What are you looking for?

Peggy prompted me to ask. What are you guys looking for in new '08 soap classes. I can always adjust the advanced and master classes to please you. Interested in an Accupressure face lift class? Ahh…got the attention now! I’ll be doing a presentation on the skin and especially on MSM lotion but of course, the soaps are importantly included and will be on display! Blog or email me for more info.

Dragonsblood

This has been my best seller lately and with good reason. In spite of it's unusual name, it smells great (not like a bloody dragon at all) especially blended with Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang and Patchouli. I do a goat's milk base and add honey too. Smooth and spicy, it is a favorite for both men and women. Dragonsblood is a bright red resin that is obtained from the Canary Islands Dragon Tree. It has amazing wound healing properties and can be applied externally to cuts and abrasions.

Men Soapmakers are Inspiring!

Jim W. stopped by for supplies today. I am so impressed with his creativity. Not only doe he make great looking and smelling soaps but utilizes the many herbs from his property and then displays them in really cool basket arrangements. Nice work, Jim.

On another subject, got a call from a soapmaking party coordinator, Judy, who was concerned that they may have left out some olive oil in one batch (told ya soapmaking is fun). Just rebatch it by putting it back into your large pot on a low heat stove (so the scent doesn't flash off) and add the oil when it melts enough to stir. You may need to add a few tablespoons of warm water depending on when you caught it. If the soap gets too stiff, just use the cheese grater to rebatch it into the large pot. It will come out more like a superfatted soap but still usable. It's a dead give away that something is left out if it traces too quickly, but luckily it is somewhat forgiving!!
Have a soapy weekend! I know I will.
Ria

Soft Soap for Hand Pump

As promised, photos of the V-day soaps ready to go.

Soft soap for Hand Pump

Remember you can shave your CP soap into a blender, add some rich oils like Vitamin E, almond and shea butter, add water and then some GSE and rosemary e.o. for a natural preservative. I'm scenting soft soap for two pump soaps for use in my nephew's new pub - one for the ladies (pomagranate fig) and one for the guys (bourbon vanilla). Hopefully, patrons will ask about them.

Off to visit

Ahh..a day off today to visit with my son. Just enough time to trim a few bars and get some labels made. The summer herbs are nice and dry to bag for upcoming beginner classes. Broome Community College class has enough students to run February 23 and still openings for 5 more. Just call BCC to get a catalog and sign up. Can't wait!

The Benefits of MSM

I promised more info on the MSM lotion I'm making for practitioners. I must say I really like it for my face too unscented. You can add your own essential oils. Here it is:

MSM Face and Body Lotion is a unique formulation which also contains Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Apricot Kernel oil all of which are known to promote healthy, beautiful skin.
This ultra-rich MSM formula has been found to reduce pain in carpal tunnel syndrome, restore elasticity to the skin, and reduce unsightly scars. MSM lotion leaves your skin smooth and soft.
What is MSM?
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of sulfur made from dimethyl sulfoxide – a well-known therapeutic agent derived from trees. It provides safe, natural relief for those suffering from many types of pain and inflammation, such as, carpal tunnel syndrome, restoration of skin, hair and nails.

Sulfur, in its natural state, is a part of our environment. It is found in plants, animals, and the human body. It is a mineral element, and forms part of our tissues, including muscles and red blood. Sulfur also has a reputation for being nature's "beauty mineral." Studies have proven the cosmetic benefits of MSM – from softer skin to thicker hair and stronger nails.
(Source: The Miracle of MSM, The Natural Solution for Pain)
Note: No specific therapeutic claims are made by Angelicglow in our product descriptions.

Soapmakers are Nice People

The thing I like best about this hobby is the positive and creative people you cross paths with. Soapmakers are not competitive but willing to share their knowledge. Interestingly, there are a lot of soapmakers that go into business but some how never overlap sales areas. When multiples at craft shows, don't individual personalities come out in the style, scent and presentation of their soap? In any case, you just can't be mean and nasty in this business. It's too much fun! I truly enjoy customers and students coming to my door. We could talk soap for hours.

Valentine's Day Soaps

Nothing like a colddddd Sunday to get the V Day soaps made. Utilizing every heart shaped and rose shaped mold, I'm making three kinds. Baker's chocolate with Evening Mocha scent for the hearts, pink color for the rose scented rose shaped and a few of each mold of creamy goat's milk with oatmeal with a nice Plumeria scent. Check them out in a couple of weeks at THE RAMBLIN' ROSE in Endicott. For those who want to visit them, they are attached to THE ROSE GARDEN RESTAURANT,a wonderfully feminine victorian place for lunch on Main Street in North Endicott (Nanicoke). Better yet, get in touch and we'll have a girl's V-day lunch day. Love their Quiche'.

Watching the "game" today at 3:00 pm is a perfect time to trim and label. Spearmint, Pink Grapefruit, Pure Goat's Milk (facial bar), Chai Tea Latte, Cedarmint, Dead Sea Mud, French Green Clay and of course, Laundry Bar. I rendered some tallow that was given to me when we order some organic beef. I'd forgotten what a chore that is but it does make a nice bar. Off to get started.
Ria

Talking about Soap!

What can be better than making, sharing, and using homemade soaps...talking about it! My friends, family, students and soapmaking commarades are in trouble now. Just come to my blog on a daily basis to see what I'm cooking up (literally). Also, branching out into healthy face and body lotion with MSM. Check back and I'll explain all about MSM. Please, please feel free to blog at me. I'm so excited!! Big hugs and thank you to my smart and savvy son for setting me up with an excellent website and now blog. Love you with all my heart!