Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Beer Soap, Anyone?


Who would ever think of making soap using beer in place of water? I would, of course, and several other soapmakers that I know of. The trick is to let the beer go absolutely flat. I have used it as a shampoo bar for my hair.

I didn't use any colorant or fragrance because I wanted the true aroma to shine through. After curing there was a slight pleasant herb smell. I'm guessing maybe hops. I used Guinness and got this beautiful golden color but I'm sure any beer can be used.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Liquid Soap - Take One


This is the result of my first attempt to make liquid soap. I have to admit I was hesitant to make it at first but I got lots of advice from online friends,books and recipes. Last year at The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference I saw a demonstration and that gave me the confidence to try for myself. I must say that I've learned so many different skills form attending the conferences these past 3 years. The information is invaluable and has been extremely helpful in my business as well as personal life.

This soap is scented with lavender essential oil and lemon essential oil. It Will be used as bath gel, hand soap and dish washing detergent.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Salt Soap Bars


One again those crazy soapmaker friends of mine from Brooklyn CP Soapmakers got together for the salt soap bar class. We had loads of fun in addition to coming up with these beautiful spa bars.

The soap was made using Lime Essential Oil from Brambleberry and a smidgen of green chrome oxide to give it that sea foam green look.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Soap On The Rope


Last year after countless trial and error batches I finally got the soap on a rope right. This brings back memories of soap hanging off the shower head in the bathroom. We didn't dare use it because it was a soap for men. Well those days are long gone and we ladies need our version too. Here it is, something for everybody. I make them in Juniper, Citrus, Sandalwood and of course lavender.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Soap Filled Loofah Sponges


Just before Christmas Brooklyn CP Soapmakers' soap project was how to make soap filled loofah sponges. This is a result of how the sponges turned out. A fresh smelling wintery fragrance was needed so we used Spruce Essential Oil from Essential Wholesale.