Lather & Lotions

Heather Rose Shea Butter Soap Make It Yourself!

2011-08-03T10:47:00.002-04:00

Make this beautiful Heather Rose Shea Butter Soap.... it's very easy. Just go to our tutorial blog (we only post bath and body recipes) at www.howdoimakesoap.com Happy Soaping! Christine

It's Naturally Yummy!!!!!

2011-08-02T09:18:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the world of Naturally Yummy Bath Products. Naturally Yummy is the brain child of Gwendolyn Hernandez. Gwen is one of the most enthusiastic soap makers you'll ever meet.When she discusses her bath products you can see the joy in what she does. What started as a hobby for Gwen quickly grew into a business. She loves creating great bath products for her customers because she believes that her products are a healthy choice in skin care. She feels that her products are constantly evolving because she is always looking for something that excite her customers.

When Gwen started Naturally Yummy she decided her company should have one primary philosophy that would guide her products, to use the finest ingredients she could find that would make outstanding soaps and bath products . Gwen understood that when people buy her products they are trusting her to give them not only a great looking, great smelling bar of soap but also a bar of soap that would create a lasting impression on the skin.Naturally Yummy accomplishes this by using fresh oils,natural botanicals and the finest fragrance and essential oils to make her small handcrafted batches of soap.As you can see from the photos her soaps are influenced by nature herself.

If you can't find Gwen at Farmer's Market, you'll be able to locate her on her Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/NaturallyYummy and at her Etsy Shop

Fort Wayne Fridays Featuring Mama Pears Knits

2011-07-29T05:19:00.053-04:00

Look at this adorable hat with that adorable face! Hat from Mama Pears Knits

For the next few Fridays I will be featuring local artists and crafters here in Fort Wayne, IN. My first Friday feature is with Mama Pear's Knits. You can find her wonderful Etsy Shop Here and her Facebook Page Here I confess. I admire knitters. I am an avid crafter and have been all of my life but knitting eludes me. I takes a great deal of patience and skill that I could never master. That's why I am happy to be writing about Jen. Jen gets my double, no, my triple admiration. She not only knits but she spins her own yarn and runs her business(and takes care of her hubby and three children too!)

Handspun from merino top spinning fiber and knit into a gorgeous scarf

Jen started Mama Pear's Knits after a few friends and family members recommended that she start selling what she made instead of just making gifts for Christmas. At first she thought it was too daunting to even consider, but after a while of knitting and having people asking her to make items, she decided it might be a good idea to try.

So, Mama Pear's Knits was born and Jen has loved the opportunity to learn more knit/crochet techniques and to get to know many other vendors in the same realm. One of the challenges Jen gave herself as a new business owner was to start spinning her own yarn to make higher quality items without breaking the budget.

Her desire is to give her customers plenty of options and details regarding which fibers/yarns they want while remaining budget friendly. As a homemaker, mother of 3 wonderful kiddies and a wife to an amazing man who has been her support and encouragement through the ups and downs of starting a new business. Jen truly loves what she does and her work reflects her passion.

Please keep up to date with Mama Pear's Knits on Facebook

The Bath Factory

2011-07-28T11:43:00.001-04:00

Products from The Bath Factory


The Bath Factory in Hot Springs

They say that entrepreneurs are risk takers. I'm about to introduce you to risk taker Michele Pappagallo.

Michele is the proud owner of The Bath Factory. Michele not only took the risk of opening an Etsy shop, but also a retail store. Michele's store is named "THE BATH FACTORY" and is located in the very beautiful town of Hot Springs,Arkansas. Michele loves her craft of making bath and body products and is living her dream of turning her hobby and passion into a rewarding full time career.

After having her shop on Etsy for a few months, Michele decided to step out into the retail world with the encouragement of her husband. She liked the idea of working for herself and she decided to take the risk when a space on Bathhouse Row became available.

Running a business keeps Michele busy, her typical day consists of opening her shop at 10am, meeting and assisting customers, adjusting her inventory, sending out orders,answering emails and taking care daily operations within her store. When she is not doing all that...she is making her magic in her bath and body laboratory where she is drawing on the days inspiration. Like most creative types, daily life can inspire her colorful bath and body creations.

Bright and cheerful Fruit Striped soap from the Bath Factory

Michelle loves working with soap and feels like each new product carries a little part of her when it leaves her store. She loves the fact that The Bath Factory products are available exclusively in her store and that she personally gets to interact with each and every customer, whether they are visiting her store or are buying products off her website or Etsy shop. She feels that she gives her products a more personal feel. It gives her satisfaction knowing her customers are completely satisfied.Part of the The Bath Factory's success is because Michele does have this close tie to both the product and her customer. She listens closely to her customers suggestions when developing her products line and her products reflect her unique relationship to her customers.

If you're in the Hot Springs area you can visit The Bath Factory in Hot Springs

The Bath Factory - 238 Central Ave - Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901

(501) 321-BATH

Visit The Bath Factory on Etsy www.thebathfactory.etsy.com

Shop The Bath Factory Online www.bathfactory.net

To keep updated on the latest products www.facebook.com/thebathfactory

Relax,Renew and Stay Cool

2011-07-23T16:30:00.002-04:00

'Relax,Renew and Stay Cool' by latherandlotions

Sea Fresh - Handmade S... SummerScentSat... $4.50	Hot Hot pink Monokini NapiDesigns $62.00	Turkish Bath Towel - Co... PESHTEMAL $22.00	The Quiet Life Fine Art... MarascaPhotogr... $18.00
Earth Friendly Crochet ... PeppersAttic $10.00	Wide Headband in Abstra... mademoiselleme... $18.00	Baked Turkish Apricots ... dasweetzpot $8.95	Custom Scented Body Mis... BragginRightsB... $5.50
Bohemian Summer Turquoi... RiverOfRomansk $45.80	Keep Calm and Swim On, ... KeepCalmShop $8.49	PRINTABLE FOOD LABEL - ... lovetheday $8.00	Sterling & Blue Earring... NearTheWillows $22.00
Carnival. Necklace of S... ReneeLoughlin $42.00	Golden Topaz Bee . Neck... paperplated $20.00	Bath Whips Sugar Body P... mybeadcreation... $6.75	Bright Pink and Blue 3 ... 3MontanaChicks $9.98

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

A Trip to Verbena's Bath and Body Shop

2011-06-27T11:41:00.001-04:00

Verbena's is a beautiful shop located in Gatlinburg TN

While in Gatlinburg TN, I had the pleasure of visiting Verbena's Bath and Body shop. Verbena's is owned by the lovely Marci Brien. I had the opportunity to visit with Marci and we both had a great time discussing one of our favorite subjects...Handmade Bath & Body. Verbena's carries a wide range of bath and body products from all over the world. I purchased these Sunflower Facial Soaps, very pretty and made with primrose oil.

Solros-Tval Sunflower Facial Soap

Handcrafted Bath Bombs in lots of tantalizing scents.

Verbena's carries a wide range of handcrafted soaps.

Verbena's carries soaps from local soap makers.

Verbena's carries a great line of locally made soaps from Smoky Mountain Lye Soaps. One of their best sellers is their Poison Ivy soap. I purchased 3 soaps from this company and I can tell you they are great! I love the mint soap!! Verbena's also offers custom blended bubble bath, lotions and bath cupcakes! On top of running her shop Marci also makes Verbena's Bath Bomb's and Bath Cupcakes. So if you're in the Gatlinburg area be sure to stop by and visit this great bath and body shop, you'll be sure to find something great!

Owner Marci Brien

Back From The Smokies

2011-06-22T11:53:00.000-04:00

We returned back from our Gatlinburg TN trip this weekend. We had a great time with lots to do with the kids.
I'm posting a few pics today from the trip, but tomorrow I will post the GOOD STUFF, like the visits to the soap and crafts stores!! Lots of fun!

The morning of the trip, my husband thinks it's funny taking the NO MAKEUP UNDONE HAIR PHOTO!!

We saw a pizza eating raccoon.

My youngest daughter, getting ready for the water park.

Our cabin as comfy as home, maybe even more!!

The view from the cabin, we we're up there in the mountains!

The front porch

The house where Dolly grew up (Dollywood)

Great Smokey Mountains and the 8 Mile Craft Loop

2011-06-08T08:45:00.068-04:00

Tomorrow I'm headed off to the Great Smoky Mountains(Gatlinburg). We've rented a cabin there where I'll be joined by my in-laws and some friends. Our cabin there has a view of those magnificent mountains.

The Smoky Mountains

The view from the cabin

The outside

The Living room...love all that wood!

We're renting from Jackson Mountain Homes They have several dozen cabins in this area with spectacular mountain views. But mountains aren't all that is there! I admit I'm excited about being able to hike the Great Smokies, but I'm even more excited about hiking that 8 MILE CRAFT LOOP!
The 8 Mile Craft Loop is the largest group of independent artisans in North America. This historic 8-mile loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail. Established in 1937, these artisans whittle, paint, sew, cast, weave and carve to create original collectibles such as candles, baskets, quilts, brooms, pottery, jewelry, dolls, ceramics, scrimshaw, silver smithing, leather, stained glass, wearable fashions, fine photography, frameable art, oils and watercolors, also lodging, restaurants, cafés,tea rooms and soda shops.Then there are the SOAP shops....can't wait! Below is a map of all the different arts and craft shops.

Left side of map

I'll be posting and blogging about the trip and hopefully getting lots of great interviews with all those crafters.

Why I Love Etsy

2011-06-07T07:43:00.097-04:00

I'll never forget the day I discovered Etsy online. I didn't read an article about it or see it on the news, I just stumbled on it while searching the internet looking for craft supplies. I remember how I was in awe of all these artists and crafters that were selling online...in one place! A community! I think I looked through all those wonderful shops for about three hours.After that I became an evangelist for Etsy...touting it's beautiful items and talented artists to anyone who would listen. I made a new discovery and I wanted to share it.I've since calmed down and now everyone I know, knows about Etsy.

You see, I have been arts and crafts obsessed for as long as I can remember. Like most other Etsians I started crafting at a young age and I love the creative process, in a way it makes me feel like this is part of who I was intended to be.

One of the things I like most about Etsy is how much energy everyone puts into their craft(and shop). Yes, I do hear the complaints and I know it is competitive. But for the most part Etsians are very generous. Not only do they want to succeed but they want others to succeed as well. Through Etsy I've also discovered the world of craft blogs and many craft communities(in only I had more time to discover them all!).

I am truely dedicated to buying handmade. Why buy a Hallmark card when I can have an original card that has is a one of a kind from someone has thoughtfully made it? Many times for less money! In fact I'll share a few of my recent purchases from Etsy.

This is mug is from the shop YogaGoat (I love that name!). YogaGoat offer beautiful pottery. The mug in real life is much prettier than this picture! The colors are vibrant and the entire mug has a wonderful pebble like texture. I bought it for my husband(Father's day).

Here is a little bit of YogaGoats story in her own words.

In 2001, I moved to Vermont to work at Simon Pearce Pottery in Windsor. I was employed as an apprentice thrower. The next year I was moved to the Quechee, VT location. I was happy to go; the shop is housed in an old mill, along a river. It draws quite the crowd, and I spent my days honing my throwing skills, gazing out my window at a spectacular waterfall, and speaking with the public.

In October of 2003, I bought my house in Rochester, VT. I bought it from another potter who had almost set up a pottery there. At any rate, it came with more than enough space for me to live and work. There was almost no land, but it did include a small shack which used to be a sugaring house (perfect for a gas kiln, eventually).

In the fall of 2003, I took a job with Miranda Thomas Pottery in Bridgewater, VT. It amounted to a pay cut, but included the benefit of being able to make and sell my own work using the company’s equipment. I made the most of this benefit, and, by saving every cent I made off of my own work, was able to afford to put in my electric kiln in January of 2006. Money earned from that kiln paid for my Bailey gas kiln, which was installed in August of 2006.

In 2005, I took YogaGoat Pottery as my business name. YogaGoat comes very simply from a doodle I did in a notebook of a goat doing yoga. I have always wanted to call my pottery by that name. On the plus side, it is memorable, fun and easier to spell, and pronounce, than my last name. Since 2007, I have been entirely self-unemployed.

Here's another purchase I made from the shop SigalitAlcalai. I bought this necklace for my wonderful mother-in-law.

and one I bought for myself!

Again, the pieces are stunning. Much prettier than even the photos. The packaging was almost as beautiful as the jewelry! Many beautiful details came with the packaging, including a small red rose inside the stunning jewelry box.

Here's a bit of Sigalit’s story.

I have graduated the Academy of Fine Arts in Israel and the Technological Jewelry Institute of Israel. In the first years following my graduation, I worked in the textile and fashion industry as one of Israel’s leading designers for children's clothing.

For the past 14 years, I have devoted my work mainly to the design and realization of jewelry pieces. The inspiration for my pieces is derived from the Israeli landscape with its intensity of colors and light, combined with a touch of my deep understanding of contemporary textile and fashion trends.
My pieces, eclectic but modern, are made with a love for the beauty that can be achieved by combining metals and layering with texture, colors and materials.The pieces are a one of a kind, as they are made in small quantities, while each piece is individually handcrafted. In my work I use a diversity of materials, such as sterling silver, gold plated 18k - 24K, gold filled, soft glass, polymer clay, resin and Swarovski crystals. My pieces are colorful and lightweight, and they are available in a variety of shapes and colors.

Both Great Stories!
Crafters just make the world a better place!

Other Things

2011-05-26T01:09:00.000-04:00

On occasion I break away for an hour or two to venture out of the world of soap. I have been an dedicated(okay, fanatical)artist and crafter since the age of eight. So I thought I'd share some of my hobby photos, paintings and drawings for a quick little blog post.

Photo Bunch of Daisies


Painting- Brenda's Bear

Photo - Mean Pup

Photo -Watering Can

Photo-Yellow Lily

Photo-Pink Daisy

Drawing-Study in Eyes

I'll be back to soap in the next post!

Stabilize That Soap!

2011-05-23T07:45:00.000-04:00

A soap we made without vanilla stabilizer, we wanted a deep color

A common mistake beginning soap makers often make is with fragrance oils. Fragrance oils often cause unhappy mishaps in soap making leaving one to wonder what they did wrong. There are three main points to remember when using fragrance oil.

1. Fragrance oil is not color neutral. Make sure you check the color of your fragrance oil by pouring a small amount amount into a clear glass. Don't just dump your fragrance oil into your soap or you may be in for an unhappy surprise. Fragrance oils can range in color from clear to a dark amber or greenish tint. This can affect the color of your soap base and morph any colorant you're using. A white base may easily become a green one! So check before you pour!

2. Not all fragrance oils have the same strength. How strong your scent is in your bath product or soap will depend on several things. The first being how much you use. Never go above the recommend usage (ouch), or it will irritate delicate skin. You will find that fragrance oils that smell very weak going into your product will, in a day or two, become stronger and may even smell better. So wait that day or two before making your final verdict on that fragrance. You can also test your fragrance oil in a small amount of soap before committing to a larger batch of soap.

3.Vanilla Content. Many fragrances, especially the sweet smelling ones, have a vanilla content. Vanilla will turn your soap brown. Sometimes in a day(if there is a large amount of vanilla) or over the course of a week or even several weeks. Below are several soaps in different stages of morphing to a brown soap because of the vanilla content.As you can see the soap can turn quite brown. The best way to prevent this is to use a vanilla color stabilizer Sometimes, you may want to incorporate the deep brown color in a soap, like the one on top of the page we used the I Smell Cake Fragrance Oil in this soap and let in turn a deep brown to go with our design. If you you are using colorants and need your colors to stay "true", you'll need to use the stabilizer.

Soaps will turn brown if there is too much vanilla in a fragrance.

Soap made with vanilla stabilizer. Color is bright and vibrant.

Remember we all have to go through a learning curve when we first start making soap...hopefully this post will make yours a little less steep.

Green and Tangerine Spa Day

2011-05-18T13:32:00.000-04:00

'Tangerine and Green Dream Spa Day' by latherandlotions

We all love lavender and pink spa days, but how about spa day to put a little zing in your step!

Lime Sprite Bath Bomb bubbletub $5.00	Handmade Eco Friendly Orange... ecofriendlybea... $60.00	SAGE AND CITRUS (votives or ... kittredgecandl... $6.00	Natural Tangerine Solid Suga... Sinami1 $8.50
Tangerine Sorbet - Vegan Lip... krukowski $3.75	Organic Beach Bath Towel Tra... BeautyAndSpa $19.99	Tangerine Mineral Eyeshadow ... Maplecreeksoap $4.95	Tangerine Souffle Spa Soak -... BLSoaps $10.95
Ginger Lime Glycerin Pedicur... calisesoapwork... $7.95	Sweet Temptation - Handmade ... cottonpurr $125.00	Relax Pillow in Script - App... HoneyPieDesign $38.00	Summer Citrus Zest Natural L... crimsonhill $6.00
Personalized spa wrap by Pec... pecanieregirl $22.00	Cotton chenille face & body ... StitchSenseDes... $18.00	GamiWicks - Tangerine Dreams... gamiworks $15.00	The Green Fish Ceramic Plate... Iammie $8.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Cuckoo for Soap Birds or Birds that are Cuckoo!

2011-05-17T13:43:00.000-04:00

We're Cuckoo Over These New Soap Molds

You can have a blast making these crazy soaps!

Lather and Lotions Cuckoo Soaps!

We love these new crazy birds we just got in. Our Cuckoo soap molds are whimsical, fun and you can really get lots of color detail in these soap molds. The trick is to use lots of vibrant color to get that whimsical effect! Use our white melt and pour soap base to get really vibrant colors in these whimsical little creatures. You get six crazy little birds in each mold. The mold has two slabs with 3 birds each. Each soap mold slab is scored for easy cutting.

Use lots of eye popping color to really make these birds Cuckoo!

You can find these fun soap molds on our Etsy site!

Happy Soaping Everyone!

Christine

The Soaps of Summer

2011-05-12T15:23:00.000-04:00

Warm breezes,balmy nights, the beach,picnics.....it's just around the corner The Good Ole Summer Time. Time to stock up on some fresh light soaps to keep you cool and breezy.

Look at this bright and sunny soap from the BodyCareBoutique. I love the sun on the water on top of this soap. So light and fresh looking.

BodyCareBoutique

Get ready to hit the beach!! I can smell the sea and the suntan lotion now! Fun colors make this a summertime fun soap hit from the Soap Garden.

Flip Flops from the Soap Garden

Red, White and Blue. Old Glory I am for you! The Crafty Mamma is ready for a Fourth of July Party.


The Crafty Mamma's Fourth of July soaps

Cute little lady bugs....make really cute little soaps from Bubble City Soap

Lady Bug Soaps by Bubble City Soap

Gettin a little hungry...try some juicy watermelon from HerbnDevelopment.


Watermelon Soap by HerbnDevelopment

Happy Soaping Everyone!!
Christine

Fooled by a Tray of Soap

2011-05-09T13:49:00.001-04:00

My poor daughter suffered a great disappointment when she found out this was a chocolate soap cake instead of a real chocolate cake! We love this heart cake soap mold for all kinds of occasions but we wanted to show you the deep rich look you can get by adding a bit a real chocolate as colorant to your soap. We added our Chocolate Brownie Fragrance Oil to give the soap a deep chocolate scent, and it did smell yummy...almost good enough to eat.

Elizabeth can't take her eyes off this "cake" it smelled so yummy.

We dusted the edges with gold mica as a finishing touch.

Pieces are scored for easy cutting

You can find this terrific soap mold on our Etsy shop here.

For the Love of Animals

2011-05-04T10:13:00.000-04:00

Calling all animal lovers! We have a few pets that may interest you. No feeding or watering and no early morning walks. Our little critters will keep you nice and clean. All of these soap molds are great for beginners and advanced soap makers.

Our Goats Milk Soap Base


Sleeping Goat Soap Mold

This is our little sleeping goat mold. We paired this cute little creature with our Goats Milk Soap Base and and Milk and Honey Fragrance. He fits perfectly on a sink all curled up and quiet and he smells wonderful too.

Sleeping Kitten Soap Mold

Resting Peacefully

This little kitty is resting peacefully and she doesn't need a liter box!

For Horse Lovers Everywhere

For all horse lovers our 3 cavity horse soap mold. This is an easy soap to make even for beginners.

Dog Bone Soap Mold

Don't give your dog this bone! Instead get your creative juices going to make some really cute soap dog bones of your own. Here we embedded a double heart in dog bone soap mold to say WE LOVE OUR DOG!

My daughter with our little guy Colt

His Name is Colt

Here is our real little pet...Our Guy Colt. He's an Ori Pei and we adore him!

Happy Soaping Everyone!

Christine

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter!

Christine

Monday Book Review Social BOOM!!

2011-04-18T16:29:00.000-04:00

Social Boom by Jeffrey Gitomer

Social BOOM! is written by Jeffery Gitomer. Gitomer is a well known author and speaker. He has written numerous books on sales and leadership and has a great little blog at http://www.salesblog.com/

If you haven't taken the leap into the world of social media yet, or if you have and your feeling a bit lost or not getting anywhere, then this is a great book for you. A small book at 189 pages (the book itself is small) you can get some real meat and potatoes out of this quick read. Social BOOM! contains every facet of social media, including the blog, personal website, e-zine, Twitter,Facebook,LinkedIn that you need in order to succeed and create value for your customers. When you create a value, it’s an indicator that that prospect, or that customer, or that person wants to continue the online relationship, which may lead to real business.

I've quite a few books on social media including the Twitter in Day, Facebook in a Day series and I think this book beat them all. It is short and concise. He addresses issues that many face on in the social media world such as, what do I write, how does a poor writer keep up a blog, how do tweet so I can get some attention and more. Gitomer stresses...now is the time to capitalize on the opportunities that lie before you...just get it..you can get it for free...build your brand and your bank account!!

I highly recommend this book, especially if you're trying to build up your business brand.

Christine

Cotton Candy Bath Bomb Kit-Day Four

2011-04-04T16:34:00.000-04:00

The Fourth Kit...The Sweet Cotton Candy Bath Bomb Kit. It's fragrance will make taking your bath a lot sweeter. Filled with moisturizing oils and topped with bath salts. This makes this kit an extra special sweet treat. Our kits are easy to use and come with our stainless steel bath bomb mold. We hope you'll take a look.

Congratulations to our winner of the Soap Garden Giveaway. MOccasionallyB. She won three soaps of her choice from the Soap Garden. It was a great giveaway. I would love to get my hands on those soaps.

You're the winner!!!!!!!

M Occasionally B

Until the next post Christine

10 Days,10 Kits Day Two Bamboo Bath Bomb Kit

2011-03-30T11:36:00.000-04:00

Do you love the ambiance of the spa. The refreshing scent of bamboo,lavender and all the other clean fresh aromas that surround you when you walk in? Well, our Bamboo Bath Bomb is like having a mini spa experience. We use organic Calendula in our bath bomb and to top it off. Our bath bomb kit makes 6 large bath bombs or 12 halves. Each half weighs 4 oz and the large is 8oz...That is a large bath bomb!

Our kits are designed to be easy to make. They are economical costing a fraction of what you would spend somewhere else. Our bamboo bath bomb is filled with silky oils and skin softening ingredients to keep your skin smooth and ready to show.Happy Bath Bomb Making!

Bamboo Bath Bomb Kit

10 Days,10 Kits Day One Oatmeal Milk and Honey Salt Scrub Kit

2011-03-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

Over the next 10 days we will be listing one bath and body kit per day. Our shop has a new section where you can check the kit for that day. We have been working hard to design kits that are easy to use (just about fail proof), that are nourishing to your skin, that look fabulous and are fun to make. We use top notch ingredients in all of our products so you can have great skin. We use copious amounts of oils and butters to soften your skin, lots of essential oils, carefully selected for relaxing,soothing bathing experience.


Oatmeal,Milk and Honey Salt Scrub

KIT NUMBER ONE OATMEAL,MILK AND HONEY SALT SCRUB
What's so terrific about our Oatmeal,Milk and Honey Salt Scrub? Well to begin with it's fabulous fragrance. An overwhelming blend of creaminess and goodness will entrance you to spend at least 20 minutes in the shower! What makes our salt scrub kit so unique is you can customize it. Ever use a scrub that's too oily,not enough oils so it's a little too abrasive? Not with this kit. You add the oils yourself to combine the right amount oils and salt that work best on your skin. Our bath salts also contain vitamin E and Aloe Vera for a super luxurious treat. This kit makes over five cups of salt scrub making it much more affordable than buying it at a department store. You can customize and decorate the wire bail jar and give it as a great gift, or just treat yourself!

Yummy Goodness for Your Skin

Monday Book Review This Monday I Review a Magazine

2011-03-28T09:50:00.000-04:00

Artful Blogging Spring 2011

This week I decided to do my review on a magazine. Artful Blogging by Somerset Studio. I'll start by telling you that I read MANY blogs and I love them. I think blogging is the greatest thing to hit publishing since the printing press. It allows for many voices on many topics; community conversations aren't limited to the corporate world. Having said that, I resisted buying this magazine. I read most of Somerset Studio's other publications. My two favorites are Where Women Create and Somerset Home. I'll also pick up a few of their specialty publications a year. If you've purchased their magazines before you know they are a little on the pricey side, $14.99, so to me it's like buying a book. Once I get them, I don't part with them.

Like I said before I resisted buying this magazine for as long as it had been out. Why? Because I read so many blogs and the great blogs I read are FREE! So did I want to pay $14.99 for something I could get for free. No.
But one day while shopping in the Barnes and Noble, like I often do (because I love books as much as I love crafting), I picked up an issue because one story on the cover caught my eye. It was,admittedly, a total impulse buy. When I got home and started to curl up with my new magazine I was surprised by its contents. I expected a magazine with blog posts, a printed paper version of a blog. But it was a very different experience. Artful Blogging is about the experience of blogging. The issue I bought contained 25 different stories on the blogging experience. Each story between four and six pages. Easy reading, with lots of beautiful photos done Somerset fashion, beautifully. Each story is about blogging, how someone got started, tips to blog successfully,why they blog and most importantly the struggles of keeping and maintaining a blog. I instantly connected to this magazine and it's contents. Consider this title "How Blogging Changed My Life" written by blogger Monica Sabolla Gruppo. A short sweet story about how blogging and it's joys and struggles. I enjoyed reading the whys of blogging as much as the struggles. Then there's the added benefit of reading, lots of new beautiful blogs to explore! You may not be able to purchase every issue but one or two a year will keep you inspired! Use it as inspiration for your own blog, you'll read it several times and won't be sorry.

I would just like to remind everyone that I am still hosting a giveaway for The Soap Garden, the winner will get three free soaps of their choice. Just read our post on The Soap Garden for more info.

Thanks for stopping by!
Christine

We're Hosting a Give Away for the Soap Garden

2011-03-22T20:55:00.000-04:00

Please check these great soaps, then read how to enter the giveaway from

The Soap Garden

Neopoltian Ice Cream Sundae with Whipped Cream and a Cherry on Top

Lather and Lotions is happy to be hosting a give away for the wonderful soap company,The Soap Garden.The Soap Garden is owned by the very nice Denise. Denise's creativity really shines through in her glycerin soap creations. She will be giving away THREE SOAPS OF YOUR CHOICE FROM HER ETSY SHOP.

Sailboat Soap

TO ENTER the giveaway, we're making it easy. Just go to the Soap's Garden Blog and tell Denise what your favorite soap is in her shop and leave your email address, then go over and like The Soap Garden's Facebook Page. The winner will picked and announced on Friday April 1, 2011. For extra entries become a follower of the Soap Garden's Blog while your there. If you're the winner you'll be able to choose three soaps!

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Thursday March 23th and ends on Friday April 1 at 1:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Very soon after, Random.org will select the winner and I’ll email you immediately.

Butterfly Glycerin Soap

Monday Book Review Craft Corps by Vickie Howell

2011-03-21T08:35:00.000-04:00

This week my book review is on Craft Corps, Celebrating the Creative Community One Story at a Time written Vickie Howell. Vickie Howell is a designer, writer and a voice for this generation's craft movement. She founded successful chapters of the irreverent but socially conscious knitting group Stitch 'n' Bitch. Vickie was the host of DIY's Knitty Gritty and has written three books: New Knits on the Block; Not Another Teen Knitting Book Knit Aid and Pop Goes Crochet!

I bought this book a year ago and I've read Craft Corps three times so far and I'm sure I'll read it three more times. I love the book. It's like going home, it's a feel good experience and you want to keep going back to it. Howell does a wonderful job of creating a sense of community through the stories of 30 crafters including some well know names, like renowned quilter Denyse Schmidt, The Crafty Chica, Kathy Cano-Murillo, artist and designer Mary Engelbreit, indie craft documentarian Faythe Levine,craft pioneer Carol Duvall and famed fabric designer Amy Butler. But there are many stories of lesser known crafters who are selling their creations on Etsy or have their own websites and or/blogs.The passion for crafting is the running thread through the book.

If you are a crafter who really loves what you do, you'll be able to relate and see yourself in the interviews. Most are a few pages but they are a few pages of meat and not fluff. If you need to generate your crafting batteries again, read this book...it will recharge you! Howell continues the conversation on the Craft Corps Blog, you can even sign up to featured on the blog. It's a great little blog. I saw the Craft Corps on Amazon in the used section for less than $3. Buy it and share the joy of crafts!

A Trip To Mrs. Lynch's Class

2011-03-16T20:39:00.001-04:00

Lather and Lotions had a very exciting day at Mrs. Lynch's kindergarden class at Canterbury School.
We brought many different types of soaps to show the boys and girls. We showed them soaps that were made out of olive oil,goats milk,oatmeal,shea butter and clay. Each soap had a special scent and each student had to guess what the scent was. They got almost everyone right, but they loved the bubble gum scent the best! We showed the class how to make a oatmeal soap with roses. They helped us put all the roses on the soap and did a wonderful job! This was a very smart class. Each student got to take home their own special soap. We had a great time. Thank You Mrs. Lynch's class!

Soaps for the girls and the boys

Our New Lather and Lotions E-Magazine Almost Ready For Release

2011-03-15T21:12:00.000-04:00

Lather and Lotions is proud to announce that the first issue of our e-zine will be coming out in early May 2011. The Lather and Lotions Magazine will come out quarterly with a special Christmas issue every year. Our first Christmas issue will be available in July 2011. We know you'll enjoy the all the recipes and articles that will be dedicated to making bath and body products. If you would like to be notified when the first issue is ready you can email us at ezine@latherandlotions.com

Cover of our first issue


Lavender Rose Olive Oil Soap Tutorial in our first issue.


Fig Oatmeal Soap

Christmas Issue Ad for Christmas in July

If you have any ideas you would like to see in future issues please leave a comment below.

Happy Soaping!
Christine

Monday Book Review: Pretty Little Felts

2011-03-14T07:25:00.001-04:00

Do you like pretty little crafts, little delicate soft colored creations? Pretty Little Felts,Mixed-Media Crafts to Tickle Your Fancy by Julie Collings is a book full of little delicate delights.

Pretty Little Felts

Did you ever buy a craft book and find out the crafts were a little to ambitious for your already too busy life? I have done so; plenty of times. This book is perfect for those who want a weekend project, most projects in this book probably take just a few hours.

Pretty Little Felts begins with a review of the materials and tools you'll need and some instruction on working with wool; deconstructing,dyeing,stitching and how to make felt beads. Most techniques are easy and the instructions are very easy to understand.

The book then moves on to the craft tutorials. Many of the projects in this book are soft, pretty and dainty.The craft tutorial chapters include Tickle Your Fancy,Nooks and Crannies,Beads and Baubles and Playthings. The chapters are full of beautiful (did I say REALLY BEAUTIFUL) photos. Most of the tutorials are between 3-5 pages, mostly filled with how-to-photos. The instructions are numbered and easy to understand. One of the aspects of this book I like best is there are projects that I would make and actually use myself and give as gifts. The materials she uses you probably already have(with a few substitutions if needed) at home or you'll be able to find it at your local craft store.

My favorite project in the book is the skeleton bracelet (not dainty but oh so cute). The bracelet is a combination of wool and felt beads with a skeleton you make out of polymer clay. I can already imagine about twenty different variations on this adorable bracelet. There are other beads tutorials in Pretty Little Felts that are dainty,pretty and very easy to make. Make a bowlful and put them together on a rainy day. Author Collings is sure to give you lots of ideas to make your own combination.

There is a very nice list of resources Collings includes at the end of her book. The list is great if you want to incorporate some unique elements into your pieces. This book is 123 pages of crafting delight. I'm sure you'll get lots of ideas here and make quite a few of the projects.

Author Julie Collings writes craft books for Klutz Press and North Light Books. She also also has an Etsy shop and a delightful blog The Adventures of BlueGirlxo.

Showcase Friday Belle Terre Natural Soaps

2011-03-11T17:51:00.000-05:00

This week I'd like to introduce you to Belle Terre . If you could put the beauty of nature in a jar it might look like the products that come from Belle Terre. Belle Terre was kind enough to share their story.

Lavender Bath Sand By Belle Terre

Belle Terre's Story

There comes a time when a belief ceases to be an idea you agree with and it becomes something you live by. For us, this time was the Spring of 2010. In the space of a few months we bought 6 acres of land in the foothills of NC and started Belle Terre, our little soap comapny.

We are working to transition from our traditional home in a small town neighborhood to a truly sustainable lifestyle in which we eat only what we grow, use only the energy we collect, and share our home with the dogs, bees and other animals that will join us.

Belle Terre Soap Set

Part of this transition is Belle Terre. Belle Terre is an experiment in business models. We want to prove that a small business can operate profitably while having no negative impact on the environment. Our commitment to our customers, our local community and the world at large is that we will provide great, all natural products while improving the environment and the community around us.

To this end all of our items are handmade by us. We use only 100% natural ingredients and select organic and/or sustainably harvested ingredients when possible. We use minimal packaging and use post-consumer recycled materials when we do use packaging.

Finally, we donate 5% of our sales to a local charity and buy carbon credits to offset our use of fossil fuels while doing business. Julia, Belle Terre

Belle Terre
www.belleterrenc.com
belleterre.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/belleterrenc

Sneak Peek Soap Skull Kit Set

2011-03-10T20:09:00.001-05:00

Soap Skull Kit

Take a look at our newest kit...you've heard of sugar skulls, well, we have soap skulls. These nifty skulls will be available in sets of 10 and 20. The kits will include premade skull soaps, soap paint set and instructions. Kits will be online next week.


Frieda Skull

Our resident artist Michelle, also one of those great employees who can do everything, sketched the Frieda outfit. We just attached the Frieda skull for the photo. Great job Michelle!

Michelle, the artist

Book Review Monday: Soapmaking the Natural Way

2011-03-07T08:47:00.000-05:00


Soapmaking The Natural Way

This Monday I'll be reviewing Soapmaking the Natural Way: 45 Melt-and-Pour Recipes Using Herbs, Flowers and Essential Oils by Rebecca Ittner. Rebecca Ittner is a magazine and book editor,writer and photo stylist. Her work has been featured in Romantic Homes, Somerset Studio Take Ten, Somerset Home and Somerset Life.

Soapmaking the Natural Way is a soapmaking book using the melt and pour method. The book starts with a thorough overview of the different kinds of melt and pour soap bases that are available. Ittner explains there are two types of glycerin soap bases, those loaded with chemicals and detergents and soap bases that are made with with oils and contain little to no detergents or harsh chemicals. She then reviews different additives you can add to your soaps and what their properties are. She reviews exfoliators,milk powders,vegetable butters and oils,colorants and clays. Further in the first chapter Ittner reviews what you can use as molds(including many househould items),the tools you'll need and different soapmaking(how to make layers,swirls,etc..) techniques.

After the first chapter the book is broken down into different categories types of recipes. Soften and Soothe,Exfoliate,Luxuriate and Good Clean Fun are the recipe chapters. The last chapter ends with Wrap It Up, a chapter on packaging your soaps.

Soaps I made using the Lemon Bar recipe from Soapmaking the Natural Way

I think I've read most of the soapmaking books out there and this is one of my favorites. If you want to make natural soaps without artificial color or fragrances this book shows you how; without overly complicating the process. The soap photos in the book are beautiful and I tried a few of the recipes and they are simple in design but stunning. If you want to make a few gifts or some natural soaps for yourself this is a great book to start with,or if you've been making melt and pour soaps for a while you'll pick up some good recipes using natural colorants and essential oils. This isn't a melt and pour book where there's lots of fancy soap designs and some fragrance oils added, this book carefully chooses what goes into each soap bar. Ittner often mixes essential oils with vegetable oils and clays making a soap bar that will really delight your senses and your skin.

Please visit us at http://www.latherandlotions.etsy.com/ we offer a complete line of soap and skin care making products. Our supplies are for everyone, from the hobbyist up to professional soap makers.

GIVEAWAY!!!!! Etsy, Pixie, Smashbox Haul

2011-03-06T16:28:00.000-05:00

The Charming Frog, Soaps with Elegance

2011-03-04T05:42:00.021-05:00

Kookaburra Wings Soap by The Charming Frog

Understated elegance is something that is not garish, loud, obvious, or even ubiquitous. It's an elegance that's subtly-chic, and doesn't cry for attention. It is so strong that it impresses people without even saying a single word. This defines The Charming Frog Shop on Etsy. The soaps are not garish,childish and they don't look like food. The colors are among the most unique I have seen. These beautiful soaps look like they belong in a beautiful country house. You can see the workmanship in each one. The Charming Frog's owner Jenny also makes wonderful unique jewelry in the same color palates. I asked Jenny if she would write me a few lines for this blog and she was kind enough to write this lovely piece. I'm leaving it exactly the way she wrote it.

French Provincial Designer Soap in Blues

The Charming Frog by Jenny

My name is Jenny and I am a artist of many mediums. My friends call me "Boom." I was a graphic designer for over 15 years and I still dabble in the art of graphics but pretty much only for friends and myself. I hold a degree in the liberal arts and sciences. I have been silver smithing for over 6 years. I was an Esthetician and owned a spa with my sister. I also recently owned a BandM that housed a gift shop, tea room and bakery. I paint, draw, sew, metal smith, and love to create in pretty much every medium that is out there. I love art and I love to craft. I have an affinity for art nouveau and nature. I love people and animals and try to see the good in everything and everyone. I laugh as much as I can. Life is way too short, ya gotta laugh no matter how hard things get! I won't take life too seriously, just can't and refuse to let go of that inner child. I have a husband, a daughter in college and a son. I am extremely lucky to have a supportive and loving family. God bless em, lol.

Making soap is one of my passions. With the current tools and supplies available it is easy to create and let your imagination run wild. The possibilities are endless! I visited Paris a few years back and have always loved the French art influences, be it architecture, books, paintings, wallpaper, or fabric. I have a series of soaps called French Provincial and The French Confection.These soap are intricate and influenced by Parisian culture. The technique I use to create these soaps is time consuming but worth every minute. I recommend silicone molds as their ease of use is unlike any other mold material out there. I also love to mix colors as much as possible to come up with colors that are unique to only my soaps. For my soap bases I love to use clear and solid white glycerin. Cocoa butter is very soft but is so beneficial for aging skin. I use it even though it is more difficult to sculpt with.

Butterfly Kisses

I love animals and flowers and have included in my designer soap collection a hedgehog, a hummingbird, roses, wings and of course the fleur de lis!

As far as scenting my soaps I am a believer of using as few oil combinations as possible. In studying Aromatherapy, I agree with the philosophy that too many oils combined together have a tendency to overwhelm the olfactory receptors. The less is more concept works best for me when it comes to scenting. A simple lavender and verbena mixture is calming and soothing. Cranberries, cherries and oranges is just enough to make you feel like your bathing in a fruit cocktail made by the Gods. Experiment with scents that you love but also take into consideration that too strong can be too overwhelming for your customer and too much oil used in your soaps can be dangerous for the skin.

I am still working on my packaging. I believe in going Green as much as possible so I am using up the current packaging stock I have and am coming up with new ideas daily to keep my packaging simpler and kinder to the environment. I received some advice from a fellow Etsian that was such a fabulous idea I have already adopted and started using it: don't send your customer a paper receipt. Simple enough. Usually where do your receipts end up? With mine probably, in the garbage. What a great tip! Send an email!

Lastly, the thing I love most about making soap is making people happy with them. I love to see friends and family's faces when they see one of my new soap concoctions...they love the look, the smell and if they could eat some of them, they would! I recently created heart favors for a wedding and heard back that one of the guests took a bite out of one of the soap hearts, lol. Good enough to eat, but please don't!

I love what I do and am currently setting up my studio all over again now that my BandM is closed. I am working on new perfumes, lipsticks, lip balms and more goodies to put in my store to share! I hope you enjoyed reading about me and my soaps. :0) Enjoy life and laugh like everyone is watching!!!

You can visit me on Etsy, Facebook and Twitter.
I also am starting a video series on YouTube and am working on creating my own craft blog.
Etsy: www.thecharmingfrog.etsy.com
Twitter: twitter.com/thecharmingfrog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Charming-Frog/204969596186037
YouTube: www.youtube.com/thecharmingfrog

Ocean Larimar by The Charming Frog

Wrap It Wednesday Soap Packages

2011-03-02T09:00:00.010-05:00

'Soap Packages' by latherandlotions

Cypress and Cedarwo... Balsam $5.75	NEW April Showers G... WendyLousNatur... $4.50	Soap Set in Handmad... BooksByWende $48.00	Bar Soap Sampler Bo... catherinefilip... $9.99
Nag Champa Gift Set... dancinggrassho... $25.00	Handmade Bath and B... SimpleTraditio... $29.00	Wool Felted Rabbit ... Mundus $8.50	Naturally New Orlea... sweetolivesoap... $22.00
Gift Box - Facial S... belleterre $20.00	4 Soap Gift Box LoveNatureNYC $29.00	Handmade Natural So... SoapForYourSou... $32.00	Coffee Scrub Kitche... RockyTopSoapSh... $6.00
The Original Vanill... beautyinbalanc... $27.00	Cherry Almond Handm... RealSoapandGoo... $4.00	6 Bar Variety Pack ... FrogGoesToMark... $24.00	Natural Organic Han... TheNaturalBath... $19.95

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Monday Book Review Handmade Market Place

2011-02-28T10:00:00.112-05:00

Book Reviewed: Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin
How to Sell your Crafts Locally,Globally and Online, Kari is a writer, crafter and stylist based in Western Massachusetts.

If you want to start selling your handmade creations, this is a good starter book. The writing is charming,encouraging and motivating. You'll find the information you need to start.

The Handmade Market Place is divided into three sections(called parts in the book).

Section One is Getting to Know Yourself and Your Business. The chapters in this section cover the basics such as setting up a workspace, how to name your business, price your work and hiring. The chapters are brief but will introduce you to basic business concepts you'll need to start a craft business.

The Second Section covers the online crafting community, creating a blog,advertising and social media. Again each chapter is a brief, 12-20 pages on each topic. This section is very useful and Chapin does a thorough job of explaining the importance of online communities,social media and blogging. All necessary for online success.

The Third Section covers where you can sell your handmade items;craft fairs,online,consignment and a few other options. You'll get a few ideas here where you can sell and how to approach marketing your crafts.

My favorite parts of this book are the stories of successful crafters and how they manage different aspects of their business. This is presented in Q and A form and each crafter gives answers that are informative and insightful; mainly because their already running a succesful business. They know what works and what doesn't. Each crafter gives a link to their blog and/or website and if you've been a part of the online craft community for any length of time you'll reconize the names.

Handmade MarketPlace is a light read that will give you a good overview of what you'll need to do to start your selling your crafts and I highly recommend it for those thinking about starting a business. You may want to break down each chapter and use it as a guide. Once you make the decision to start your own business you'll want explore these topics more in depth. Kari did offer a four week ecourse at the beginning of the year. If interested can email her and see if she will be offering it again. Each week is broken down into four business topics.Looks like a great complement to the book.

Until next post,
Christine

Pink Lemonade Etsy Treasury

2011-02-27T21:12:00.000-05:00

'When Life Hands You Lemons,Make Pink Lemonade' by latherandlotions

When things don't go right...just think pink lemonade.

Daisy Jane Gourmet ... AbbeyJames $6.75	KEEP CALM AND CARRY... KeepCalmPoster... $14.95	Luscious Pink Lotus... silverslipper $20.00	SALE 50% off I Hear... jenharruff $6.49
TWIN PACK - When Li... dearcolleenuk $28.00	Pink lemonade cupca... mmagda $11.00	vintage YELLOW glas... june22 $	Lil Lady Boutique L... lilladyboutiqu... $24.00
Lemon Felt Favor Ba... woobiNwawa $7.50	Pink Lemonade Large... AriasBowtique $4.75	Pink Lemonade Birth... OldPaperAndPri... $9.99	Pink Lemonade Hand-... SpareBedroomSt... $4.00
Pink Lemonade - 8x... shannonleighst... $25.00	Owlicious Cotton Ca... pinkdottedowl $4.75	10% OFF SALE Yellow... Trencadis $18.00	Signature Pink Lemo... puppysbreath $16.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Wrap It Wednesdays About Product Packaging

2011-02-23T14:31:00.015-05:00

It should catch their eye...then they'll buy. If this weren't true then we would have large corporations spending millions on product packaging. But most of us don't have millions,thousands or even hundreds to spend on packaging. If your budget is limited you must get creative.

First, make sure your packaging is appropriate for your product. The very creative Metropolis Soap wrapper wouldn't look too good on a soap adorned with roses, but it fits perfectly with their bright and wild soap colors. There's consistency in their brand image. When you look at their soap wrapper you don't see much variation. This tells the consumer this is the METROPOLIS brand. Another great brand catcher is the company name. It's isolated from the rest of the image. It pops out saying WE ARE THIS BRAND. Very clever packaging that didn't cost a fortune. You can learn more about The Metropolis Soap Co on their Facebook Page and Esty Shop

Metropolis Soap Co packaging and aesthetic is based on pulp horror comics from the 1950's

Second, packaging should evoke and communicate emotions. As a Texan (ok, I was born in New York but lived in Texas for 15 years, I qualify) when I look at this True Texas Scents candle it evokes feelings; nostalgia for Texas, the packaging conveys a sense of comfort and Americana. The piece of string leather and the barb wire really convey a sense of the wild west. True Texas Scents has done a great job at tying in all the elements that make it "Texan"You can see more of True Texas Scents candles on Etsy

True Texas Scents

Third, sometimes your product is the packaging, like in the colorful felted soap from LuckyLouLou

You can find LuckyLouLou on her Facebook Page and on her blog.

Felted Soaps From Lucky LouLou

FOUR let color and texture do the talking. Mojo Spa products have been featured In Style Magazine, Allure and just about every magazine in Chicago. You can see the great use of colors that were used in this package as well as interesting textures. It creates a very eye-catching package that you want to pick up and examine. You must check out the Mojo Spa Website and products, they have great products and a great brand. I'm going to Chicago in a few weeks and the Mojo Spa will be on my agenda.

Bath Fizz by Mojo Spa

Your packaging conveys your company's image and whats inside the package. Look around and see what you can use and develop that's unique to your brand. You don't need to spend a fortune just give your products the personality you know they already have.

Christine

Monday Book Review Easy Green Living

2011-02-21T10:00:00.115-05:00

Easy Green Living by Renee Loux is an easy read guide about home green living. It's full of tips and suggestions on how to free your home and body from chemicals substances. The author Renee Loux has been living green most of her life. Her parents taught her to be resourceful and not wasteful and she has lived the green life her parents instilled in her.

Easy Green Living starts with the basics that most of us know. Fix leaky sinks,install water filters,install a low-flow toilet and other simple green steps that most of us have already taken or know we should. You'll still pick up a few tips in these first few chapters or use it as a check off guide(don't procrastinate,just do it).

In chapter two the book discusses how to make your own green cleaning products. Renee also reviews commercial green cleaners and their uses. The book follows the same format throughout going through almost all rooms in a home. The book is loaded with lots of formulations for your own cleaning products and then reviews green alternatives for those who don't want to make their own.

Easy Green Living really knows it stuff when come to bad-for-you-and-the-enviroment chemicals. The book contains a lot of details about the chemical composition of everyday products you probably have in your house. There are even specific brand recommendations for kitchen and other everyday household items. Again, Renee is sure to give you lots of alternatives.

In chapter 5 the book breaks out of the house and discusses natural skin care; reviewing organic and natural skin care lines and then giving you information about the chemicals used in department/drugstore brands. There are a few pages of formulations to make your own skin care treatments using all natural ingredients.

Easy Green Living is one of the best books I've read on the subject of living green. While it's not an exhaustive guide it is very thorough and is an enjoyable easy read. The information is well organized in digestable bits so you won't feel overwhelmed with too many fact scientific facts about chemicals,formulations and deceptive labeling practices.

This is a great book for someone looking to make the transition to a greener life, but may be a little to basic for someone who has been practicing the green life for some time.

Dreaming of Spring

2011-02-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

The winter is getting looonnngggg. We started our first batch of Springtime soaps which made all of us here at Lather and Lotions very,very happy. These are our new kits that are going out this week. Doesn't in make your happy to see chicks, lambs and bunnies in bright colors?


Lambs in Spring Grass

These are easy kits to make even for the beginners. Your little ones will love to help by placing little lambs and bunnies on top of this fun soap. You can find the kit on our Etsy shop

Bunny and Duck Easter Cloud

Happy Soaping!

Mountain Creek Gifts

2011-02-12T09:39:00.002-05:00

Vegan Lavender Soap

I'd like to introduce you to Mountain Creek Gifts. Mountain Creek Gifts makes wonderful all natural soaps the old fashioned way...by hand using the cold process method.

Mountain Creek Gifts is owned and run by Brittany. Brittany has been a lover of the outdoors all of her life. She lives and loves the country life with her husband of 2 years. When she's not making soap loaves you can find her in the garden(with her new boots on),blogging or talking with one of her nine sisters or brothers.

Brittany developed her love of all things natural from her mother. She started making soap when she was just 9 years old just about the time her mother was making her own.Brittany would help her make the soap loaves and then they'd sell it at their local farmers market along with other farm produce.

It seems as if it will run in her family. Her mother-in-law owns her own store THE AMAZING GRACE GENERAL STORE. The Amazing Grace General Store does carry some amazing items. You'll find the L'Equip 528 Dehydrato here. This dehydrator has six trays and is computer controlled. You'll also find grain mills,water purifiers and lots of other interesting wares for the kitchen and home. Her own parents are in the process of building a family/garden center in Tennessee.

Loofah Mitt & Handcrafted Soap Set

Brittany only makes soaps that are all natural, she doesn't use any chemicals, artificial dyes, additives or preservatives in her soaps. Her philosophy is quite simple. Nourish the outside of your body like you would the inside. God provided the best and it's hard to improve on nature.

You'll find her soap ingredients consist of olive oil,caster oil, blackberry puree, essential oils,organic calendula and lots of other organic and natural ingredients. The Mountain Creek line doesn't stop there. You can also find soothing massage oils, skin nurturing body creams,relaxing bath salts and sulfate free shampoo bars. Her plans are to expand her company to include body scrubs,bath bombs,lip balms and other tantalizing treats for your bath and body.

You can find Brittany and Mountain Creek Gift at Etsy.

Loofah Sponge Kelp and Lime Soap

Mountain Creek Blog:

http://mountaincreekblog.blogspot.com

Mountain Creek Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/mountaincreekgift

Mountain Creek at Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/MCSCandG

Etsy Treasury Featuring Soapers

2011-02-11T09:11:00.001-05:00

Love is in the Air

This is a treasury Lather and Lotions did for our ETSY team Let's Talk Bath and Body.

Cameo Soap Mold

2011-02-10T15:33:00.002-05:00


Cameo Soap Mold

This is our new Cameo Soap Mold we just got in and like all of our soap molds we are offering FREE SHIPPING on this one too. The soap above is one we made at Lather and Lotions. I have to tell you this is one of the easiest molds I ever used. Even with the fine details, this soap mold it popped right out of the mold with no problem and all with the details intact. To make this soap a real luxury item try making it with our Shea Butter Soap Base from SFIC. It makes a beautiful rich luxury soap.


Lady Lavender

When we were testing our new soap mold (like we do for all of them,we want to be able to give our soap makers reviews for as many molds as we can) We did ours in three classic colors. Rose, light aqua and lavender. We were so smitten by the beautiful cameo we decided to create some packaging to match. We made our own label and named our soaps Lady Rose,Lady Lavender and Lady in Blue.We
wrapped our new soaps in a small craft box with some matching tissue paper then wrapped in gift wrap. We attached a simple ribbon and added our Lavender Lady. Happy Soaping!

Christine

Busy Bees at Lather and Lotions

2011-01-26T19:26:00.000-05:00


Busy Bees at Lather & Lotions

We have been busy bees at Lather & Lotions. We've been working away at our spring and summer line and having lots of fun doing it. I must give credit to our employee Michelle for doing a fantastic job with this beehive mold. We tried a few different color combinations and decided on the photo above as our final product photo.


Michelle's been busy.We consider her our resident artist.

Buttery Honey Fragrance Oil

We've created lots of product kits with the bee/honey/hive theme. We have a fantastic fragrance oil called Buttery Honey that we've used to compliment all these bath goodies. I will be posting more bee/honey/hive themes soon along with some tutorials. If you'd like to make the Bee Hive soap we have the mold available at our Etsy shop. Happy Soaping!

Looking For Space

2011-01-23T13:09:00.001-05:00

The search is on. I'm looking for a small retail space. I need to figure out all the variables..price vs space,price vs location, price vs overhead. I haven't lived in Fort Wayne to long so I am getting a crash course in the city. Everyone has been very generous in opinions which is helpful to me. I now have several employees (including my son) who are very excited about the changes and looking forward to the move. I have found some really nice spaces in a part of the city that is being revitalized.Being part of that is very appealing to me. The next few months will be exciting and I'm hoping to have lots of workshops besides our soap, lotions and skincare classes.

This building is a possibility

I keep coming back to the building above, lots of space, parking and a great price. I'm just looking around a few months more until my target date. We'll see.
Christine

Frustating Doll Head Experience

2011-01-16T15:21:00.000-05:00


FRUSTRATED

After 3 days and 3 nights of trying to form the head of an doll I am at my wits end. I fell in love with art dolls a long time ago and always wanted to try and make one out of polymer clay or paper clay. I think I am obsessing about details but I can't seem to get the shape of the head quite right and I need some tools. I've decided to take a short online class with Marlaine Verhelst . I tried to convince my husband it would much better for me if I just go ahead and take the 5 day course in France, but he didn't quite see the need as much as I did.


I WANNA MAKE ONE

My friend Michelle just waltzed in my house one day saying "did you see mine?" Oh yes, her doll face was awesome, she even detailed the palate of the mouth! I was happy for her but jealous. She is a self taught artist...good at just about everything. After hours of art school and anatomy classes it's adding up to zero right now! After discussing it with her yesterday, we decided I am just over analyzing the whole doll head. Does it really need to have the correct proportions? Does the mandible need to be square. NOT. But I'm still taking the class. I'm desperate.

The photos above are taken of my daughter in a fit, like the one I was taking yesterday.

Blue Petals Caught in Ice

2011-01-15T11:25:00.000-05:00

Blue Petals in Ice Essential Oil Soap

I love creating soaps that reflect nature. Now in the dead of winter there is lots of beauty all around. I created this soap scented with essential oils to look like a small bit of flower petals got trapped in some ice. The petals are organic cornflower petals which keep their color nicely in soaps. A very easy soap to make.

Making Bath Bombs Part III Altered Bath Bomb Mix

2011-01-13T21:32:00.000-05:00

Vanilla Custard Bath Bomb topped with Raspberry Shea Butter

So what do you do when things start to go wrong with your bath bomb mix. First know the signs.

A bath bomb mix with too much oil will not hold together in the bath bomb mold. If you see that the mix looks like its packed hard inside the mold just make halves.Give a good tap to the one end and you should have a nice half.
A mix with too many powdery additives (cornstarch,oatmeal,dried milks)will fall apart when you try to mold it or crumble when you release it from the mold. You will probably try to save it by adding more moisture. This usually doesn't work. Go to making halves or add salt to mix to make a fizzy bath salt.
Then sometimes you think you did everything right and it still doesn't go right. A measurement might have been off, your recipe off or something else you may not be seeing right then. This can be frustrating when you just can't figure it out. These are great times to experiment. You never know what you'll come up with.

These Could Have Been Bath Bomb Failures

Bamboo Bath Bomb. A happy mistake.

The Bamboo Bath Bomb above is the result of just a little bit too much cornstarch in my mix. I decided to make half bombs. I like the look that a half round bomb gives.It's a bit more organic and natural looking. They were a bit soft but after 24 hours of drying time they were very hard and very fizzy in the tub. The bath bomb molds I use are large so this half mold still gave me a nice 4oz bath bomb.

I Smell Cake Bath Cookie

These fun cookies made with I Smell Cake fragrance were the result of a good batch gone wrong at the end. I was just at the end of making about 10 successful very pretty bath bombs and the batch was getting a bit too wet from an extra spritz (or 2)of witch hazel at the end. Normally I would have crumbled it into a bag for a bath fizz, but I decided to mold it into a cookie. Bath bomb mix will tend to swell when wet so the end result was a cookie that looked like it had risen in the oven. Much to my surprise they came out terrific. I now get many requests for these and I created a recipe for them. Next week I'll be making chocolate chip!

Light Lemon Bath Truffle With Shea Butter


Mini Bath Cupcake topped with Strawberry Shea Butter

The two photos above are the results of altered bath bomb mix. I now use these recipes often. They are smaller than bath bombs but more moisturizing.

Like all things learned. It's trial and error. I hope these small tips will help when making your own bath treats.

Making Bath Bombs All That Can Go Wrong Part II

2011-01-11T14:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Part II of our Making Bath Bombs post. There are times when you make bath bombs when everything goes right. Bath bomb after bath bomb unmolds and holds together with no problem. But there are other times when you know you just did everything right and it just doesn't seem to matter. These are a few small tips to help you succeed.

Try and use exact measurements.
Make sure your dry ingredients are not clumped. Citric acid in particular tends to form clumps. Break them up with hands(better to wear gloves).
Make sure your mixture is well blended. Blend all your dry and wet ingredients thoroughly to have an even mixture.
Work your wet ingredients through the dry mixture as quickly as possible. Don't give your bath bomb mixture to much time to absorb moisture.
Try and use witch hazel instead of water. Too much of both will cause your mixture to fizz, but there is less of a reaction with witch hazel.
Go lightly to the spritz at the end. Spaying witch hazel in your molded bath bomb will make a nice hard bath bomb but too much will cause a fizz.
Give a little tap at each end of your mold. I usually give a tap on the table to each end of the bath bomb mold.

DON'T GIVE UP. Practice and more practice. In part III I'll give you a few tricks to help salvage a batch gone wrong.

Making Bath Bombs All That Can Go Right...Part I of III

2011-01-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

Making great bath bombs seems to mystify even the most experienced bath and body crafters at times, sometimes batch after batch can fall into ruins. I've heard many sad tales of cracked bath bombs, bath bomb mixture stuck in molds, crumbly bath bath bombs, bath bombs that turn to play dough and even of few minor explosions. I confess I've had a few mishaps when experimenting with recipes(or should I say I strayed from my own tried and true recipes). I'm not only here to tell what can go wrong but what can go right when it's all going wrong! Soon you'll be turning your lemon bath bombs into lemonade bath treats!

First a little about the basic bath bomb recipe...here is the standard bath bomb recipe, the foundation of all recipes.

2(2cups) parts sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
1(1cup) part citric acid
.5 oz fragrance
A scant teaspoon of mica (colorant)
Spray bottle with witch hazel
You can adjust your fragrance and colorant slightly less or more. When you put a powdered colorant into your dry mixture it will look very light, but will darken with the addition of liquid. It is also acceptable to replace the witch hazel with water, but witch hazel makes your bath bombs hard and less prone to early fizzing.

Mix your baking soda and citric acid together using a fork or your hands then add your mica. Add your fragrance oil. Mix all together. Spritz your dry mixture with your witch hazel once or twice. Your mixture should hold together when pressed but still feel dry. Pile mixture loosely into each side of the mold and hold together for about 5 seconds. Release one side then the other. Lay on flat surface to dry.

This is a very basic bath bomb recipe that will give you a very hard, fast fizzing bath bomb that will release fragrance into the water. This is a good recipe to start practicing with. Once you have this recipe down you can begin to add oils,butters,advanced coloring techniques and additives. I will be posting more advanced recipes in future posts.

Next Post, Part II....What Can Go Wrong and How to Spot the Signs

Part III...How to Turn Potential Disasters into Bath Time Delights

Christine

Lots of Love from Lather and Lotions

Ten Reasons You Should Make Your Bath & Body Products Part II

2010-12-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

6. Bath and Body products make terrific gifts. Give a few handmade soaps, bath bombs or bath salts and you will get requests to make more every holiday or birthday! Everyone loves to receive handmade gifts but once someone starts to see the benefits of using your wonderful products they will want more.
7. It's a great business. After you give a few handmade soaps as gifts (or other bath goodies) you can be certain that you will get requests to make more. Friends and family will want to give your bath goodies as gifts. If you are looking to make a few extra dollars you might want to turn your hobby into a part or full time job making bath and body products. We will have more in future posts about how to have a successful soap making business.
8. It's a great creative outlet. Watch out! Most people who make a few bars of soap find it an addictive hobby. When you're working with great fragrances, luscious colors and good for your skin soap bases it's very easy to get hooked! With layers, molds and embeds, the creative possibilities are endless.
9. Commercially made soap usually contains detergents, fillers, chemicals, petroleum, high animal fat content, and irritants. These soaps are not as "green" as natural soaps. Your soaps will be kinder to the environment.
10. You will love making your own products and your skin will thank you!

Christine

Ten Reasons You Should Make Your Bath & Body Products

2010-12-13T16:32:00.012-05:00

Make Your Own Fresh Products

1. Because it is good for you skin. When you make your own products you know exactly what is going on your skin. Read all your ingredient labels to be sure you not adding any unwanted ingredients. Do a little homework...don't assume anything if you're not sure. Some products may need a preservative and there are many good products out on the market. Sometimes not having added a preservative will do you more harm than you think..(think mold!).

2. The learning curve is short with most products. Start with some easy to make bath products like melt and pour soap. There are high quality bases available, and you can really explore using a great glycerin melt and pour base. Move on to bath salts, bath bombs and scrubs, these are easy and there are lots of recipes available online. Check out our resource website at www.latherandlotionscentral.com

3. It doesn't take too much time. Spending an hour or two a month will give you lots of products.

4. It is cost effective. You don't need to spend much. The average cost of a handmade bar of soap is over $5 per bar (for 4oz). If you can't afford it right now you can make up to 4 bars or more for that much. You don't need to invest much, as you progress and find you want to make gifts and create products with different shaped molds,fragrances and other ingredients.

On bath bombs you will save a lots of money. Bath bombs cost an average of $5 to buy. With a few ingredients and a few bowls you can make them for as little as a dollar, The key ingredient in making bath bombs is citric acid, you can find it here...citric acid We also recommend our great stainless steel bath bomb molds. They make large bath bombs and the mold will last forever. Most bath bombs are made with small plastic molds that break after one or two uses. You can also use items you find in your kitchen for molds.One of my favorite molds is a large mortar(from your mortar and pestle set). I fill the bath bomb mixture with salts and it makes a great luxury bath bomb.

5. It's a great hobby to share with your family. If you have a daughter (or a couple) they will love sharing time with you making lots of soaps and other goodies. They probably can't afford to purchase all the products they want at bath and body stores, so this gives them a great alternative. You can even teach them and make it part of their chores! Your whole family will reap the benefits of healthier skin.

Part Two on the Next Post..see you then. Christine

We Had A Great Party

2010-12-10T22:23:00.000-05:00

Kelly baked lots of cupcakes...she loves the kitchen

Last weekend I gave my little girl a birthday party. We had lots of cute little 5 and 6 year olds running around. I was lucky to have some help with the baking......I decided on everything handmade..of course. So we made cupcakes and the birthday cake from scratch. The cupcakes were made a white light base (like an angel food cake) with a creamy whipped base frosting. The cake was a yellow cake with a whipped base frosting. Everything came out so yummy...better than Walmarts birthday cakes!


Michele baked the cake...don't you love her hair!

Josie decided on a princess crown.

Our cake table

The birthday girl

Fortunate for me Michele is a sought after makeup artist, you can see her website here. She is a very talented gal and she offered to facepaint all those little cuties at the party. We had all kinds of fairy faces, butterfly and princess faces running all over! Everyone had a great time and the birthday girl said she had the best birthday ever(at least in her 6 years).

We're Developing a New Site for Makers of Handcrafted Bath and Body Products

2010-12-07T14:44:00.001-05:00

We are in the mist of developing a new web site focusing on the exciting world of Bath & Body Product Crafting. The website will focus on resources and tutorials for makers of all types of bath and body products. You will find creative tutorials for soaps, bath bombs, bath salts as well as ideas for packaging and business tips (if you're a business). We welcome your input and are looking for ideas(always). You'll find it here at
http://www.latherandlotionscentral.com/

Kelly's First Loaf

2010-11-30T21:04:00.000-05:00

Kelly is a great employee....and she loves soap. Today I gave her the task of designing her own soap. Although she has made many soaps for Lather and Lotions in the past she has never been "let loose" to design her own. After several hours she presented us with a beautiful, rich glycerin loaf soap scented with our Cinnamon Bun Fragrance Oil. She used rich colored micas in a layered loaf and the results were stunning. Kelly is always telling our staff how she lacks any creative ability but we all think she needs to rethink! We will soon be posting her creative soap on our web site.

Kelly made these square embeds in a great red color.

Great Christmas soap!

The first cut of her soap. It smells so good!

Thank you Kelly this soap is a keeper!

Gingerbread Man Handmade Soap

2010-11-27T18:46:00.000-05:00

Lather and Lotions is done with our little Gingerbread men. We designed these glycerin soaps with Gingerbread fragrance with a hint of chocolate for an absolutely incredible smelling soap. Ready to go!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T20:49:00.000-05:00

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I know like me you have so much to be grateful for. Even in these times when so many have so many hardships we can't forget all of our loved ones and how they are the meaning in our lives. I wish everyone out there a very happy holiday. God Bless. Christine

2010-11-21T18:15:00.000-05:00

Once you start making soap (melt and pour) you will find there are many different types of soap bases you can work with. The quality of soap bases can vary as well. This post will give a brief overview of different soap bases and their characteristics.

Clear Soap Base: a clear soap base will give you a beautiful clear, sometimes shimmery stained glass effect. Its a very easy base to work with and will not set to quickly if your working with embeds or layers. The base can give off a slightly yellow tint. There are bases that come in extra clear. You many not notice the yellowing unless you are using the soap without colorants or want to keep your cool colors pure.

Goats Milks Soap Base: Goats milk soap is know for its gentle skin care properties comes in a melt and pour base. This is really a great soap to make especially when combined with oatmeal. This soap sets up (reaches a gel phase) very quickly. It can become thick and hard to work with in layers. It colors nicely and can produce pretty pastel effects. Experiment with this soap in small batches. I love to use this soap with some essential oils and use as a face soap. Has a ivory to tan color.

Olive Oil Soap: This soap has a creamy, luxurious lather and feel. When working with this soap be careful not to over heat it. It can loose some of its moisturizing properties. This soap set up fast and can be difficult to layer. This soap looks and feels great with additives such as poppy seeds and jojoba beads. Before you wait to these to your soap wait for the soap to cool to about 100 degrees. Stir slowly until the soap begins to set (this will happen quickly with olive oil soap) this will give your additives a better chance of keeping suspended throughout the soap.

White Soap Base (Opaque Coconut Glycerin): Most white soap bases are easy to work with and are great for creating colorful creative effects. You can really create some fantastic looking soaps by using a clear base and a white base. Use one for to create embeds (it doesn’t matter which one) and the other one to pour over your embeds. These soaps work great together. If you are looking to create bright colors or need extra pure color you can purchase an extra white soap base.

Honey Glycerin Melt and Pour: A beautiful amber colored melt and pour base that doesn’t need any colorants. This soap contains honey and is most beautiful molded in very simple molds and shapes. There are lots of great fragrances to compliment this great base.

This is a really brief overview of the different types of http://www.etsy.com/listing/48454745/oatmeal-melt-and-pour-soap-base-2lbs. There are dozens. There is also a great variety of the quality of bases. I would recommend that you not buy a glycerin base at your local hobby store. It is usually more expensive and very poor quality (it can really irritate your skin), even if it claims to be an all glycerin base. Some melt and pour bases contain sodium laureth sulfate and sodium laurate to increase lather. They can still be of a very high quality. But if you prefer to avoid these bases others can be purchased without these ingredients.