticipation of what will be in bloom the next time I make a trip out to the flower gardens. In the height of the season I try to go almost daily and I'm surprised to find something new almost every time. I love the familiarity of the garden it's like seeing old friends-even the hummingbird that sits atop the leafless tree is there this season. Some of the plants are new yet to be discovered by my camera and I, some things have yet to poke their sleepy heads from the comfort of fertile earth. I love how magical it is to witness the transformation from sprout, to bud, and finally majestic bloom.

Shave Brush Eye Candy...

 Handcrafted Purpleheart Shave Brush with Super Silvertip Badger Shave Knot

So,this shave brush just went out the door and folks it is stunning in person, the photo does not do it justice. Purpleheart is a naturally purple wood, sturdy and dense this shave brush has a lovely heft to it-topped off with the top of the line in Badger shave knots this is a very special gift for Dad or Grad.

Have I Got A Deal For You-Father's Day Special Pricing

This beautifully handcrafted Black Walnut Shave brush with Sleeping Turquoise Inlay and Super Silvertip Badge shave knot is discounted 20% due to a very slight imperfection. This shave brush has a slight wobble when it sits on end. Theoretically shave brushes should hang upside down and won't sit on end,but because we feel it's just a tad imperfect our loss is your gain.  Pair this with some shave soap and this would still be a spectacularly fine Father's Day gift-drop me a line if you are interested. 

Beautifully handcrafted Black Walnut Shave Brush with Abalone Inlay and Super Silvertip Badger shave knot is also discounted 20% due to slight imperfection. This brush also has a very slight wobble when it sits on end, again, theoretically a shave brush almost never sits on end(they should dry upside down). This handsome lovingly made brush is priced at $78.40+shipping. This brush paired with shave soap will make a memorable Father's Day gift. Holler if you're interested.

2013 Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference or BUST!!!

I'm so very happy and honored to announce that I will be a "guest blogger" blogging from the 2013 Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference that will be taking place in beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina. The HSG Conference is an annual event that draws attendees from all over the country. I'm so looking forward to the great information, meeting new friends (most that I've only known from blogging for years),  and learning new techniques. 

Myself and Jean Horn of SoapArt will be going in the stead of Anne-Marie due to the impending Bramble Girl's arrival. We wish Anne-Marie the loveliest and speediest of "special deliveries" and "Thank You" so much for an amazing opportunity!

2013 Speakers

Marla Bosworth
Amanda Griffin
Allison Kontur
Dean Mayes

Bryan Baer
Ruth Esteves
Marie Gale
Kerri Mixon

Michelle Rhoades
Jerell & Elissa Klaver

 This year's topics

Natural Shampoo Market: Trends, Opportunities and Formulating
Make Your Own Single Cavity Silicone Molds
Private Label: Making the Leap From Home Formulating to Outside Manufacturing
Production Solutions For Your Handcrafted Business: Build It or Buy It?
The Chemistry and Properties of Fatty Acids and Oils
Soap Cupcakes and More: Decorative Piping with Cold Process Soap
Design, Formulate, Organize Using the Soapmaker Program
Trademark Strategies for Small Businesses
Search Engine Optimization: Tips and Tricks to Get Your Website Found
Retail Realities: What it Really Takes to Open a Store