Brambleberry Seeks Soapers for Summer SOAP Panel

I love Brambleberry's idea for a SOAP panel.  Never heard of it?  Check out their post (click here).

First, they get everyone talking about them.  Soapers are blogging, tweeting, and facebooking (is that a verb?) in an attempt to be selected for a coveted spot on the panel.  Then 8 soap makers are chosen and sent the newest fragrance oils that Brambleberry is considering.  Those 8 soapers then blog, tweet, and post on facebook their experiences with the new fragrances (what they smell like, what they like and don't like, and how the fragrance holds up in various products).  The panel members complete a survey and their input helps Brambleberry make a decision.

I particpated last year and enjoyed the experience.  I tested floral fragrances in lotions and melt and pour soaps.  Those posts can be found by clicking here.  It is a commitment.  You are given a few weeks to use the fragrances and report back on your findings.  And only those who have some available time should apply for a spot on the team because there is some work involved.  As a panel member you not only get to try some new fragrances, but you get a little exposure on Brambleberry's blog. 

I'd like to try my hand at the SOAP panel for the new summer 2012 line mainly because I find it enjoyable.  Not only would I like to try it out in soap, but this year I would also like to see how it holds up in candles.  So Brambleberry, if you are watching...pick me, pick me. 

To enter, let everyone know your favorite Brambleberry fragrance.  Mine is Sleigh Ride, hands down.  Then blog, tweet, or post on facebook about the panel. Good luck to all those applying. 

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

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Color Trends for Spring and Summer 2012 - For Soap Making Inspiration

Here are the color trends for Spring and Summer 2012.  First up are colors from Pantone.  In order to fit them on the blog, I had to save the images at a very small size.  But don't worry.  You can see the full color report in this Pantone PDF (click here). The PDF contains good images of all of the colors and even shows some of the colors paired up.

Spring Colors for Women

Spring Colors for Men

Next are the color trends by Lenzig. 

Some of the color names would make great soap or candle names and you can find so many great fragrances to pair with the colors. 

Did any of these inspire you for your spring and summer line?

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co

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Going Natural - Part 1 - Resolving to Make Natural Bath Products

As you may make resolutions for the New Year in your personal life, we recommend doing so in your business as well. Closing your financial books, taking inventory, and making fresh plans after the holiday rush is a great way to start the year off on the right foot. As more and more people switch to natural and cruelty free products, it is worth resolving to go natural and green with your business. But where do you start?


There are a number of changes you could make towards a more natural approach to your business, from switching to essential oils versus fragrances to selecting organic and sustainable oils. This article will touch on a number of facets of your business that you might want to change and how to implement these changes without wasting money or driving you to the brink of insanity.

Changes could include one or more of the following:

• Becoming Sustainable – choosing ingredients that do not harm the environment

• Choosing Fair Trade – choosing ingredients that are fairly traded from developing countries

• Switching to Essential Oils – making the switch from fragrance oils to essential oils

• Selecting Organic – switching to organic ingredients

See these upcoming blog posts this week.
Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

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