Bath Alchemy

Sunday Spotlight - Red Hot Love

2012-01-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

This week's Sunday Spotlight's theme is Red Hot Love featuring artisans with some red in their products.

Bleeding Hearts by Great Cakes Soapworks

Valentine Heart Felted Guest Soaps by KiltedWoman

Red Candy Apple Soap by Sunbasil Garden

Red Hot Romance Bath Bomb by Whipped Up Wonderland

Creamy Bronzy Red Lip Tint by Bubble Tub

Red and White Heart Soap by Sukura Bath and Body

Black Cherry Poppy Seed Bar Soap by Halo Soap

Ruby Rock Star Soap by Product Body

Cinnamon Spice Soap by Inner Earth Soaps

Next week's Sunday Spotlight theme is Chocolate - can be either scented chocolate or be in a rich shade of brown. I've got Valentine candy on my mind. If you want your chocolate soaps featured in the Sunday Spotlight then post your photo and your URL on the Sunday Spotlight Flickr Pool

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Going Natural - Part 5 - How to Implement Natural Change

2012-01-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Starting completely fresh with something new should never be taken lightly. Making changes to your business and products is a step by step process that should be planned to occur over a period of time. Here are some recommendations:

Educate yourself first. Read books, articles, reputable blogs, and more to learn more about any of the above changes, whether you would like to switch to RSPO certified palm oil or choose fairly traded shea butter. If you don’t, you could waste money, invest in a bad idea, or even cause an injury, such as can occur with using certain essential oils. Especially educate yourself on the labeling and marketing regulations for your products.

Plan, plan, plan. You especially want to plan expensive or radical changes. Planning will help you stay on budget and avoid pitfalls.

Survey your customers. You may even find that your customers prefer to avoid change after you’ve invested all of your money in a new approach. Try a free survey tool, such as Survey Monkey, to ask your customers their thoughts on your changes.

Change a little at a time. Do not throw away all of your fragrance oils to use essential oils or your base oils to use organic oils. This is wasteful and costly. Instead, add a few at a time and slowly phase out your old ingredients.

Accept setbacks. Sometimes change may not come as quickly as you like. Take your time and accept little setbacks along the way. Change is a process.

Have a prosperous new year!

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Going Natural - Part 4 - Choosing Organic Ingredients

2012-01-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Organic can be defined as of or involving the use of fertilizers or pesticides that are strictly of animal or vegetable origin and raised or conducted without the use of drugs, hormones, or synthetic chemicals. Regulations regarding organic products are strictly enforced by the USDA in the United States. Other countries have government organizations that oversee organic certifications in their area of the world. The National Organic Program (NOP) by the USDA has a number of agencies that actually certify farmers and sellers of organic materials.

Farmers and manufacturers of organic ingredients must undergo a strict certification process in order to use the term organic. Some of the guidelines they must follow include the following:

• avoidance of most synthetic chemicals such as fertilizer, antibiotics, pesticides, additives, genetically modified organisms, irradiation, other than naturally derived

• use of farmland that has been free from synthetic chemicals for a three or more years

• keeping detailed written production and sales records

• maintaining strict separation of organic products from non-certified products

• undergoing periodic on-site inspections

Many people are searching for products that are made of organic materials. And many suppliers know this and offer a wide range of organic oils, essential oils, botanicals, and more for you to use in your products. One supplier that has an extensive listing of organic ingredients is From Nature With Love (FNWL). A quick search for the term brings up a very long list of FNWL’s organic oils, essential oils, and more.

However, just because you use organic ingredients does not mean you may call your product organic unless you are certified through the USDA to do so, even when just selling a product. For example, let’s say you make your soap using all organic oils, organic essential oils, and organic herbs for coloring. They are all certified organic ingredients from your favorite supplier. Unless you have become certified to sell organic materials, you are not permitted to call or advertise your soap as organic, except in the product’s ingredient statement (i.e. Ingredients: Almond oil, organic Lavendula Officinalis (lavender) oil, etc.) You are also permitted to list the percentage of organic ingredients on an informational panel of your product packaging, but not on the primary display panel or main side of the packaging. Failure to follow these rules can result in fines of up to $10,000. So be very careful when using the term to promote your organically made products.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Going Natural - Part 3 - Switching to Essential Oils

2012-01-27T07:15:00.001-05:00

Perhaps you are finally ready to take the plunge into using essential oils. You are probably already familiar with essential oils, whether you choose to use them or fragrance oils in your products. An essential oil is a liquid that is distilled, typically by steam distillation, from the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark, or other parts of a plant. The distillation process allows the “essence” of the plant and its therapeutic qualities to remain intact. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. Lavender and Tea Tree oil are safe for direct skin contact, but all other essential oils must be diluted before applying to the skin. They are used for both their aroma and their medicinal qualities and can be used in most of your products.

Fragrance oils are artificially created or contain synthetic substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils do. Either manner of scenting your products is perfectly acceptable, but if you are looking for natural ingredients with therapeutic qualities, essential oils would be your choice.

So which essential oils should you start with? Well this is completely personal preference, however, a good start would be the following essential oils, which can be used to make a number of combinations and work well in bath and body products, including soap.

Lavender
Tea Tree
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Geranium
Rosemary
Thyme
Lemon
Sweet Orange
Clove

It is recommended that you select a good book on essential oils and become familiar with their properties and warnings before creating products with essential oils. Also keep in mind that just because something is natural doesn’t mean it is good for you. Some essential oils should never be used on skin and have loads of medical contraindications.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Going Natural - Part 3 - Using Fairly Traded Ingredients

2012-01-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

Besides helping the environment by purchasing oils that do not promote deforestation or the destruction of habitats, helping under developed countries obtain fair wages for ingredients needed for your products is another positive approach for your business. Remember that you need the farmers/ gatherers, processors, and more to get the ingredients you need to make your products. One such organization has made it their mission to establish a fair trade system with the African women who make shea butter. Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care is one of a several places that offers certified fair trade shea butter.

According to Alaffia, unrefined shea butter is a valuable natural resource for West Africa, however, most shea butter on the market in the United States and Europe is not fairly traded. Without fair trade, the women who gather shea nuts and hand craft this rich butter receive only a tiny fraction of the final price.

As part of the Alaffia fair trade system, the women who provide their shea butter gain a higher pay and better working conditions. The price of the butter is higher, but the purpose is to pay a fair price and relieve some of the poverty in West Africa.

• Alaffia pays 15-25% above market price for shea nuts

• Their cooperative members receive a salary that is more than 4 times the average family income in Togo

• Cooperative members also receive full medical care, employment security, and one paid month of vacation each year

• Additionally, Alaffia does much for the communities including a Bicycles for Education program

Alaffia is not the only company that offers fairly traded shea butter. Shea Butter is not the only ingredient to consider for fair trade. I suggest researching each ingredient you use for fair trade outlets. There are a couple organizations that work toward fair wages for employees. In addition to fairly traded materials, the movement works to ban child and slave labor, works to guarantee a safe workplace, adheres to the United Nations charter of human rights, requires a fair price that covers the cost of production and facilitates social development, and protects and conserves the environment.

There are numerous fair trade organizations around the globe. For a product to carry either the International Fair trade Certification Mark or the Fair Trade Certified Mark, it must come from FLO-CERT inspected and certified producer organizations. The crops must be grown and harvested in accordance with the international Fair trade standards set by FLO International. It is important to know that there are flaws in this system. FLO has discovered various farms selling fair trade certified products grown in protected forests or that have not followed other fair trade guidelines. Be aware that although some ingredients may state they are fair trade certified, that may not be entirely true. But it is still a noble effort to bring developing countries towards better working conditions and pay.

Feel free to share your fair trade comments.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Going Natural - Part 2 - Becoming Sustainable - The Other Side of the Palm Oil Debate

2012-01-25T07:00:00.007-05:00

Becoming Sustainable

In a recent post, we discussed sustainability. Here is a brief synopsis to get you up to speed if you missed the article. A sustainable business is a company that leaves no negative impact on the global or local environment, community, society, or economy. The business strives to ensure that all processes, products, and manufacturing activities adequately address current environmental concerns and that it “meets the needs of the present world without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.”

One specific topic that was discussed in this article was palm oil. Palm oil is under increasing scrutiny in relation to its effects on the environment, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, through deforestation, elimination of rain forest habitats, and uncontrolled land burns, which kill wildlife affecting several critically endangered species such as the orangutans, the Asian rhinoceros, and the Sumatran tigers.

Do NOT Boycott Palm Oil! Or at least, do not do it until you have read all the facts. Many organizations, including zoos and orangutan groups, do not recommend boycotting, especially since you would have to boycott an awful lot of products and companies. It is found in cookies, crackers, frozen dinners, shampoo, lotions, cosmetics, soaps, pet food, and many other products. Palm oil is now the most widely produced edible oil. Instead use certified sustainable palm oil.

Why is using certified sustainable palm oil better than boycotting its use?

• Because palm oil makes 10 times the amount of oil per unit area as soybeans, grape seeds or sunflowers, it is actually more environmentally friendly to use because of this.

• Poverty stricken Indonesia and Malaysia rely on palm oil for their economies. Boycotting would devastate these communities rendering many people unemployed.

• If you boycott one type of oil, another will just take its place. Whereas using a sustainable oil is a win-win situation.

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certifies producers and processors in the palm oil industry. They have created a strict set of guidelines for palm oil producers to prevent negative environmental impacts and promote fair trade. Additionally, many of the sustainable palm oil plantations are also certified organic, which is an added plus.

So now where do you find RSPO certified sustainable palm oil? While other suppliers may in fact offer sustainable palm oil, two soap supply companies that have openly stated they carry the certified oils are Cibaria Soap Supply and Soaper’s Choice/ Columbus Foods. To learn more about certified sustainable palm oil, visit www.rspo.org.

There are many other ingredients that can be evaluated for sustainability. An example would be sandalwood. While sandalwood has an incredible highly desirable scent, the tree it is derived from takes a many, many years to mature. A large number of these trees have been wiped out to obtain the sandalwood without much thought to the environment. In more recent years, Australia has established sandalwood plantations to create a more viable solution to collecting sandalwood and replenishing the trees. Additionally, a great substitute for sandalwood is amyris. It is also much more affordable.

To sum things up, don't just jump on the bandwagon and start boycotting products before learning if that will help or hurt the situation. Instead, do some research. Look at all your products and see which ones are sustainable and which ones need to be replaced with a better option for the environment. And then move forward with what you believe is the best decision for the environment based on the research. Only then is your business truly sustainable.

What do you think? Post your comments.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Brambleberry Seeks Soapers for Summer SOAP Panel

2012-01-24T14:24:00.000-05:00

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.

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

2012-01-24T12:10:00.000-05:00

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

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

2012-01-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

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.

Winter Snow and Pine Cones - Making Whipped and Dipped Candles

2012-01-23T12:56:00.000-05:00

The change of the seasons is amazing. Each one brings unique and interesting elements to life. In winter, snow and pines, come to mind, so why not learn two different candle making techniques to celebrate the winter season – a whipped “snow” effect and dipped pine cone fire starters. These candles are great for decorating in winter and make wonderful holiday gifts. And the best part is they are easy to make.

Pine Cone Fire Starters

Dipped pine cones are by far one of the easiest projects in candle making. In fact it is a craft you can do with kids old enough to cook, under your close supervision, of course. Scented and dipped in beautiful colors, these pine cones become extra special, as well as useful.

Pine cone fire starters are used as kindling for a fireplace or outdoor fire. You light the wick that is attached to the pine. This will create a starting flame for about 10 minutes while the logs catch fire. This makes lighting the fire easy, and it lets off the candle fragrance into the room while it burns. Plus, they look beautiful stored in a basket near the fireplace.

This recipe makes green, red and white holiday fire starters, but you can certainly change colors or scents.

Supplies needed:

Double boiler

Candle thermometer

Wooden spoon

Paraffin wax (or you can recycle old candles)

Flat-Braid Wick (36 Ply¬)

Pine cones

Scissors

An old pan

Newspaper

Deep metal container

Fragrance (Cinnamon or Cranberry, Spruce, Eggnog)

Candle Dye (Red and Green)

Prep your work area, laying down newspapers to protect surfaces. Then prep your pine cones. Tie the braided wick to the bottom of the pine cone and continue to wrap the wick around the pine cone several times working your way up to the top of the cone. Tie the wick to the top of the cone and leave enough wick to hold for dipping purposes. Continue to prep all of the pine cones.

Melt desired amount of wax in the double boiler to 180-190 degrees keeping in mind that it should be enough to adequately dip pine cones (1 lb is a good starting point.) Add desired fragrance and dye. Remember, a little goes a long way. Once wax has melted, remove wax from heat. The easiest step to do next is pour the melted wax into a dipping can or deep metal container. If your double boiler is deep enough, you can just keep the wax in the pot.

Next, holding the long wick of a pine cone, carefully dip your cone into the melted wax. You will notice that the first time doesn’t leave much color and the cone can be seen through the layer of wax. This is a primer. Place the cone on an old pan to cool or another non-stick surface. As soon as the wax begins to solidify, the pine cone can be dipped a second time into the melted wax. This time, you should see the colored wax on the cone. You can repeat this process until you’re happy with the results.

Allow the pine cone to thoroughly cool. Then trim the wick to about 1-2 inches from the cone. Once you have one color and fragrance completed, you can make others. Then you can place them in baskets with a pretty bow to create an attractive set to store by the fireplace. To use, simply light the wick and carefully place on the logs in the fireplace. The wax will melt, filling the room with fragrance, and the pine cone will ignite and burn, which will catch the logs on fire.

If you are a visual learner, there is a great video tutorial made by Peak Candles. Simply follow this link: http://www.candletech.com/video/video-pine-cone-fire-starters/

Alternative: If you don’t have a fireplace, you can still make and use these dipped pine cones as scented ornaments. Instead of wrapping a wick around the pine cone, tie it (or string) just at the top of the cone. Follow the remaining directions above. When the pine cone is dry, remove the wick or string and replace it with decorative ribbon. It will add color and scent to wherever you choose to hang it.

Whipped Snow Candles

Whipped candles go in and out of fashion. You might have seen them in the past as frosting on a “cake” candle or froth on a gel “beer” candle. The whipping technique is the same, so I if this is your first tutorial on whipped candles and you would like to try your hand at dessert or frosty beverage candles, you will follow the same instructions provided for snowy candles.

In this example, we are making a snow effect, which can be used on round candles like a snow ball or in little pots as table centerpieces or party favors.

Supplies needed:

Double boiler
Candle thermometer
Wooden spoon
1 lb Paraffin wax
1 tsp Vybar 103
Premade white round candle OR a premade white container candle (you may purchase these or make them yourself)
Mixer or wire whisk (you don’t mind getting wax on)
An old pan for the round candles
Newspaper
Fragrance (if desired)
Spatula or paint brush (optional)
Prep your work area, laying down newspapers to protect surfaces. Melt desired amount of wax in the double boiler to 180-190 degrees. One pound is a good starting point if you are only making a few candles, but the Vybar is 1 teaspoon for every pound of wax. Vybar is used to make the wax pure white. Add fragrance, if desired. Once wax has melted, remove wax from heat. Pour the melted wax into a dipping can or deep metal container. If your double boiler is deep enough, you can just keep the wax in the pot.

Allow the wax to cool just to the point that it congeals on the sides of the pot and a thin film forms across the top. Now using a mixer or wire whisk, whip the wax until it is thick and foamy. Once it looks like whipped cream, you are ready to apply it to the candles.

Snowballs

If making a snowball, holding the candle by the wick, dip it in the whipped wax. Then set it on the pan and allow it to cool for a minute. Once the wax seems to have set, using a spatula, paintbrush or wooden spoon, dab dollops of foamy wax on the bottom half of the round candle, so it looks like snow. Keep your spoon or brush in the wax when you are not using it so the wax doesn’t dry while you are working. Set the candle upside down and allow the candle wax to set. Then repeat this process for the top half of the candle until it looks like a snowball. Allow the candle to cool completely and trim the wick, if necessary.

Snow in Containers

If you are making whipped snow in a container, you simply dab whipped wax on the top surface of the candle. If the whipped wax won’t adhere try running a hair dryer on the surface of the container candle to soften the wax a little. Then dab on the foamy wax until it looks like a pot of snow. Allow to cool and trim wick, if necessary. If you want to add that extra something, you can sprinkle a little iridescent glitter on the foamy wax while it cools.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Sunday Spotlight - Flickr Photo Love

2012-01-22T08:58:00.002-05:00

For those of you that have followed me for a long time, you remember I used to regularly post a Sunday Spotlight featuring great products from around the globe. I even started a Flickr Photo Pool a few years ago where anybody can post images of their bath or candle products to share with others. I've kind of slipped out of the habit of posting weekly due to an exceptionally busy year including a relocation to a new state, where I currently experience culture shock on a daily basis, but that's another story.

Well, it's time to get back into my good, old habits, and start sharing some soapy goodness again. So for the first Sunday Spotlight of 2012, I'm featuring those items posted to my Flickr Photo Pool.

De Chocolates Soap by El JabÃ³n Casero

Pumpkin Love Sugar Scrub My Little Natural Soap

Diane Tackie Bath and Bubble Bombs by D and T Bath and Body

Soap Stacks by Amathia Soapworks

Clove Shave Round Soap by Tierra Verde

French Roast Coffee Soap by Sincerely Natural

Bamboo Sugar Cane Gourmet Soap by Abbey James

Oatmeal Milk and Honey Soap by Amber's Ambry

Caffiene and Milk Soap by Sapo-onis

Want more? Check out the Sunday Spotlight Flikr Photo Pool. Want to showcase your lovely bath products? Go to the photo pool and upload your image. Be sure to include your website or blog URL so everyone knows where to find you. Plus it makes it a hundred times easier for me to feature your items.

Next week's theme is red. Feel free to post your red soaps, candles and bath products to our photo pool and you could be featured here.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Scenting Naturally - Making Natural Perfumes - Part 3 - Essential Oil Blends

2012-01-20T08:41:00.013-05:00

Formulary Blends

Here are some essential oil blends to get you started on your way to making your own natural perfume. You can use these blends as is or use them as a starting point for creating your own unique fragrance.

Sea Spray (Ozone)

4 parts lavender
2 part rosemary
2 part bergamot
1 part spearmint

Jasmine (Floral)

5 parts jasmine absolute
2 parts rose absolute
1 part patchouli
1 part frankincense

Wood Rose (Floral/Woody)

3 parts rose absolute
2 parts cedarwood
2 parts amyris
2 parts myrrh
1 part patchouli

Grounded (Woody/Green)

4 parts patchouli
3 parts cypress
1 part vetiver

Spice for Men (Spicy/Green)

2 parts bergamot
1 part cedarwood
1 part juniper
1 part patchouli
1 part lime
1 part clove

Mandarin (Citrus)

4 parts orange
1 part patchouli
1 part ylang ylang

Simply add these blends to an alcohol or jojoba oil base to create a perfume. You can also blend essential oils for any of your soap and bath products the same way you do with perfume. Don’t forget to have fun!

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Scenting Naturally - Making Natural Perfumes - Part 2 - Bases, Proportions, Blends

2012-01-19T08:31:00.014-05:00

Perfume Bases

Bases can consist of alcohol or oil. They can also be made into a solid using waxes and butters like a salve or balm. There are a several options to choose from and a few are listed here. You can make the choice of which one is best for you.
Vodka: High quality 100-proof vodka is virtually odorless, making it a good choice for a carrier in natural perfume. Don't substitute other types of alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol, which has a strong odor and evaporates quickly. It has to be 100-proof. Don't settle for less.

Jojoba oil: This medium weight oil is a liquid plant wax produced from jojoba seeds. It makes a perfect carrier for natural perfumes since it has a long shelf life, absorbs easily and is not greasy.

Basic Proportions

The concentration of the essential oils determines the name to use with a fragrance. If using 30-40 drops of blended essential oils, use the following proportions of base to create each type:

Perfume: 1/8 oz vodka

Eau de perfume: 1/4 oz vodka

Eau de Toilette: 1/2 oz vodka

Perfume Oil: 1/8 oz jojoba oil

Floral water: 1 oz vodka AND 3 oz distilled water

Creating a Blend

The best way to create an essential oil blend is to experiment. Sit down with your essential oils, droppers, cotton balls or blending paper, and coffee beans. Be sure to follow basic essential oil safety guidelines. Do not put essential oils directly on your skin, work in a well-ventilated area, and take breaks.

Choose a top note, a middle note, and a base note. Put one to two drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or blending paper (you can make your own by cutting a coffee filter into strips). You can start with equal parts of the top, middle, and base notes. Then add a little more of one or another. Remember to write down your proportions as you go.

You will find that some of the nicest blends have a number of different essential oils, but of typically all three notes, so don’t feel you can only have three per blend. Also, you will probably use less base and more top notes, since the base will stay anchored and the top notes will evaporate more quickly. A suggested blend is typically 50% top notes, 30% middle notes, and 20% base notes, but this is NOT a rule. Additionally, you may use absolutes in your blends, which are natural just like essential oils, if purchased from a reputable company.

You will be smelling your blends a lot, so occasionally sniff the coffee beans to clean your palate, so to speak. Once you have a combination of essential oils that you like, you can make your blend and add it to a base of either alcohol or jojoba oil. It is best to allow the alcohol and the essential oils to age for a couple weeks, to avoid any residual alcohol scent. The jojoba oil can be used right away.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Scenting Naturally - Making Natural Perfumes - Part 1 - Families and Notes

2012-01-18T20:31:00.000-05:00

Perfumery is an art form. In fact, perfume is equated to a musical composition and takes much of its terminology, such as “notes”, from music. Perfume is typically made by experimenting, but you can use tried and true formulas as well. Often times, a great perfume is created accidentally. So the main “rule” when making perfume is to take precise notes on your ingredients.

Just as you can use essential oils to scent your soap and bath products, you can also use essential oils to create all natural perfumes. First you need an understanding of some of the basic elements of perfume. A good book will give you a much more comprehensive guide to making your own fragrances, so think of this article as a crash course.

Fragrance Families

A fragrance family is a group of aromas that are similar. While there are a number of fragrance families in the world of perfume, only the most common families are listed in this article. A good book on perfumery will delve into a more thorough look at fragrance categories and components. But here is a start:

• Citrus – light and fresh scents of lemon, orange, bergamot, grapefruit, and more

• Floral – smelling of flowers such as rose, lavender, jasmine and gardenia

• Fruity – smelling of fruits, such as peaches, apples, mandarin, and melons

• Green – fresh, outdoor scents of pine, juniper, rosemary, and more

• Oriental – a heavy fragrance such as woods, resins, musk, and vanilla

• Ozone – smelling of fresh air like ocean spray or crisp mountain air

• Spicy – smells of spices, such as cloves, ginger and cinnamon

• Woody – smells of wood like vetiver, cedar, and sandalwood

If you are designing a whole fragrance line, or just getting ideas for your soaps, it’s good to create a scent from each category to appeal to a variety of customers. If all you have are floral perfumes, you will not have enough scents to appeal to the masses.

Components of Perfume

Every perfume should consist of three scent "notes" which complement each other. It is important to create scents with ALL three notes for well rounded, long-lasting fragrance. Essential oils are classified as either top, middle, or base notes, and each one brings its own unique qualities. Many essential oils can actually be placed in more than one note.

• Top note: This provides the first impression of the fragrance, and it also is the lightest and evaporates the quickest. Most essential oils fall in the top note category.

• Middle note: This brings the base and top notes together and defines the fragrance family. They take a little longer to first detect, but can last hours.

• Base note (also known as an anchor or fixative): This scent lasts the longest, adds depth to the fragrance and carries the other scents. This tends to be a heavy scent.

Please refer to the table of essential oils and their corresponding notes provided in this article. Not all essential oils are listed. This list includes the most commonly found essential oils with most soap supply companies.

Top notes

Basil *

Bergamot *

Cajuput

Cinnamon

Clary Sage *

Coriander *

Eucalyptus

Grapefruit

Lemon

Lemongrass *

Lime

Mandarin /Tangerine

Neroli *

Verbena

Orange

Peppermint

Petitgrain

Sage

Spearmint

Tangerine

Tea Tree *

Thyme *

Middle notes

Bay

Black Pepper

Cardamom

Chamomile

Cypress
Fennel *

Geranium

Juniper

Lavender *

Marjoram

Myrtle

Nutmeg

Palmarosa

Pine

Rosemary

Base notes

Balsam Peru

Cassia *

Cedarwood

Cinnamon *

Clove

Frankincense

Ginger *

Jasmine

Myrrh

Oakmoss

Patchouli

Rose*

Rosewood *

Sandalwood

Vanilla

Vetiver

Ylang Ylang *

*Indicates the EO can be placed in more than one category.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Recycled Candles - Making Mini Pumpkin Candles

2011-10-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

For a fun seasonal variation to the recylced candle article posted yesterday, try making some mini pumpkin candles to decorate for Halloween or Thanksgiving. First prepare your pumpkins or gourds. Cut a wide hole in the top of your pumpkin and pull the top off. Empty the entire contents of the pumpkin including seeds and strings. To prevent a fire hazard, be sure the pumpkin or gourd is completely clean on the inside.

From here you can do one of two things. You can place one of your freshly made recycled votives or tea lights into the pumpkin or gourd (you can do this with apples and pears as well). Or you can make the pumpkin or gourd into a candle itself.

To do this, melt your scrap candles as explained above. If desired, scent your scraps with a seasonal fragrance, like pumpkin spice. Allow wax to cool to 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the melted wax into the pumpkin or gourd. Allow the wax to congeal to the sides and then secure a pre-tabbed votive wick into the center of the candle. If the wax shrinks, re-pour a second round of melted wax. Allow to cool completely. Trim the wick and it’s ready to display on your holiday table.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Recycled Candles - Making Tea Lights and Votives

2011-10-12T08:00:00.005-04:00

Do you have bits of candle wax leftover from projects? Or do you have unsightly candle stubs lying around the house? Well why not recycle those odds and ends to make some new votives, tea lights or even some seasonal decorative candles.

Recycling candles is very easy to do. Start by gathering your candle making supplies along with all your leftovers, scraps and candle stubs. Take stock of your leftovers. Do you have enough of a scent or color to make something new? Can you combine any like colors or colors that will make a new shade? Sort your odds and ends into groups that can work together:

• Same scent and color

• Different colors and scents that blend well

• Like colors with scents that will blend

• Like colors with scent that is worn out

Supplies needed:
Double boiler
Candle thermometer
Wooden spoon
Bits of leftover candles
Votive candle molds
Pre-tabbed votive candle wicks
Tealight cups
Pre-tabbed tealight wicks
Silicone mold release spray or Pam cooking spray (for votives)
Scissors
Newspaper
Fragrance (optional, if scents in scraps are too light)

If you are making tea lights, simply press your pre-tabbed tea light wicks into the bottom of the aluminum tea light containers. If you are making votives, use the silicone mold release spray in your votive molds and hold off on placing the wick in the container.

Determine the amount of fluid your container will hold and approximately how much of the like scraps you have, so you can prepare enough of your votive or tea light containers. Remove any wicks or decorations from candle scraps.

Combine your like candle scraps, and melt in the double boiler making sure not to exceed the recommended melting temperature for the waxes you are using. Add fragrance if you desire. Allow the wax to cool to about 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the wax into the candle container reserving a small amount to use as a second pour and allow to cool.

If making votives, as the wax congeals to the sides, place your pre-tabbed votive wick in the center of the votive mold. The partially solidified wax should hold the wick in place. If the wax has shrunk from the wick, second pour the melted wax over the candle to level the top. Allow the candles to cool completely. Votives should pop right out of the molds if you used the mold release. Trim wick and it’s ready for use.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Recipes - African Black Soap and Rainforest Body Oil

2011-10-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

African Black Soap

This recipe is as it is made in Africa.

Ingredients:
Handful of Cocoa Pods
3 pieces of Shea Bark
Skin of one Plantain
1 cup Palm Oil
3/4 cup Unrefined Shea Butter
Fragrance or Essential Oils

Directions:
Ash mixed with water become lye. So wear protective equipment and handle this with the same care given to any other cold process soap recipe.

Remove the cocoa beans from their pods. Roast the pods, plantain skin and shea bark in the pot on low-medium heat until ash is formed, preferably outside. Carefully add 2 cups water and bring the mixture to boil then lower the heat. Once ashes have dissolved, carefully strain the solution through a fine strainer and set aside. Place the palm oil in another double boiler and heat it to about 35°C. Carefully mix in the ash water and stir until the mixture is smooth. After 45 minutes you will start to see froth form on the top. Scoop this into a cooling container until nearly all the water has evaporated from the pot. This froth will become your black soap. Remove the pot from heat. After the froth has partially cooled, add fragrance or essential oils, pour into molds and allow to cure for 2 weeks. Remove from molds and the soap is ready for use.

Rainforest Body Oil

Ingredients:
2 ounces Tamanu Oil
1/2 Ounce Acai Berry Oil
1/2 ounce Andiroba Oil
1/2 ounce Brazil Nut Oil
1/2 ounce Passion Flower Oil
10-25 drops Essential Oils (optional)

Directions:
Combine oils and essential oils. To use, apply a small amount directly to the skin.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

The Search for Sustainability in Soap Making

2011-10-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

Sustainability

Sustainability means “to endure.” A sustainable business is a company that leaves no negative impact on the global or local environment, community, society, or economy. The business strives to ensure that all processes, products, and manufacturing activities adequately address current environmental concerns and that it “meets the needs of the present world without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.”

In this article, we will talk about sustainable oils and butters. Of course, you may be thinking to yourself that you already have a business that is sustainable, or eco-friendly. Perhaps you make 100% natural products, wrap them in 100% recycled materials, and you donate 10% of your profits to your favorite “green” charity. While that is all well and good, there are some important facts you should know about the oils and butters you currently may be using in your products and the potentially destructive impact of these ingredients on the environment or economies of other countries.

Orangutans, Tigers, and Rhinoceroses

Palm oil, coconut oil and palm kernel oil are edible plant oils derived from the fruits of palm trees. Palm oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the oil palm; palm kernel oil is derived from the kernel (seed) of the oil palm, and coconut oil is derived from the kernel of the coconut. Palm oil is a basic source of income for many farmers in South East Asia, Central and West Africa, and Central America. It is used as cooking oil, can be found in many commercial food and personal care products and is converted into biofuel. It produces up to 10 times more oil per unit area as soybeans, grape seeds or sunflowers. It is a common oil used in making cold-process soaps, especially because it makes the soap hard, which is a desirable trait in a quality product.

However, palm oil is under increasing scrutiny in relation to its effects on the environment, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. The rising demand of this oil world-wide is spurring farmers to not only harvest all of the palm plantations, but also the neighboring rainforests. In addition to deforestation, this land clearing is wiping out rainforest habitats. And if that isn’t bad enough, the common practice after stripping the land is to burn the fields. While burning fields to prepare and fertilize the land isn’t an uncommon farming practice, the burns taking place on or near rainforests are uncontrolled and further wipe out habitats and kill wildlife.

Several critically endangered species most affected by the deforestation and field burning are the orangutans, the Asian rhinoceros, and the Sumatran tiger. In the soap making circles of blogs and forums, you may have read about fellow soap makers who have stopped using palm oil in an effort to save orangutans, which in 1997-98 a devastating fire killed almost 8,000 of orangutans in Borneo, but they are certainly not the only endangered species that is at risk in the palm oil crisis.

Do NOT Stop Using Palm Oil

That’s right, do not stop using palm oil, at least do not stop simply to save endangered species. Boycotting is not the answer, especially since you would have to boycott an awful lot of products and companies. It is found in cookies, crackers, frozen dinners, shampoo, lotions, cosmetics, soaps, pet food, and many other products. Palm oil is now the most widely produced edible oil. It is also found in a wide array of products sold in natural food stores, and it is being used as a possible fuel alternative. It’s even found in chocolate. When the palm oil crisis was brought to Nestlé’s attention, the company sought out a sustainable alternative. Instead use certified sustainable palm oil.

Why is using certified sustainable palm oil better than boycotting its use?

• Because palm oil makes 10 times the amount of oil per unit area as soybeans, grape seeds or sunflowers, it is actually more environmentally friendly to use because of this.

• Poverty stricken Indonesia and Malaysia rely on palm oil for their economies. Boycotting would devastate these communities rendering many people unemployed.

• If you boycott one type of oil, another will just take its place. Whereas using a sustainable oil is a win-win situation.

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil

The palm oil crisis is not new. In fact, environmentalists have been concerned since the 70’s. As the situation worsened with the increased population world-wide and an increase in production by 43% in the 90’s, it became apparent that an alternative solution was necessary. Hence, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was born in 2004.

According to the RSPO website…

RSPO is a not-for-profit association that unites stakeholders from seven sectors of the palm oil industry - oil palm producers, palm oil processors or traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation NGOs and social or developmental NGOs - to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil.

RSPO certifies producers and processors in the palm oil industry. They have created a strict set of guidelines for palm oil producers to prevent negative environmental impacts and promote fair trade. Participating companies undergo regular audits. Sustainable palm oil is handled by producers and processors that are certified through RSPO from start to finished product and is completely traceable by the RSPO, so you know that you are getting a completely sustainable oil. Additionally, many of the sustainable palm oil plantations are also certified organic, which is an added plus.

So now where do you find RSPO certified sustainable palm oil? While other suppliers may in fact offer sustainable palm oil, two soap supply companies that have openly stated they carry the certified oils are Cibaria Soap Supply and Soaper’s Choice/ Columbus Foods. You can check with your favorite supplier to find out if they offer RSPO certified sustainable palm oil. If they don’t, you should request that they do.

To learn more about certified sustainable palm oil, visit www.rspo.org.

Women of West Africa

One such organization has made it their mission to establish a fair trade system with the African women who make shea butter. Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care is one of a several places that offers certified fair trade shea butter. The following was quoted from their website www.alaffia.com ...

To Alaffia, fair trade means paying a fair price or wage in the local context, providing equal employment opportunities, engaging in environmental sustainable practices, providing healthy and safe working conditions, being open to public accountability, and reducing the number of middlemen between producers and consumers. We believe fair trade should be environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable and give local communities the opportunity to self empower.

According to Alaffia, unrefined shea butter is a valuable natural resource for West Africa, however, most shea butter on the market in the United States and Europe is not fairly traded. Without fair trade, the women who gather shea nuts and hand craft this rich butter receive only a tiny fraction of the final price.

It is estimated to take 20 to 30 hours of labor to produce one kilogram of handcrafted shea butter, which is traded at $1 or less in today's market. A woman making shea butter in West Africa will receive only a fraction of this price. Therefore, a person working for 30 hours will not receive even a dollar for her efforts. Even if she received the whole dollar, this does not even begin to reach living wage standards.

As part of the Alaffia fair trade system, the women who provide their shea butter gain a higher pay and better working conditions. The price of the butter is higher, but the purpose is to pay a fair price and relieve some of the poverty in West Africa.

• Alaffia pays 15-25% above market price for shea nuts

• Their cooperative members receive a salary that is more than 4 times the average family income in Togo

• Cooperative members also receive full medical care, employment security, and one paid month of vacation each year

• Additionally, Alaffia does much for the communities including a Bicycles for Education program

Alaffia is not the only company that offers fairly traded shea butter. A quick search on the internet will reveal quite a few. Be sure to choose one that has certified fair trade products, as independent auditors regularly visit the areas to be sure that all of the rules of fair trade are followed, including safe working conditions and no child labor.

Final Thoughts

As the world continues to grow, it is the responsibility of its people to work together and take care of it and each other. You may not realize how something that seems so small can impact another so greatly, like buying RSPO Certified palm oil to prevent the extinction of several animal species, or purchasing Certified Fair Trade shea butter to help provide a fair wage to women in a poverty stricken area of the world. Little things do matter. So perhaps this article will inspire some of you to look into other oils, butters, essential oils, etc., and be sure that you are purchasing ingredients for your products that are sustaining the world.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Marbling: Painting Your Candles

2011-10-07T08:37:00.001-04:00

Painting

The final marble technique to discuss is painting. This is the easiest of all the methods and great for those who do not have blow torches lying around the house and prefer not to hammer their candles. In this final method, a different marbling effect is achieved using glass paints, which can be found at a craft store.

You will need:
White candle
Glass paints (alcohol based)
Bowl
Cold water

Skewer

To create this final marble, pour a couple of drops of different shades of glass paints into a bowl of cold water. Swirl the colors in the water with a skewer or similar tool. Dip the candle into the colored water. The paints will stick to the candle, but the water won’t. The paints will create a beautiful marbled effect much like that of marbled paper. Allow to dry.

You can achieve this same effect using dye discs or blocks. Simply shave the dye, and drop the shavings into a pot of water heated to 180°F. Dip your candle in the water and watch as the melted dye adheres to the candle creating a lovely marble effect. This method works best if each color is applied separately in layers. You can clear out the previous color by passing a folded newspaper across the mixture. The wax adheres to the paper while the water is left behind ready for a new color.

You now know three new methods in creating quick and easy marbling effects on candles. Have fun playing around with different techniques, colors, and styles to achieve your own unique marble. You may even get some inspiration for your marbled soaps.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Marbling: Hammering Your Candles

2011-10-06T08:23:00.001-04:00

Hammering

Hammering creates a speckled, textured marble which varies with the shape of the hammering tool. The process is a simple matter of hammering indentations into the candle and overdipping it in a contrasting color of wax.

You will need:

White candle (a ball shape is best)
Towel
Hammer
Dip and carve wax

Candle dye – 2 colors

Dipping can

Knife

Place the candle on the towel on a sturdy flat surface. Hammer the indentations all over the candle with a firm blow, but do not crush the candle. Melt about 3-4 ounces of the wax and add candle dye. Dip the candle into the melted wax in the dipping can several times to build up a very thin layer of colored wax on the outside of the candle. Allow the candle to cool for a minute.

Now hammer the candle again, creating new indentations over the soft surface of the colored candle. As you hammer, you will see that a little white shows through from beneath the colored wax. This is a desired result. Melt about 3-4 ounces of the wax and add a different candle dye. Dip the candle into the mixture as you did before with the first color. Allow the candle to cool for a few minutes.

Using the knife, scrape off a top layer of wax to reveal the previous color and some of the white beneath this top layer. The color in the depressions will remain the same, but the scraped off flat surface will show the first color. You can then dip your candle in a final clear wax to both preserve the marbled effect and slightly soften it. You now have a lovely mottled marble look. This effect would work great with wood or metal colors for a faux finished candle.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Marbling: Torching Your Candles

2011-10-05T20:22:00.001-04:00

Just as in soapmaking, you can use many techniques to accomplish different effects to the look of your candles, including a marbled effect. These next few articles will teach you how to torch, hammer, and paint three different marbling styles.

Marbling can be achieved with one or more colors, however, you’ll want to choose colors wisely as they blend and mix as you work across the candle. You can make a candle in white or you can purchase a white candle for any of the marbling methods. White makes an excellent canvas for marbling.

Torching

One very unique technique in marbling involves concentrated dyes and a blow torch. Do I have your attention? I thought ‘torch’ might catch your interest. The effect is sometimes referred to as “tie-dye” since it mimics the look of tie-dyed fabrics.

You will need:
White candle
Wax dyes (powdered or in wax discs)
Blow torch
Knife

Using the tip of the knife, collect small quantities of powdered dye and place on the candle. Powdered dyes are very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. If using disc dyes or dye blocks, shave some of the dye and place the shreds on the candle. Both powders and shavings can slip off the candle, so you’ll need to hold the candle as level as possible.

Using a blow torch set to low heat, lightly pass the flame over the dye powder or shavings. The candle will begin to melt, combining the dye with the melted wax. This melted wax dye then creates swirl of colors on the surface of the candle. Some of the colors will blend together to form new colors. Be sure not to overheat the wax or the wax will drip.

The torch will blow the melted dye wax around. Use this to your advantage, pushing the colors in the direction you want them to flow. Continue to work around all sides of the candle, adding dye and torching it to create a unique design. When you are finished, allow the candle to cool and marvel at your work of art.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Promoting Your Natural Products - Part Three - Innovative Ideas

2011-07-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

Innovative Ideas

Now that you have an understanding of the key words used in promoting natural products, let’s take a look at some innovative ideas for natural products. Many people who enjoy making all natural products also prefer to use all natural packaging.

Besides the obvious recycled paper tags and wrappings, there are some great natural packaging ideas that could be used to really promote your product. For example, Pangea Organics packages their soaps in “boxes” that are made with organic materials and seeds. You can literally plant the package in the ground and grow a tree, after you’ve removed the soap, of course. This is a major selling point and clever marketing as well.

Perhaps your business isn’t large enough to have custom made plant-a-tree boxes for your soap. You can look for packaging that promotes your interests and provides a good marketing point. Distant Village, founded in 2000, is a leading innovator in sustainable handmade packaging. All packaging is produced from sustainable materials. And artisans are contracted through fair trade agreements to make many of the products, including beautiful banana paper packaging and handmade coconut shell accessories that can be reused by the customer. More about Distant Village can be found at www.distantvillage.com. Their products are offered, along with many other 100% recycled packaging, at Nashville Wraps. Distant Villages also makes PURE Labels for use at home, which are made of 100% wild grasses. You can even find natural inks for use in your computer.

There are many ideas just like this.

Try repurposing flea market finds
Use vintage fabrics to wrap your products or cigar boxes from the local liquor store to house your gift sets
Seek out fairly traded packaging that promotes economic development of other countries.
Team up with another artisan, like one who makes organic cotton crocheted washcloths to use with your products.
Think of ways to showcase your products.
Be sure to tell potential customers about your company’s unique philosophy and how you are contributing to a better future.

Putting It Together

We now have information on what natural, organic and sustainable are and how they can be used on packaging. We also now have a few ideas taken from Burt’s Bees, Pangea Organics, and Distant Village. Now what? Now you tie in some of the key words and ideas throughout this article into your marketing plan.

Let people know that your product is 100% natural, or 95% natural. Inform people of the organic ingredients that can be found in your product. It’s OK to say, we use organic essential oils from a certified organic supplier on your marketing materials or to your customers in your store or at the farmer’s market. Tell your potential customers what your company does to contribute to sustainability. In your brochure or website, state that you use natural lighting in your shop or only use recycled packaging.

Determine what unique idea sets you apart from the mainstream and be sure to include this information on all written material from packaging to brochures to websites. Seek out blogs and websites that have followers that are looking for natural products and offer a giveaway, discount, or free sample. Take the specific marketing points of natural products and apply them along with conventional business promotion and start your marketing plan today so your business can thrive tomorrow.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Promoting Your Natural Products - Part Two - Organic & Sustainable Defined

2011-07-29T08:00:00.002-04:00

Organic

While the term natural continues to be disputed, organic is a term that is strictly regulated. In fact, many people are simply not aware of how strict these regulations are and bath and body companies often make claims of their products that are not legally permissible. It is therefore, very important to understand organic certification.

Organic can be defined as of, marked by, or involving the use of fertilizers or pesticides that are strictly of animal or vegetable origin and raised or conducted without the use of drugs, hormones, or synthetic chemicals. Regulations regarding organic products are strictly enforced by the USDA in the United States. The National Organic Program (NOP) by the USDA has a number of agencies that actually certify farmers and sellers of organic materials through a very strict process.

Here is how this affects your bath and body business. You are NOT permitted to use the term organic unless you are certified through the USDA to do so, even when just selling a product. For example, let’s say you make your soap using all organic oils, organic essential oils, and organic herbs for coloring. They are all certified organic ingredients from your favorite supplier. Unless you have become certified to sell organic materials, you are not permitted to call or advertise your soap as organic, except in the product’s ingredient statement (i.e. Ingredients: Almond oil, Organic Lavendula Officinalis (lavender) oil, etc.) You are also permitted to list the percentage of organic ingredients on an informational panel of your product packaging, but not on the primary display panel or main side of the packaging. Failure to follow these rules can result in fines of up to $10,000.

It is important that unless you become a certified organic retailer that you do not use the term organic except in designated areas of your packaging. If you are seeking organic ingredients for your products, look for certified organic suppliers carrying the USDA seal.

Sustainability

Sustainability is another term with no clear cut agreeable definition, and yet it is often used as a buzz word. Basically, it means “to endure.” At the 2005 World Summit it was noted that the term requires the “reconciliation of environmental, social and economic demands - the "three pillars" of sustainability.” All parts are important and lead to sustainability.

A sustainable business, otherwise known as a green business, is a company that leaves no negative impact on the global or local environment, community, society, or economy. Typically, sustainable businesses supply environmentally friendly products and are committed to making business decisions based upon their principles. They strive to ensure that all processes, products, and manufacturing activities adequately address current environmental concerns and that it “meets the needs of the present world without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.”

There are no governing bodies to regulate the term sustainable, green, or eco-friendly. There are non-profit organizations worldwide that are working to develop specific standards for sustainable businesses. However, right now, if you feel that your products are not negatively impacting the environment, society or economy, and your business decisions all support this belief, then you are welcome to advertise your business as such.

Since some of the terms discussed in this article are regulated, you should further educate yourself about the appropriate use of the terms on your packaging and advertisements. For unregulated terms, it is a good practice to educate your customers on how your business meets these terms since many consumers are realizing that these terms are thrown around all too often inappropriately.

For example, if you consider your business to be sustainable or green, state why on your advertisements. Perhaps you use palm oil that is taken from a farm versus the rain forest, or you work with natural lighting in your place of business and run a paperless office. Letting your customers know how or why your products or company meet the requirements, definitions, and in some cases, your view of a term establishes trust and customer loyalty.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Promoting Your Natural Products - Part One - Natural Defined

2011-07-28T16:54:00.000-04:00

Marketing and promoting your natural bath and body products is important to developing a strong, financially stable business. Marketing advice can be gleaned from many prominent business websites and books, therefore it is important to constantly look for new ideas, trends, and guidance to keep up with the most cutting edge ideas for promoting your company. This article is not going to dwell on the countless marketing strategies out there for business in general but instead will give you information on promoting natural products.

One of the most popular trends in any industry right now is ‘natural’. From organic napkins and sheets to natural dog food, the products currently in the ‘natural’ category are almost overwhelming. Some marketing techniques even imply natural when in fact the product is filled with manmade chemical ingredients. As with any good marketing plan, you will need to determine your target market, but for this article it will be assumed that part of your target market are eco-conscious individuals.

Common marketing buzz words include natural, organic, and sustainable. But before we can get into using these marketing phrases, we’ll need to revisit a previous article found in the July/ August 2010 issue of the Saponifier entitled Natural Ingredient Terms, Regulations, and Governing Bodies Explained. This article will only highlight a few key points from the previous issue. Reading the full 2010 issue is highly recommended for anyone selling natural products and can be purchased at www.Saponifier.com .

Natural

There is much dispute over what ingredients or final products are considered natural. Let me first state that there is NO official governing body or definitive regulations for using this term. There are guidelines that are black and white and many organizations and government entities seek to define what natural is, but none of these groups has come up with a clear rule.

Let’s first take a look at the guidelines that are clear, but still un-regulated. Natural ingredients must come from the earth. If the ingredient is man-made, it is synthetic and cannot be advertised as natural. For example, essential oils are taken directly from plants. Most undergo steam distillation. No other items are added. Essential oils are considered natural by most. Fragrance oils are man-made synthetics. They may contain a small amount of natural ingredients, but typically are created using chemicals in a lab.

Now let’s discuss the grey area. The problem with the term natural is there are differing opinions on the definition, which affect many ingredients and final products. What one organization considers natural is not the same as another organization. With no governing body to decide which definition to use and how to regulate the use of the term, there is confusion and disputes.

Here are some of the different definitions for the term Natural:

FDA - "ingredients extracted directly from plants or animal products as opposed to being produced synthetically."

USDA (applies only to meat and poultry) - "those products carrying the “natural” claim must not contain any artificial flavoring, color ingredients, chemical preservatives, or artificial or synthetic ingredients, and are only “minimally processed” defined by USDA as a process that does not fundamentally alter the raw product."

Dictionary.com – “having undergone little or no processing and containing no chemical additives”

Concise Oxford Dictionary - “existing in, or caused by nature; produced by nature; not artificial; true to nature; uncultivated; wild existing in natural state; not disguised or altered”.

This list of definitions is endless. All agree that natural must be derived from the earth. However, some definitions suggest that natural can only come from plants and animals. But isn’t a mineral derived from the earth a natural material? Many micas, oxides, and ultramarines are directly extracted from the earth (some are manmade so check with your supplier to find out if your colorants are natural or not.) Some would consider them natural, although they do undergo a chemical process to make them safe for use. However, there are countless ingredients widely considered natural that must undergo chemical changes or be extracted using solvents. Others believe that mineral pigments have some of their natural components removed, but does that render the rest of the pigment unnatural?

You’re beginning to see the dilemma faced by the world. No country can come up with an agreeable definition for the term natural. And since much is tainted by people’s perceptions, it is difficult for organizations within one country to agree. It’s quite a sticky situation.

The Natural Ingredient Resource Center at www.naturalingredient.org has their own version of what constitutes a natural bath and body product. However, keep in mind that their definition of natural is equally controversial and in no way is this organization an official governing body, but their program is a good start for voluntary truth in labeling and worth taking a look at.

So how does that effect promoting your product? Well, first you need to decide which definition you agree with and then you can determine which wording best suits your stance when it comes to a marketing campaign. Sticking to what you feel is ethically right in a description of your product is a good starting point.

For example, if you use natural ingredients to make your soap, BUT you use a synthetic fragrance oil, you cannot say your “All Natural” and definitely not “100% Natural”, but you could figure out your fragrance percentage of the whole soap. Many times this is anywhere from 1-2%. You could promote your soap as “Natural” according to the 5% rule at the Natural Ingredient Resource Center. If you are not comfortable with that “98% Natural” is even better, since it shows customers that you’ve determined exactly how much of the product is natural and empowers the customer to make a choice that’s right for them. Remember, your marketing to people who are interested in natural products, not everyone in the world. So think of what they want from a company.

It’s good to go shopping and look at other company packaging for ideas and trends. Burt’s Bees products list the percentage of natural ingredients in their products. Not every product they make is 100% natural, but they come pretty close. And customers looking for these products appreciate this company’s more accurate terms on packaging.

Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Relocation a Success

2011-07-26T18:34:00.000-04:00

I have officially relocated to North Carolina. Our move went well, although we are still unpacking. I must say it's a little like going to a foreign country. The roads are different. The grocery stores are different. And the people are different. You get the idea.

As an example, I am used to driving on one of the top 10 deadliest stretches of road in the country, and waiting through 4-5 traffic light changes at one intersection during rush hour on 3 straight lanes, 2 left turn lanes, and 1 right turn lane roadways. Quite frustrating to say the least. Here in Greensboro, the 3rd largest city in North Carolina, the rush hour traffic is actually relaxing, although natives would probably disagree. So my stress level is down and I no longer worry about driving my daughter to dance classes.

We're still trying to get settled. On a plus, I DID find my soap recipe journals that I couldn't find before the move. They had fallen behind a desk drawer, so that's a relief.

All in all, things are good and I can get back to soapmaking and posting on my blog. It's good to be back!

The Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Soap Withdrawal?

2011-06-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

I think I am having soap withdrawal. I haven't made soap in about a month since I knew we were going to be relocating. Now I am feeling anxious and stressed. Oh wait, perhaps that's because I am leaving an area I've lived my entire life. But I do feel like I have pent up creativity dying to get out. Could that be a withdrawal symptom?

I am already envisioning how I'm going to set up my new soapmaking "shop" - OK so it's still a kitchen but I will have a huge pantry designated to housing only my soap stuff with pull-out shelving right off the kitchen, and a great new space for setting up my curing racks that doesn't interfere with anyone else in the house. I will also have my very own office.

Moving day is just 11 days away. So you won't hear from me until after the move. As soon as I can get unpacked I will be back to making soaps and blogging more regularly. I can't wait!!

The Bath Alchemyby The Bonnie Bath Co.

Floral Sculpted Soaps and Candles - Part 2

2011-05-10T08:33:00.002-04:00

Making floating floral candles is just liking making soap. You will follow the same basic steps with a couple of variations. See the step by step tutorial of sculpting flowers here.

Floating Rose Candle

Dip and carve wax

Fragrance

Colorant

Primed 1 in wick (cut to 2 inches long)

Double boiler

Pouring pot

Spoon

Rubber 9x9 baking pan

Cutting board

Cookie cutters or knife

Ball/ Veining tool (cake decorating tool) optional

Small piece of foam optional

Hair dryer

Follow all of the soapmaking steps in the previous article, replacing soap with wax. The only differences are you’ll want to use a bigger cookie cutter and pour your wax a tiny bit thicker or your candle will come out tiny and Step 5 has an added step. Lay the wick across the wax triangle then roll the wax up. Press the wax together to form a teardrop shape. Then proceed to the next step.

Now you can create beautiful glycerin flowers and floating wax candles. Try using different floral cookie cutters and different colors and scents to create new flowers, such as water lilies and gardenias. Be creative and have some fun.

Floral Sculpted Soaps and Candles - Part 1

2011-05-09T08:20:00.005-04:00

Now that the seasons have changed and flowers are blooming, this is a perfect time for a tutorial on how to make 3D sculpted floral floating candles or glycerin soap. The method is the same for both, and they are quite easy once you get the hang of it. Since our example shows glycerin soap becoming a rose, we will discuss the soap first. (Sorry for the lousy photos...I need to learn how to use my camera. One of these days...)

Sculpted Rose Soap

Melt and pour soap base
Fragrance
Colorant
Measuring cup
Spoon
Rubber 9x9 baking pan
Cutting board
Cookie cutters or knife
Ball/ Veining tool (cake decorating tool) optionalSmall piece of foam optionalHair dryer

Using a microwave, melt the soap base in a measuring cup for ease of pouring reserving a small amount for leaves and sepals. Add your colorant and fragrance and blend well.

Step 1

Step 2Pour the melted soap base into the baking pan no more than 1/8 inch deep. You really want the layer as thin as you can so that the soap is pliable enough to sculpt, but thick enough to not follow apart when you touch it. If you find that you have poured the soap too thick or too thin, don’t worry. Place it back in the measuring cup, melt it, and try again. Allow to cool and solidify

Step 3Peel the soap sheet out of the pan. This is where the rubber pan comes in handy. You can use other pans, but rubber makes it easy. Place the soap sheet on a cutting board. Cut a corner of the soap sheet off in a triangle. No need for perfection.

If you are good with a knife and particularly artistic, slice some nice rounded petals in the soap sheet. If you are like most of us and fear both slicing off a finger and creating the most deformed flower ever, use a cookie cutter to cut 3-4 flowers, each is another layer in the completed project. The cookie cutter used in this tutorial is found in the cake decorating section of the craft store and is used to sculpt roses into fondant. You can use just about any cookie cutter and make most kinds of flowers.

Step 4Place your rose on a small piece of foam. The foam shown has a vinyl backing perfect for placing your flower piece. This can also be found in the cake decorating section or you can use a scrap of a padded table cloth base found at the fabric store.

Note: If at any point you find that the soap sheet is not pliable enough even though it is very thin, use a hair dryer to soften it a little throughout the process.
Depending on your cookie cutter, you may need to make small slices in the cutouts to separate the petals from each other, but be sure not to cut too far towards the center. Using the ball/ veining tool, press the petals and the center of the flower cutout to thin the soap and round them a bit. Repeat this process for all of the petal layers.

Step 5Take the triangle piece of soap sheet and roll it into a teardrop shape. This will act as the bud.

Step 6Use the hair dryer to slightly heat the bottom of the teardrop bud just enough that it will adhere to the center of one flower cutout. A spritz of rubbing alcohol can aid in tacking it as well (on soap only). Place the bottom of the bud in the center of one of the flower cutouts. Fold in each petal around the bud one at a time. To make it realistic, try to curl the edge of the petal outward while pressing the base of the petal toward the bud.

Step 7Use the hair dryer to soften the bottom of your flower and place in the center of the next layer of petals.

Step 8Bring in each petal toward the bud and fan out the top edge. This takes some practice. Repeat this process until the flower is the size you want, usually 3-4 layers.

Step 9Using a microwave, melt the soap base for the leaves and sepals in a measuring cup. Add your colorant and fragrance and blend well. Pour the melted soap base into the baking pan no more than 1/8 inch deep. Allow to cool and solidify. Peel the soap sheet out of the pan. Cut out leaves and sepals using a cookie cutter or knife.

Step 10Soften the sepal using the hair dryer. Press it to the bottom of the flower. Place the leaf on the foam. Using the tip of the ball/ veining tool, create little creases or veins in the leaf, and round inward along the edges using the ball side of the tool. Soften the leaf and apply to the bottom of flower.

You now have a beautiful rose. If you are worried about the delicate nature of the flower, you can embed it in clear melt and pour soap base, but be sure the temperature is as low as possible. You can also make floral arrangements out of your soaps. Just insert a wooden skewer into the bottom of the flower and you can design your own arrangements.

Bath Alchemy
by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural Bath for Babies and Children - Recipes

2011-05-07T08:01:00.005-04:00

Baby Powder

2 oz arrowroot powder
2 oz cornstarch
1 Tbsp kaolin clay
10 drops sweet orange essential oil
5 drops rose geranium essential oil
5 drops ylang-ylang essential oil

Place powders in a container with lid or a zip bag and add the essential oils. Close the lid and shake to distribute the oil. Let stand several days to distribute the essential oil. Use with every diaper change, or as needed.

Diaper Rash Treatment

1 cup calendula oil
1 oz beeswax
1 oz shea butter
8 drops of lavender essential oil

Melt oil, wax and butter together. Remove from heat and add essential oil. Pour into tins or jars and allow to cool. Apply to affected area between diaper changes.

Herbal Bath Milk

1 1/2 cups Goats Milk Powder
1 cup Cornstarch
1/4 cup Chamomile Powder
2 Tbsp Lavender Powder
5 drops Lavender Essential oil
1 drop Chamomile Essential Oil

Combine powdered ingredients, then add essential oils and blend well. Place in bottles or tins. Use 1 tablespoon for a baby size tub. ¼ cup can be used in standard tubs. Place mixture in a muslin drawstring bag and add to bath water.

Gentle Orange Blossom Bubble Bath

½ cup liquid soap (Castile is a good choice)
2 Tbsp glycerin
2 Tbsp distilled water
½ tsp sugar (extends the life of the bubbles)
5 drops sweet orange essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the ingredients and place in bottles. Pour a small amount under running water in a bath.

Bath Alchemy
by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural Bath for Babies and Children

2011-05-06T19:59:00.002-04:00

Over the years, we have had many articles regarding natural ingredients, essential oils, and herbs and botanicals that can be used in bath products (and even candles). However, while there are numerous essential oils and other ingredients that are safe for adults and their skin, that is not necessarily the case for babies and small children. Therefore, it is important to discuss essential oils and botanicals that are kid safe in small quantities followed by a few formulas.

There are two very important points that you should note before embarking on creating baby products:

1. Research all of your ingredients well, specifically for baby or child usage

2. Always take diluting essential oils seriously, especially for sensitive, baby skin

Essential Oils and Botanicals for Children

In Shirley Price's book, Aromatherapy for Babies and Children, 19 oils that are safe for children are mentioned. The descriptions just highlight the key properties. These oils are:

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)* - Citrus scent that promotes a feeling of happiness

• Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)** - Fresh, woody scent that is both calming and repels insects

• Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) – Sweet, herbaceous scent that calms and lessens achiness

• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – Fresh, evergreen aroma that is uplifting

• Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) - woody, balsamic, slightly spicy oil that lessens anxiety and aids the healing of coughing and bronchitis

• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) – Floral and fruity aroma

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Spicy, woody scent good for achiness and nausea

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – A sweet, floral good for many things, including anti-depression and whooping cough

• Lemon (Citrus limon)* - Fresh lemon scent good for colds

• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)* - Has a very sweet, citrus scent

• Marjoram (Origanum majorana) – Herbaceous with a medicinal aroma, good for treating colic and coughing

• Melaleuca-Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – Herbaceous with a medicinal aroma, good for treating coughing, asthma, and insect bites and sores

• Orange (Citrus aurantium)* - Sweet and citrusy used for colds and to reduce stress

• Rose Otto (Rosa damascena) – Sweet floral used for depression and eczema

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)** - Fresh and herbaceous scent for achiness and exhaustion

• Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) – Woody floral good for fever, flu, and sensitive skin

• Sandalwood (Santalum album) – Woody and delicate used to treat bronchitis, stress, and chapped skin

• Thyme (Thumus vulgaris CT linalol) – Fresh, herbaceous aroma for treating insect bites, colds, muscle aches, and dermatitis

• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) – Fresh floral that reduces stress

*These oils are photosensitive; always dilute. To prevent a rash or pigmentation of the skin, do not use citrus oils when exposed to direct sunlight.

**These oils should never be used undiluted on babies and children.

Caution: Do not use synthetic or adulterated oils. Do not use oils with different botanical names until the safety data has been thoroughly reviewed.

Bath Alchemy

by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Moving Sale - Soap and Bath Supply Garage Sale

2011-04-27T18:32:00.002-04:00

I have finally placed the items I need to sell on my website, although I may have some fragrances to go up, too, so you'll have to check back. There are over 38 different soap and bath related items, most of which are new. I am selling some used molds as well. CLICK HERE to shop.

Note:
1. Everything is "as is" just as it would be at a yard sale. And no, you can't return it if you don't like it.
2. Everything is discounted from what I paid for it. So you are getting some good deals.
3. For US shipping - I had to guess based on weight. I will REFUND any shipping over charges by $1 or more via Paypal. So if you start putting a bunch of stuff in the cart and the shipping seems high, don't worry. I won't pocket the extra money, I'll give it back to you once I box and calculate actual shipping.
4. For International shipping - If you tell me what you want in an email, I will remove it from the website and give you your total with actual shipping to be paid via Paypal.

Feel free to ask questions. And get it while it lasts!

A House, A winner, Some Soap, and More

2011-04-26T10:13:00.001-04:00

Lots going on....

1. I flew up to NC, remember I am relocating, a couple weeks ago and selected a house to purchase. It's very bright and airy inside and bigger than the place we have now. Got plans for my new office/soap/scrapbooking/sewing/craft room. Did I mention I am very excited?

2. The mystery scents for the Brambleberry Soap panel were revealed. However, I am not going to list them yet since I want Brambleberry to have a chance to reveal the ones they will carry first. Also, if the winner of the Mystery Lotion Samples is up to it, I'd love to see a guest blog with some of her opinions before revealing.

I did get a lovely thank you note and freebies from Brambleberry, as if trying out the lovely fragrances wasn't reward enough. Thank you, Brambleberry Team!!

3. Speaking of winning, who is the winner of that Mystery Lotion Sample Set - let's see....how about #5 Amanda Renea?

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-04-19 23:59:30 UTC

Amanda, please contact me ASAP, and I will get your prize in the mail. If you would like to let us know what you think with a guest blog post, we'd love to hear from you and will of course, link to your own website or blog if you like. You do NOT have to guest blog. There is no obligation except to give me your address. :-)

And if Cassandra, Black Pearl, Mustang Jane, and Merryn will email me your addresses, I will send you 2 mystery lotion samples...the one you mentioned plus a surprise scent.

4. I participated in Brambleberry's soap swap in December and didn't even show you guys what I sent and what I got. The first soap is mine, Grapefruit Sunrise.

These are the goodies that came back and I have to say, I am quite pleased. They look and smell wonderful and I can't wait to try them out.

I am participating in the latest soap swap, so I hope to have some more pictures soon.

5. Remember I told you my daughter was in the Nutcracker with the Miami City Ballet in December? Well here is a photo. She was a polichenille that ran out from under Mother Ginger's skirt and danced. I don't typically share photos of my family, epsecially my daughter, for safety and privacy reasons, but she's well disguised in this photo and it's already posted by the ballet company. She is on the front left.

6. I have a couple of soap/bath related items I need to sell before I move, mostly packaging, but there's other stuff as well. I'm placing them on my temporary, partially finshed website for purchase later today. I am still working on the website, but it always takes a back seat to other stuff so... Click Here

7. My new packaging is coming along. Here are my lip balms...yummy and 100% natural

And here are bath salts in the new packaging. I love bath salts. They are one of my favorite bath items along with soap and scrubs.

8. A bit of bad news...I've lost both my soap recipe notebooks. I can't find them anywhere...all of my product recipes along with all my business ideas for the last few years were in those notebooks. I sometimes took them with me to work on while waiting for my daughter at dance and stuff, but I can't imagine leaving them anywhere. I have not unearthed them in my house, although as I am packing, some rooms are in shambles, and they could have been unceremoniously tossed in a pile to deal with later. It's really annoying me that I don't know what I did with them. Plus I need them. I'll continue searching and biting my nails until everything is packed.

I think I've covered all the tidbits I wanted to share. Now that I am in town, I should be able to share some posts over the next few weeks before going MIA again.

New Packaging Reveal - Milk and Honey Lotion

2011-03-29T15:02:00.000-04:00

Here's a peek of our new lotion labels and packaging. More to come. For more information, see our other blog, click here. I can tell you that a couple of these will change a little, but overall I am pleased.

SOAP - Brambleberry's Soap Panel - Lotion Samples & Contest

2011-03-29T11:13:00.000-04:00

I have now tried out each of Brambleberry's mystery floral fragrances from the SOAP panel in a fresh batch of lotion. I must say, they smell different than in soap or from the bottle. These lotions were scented at 2% and I made another wheel to show discolorations, which at this time were minimal.

I then tried out each fragranced lotion on the inside of my arm to get an idea of the scents in this medium. For comparison, if you are really that interested, click here for my first impressions and click here for my results in soap.

Now I do have sensitive skin, so I expect some reactions, and reactions I did receive. Since my own personal allergies and skin sensitivities do not necessarily reflect that of the general public, I will not reveal anything further on this matter. Suffice it to say, if you have customers with sensitive skin they should always sample products before using them. I really suggest offering samples if you don't already.

Gardenia #1 - I enjoyed this version so much more than before. It smells very much like a gardenia when scented at a lower percentage, as in lotion. It's sweet and seems to have a melon note to it.

Gardenia #2 - Still doesn't smell like gardenias, but I really like it in lotion. It's delicate and subtle...not at all overpowering and I really think people would enjoy this one named as something else.

Gardenia #3 - This gardenia is an OK attempt. Not sweet enough but still enjoyable.

Mystery #4 - My impression of this one hasn't changed...light, green and melon. Very spa like.

Mystery #5 - No change...still smells like tea with sugar...maybe tea candy - I just tried some tea candy the other day coincidentally.

Mystery #6 - No change. Smells like a familiar spa like flower. It could be Oriental.

Mystery #7 - Definitely a citrus like floral. I love the airiness of it.

Mystery #8 - Wow! This one changed a lot in lotion. It's floral but with amber tones - exotic, maybe Oriental.

Mystery #9 - Still very tropical. This one is fun for summer.

Mystery #10 - Sticking with my original guess...synthetic jasmine.

CONTEST TIME! Do you just love Brambleberry? Or are you a fragrance junkie? Want to try each mystery fragrance yourself? One lucky person will recieve all ten of our lotion samples in Brambleberry's mystery fragrances. A guest blog about your take on the scents would be awesome but is not required. So, just post below telling me which mystery fragrance you would like to try most by Friday, April 1st at 10 PM EST. I will randomly choose one winner to recieve all 10 lotion samples.

It is the winner's responsibility to contact me within one week. Otherwise, I give it to the next randomly chosen person.

Bath Alchemy
Hosted by The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

SOAP - Brambleberry's Soap Panel - Follow-up to MP Soap Samples

2011-03-28T22:50:00.000-04:00

I've been out of town for 1 1/2 weeks. First I went on a cruise that my daughter was dancing on and then I helped my mother move to NC. Now that I am home, I took a peek at the lovely smelling MP soap samples that I made using the fragrances sent by Brambleberry from the SOAP panel. To my surprise, some of the soaps have discolored over that time.

Click here to read my previous findings. In this first photo, you can see the melt and pour soaps with an unscented control in the center of the grouping.

In the second photo you will see that several of the soaps have turned tan over time, which is not something I would want a floral to do. The only fragrance that stayed white was number 6. Next up, I will share my results using the fragrances in lotions and we will have a little contest.

Bath Alchemy

Hosted by The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Sensuous Massage Candles

2011-03-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

Massage candles are quite unique and yet so easy to make. They are not simply candles, but a solid form of massage oil that is melted with a burning wick. The wax melts at a temperature slightly higher than body temperature, and is poured off the candle directly onto the skin. The wax is loaded with skin-loving ingredients like oils and butters and body safe fragrance.

Massage candles are basically soy candles, since soy wax is safe to use on the skin and doesn't require high temperatures for melting. For massage candles, the wax must be high-quality so that it won't irritate your skin. The soy wax is melted and combined with oils and butters to allow it to be absorbed. Without these additions, the wax would cool and harden as it was being massaged into the skin.

Only skin safe fragrances and essential oils can be used. However, not just any skin safe fragrance can be used to scent the candle. It must also be rated candle safe since not all fragrances are appropriate for burning. Colors are generally not used since the wax/oil mixture is applied directly to the skin. If you do choose to color the candle, it is recommended that a skin safe colorant, which is also candle safe, is used.

If you are looking for all natural methods of scenting and coloring your massage candles, there are a few things to consider. Not all essential oils can be used in candle making. In fact, a large number are not safe at all. Here is a list of essential oils that seem to work fine in candles. Be aware that the essential oils must be pure and all candles should undergo a burn test, which simply means that you should burn one candle from each type you carry to ensure that it burns properly.

Bergamot – Citrus scent that promotes a feeling of happiness.

Chamomile - Used for relaxing or exciting, helps with sleeplessness and anxiety.

Eucalyptus - Balancing and stimulating with a woody and camphor-like aroma, it makes a great air disinfectant and relieves muscle tension. It also helps with respiratory problems and boosts the immune system.

Frankincense – Earthy scent which complements meditation.

Geranium - Comforting and healing while also being uplifting with a floral, sweet, and earthy smell.

Ginger – Spicy scent that helps to increase memory.

Grapefruit - Freshly uplifting and refreshing.

Jasmine – Sweet floral scent that uplifts your mood and spirit.

Lavender - Calming and relaxing with a sweet, floral aroma.

Lemon - Invigorating oil which uplifts and relaxes your senses.

Lemongrass - Refreshing and rejuvenating, with a sweet and citrus scent.

Patchouli – Exotic, earthy scent that relieves stress.

Peppermint - Stimulating and refreshing, with a menthol scent that helps with digestive disorders, headaches and muscle aches.

Orange – Refreshing and rejuvenating, with a sweet and citrus scent.

Rosemary - An out of the world oil, which is stimulating and uplifting and good for mental stimulation.

Sandalwood - Warm and relaxing with a woody and exotic smell that relieves stress.

Tea Tree - Cleansing and refreshing with a fresh, medicinal fragrance.

Ylang Ylang - Both relaxing and stimulating with a heavy, sweet, and exotic aroma.

You will not be able to find natural candle colorants off the shelf. In fact, naturally coloring candles is not common, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Many herbs, flowers and other botanicals will clog your wick when added to candles for color. It’s all about method when it comes to coloring candles from botanicals. A simple oil infusion will do the trick.

You have a choice. You can infuse the herbs in the oil you are using, or infuse them to the wax and oil mixture. Place some oil and/or wax in a double boiler and melt. Place an equal amount of herbs in a heat sealable tea bag or a coffee filter tied off with some string. Toss the herbal bag into the pot of wax and allow to steep while over a very low heat until the color of the herb tints the wax. This may take hours. You can also try placing the herbs and wax in a bowl and setting it in a water bath in a crock pot where the temperature can be kept low and you won’t need to continually replenish the water. You can then add this colored wax to your candle mixture to provide a natural tint. You’ll need to experiment with different herbs to get the desired colors.

Here are some botanicals that may be used to color candles using the infusion method.

Alkanet Root – Purple to red color

Annatto Seeds – Yellow color

Kelp – Natural green color

Lemon Peel – Yellow to orange color

Madder Root – Peach color

Orange Peel – Natural orange color

Paprika – Deep, rich orange color

Parsley – Natural green color

Rosehips – Burgundy red color

Rosemary – Natural green color

Spirulina – Warm green color

Turmeric – Bright yellow color

Note: You will need to conduct a burn test to be sure your wicks do not clog and that smoke and unpleasant fumes are not let off. Also, be sure your candle is burning evenly.

Supplies needed:

Double boiler
Candle thermometer
Wooden spoon
High quality soy wax

Containers (glass or tin)

Scissors

Newspaper

Wick seal

Wick holder

Wicks for soy wax for a 1-2 inch diameter candle
Oils and/or butters appropriate for massage
Skin and candle safe fragrance
Infused colorants (optional)

Wick your candle, securing the wick in the container and the wick holder on top of the container. Determine the amount of fluid your container will hold. Melt 3 parts wax to 1 part oil/butter in the double boiler, making sure not to exceed the recommended melting temperature for your ingredients. You can infuse the mixture with herbs for color or leave natural. Add fragrance according to directions for skin safety, usually at a maximum of 3-5%. Typically, for every 4 parts of wax/oil (3 parts wax to 1 part oil), you can add a maximum of ¼ part fragrance. Pour the wax/oil mixture into the candle container and allow to cool. Trim wick and it’s ready for use.

To use, light the candle and allow the wax to pool. Then blow the candle out and allow the wax to sit for 1-2 minutes until it is cool enough to touch, but warm enough to keep the wax soft. Pour or scoop a small amount of wax into your hands and massage it into your skin. Any left over, can be scraped back into the container, as it will be remelted the next time you use it.

Since these candles are made to be used on the skin as a lotion or moisturizer, you must follow proper labeling procedures including listing all ingredients. Not only is this a requirement, it also allows the customer the opportunity to make sure no allergies exist for any of the ingredients.

These candles make great gifts, especially for couples. Choose scents that create a relaxing or sensuous ambience. Containers that allow for easy pouring or scooping are preferable.

Sea Goddess Body Mask - Herbal Spa Body Treatments

2011-03-17T09:00:00.001-04:00

Body Masks and Wraps

Body masks and wraps are typically used for detoxification. Most people shy away from making body masks at home, but there are some tricks to keeping the mess down. To do this, line a clean bath tub with some large old bath towels or blanket. Place a cheap plastic tarp or shower curtain over the towels. Apply the mask to the body. Lie on top of the plastic in the tub and relax. If you want the wrap effect or are worried about a chill, fold the plastic in around you. You can even throw a towel over the top of the plastic. When finished remove the towels from the tub and rinse yourself and the plastic off.

Sea Goddess Body Mask

1 cup French green clay

1 cup kelp powder

¼ cup dendritic salt

30 drops Lemongrass essential oil

10 drops Rosemary essential oil

Add essential oils to dendritic salt and blend well. Add clay and kelp and mix. Place in jars or tins. This recipe stays dry until it is ready to be used. Place ½ to 1 cup of dry mixture in a bowl. Mix just enough water to form a paste. Spread the paste over body in an upward sweeping motion and leave on for 30 minutes while resting in the prepared tub. Rinse with warm water. Hydrosols or very light oil such as sweet almond oil can be used in place of the water.

While nothing can compare to relaxing in a spa while licensed experts treat your body with every indulgence under the sun, you can create great herbal spa treatments for the home enthusiast looking for a less expensive alternative while obtaining nutrient enriched treatments for excellent skin care and health.

Grapefruit Salt Glow Recipe - Herbal Spa Body Treatments

2011-03-16T09:00:00.011-04:00

Body Treatments

Not quite as popular as the massage or facial, body treatments are equally important to the skin. Many of these treatments include exfoliants in the forms of scrubs and salt glows or body masks, which sometimes require the body be wrapped.

Scrubs are quite easy to make and use for the home treatment and are referred to as scrubs, polishes and glows. Exfoliants can be slightly courser than used on the face, but steer away from ingredients that are too abrasive. For example, a fine grain sea salt makes a great salt glow but the coarser grain should be saved for bath salts.

Grapefruit Salt Glow

1 cup carrier oil (such as macadamia nut or hazelnut oil)
½ cup fine Himalayan pink salt
½ cup fine dead sea salt

30 drops Grapefruit essential oil

15 drops Lemon essential oil

8 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil

¼ teaspoon vitamin E

Blend ingredients together and place in a jar or Malibu container. To use, scoop or squeeze a fair amount of scrub into your hands, enter the shower and massage over the body avoiding sensitive areas. Rinse with warm water.

Note that this scrub does not contain a preservative. Since it doesn’t contain water, it is not necessary. However, no water can enter the container. If you fear that water can possibly enter the jar, choose the Malibu container, which is less likely to allow such a contamination.

Gentle Oatmeal, Milk and Honey Mask Facial Recipe - Herbal Spa Treatments

2011-03-15T09:00:00.008-04:00

Facials

Another popular spa treatment is the facial. Not only is this a relaxing treatment, it is also very good for your skin. A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes to promote clear, well-hydrated skin. This treatment begins by gently cleansing the skin using a mild soap designed to match the person’s skin type – dry, oily, sensitive, combination. Next it is exfoliated, which can be accomplished through a facial scrub, which is much gentler than what is used on the body, or by using a mask. A quick toner will help to tighten the open pores. Finally the face is gently massaged with a light moisturizer also designed for a person’s skin type.

Many people already use a cleanser, toner and facial moisturizer. The exfoliants tend to be the luxury when it comes to a facial. The purpose of the exfoliant is to slough away dead skin revealing a fresh face and to draw out impurities deep within the pores so the skin can function more effectively. Because the face is so delicate, it is imperative that only gentle exfoliants be used in a facial.

Gentle Oatmeal, Milk and Honey Mask

2 tablespoons pink kaolin clay

1 tablespoon fine colloidal oatmeal

1 teaspoon milk powder (goat’s milk or buttermilk work well)

1 teaspoon rosehip powder

1 teaspoon honey powder

Mix the ingredients together and package for later use. This recipe is designed to be kept dry until ready for use making it quite convenient to both sell and use. At that time, place a small amount of the above mixture in the palm of your hand. Mix just enough water to form a paste. Spread the paste on face in small circular motions and leave for 15 minutes followed by a rinse with warm water. Hydrosols, such as rose, or very light oil such as sweet almond oil can be used in place of the water.

A Small Contribution to Japan

2011-03-14T23:35:00.001-04:00

It's quite obvious that Japan is in dire straights and needs a helping hand. From Nature With Love (FNWL) will match any contributions made through their shopping system through March 18th to the Red Cross to aid Japan.

If you use the affiliate link in the right side bar of my blog to place an order with FNWL, I receive a small percentage of your order. I will take all affiliate money earned plus a matching contribution of my own for the remainder of March and also donate to the Red Cross in a small effort to help Japan.

So be sure to use my affiliate link and lets help Japan while we make our bath and body products.

Our Hearts Go Out to Japan

2011-03-14T23:26:00.000-04:00

As you know, Japan's most powerful earthquake since records began struck the north-east coast, triggering a massive tsunami. Incredible destruction was caused by a wall of water after the 8.9-magnitude tremor. Thousands have perished and hundreds of thousands are displaced. And a nuclear power plant teeters on the the edge of further catastrophe.

Words cannot express my hopes of peace for these people and a speedy return to normality for this struggling country. You are in our hearts. Hang in there.

If you remember after the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile last year, I mentioned that there would be others. Click here to view that statement. If the earthquake had been small, I'd say we were coming to an end of these consecutive disasters, but considering the magnitude of this earthquake, I'm gonna say it's not over til the fat lady sings. This is simple logic. When pressure builds in one area, it must be evenly released to go back to normal. Again we must watch vigilantly and continue to reach out to our neighbors.

Lavender Chamomile Massage Oil Recipe - Herbal Spa Treatments

2011-03-14T16:09:00.000-04:00

Lavender Chamomile Massage Oil

Oil infusion:

½ part dried chamomile flowers

½ part dried lavender buds

2 parts oil (grape seed oil is great for massage)

Infuse the flowers in the oil using one of the methods discussed above.

Massage oil:
4 oz oil infusion (see above)
12 drops Lavender essential oil
12 drops Chamomile essential oil
¼ teaspoon vitamin E
Add essential oils and vitamin E to infused oil and blend. Massage a small amount into skin.

Our New Blog Name... Bath Alchemy

2011-03-13T11:26:00.000-04:00

We are separating our blog identity from our business, The Bonnie Bath Co., with a new look and new name. We already have a company blog, which you can find by clicking here. Our look isn't finished yet, but our name is already up.

We wanted something that reflected the bath industry in general, and since we include a lot of recipes and tutorials and general information, why not name it the Bath Alchemy, since we truly are in search of "gold" in our products? We also take some oil and lye and voila, we have something completely new and different.

Our blog URL will remain the same. And there is nothing that you need to do. It's just to let you know that you are still in the right place, and all our articles will continue in much the same manner that they already do.

Now I just need to work on a slogan...

Blog Roll Update

2011-03-13T09:00:00.003-04:00

I dropped 60 blogs from my Google Reader the other day. That's right, 60 and it still seems like I still have a billion. I don't read everything everyone posts, but I definitely read headlines and see if something interests me.

I chopped these 60 blogs because they haven't posted in months or there is not enough material that interests me, mostly being the former. You can see the blogs I follow on my blog roll in the right hand column. Please excuse our blog designing dust. We are working on making some big changes and we are not through yet, so don't be too critical yet. Our final unveiling should occur in the next few days.

Why have a blog roll? It's good networking. I have found many blogs through other people and have made new contacts and friends that way. You might be thinking that putting your competitors' blogs on your own blog is bad business. It's not for several reasons.

1. Those of us looking for good blogs will find them one way or another. It'll just take a little longer.

2. It establishes you as actively participating in the soaping community. It shows the bath companies that have blogs you like, giving you a little more credibility.

3. Sharing information is a positive thing. Perhaps you have great soaps, but no recipes or no melt and pour ideas, why not share them?

4. You gain visibility. It is common practice to reciprocate links, especially in blog rolls.

5. Networking is important to business. You never know what business contact you will make just by networking with others within your industry. In fact, when I get emails or calls from people looking for a vendor in the area or wanting something I don't carry, I send them to one of the other people in my network of blogs. And why not? I can't help the person with their needs, but I know exactly who makes what they want. My referral makes me look professional and knowledgeable.

Just something to think about. In the meantime, look at my blog roll for other blogs you might like to follow.

Do you not see your name in the blog roll, yet you have an active blog (meaning you post at least once every other month)? Post a link to your blog below, so I and others can find you.

Are you on my blog roll? Consider reciprocating the link. Let's all share information and grow as a soapy blogging community.

SOAP - Brambleberry's Soap Panel - Melt and Pour Soap

2011-03-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

I am working on testing the Brambleberry fragrances as part of the SOAP panel. See the previous article by clicking here.

Today I worked on melt and pour soap samples. Each bar is made of a mixture of 100% natural shea butter and goat's milk melt and pour soap base. Each soap is only 1 ounce and contains fragrance at 5%. This is not what I normally scent at but I wanted the fragrance to be very strong so I could really smell them in a product as opposed to the bottle.

I immediately noticed that some of the fragrances were going to tint the soap, so I made one of the soaps without any fragrance as a control for comparison. The photo shows the control in the center with all of the soaps in a circle around the control.

Here is what I noticed about each soap:

1. Gardenia - Yellows the soap a lot but not as much as the other 2 gardenias. It smells the most like gardenia. Still lacking the sweet stuff, but it definitely is the best out of the 3, although as gardenias are white, I wouldn't want to use a fragrance oil that tinted the soap yellow in this case.

2. Gardenia -Yellows the soap a lot. Smells nothing like gardenia and while I liked it in the bottle, I don't care for it in the soap. It smells powdery mixed with something green or melon like.

3. Gardenia - Yellows the soap a lot and smells nothing like gardenia. It has a very green scent.

4. Very slight yellow tint. Not enough to worry about. My problem with this fragrance is it didn't want to blend with the soap base. I kept pouring it out and remixing it. This might not happen with a lower dose, but it does at 5%. It smells very green and melon like, perhaps a little like cucumber. I don't care for melon scents but they are popular.

5. Yellows somewhat. Still smells like very sweet tea.

6. No tinting at all. Still light and airy but a lot different than in the bottle. It was my favorite from the bottle, but in the soap, I no longer like it as much. I'm having a tough time describing this one.

7. Minimal tinting if any. It smells a lot like oranges. I really like this one.

8. Minimal tinting if any. It is a refreshing scent. Before I described there being a slight eucalyptus scent to it, but in the soap it smells a little minty, but still floral.

9. Minimal tinting if any. Definitely smells tropical and slightly fruity.

10. Yellows somewhat. This is a strong scent similar to jasmine or honeysuckle. Again, these flowers are white, so if this fragrance is supposed to be one of those scents, I would not want one that tints soap yellow.

Next, I will be testing lotion, bath bombs, hopefully some goat's milk CP soaps and some body scrubs.

I invite you to see what the other ladies are finding in their tests of these fragrances. Their blogs are listed below.

Holly with Lotion Bar Cafe

Ruth with Sirona Springs Handmade Soap

Ann with Pitter Patter Designs

Catie with Catie Beth Bath and Body

Meghan with Dreaming Tree Soapworks

Amber with Addicted to Crafting

Herbal Spa Treatments - Massage

2011-03-12T17:45:00.000-05:00

Nothing is quite as relaxing as spending a day at a spa. Whether you stay at a resort spa or you attend a local day spa, you are in for quite a treat with treatments such as massages, facials, body treatments, salt glows, and more. Their downfall for many people is price. Spa treatments are on the expensive side forcing most to skip these special body luxuries or to opt to do them at home. By creating your own line of herbal spa treatments, you can provide an affordable alternative for those looking for an indulgent experience at home.

Here is a crash course in some of the body treatments people are looking to experience at a spa, with a few recipes to get you started.

Massage

By far, the massage is the most popular body treatment. Not only is touch soothing to the body, but gently massaging tired over-worked muscles is excellent for relaxing and relieving stress. The key to a good massage is using oil that is light enough on the skin but provides enough lubrication to smoothly work out tension in the muscles. Grape seed is an excellent oil for massage. Sweet Almond oil is also a good choice.

Most people enjoy a little scent in their massage oil. Not only is a scent enjoyable but using the right essential oils can produce different effects on the person receiving the massage. For example, some scents will relax, some will energize, while others are sensual. Massage oils can also be infused with herbs and botanicals thus giving the oils the properties of the plant.

To make an oil infusion, follow these simple steps.

Place your herbs in a crock pot (or use a heat diffusing mat with a regular pot on the stove). Add enough oil to just cover the herbs. As a starting point, try 1 part fresh herbs to 1 part of oil OR 1 part dried herbs to 1 part oil. Allow to heat at a temperature of 120-130 degrees. The “warm” setting on the crock pot should achieve this temperature, but as brands vary you’ll need a thermometer to be safe until you’re sure of your crock pot’s settings. Do not “cook” the herbs, as this will deplete the properties of the plant. Simmer at this temperature for 2 - 3 hours. Once the oil has cooled, strain the herbs out of the oil using a couple layers of cheesecloth.

Don’t like the hot method of infusion? Try this cold version, which works just as well. Sterilize a mason jar, or something similar. This can be accomplished by placing the jar in boiling water or by running it through the “antibacterial” cycle on your dishwasher. You can either pack your jar with herbs and then pour the oil over the top or, for smaller recipes, use 1 part herbs to 2 parts of oil. Seal the jar tightly with a clean lid. Place the jar on a windowsill with lots of sun for 3 - 4 weeks. Give the jar a quick shake once daily. The object is to keep the jar warm as the herbs steep in the oils, so if you live in a cold climate, take that into consideration.

SOAP - Brambleberry's Soap Panel - First Impressions

2011-03-07T21:14:00.005-05:00

Brambleberry requested panelists for their second round of fragrance tests, and I was lucky enough to be picked along with 6 other lovely ladies.

We are testing 10 floral fragrances. I finally got my package today. I'm about as far from Brambleberry's warehouse you can get and still be in the same country, so I always have to try to be patient and it isn't always easy. I've been stalking the the Fedex man for days.

Being on the panel gives me an excellent opportunity to share with you my experiences with the fragrances.

Since these are florals, there are 3 gardenia scents and the rest are mystery floral scents. My favorite flowers in the world are gardenias, so I am SUPER critical of all synthetic versions of this incredible flower, but I will try to be objective.

I found I was having a problem getting a true idea of the scent straight from the bottle (plus I was getting a big headache), so I placed a few drops of each scent on it's own cotton ball and allowed the scents to set a minute before really taking them all in between whiffs of Starbuck's.

Here are my first impressions:

Gardenia #1 - I have mixed feelings. It's an OK attempt at gardenia, but it's not sweet enough. Gardenias have a sweet scent. This has something harsh about it like too much ylang ylang or roses or something. But at the same time, it's a good strong scent that I think people might enjoy.

Gardenia #2 - I like this one, but I think it smells less like gardenias than the others (gardenia is powerful and this one isn't super strong). It's definitely floral but something very green and soft about it as well. Is there cucumber in this? It's closer to Yankee Candles' version.

Gardenia #3 - It's an OK attempt at gardenias, but again something is missing. Sweetness? Not sure, it needs a dash of something to be true to the flower. I guess I am looking for perfection since Brambleberry's rose scent smells exactly like the real thing. Can't I have gardenias that smell real?

Mystery #4 - I have no idea what flower it is supposed to be. It definitely seems to have some sort of melon in it. It's a very green scent and it's not pungent at all, but not weak either.

Mystery #5 - Hmm. This one is throwing me for a loop. It smells a little like tea with a lot of sugar. Not sure how I feel about it yet.

Mystery #6 - This one is a pretty scent. It's light and airy. I know this flower, but I can't place it. I've definitely smelled something like it before. It's one of my favorites of the lot. Frangipani?? Gosh, I can't remember. I'm thinking I smelled it at a spa.

Mystery #7 - This is a nice one...lots of citrus. Maybe orange blossom? It's not super strong and is very refreshing.

Mystery #8 - This one is also refreshing. I think I smell some eucalyptus in it, but it's subtle. It also smells more musk, but still floral. Does that even make sense?

Mystery #9 - This one is also very familiar to me, but I can't place it. It has a fruity scent, maybe some melon and pineapple. It seems like a tropical flower.

Mystery #10 - This one definitely seems to have some ylang ylang and/or rose. I think it is an attempt at jasmine. This is another one of those scents that the synthetic version isn't like the real thing, but it does smell like a decent synthetic jasmine.

So there you have it. I can't wait to test these babies out in a variety of products. I think I'll have a little CONTEST, too. Perhaps give away a sampling of the scents in different products. Sound like fun?

Our new blog name and look is coming soon. Keep an eye out.

Sunday Spotlight - Around the World Tour - Soaps in Oceania

2011-03-06T10:28:00.007-05:00

Finally, some soap porn. Were any of you having withdrawal symptoms?

This week we are featuring companies that hail from Oceania, mostly from Australia. Obviously some very talented artisans are located down under. So enough talk, let's do this...

Body N Soap Australia

Krystal Kaz - Australia
Inner Earth - Australia

The Soap Dish - Australia

Handmade Soap Blog -Australia

Lizzie Bee - New Zealand

Platypus Dreams - Australia

Next week's Sunday Spotlight World Tour will feature soapmaker's in South America. (Central America will be included with North America.) Are you or someone you know a soapmaker located in South America? You can post a link below or post your soaps on the Sunday Spotlight Flickr Photo Pool with a link to your site. You retain all rights to your photos, I only use them to promote you!

Change Ahead

2011-03-05T23:28:00.004-05:00

In my own business, I am revamping my brand with new labels, packaging, etc. In fact, I've sent my first round of label designs off to the printers and am waiting with great anticipation. I used to print my own, and let me just tell you I hated every minute of printing, cutting, folding, whole punching, tagging, etc. Too time consuming. The designs are radically different than my simple black and ivory toile theme, which I still really like, but sometimes I crave change and COLOR.

I've already revamped my business' blog seen here. Now I am going to make some changes to this blog. It will look a bit different the next time you venture over here and it will have a new name. When I began this blog almost 2 years ago (what? can that really be?), I was trying to build my name on the Internet so even though this blog was intended for soapmakers and not necessarily people interested in my products, I still named it with my company's name in the title.

Now I am thinking that I would like it to be different...more an entity of it's own. So the new name along with the new look for this blog will be unveiled very soon. But, I will NOT be changing the URL. Too many sites are linked to the blog or specific articles and I dare not break all those hard earned links. So the name will change on the banner, the design will be different, but everything else will be the same.

Off topic here, I have not forgotten my Sunday Spotlight World Tour. I have a few more continents to go and plan to do that any day now. If you missed my previous tour of continental soap porn, you can view it here in Europe, here in Africa, and here in Asia. We're checking out Oceania next (Australia and surrounding areas), so if you or someone you know makes soap in Oceania, post me a link to their site. Be sure the photos reflect the beauty of the soap. Tiny pictures won't work.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Beeswax Candles - Part 4 - Rolled Beehive Candles

2011-02-17T06:38:00.000-05:00

Rolled Beehive Beeswax Candle

This is a variation of the tapered candle, which creates a low, thicker candle in a beehive shaped dome.

3 sheet of natural beeswax
Wick for 1 inch diameter candle, primed
Metal ruler
Knife
Cutting board

Prepare the wick by cutting a length of wicking appropriate to your candle size. Lay the sheets of beeswax on the cutting board edge to edge. Place ruler diagonally across all the sheets with one end at 3 inches in length and the opposite at 1 inch in length. Cut along the ruler with the knife. Lay the primed wick along the edge of the 3 inch side of the first beeswax sheet. Leave about ½ inch of wick protruding on one end of the sheet.

Turn the first ¼ inch of the sheet over the wick and press it down tightly all along its length. Roll the sheet up keeping it as tight as possible as you go. When the first sheet is finished rolling, add the second, butting the edges and pinching the edges to seal. When the final sheet has been rolled, press all along the end of the rolled sheet to seal the edge of the candle. This creates a beehive shaped candle.

Many variations are possible with rolled beeswax. You can cut the beeswax into shapes with a knife or cookie cutters and gently press the shapes onto completed rolled candles to create unique designs. Mix and match colors or cut sheets to varying sizes for other designs. You can even add some shimmer or glitter to the outside of the candle by rolling it or painting it with glitters.

These candles can be made in a matter of minutes giving an old fashioned touch to any room. The natural sweet honey scent of beeswax candles means you do not have to fragrance them yourself. They are truly fun and versatile.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Beeswax Candles - Part 3 - Rolled Taper Candles

2011-02-16T06:35:00.000-05:00

Rolled Beeswax Taper

1 sheet of natural beeswax
Wick for 1 inch diameter candle, primed
Metal ruler
Knife
Cutting board

Prepare the wick by cutting a length of wicking appropriate to your candle size. Lay the sheet of beeswax on the cutting board. Place ruler diagonally across the sheet about ½ inch away from each corner. Cut along the ruler with the knife. Lay the primed wick along the edge of the uncut short side of the beeswax sheet. Leave about ½ inch of wick protruding on one end of the sheet.

Turn the first ¼ inch of the sheet over the wick and press it down tightly all along its length. Roll the sheet up keeping it as tight as possible as you go. Then press all along the end of the rolled sheet to seal the edge of the candle. You now have a taper candle.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Beeswax Candles - Part 2 - Rolled Candles

2011-02-15T06:29:00.002-05:00

Rolled Beeswax Candles

Making rolled beeswax candles is simple and safe. Even children can make these candles in just a few minutes. This is a great craft you can enjoy with the family.

1 sheet of natural beeswax
Wick for 1 inch diameter candle, primed

Prepare the wick by cutting a length of wicking appropriate to your candle size. Lay the primed wick along the edge of one of the short sides of the beeswax sheet. Leave about ½ inch of wick protruding on one end of the sheet. Turn the first ¼ inch of the sheet over the wick and press it down tightly all along its length. Roll the sheet up keeping it as tight as possible as you go. Then press all along the end of the rolled sheet to seal the edge of the candle. You now have a beeswax candle.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Beeswax Candles - Part 1 - Container Candles

2011-02-14T18:21:00.002-05:00

Beeswax makes lovely candles. Its distinctive scent and golden color are quite popular. It is a natural wax collected from beehives. It can be used on its own or with a small amount of paraffin to improve burning time. Beeswax can also be acquired in sheets in a honeycomb pattern in both a natural color or in a variety of dyed colors. Whether melting your beeswax into candles or rolling them from honeycomb sheets, making beeswax candles in remarkably simple.

Beeswax Container Candles

Equipment

Beeswax
Double boiler
Thermometer
Candle wick
Container
Wax glue
Wick holder

Follow safety procedures for making candles. Prepare the wick by cutting a length of wicking appropriate to your candle size (instructions usually come with the wicking). Dip wick into melted wax to prime it. Attach the wick to the bottom of the container with wax glue. Attach the top of the wick to the wick holder and center and secure wick. Melt beeswax in a double boiler on high heat. The temperature should remain below 200 degrees.

Pour melted wax into container. Let wax cool and harden completely, about a couple of hours depending on the size of the candle. Trim the wick.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Retail Business Trends for 2011

2011-02-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

I usually just post the color and scent trends, but it occurred to me that business trends are just as important. While not all of these may be the direction you want to take, some can certainly be applied on a small scale.

This info was taken from Entrepreneur's Blog. To read the full article, click here.

What were the hot trends under discussion [at the Retail Big Show]? Here's a look at six important themes experts said to keep an eye on for 2011:

1. Global retailing. For big retail growth, look abroad to capture your share of the $6.1 trillion in growth forecast over the next five years.

2. Going green. Nearly half the retail workshops at the Big Show on Sunday dealt with how to be a more environmentally friendly retailer.

3. Going mobile. Will your store have a mobile-friendly Web site, or create an app? Are you findable on localizing social media such as Foursquare? Several sessions discussed how to capture the mobile opportunity.

4. Local relevance. If you're not expanding worldwide, you'd better be tightly focused on meeting the specific needs of customers in your local market. It's the edge independents can use against larger chains.

5. Social networking. Though many in the over-40 set don't even know what social networking is yet, its impact on retailing will be profound next year and beyond, the Deloitte report forecast.

6. Shrinking assortments. In the past, many large retailers have bragged about the number of items they carried, but in this age of frugality, big assortments have become a liability, Deloitte reports.

How to apply these to your small bath or candle business:

1. If you are online, consider accepting orders from those outside your own country. If not on the Internet, consider taking your shop online.

2. Consider what you can do to impact the environment less, from going paperless to recycling shipping materials to selecting ingredients that support sustainability.

3. Many of you are already local, selling at farmer's markets, craft shows, and local boutiques. Continue developing your local edge.

4. Consider having your online store adapted for use with mobile devices. While mobile apps may not aid in your small business, as you grow, consider a mobile app.

5. Social networking is a definite trend. Consider having your business on Facebook, Twitter, etc. No need to go overboard. Doing just one of these is usually enough.

6. Consider keeping your product assortments down. I have to say, before this article came out, I was already planning on shrinking my assortment. Instead of offering multiple sizes of each product, I am only offering one size. I also plan to cut my base of scents down significantly and only offer limited editions seasonally for a bit of variety.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Scent Trends for Spring Summer 2011

2011-02-11T08:22:00.002-05:00

How about some inspiration for scenting your products, both for bath and body and home fragrances? Whether you make bath products or candles, reading up on all scent trends can provide lots of creative ideas.

Mintel has made no fragrance and flavor predictions for 2011 (they're a reliable source.) So I am having to pick up ideas from other places. Here's what I've gathered:

Top Ten Fragrance Notes 2011

1.Jasmine Sambac—Predicted as the hottest emerging note for 2011
2.White Patchouli—New emerging retro note with a modern twist
3.Rich Balsamic—Bold and indulgent note, great for emerging men’s lines
4.English Toffee—Sweet accords for royal weddings are in the air
5.Caviar Luxe—Caviar accord gives a luxurious trait to a unique fragrance
6.Lime Cilantro Spice—Traditions from the “Day of the Dead” reinvigorate authentic fragrance accords for emerging markets
7.Fir Needles—Traveling from mountain to mountain has never been so invigorating with this modern natural accord
8.Brazilian Nut—World Cup 2014 and the 2016 Olympics make for an amazing Brazilian blowout 9.Guaiacwood—The “tree of life” known as Palo Santo in Jamaica, brings rustic accords alive again
10.Brisk Blue Algae—Life’s power source and the next big wave for energy

Yankee Candle Spring 2011 Scents

Bahama Breeze
Country Lemonade
Fluffy Towels
Garden Hideaway
Midnight Oasis
Orange Dreamsicle
Pink Lady Slipper
Pink Sands
Soft Blanket

To view these scents and their descriptions, click here.

Bath and Body Works Spring 2011 Scents

Body:
Hawaii Coconut
Fiji Passionfruit
Bali Mango
Aqua Blossom
Caribbean Escape
Carried Away

Candles:
Island Colada
Passion Flower
Caribbean Escape
Tropical Spice
Caribbean Salsa

To view descriptions, click here.

Nature's Garden Candles puts out an awesome guide each year for fragrance and color trends. The 2011 home fragrance report quotes Mintel's 2010 predictions along with some new ideas. You can find the last few trend guides here.

Another nice guide is put out by Star Candle. I don't see a definitive date on the information, but I still found it both interesting and relevant. You can view it here.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Color Trends for Spring Summer 2011

2011-02-10T07:57:00.001-05:00

I like to provide inspiration for your creative soap and candle making adventures. While these trends are set almost a year in advance, I choose to post about them when they become relevant. Now, we should have begun to make our spring and summer products, or at least think about making them. And what better inspiration then the top colors for fashion this spring and summer. This time I posted the color names and descriptions (when available) because they seem to spark some inspiration of their own.

Here are the Pantone colors for Spring/ Summer 2011:

Honeysuckle
Flirtatious Honeysuckle is a feel-good hue that brings a festive sense of playfulness to this season’s palette. This vibrant pinkish-red for both apparel and cosmetics makes consumers feel alive, and is a perfect post-winter pick-me-up. PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle

Coral Rose
Spicy, gregarious and persuasive describe Coral Rose, a sophisticated orange that, much like Beeswax, a warm, honeyed yellow, conjures up feelings of faraway lands and locales. Pair either of these piquant hues with a cool, refreshing color-wheel opposite like Regatta for a vibrant color combination that will add zest to any wardrobe. PANTONE 16-1349 Coral Rose

Beeswax

PANTONE 14-0941 Beeswax

Regatta

PANTONE 18-4039 Regatta

Lavender
Romantic, fanciful Lavender implies sensuality with its subtle hint of red undertone. Combine it with Beeswax or Coral Rose for a unique counterpoint.

PANTONE 15-3817 Lavender

Blue Curacao
Alluring Blue Curacao evokes thoughts of tropical destinations and pays homage to the 2010 Color of the Year, Turquoise. Practical consumers can continue to incorporate enticing Caribbean blues into spring by pairing Blue Curacao with warm, complementary colors like Honeysuckle or Coral Rose.
PANTONE 15-4825 Blue Curacao

Peapod
Peapod, a fresh yellow-green, brings an organic element to the palette and is reminiscent of the green shoots that signify change and new beginnings traditionally found in spring.

PANTONE 14-6324 Peapod

Silver Peony

PANTONE 12-1206 Silver Peony

Russet
Trans-seasonal neutrals ground this season’s palette and provide a stable backdrop for all of the other colors. The so-called "nude hues" are represented in the range of ethereal Silver Peony to dramatically deep Russet.

Left - PANTONE 18-1235 Russet

Silver Cloud
Another dependable background color, Silver Cloud, is the quintessential neutral that consumers can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet.

Left - PANTONE 15-4502 Silver Cloud

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Big News - Well for Me It Is

2011-02-09T19:10:00.005-05:00

We're relocating to NC in early June. This is a big move for a native South Floridian who just saw snow for the first time ever about 2 weeks ago. I'm both excited and nervous. So what's that got to do with you or with soap...a few things, actually.

1. I'm going to be selling some of my supplies/packaging (a soaper's garage sale). I have done some refining in the packaging I am choosing and the direction I am taking. This means I will have some molds, bottles, jars, supplies, etc. up for grabs at a discount. I will be listing them on my Etsy page, so stay tuned for a list of items you may be interested in for use in your own business in the next few days.

2. I will not be attending the HSMG soap conference this year. Yes, I know, it's right in my backyard. But I will be WAY too busy getting ready for my move to attend. I'm sorry I'll miss seeing some of you there, but I should be at the next one.

3. I've already been posting less lately (which is temporary), and that will continue for the next few months. My posts will most likely be sporadic and grouped in spurts, but don't worry - I'm not going anywhere and you'll still see my articles in the Saponifier, too.

So there's my big news. Wish me luck in keeping my sanity!

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Recipes from Yesteryear - For Bath and Body

2011-01-22T10:48:00.005-05:00

Here are a few more recipes from yesteryear.

Soft Skin Fix - While in the shower, soap up your body with your favorite soap and before rinsing off apply yellow cornmeal as a scrub on your skin using moistened hands.

Sore Nipples from Nursing - Grated carrots applied directly to cracked nipples will heal and soothe the pain.

Soft Hands - Shake a half cup of glycerin, a half cup of rose water, and a quarter cup of witch hazel in a jar. Apply this to your hands after they've been in water.

Relaxing Bath - Place 1/2 oz chamomile flowers in a muslin bag. Put this in 1 quart of water and boil for 4-5 minutes. Fill tub with water. Add the chamomile water to the bath and relax.

Ancient beauty secrets are quite easy. Most ingredients can be found in your kitchen. All sources agree on one thing though - beauty begins on the inside. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy, and get adequate sleep.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Recipes of Yesteryear - For Hair and Teeth

2011-01-13T21:50:00.002-05:00

More old recipes from bygone years...

For Hair

Hair Strengthener - Divide hair in sections and with a small brush apply olive oil directly to the scalp. To get good penetration wrap the head for one hour in hot towels, rinsing and reheating as needed.

For Oily Hair - Beat two eggs along with a small glass of rum, apply to hair and allow to sit for a good 15 minutes. Rinse.

For Shiny Hair - After shampooing, rinse using a small amount of white vinegar with water.

For Soft Shiny Hair - Blend an egg yolk in a bowl and then massage into the scalp and hair. Leave it on for a minute and then rinse without using shampoo.

To Prevent Dandruff - Rub a tea made from the leaves and bark of a willow into your scalp. Rinse the area with marshmallow tea.

For Teeth

Teeth Whitener - After squeezing the juice of a lemon, use the left over rind to rub on your teeth and gums to whiten and strengthen them. This is also a good skin cleanser and softener; simply rub the rind over the facial areas desired, let stand for 5 minutes and rinse with tepid water. Eating an apple with the skin has the same effect of disinfecting the tooth and massages the gum.
The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Recipes from Yesteryear - For the Face

2011-01-13T17:31:00.005-05:00

Yes, yes, I am still here - busy, but definitely here. I have lots to share in the new year, but since I am cramped on time right now (the story of my life, and yours I'm sure), I am sharing with you some recipes that I gathered from old books or that have been past down from generation to generation. Hope you enjoy this first round. Which of these have you heard before?

For the Face

Morning Oatmeal Mask - Mix a handful of oatmeal with enough water to make a paste, and apply to your face and neck. When it dries, rinse the paste off and dry your skin with a soft rag.

Egg Mask – Mix one beaten egg yolk and a teaspoon of olive oil and spread onto face. Let stand 15 minutes and rinse using a damp cotton ball dipped in tepid milk.

Oily Skin - Hot water compresses are recommended to get rid of oily skin as this helps to open the pores and clean the face of oils and residues. People with oily skin problems should not use fatty creams although a vigorous rub with fresh cow's milk to which has been added a few drops of cologne to remove make-up is recommended. The volume of cow's milk may be reduced to half and replaced by strawberry juice which will lighten and refresh the skin. Just as egg yolk helps dry skin, egg whites tighten and smoothes oily skin for masks.

Dry Skin - If you have dry skin, this natural strawberry mask can help.
Blend 5 ripe strawberries, 2 teaspoons of heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of honey until smooth. Apply to a clean face and let set for about 10-15 minutes. Gently wipe off, rinse with warm water, pat skin dry.

Vegetable Masks - Cucumber is very hydrating either chopped or sliced. Grated carrot heals facial inflammations and sunburn. Compresses of raw or barely cooked cabbage work wonders on wounds or skin ulcers by absorbing impurities and contributes to tissue health. Masks made of raw grated potato hydrate and reduce wrinkles. Masks made of crushed beets and cream revitalize and masks of hot cooked spinach and milk deep clean the skin.

Citrus Mask - Mix the pulp of an orange with one of two spoons of honey. Apply it to your face and leave it on for approximately 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. When done, your skin should feel soft and velvety.

Honey Apple Mask - Add a teaspoon of honey to one mashed apple, mix them together, and put this mixture on your face and neck. Leave it in place for half an hour, and then rinse with cold milk.

Tired, Puffy Eyes - Dampen two envelopes of chamomile tea with warm water. Put one envelope on each eye. Keep it on for about 20 minutes, and when you’re done, your eyes will look less tired. Or you can place the tea bags in the freezer for 2 minutes and place over eyes for 15-20 minutes.

Dark circles - Mix cotton with milk and put on eyes. Leave it on for as long as necessary to reduce dark circles under your eyes. Or take a raw potato, wash it well and peel it off. Cut two slices of raw potato and place them under your eyes. It is helpful to reduce dark circles and should help also to reduce the puffiness.

Nighttime Moisturizer - Rub a mixture of honey and glycerin onto your face, and then wipe it off gently with a soft cloth.

De-masker (Make-up Remover) - In the absence of sophisticated creams, you can use cow's milk as a de-masker to remove make-up, and use fresh whole cream as a nourishing base and beautifier.

To Smooth Wrinkles - Apply barley water and a few drops of balsam to your wrinkles every day.
To Bleach Your Skin - Rub cucumber slices on your face.

Acne - Take one lemon and squeeze the juice into a glass container, then add the same amount of mineral water. Apply the mixture to your face with a cotton pad. Avoid touching your eyes! Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Guilded Illuminations - Decorating Candles in Metallics - Part 2

2010-12-03T12:38:00.001-05:00

Another way to add a metallic finish to candles is by applying metallic or gold leaf. Gold leaf can be purchased at most craft stores. You can completely cover the candles in gold leaf, or use strips and flecks of gold leaf to create different effects and patterns on the candle. Gold leaf does come in other colors, such as silver and copper, and it also does not have to be actual gold; it can be artificial, also known as “Dutch leaf”.

To guild your candle with metallic or gold leaf, you can use two simple techniques. If you are using small flecks or strips of leaf, rub a glue stick on the candle and adhere the flecks to the glue. If using larger sheets, or prefer not to use glue, try placing the leaf on the candle and smooth it with a dry paintbrush. Then take a spoon, dip it in boiling water, dry it off, and place the hot spoon over the gold leaf, smoothing it over the leaf. This will melt the wax just enough to adhere to the metallic leaf. After the gold leaf has been applied using either method, you will need to paint over the gold leafed area with candle varnish to protect the metallic.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Guilded Illuminations - Decorating Candles in Metallics - Part 1

2010-12-02T12:33:00.002-05:00

Nothing is more striking than the sparkling sheen of metallics. Therefore, it is of no surprise that the shimmer of gold and silver would also be applied to candles, allowing the glow of the candle light to be amplified and accentuated. One might think that making metallic candles would be difficult considering their incredible beauty, but in actuality they are extremely easy and can be done without knowing how to make candles. All of the techniques are applied to a completed candle, either made or purchased from a store or supplier.

There are several ways to create a guilded or metallic candle. It is too expensive to make a candle entirely metallic, which is why when lighting a metallic candle purchased from the store, the white center of the candle can be seen after using it for the first time. The candle is covered in a thin layer of metallic paint after the candle is made. For this reason, you can purchase inexpensive pre-made candles and decorate them without having to be a candle maker. Choose a color candle that compliments or matches the color of metallic you plan to use, which can be gold, silver, copper, red, blue, green, etc.

One way to apply a metallic to a candle is to dip the candle in metallic lacquer. This can be done to round or spherical candles and small tapers. Place the lacquer in a dipping can. Simply hold the wick of your candle with pliers and dip the candle in the lacquer, remove, and allow the candle to dry on wax paper (tapers should be hung to dry).

For candles that have a sharp edge, such as pillars, votives, and square or triangular shapes, use a bronzing powder. Lacquer will not adhere properly to sharp edges. Apply the bronzer to the candle, and use a hair dryer set on low to adhere the bronzer to the candle. This will produce a slightly speckled look.

Exotic Bath Salts Recipe

2010-11-13T09:53:00.000-05:00

Exotic Bath Salts

2 cups Dead Sea salt, coarse
1 ½ cup Dead Sea salt, fine
15 drops Coriander essential oil
15 drops Frankincense essential oil
10 drops Lime essential oil
10 drops Rose essential oil
¼ cup Rose buds, dried
Mix salts and add scent. Gently mix in rose buds. Use ¼ to ½ cup of mixture in tub of warm water.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Yuzu Salt Scrub Recipe

2010-11-12T09:44:00.001-05:00

Yuzu Salt Scrub

1 cup Dead Sea salt, fine or medium
2 oz Grapeseed oil
1 oz Sweet almond oil
¾ tsp Yuzu essential oil
½ tsp Ylang Ylang essential oil

Mix oils and add scent. Pour the oils over the salt and stir well.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T11:10:00.003-05:00

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

~Elmer Davis

Thank you, Veterans, for your sacrifice.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath & body

Pomegranate Sugar Scrub Recipe

2010-11-11T09:32:00.002-05:00

Pomegranate Sugar Scrub

1 cup Turbinado sugar
2 oz Cocoa butter
1 oz Pomegranate seed oil
1 tbsp Pomegranate seeds
½ tsp Pomegranate essential oil
½ tsp Vanilla essential oil

Melt the cocoa butter and oil, and then add the scent. Mix all the dry ingredients together. Pour the oils over the dry mixture and stir well.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Vanilla Cream Lotion Bar Recipe

2010-11-10T09:16:00.000-05:00

Vanilla Cream Lotion Bar

4 oz Beeswax
2oz Cocoa butter
2 oz Kokum butter
4 oz Sweet almond oil
1 tsp Vanilla essential oil
1 tsp Honey powder
¼ tsp Vitamin E

Melt the butters and oils together and add vitamin E. Remove from heat and stir in the scent and powdered ingredients. Place into molds. Allow to set for several hours. Remove from molds.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Green Tea Bath Bombs Recipe

2010-11-09T07:29:00.002-05:00

Green Tea Bath Bombs

1 cup Citric Acid
2 cups Baking Soda
½ tsp Chamomile essential oil
½ tsp Lemon essential oil
1 tablespoon Green tea powder
¼ tsp chromium green oxide powder (optional)
Witch Hazel

Blend baking soda, and green tea powder in large mixing bowl. Add the Citric Acid and mix well. Add oxide and mix well. Add scent. Spritz the dry mixture with witch hazel (in a spray bottle) about 10 times, then immediately stir. Repeat this step until the mixture become slightly damp and holds together. Pack the mixture as tightly as possible into a mold or meatball shaper. Allow the bath bombs to dry and harden for 12-24 hours.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Sunday Spotlight - Around the World Tour - Soaps in Asia

2010-11-08T16:46:00.006-05:00

At long last...handmade soaps from Asia. So what's been taking me so long to post this? Mainly a language barrier. First, I have to look for handmade soaps on sites written in languages that are foreign to me. Then I have to determine if the soap is truly handmade in Asia, or if it is an image of a soap from another part of the world on an Asian shopping site or blog. It's not easy, and I still don't know if I am even right in my assessment.

So, here are some really pretty soaps made by what appears to be very talented Asian artisans. If I got something wrong, and these are made by someone in another part of the world, no worries. Your soap is still awesome!

Semi Svetik in Russia

Nishikuma in Japan
Nascent in Thailand

Myloff Soap in Russia

Mituboshi Soap in Japan

Mama Soap in Korea

Hong Mania Soap in China

Next stop of the Sunday Spotlight World Tour is Oceania. For those who have been out of school for awhile, Australia and surrounding countries are part of the continent of Oceania rather than simply called Australia. So if you are a soapmaker in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and surrounding areas, please post a link for me to find your shop so I can feature you here next week. Or post your soaps on the Sunday Spotlight Flickr Photo Pool with a link to your site.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Rosemary Mint Bath Tea Recipe

2010-11-08T07:25:00.000-05:00

Rosemary Mint Bath Tea

½ cup Sea salt
½ cup Peppermint leaves, dried
½ cup Spearmint leaves, dried
½ cup Rosemary, dried
15 drops Peppermint essential oil
15 drops Spearmint essential oil
10 drops Rosemary essential oil
Large Tea Bags

Blend the essential oils with the sea salt. Add the botanicals and stir well. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture to each tea bag. Seal the bags with an iron.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Herbal Milk Facial Scrub Recipe

2010-11-07T09:56:00.001-05:00

Herbal Milk Facial Scrub

½ cup French green clay
½ cup Oatmeal
½ cup Rose petal powder
4 tbsp Comfrey leaf powder
2 tbsp Lavender buds powder
2 tbsp Lemongrass powder
2 tbsp Goat’s Milk powder

Blend all ingredients well. To use, place a small amount of mixture in palm and moisten with ½ tsp of water. Apply to face keeping scrub on for a few minutes, and then rinse well.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Lemon Lime Lip Balm Recipe

2010-11-06T09:48:00.002-04:00

Lemon Lime Lip Balm

8 tsp Sweet almond oil
2 tsp Beeswax
1 tsp Honey
5 drops Lemon essential oil
5 drops Lime essential oil

Melt oil, beeswax and honey together. Add scent and pour into lip balm containers.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Question of the Week - Biggest Soap Accomplishment

2010-11-06T07:16:00.001-04:00

This week's question is the exact opposite of the previous one, in which some of you shared disastrous moments in soap making.

I'd love to know about a time that you made the best batch of soap ever. Whether intentional or by accident, describe your best or favorite batch of soap or other product that you were just thrilled about creating.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Refreshing Tangerine Melt and Pour Soap Recipe

2010-11-05T06:50:00.001-04:00

Refreshing Tangerine Melt and Pour Soap – 1lb

By volume unless otherwise stated
16 oz Shea butter melt and pour soap base, all natural, by weight
1 tsp Tangerine essential oil
½ tsp Sweet Orange essential oil
¼ tsp Spearmint essential oil
1 tsp Turmeric or ¼ tsp yellow oxide

Melt the soap base. Add essential oils and colorant, mix, and pour into molds. Allow soap to cool and harden, then remove from molds.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

African Violet Soap Recipe

2010-11-04T06:46:00.001-04:00

African Violet Soap – 4lbs

By weight unless otherwise stated
5 oz Apricot kernel oil
9 oz Avocado oil
2.5 oz Cocoa butter
5 oz Coconut oil 76°
3.5 oz Palm oil
10 oz Sweet almond oil
10 oz Sunflower seed oil
13 oz Distilled water, by volume
6.2 oz Sodium hydroxide
1 oz Violet leaf essential oil, by volume 1 oz Geranium essential oil, by volume 2 tsp Alkanet

Follow cold-process soap safety. Mix the lye water solution and set aside. Mix oils, melt and cool to 110-120 degrees F. Add in lye solution and mix with stick blender. As mixture thickens, add alkanet and scent at trace. Pour into mold and allow setting and curing.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Himalayan Rose Melt and Pour Soap Recipe

2010-11-03T06:38:00.003-04:00

Himalayan Rose Melt and Pour Soap – 1lb

By volume unless otherwise stated
16 oz Clear melt and pour soap base, all natural, by weight
2 tbsp Himalayan pink salt
1 ½ tsp Geranium essential oil
¼ tsp Patchouli essential oil
¼ tsp Ylang Ylang essential oil

Melt the soap base. Add salts and blend. Add essential oils, mix, and pour into molds. Allow soap to cool and harden, then remove from molds.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Café Latte Soap Recipe

2010-11-02T18:33:00.002-04:00

Café Latte Soap – 4lbs

By weight unless otherwise stated
17 oz Coconut oil 76°
17 oz Olive oil
8 oz Palm oil
8 oz Goat’s milk, frozen, by volume
8 oz Coffee with distilled water, by volume
6.2 oz Sodium hydroxide
2 oz Vanilla essential oil, by volume
1/3 cup Coffee grounds, by volume

Follow cold-process soap safety. Mix oils and melt, then allow to cool to 110-120 degrees F. Make 8 oz of strong coffee using distilled water. Mix the lye with the coffee and allow the temperature to cool to approximately 150 degrees F. Then add the lye/coffee mixture to the frozen goat’s milk and blend until the temperature is 110-120 degrees F. Add in lye solution and mix with stick blender. As mixture thickens, add coffee grounds and scent at trace. Pour into mold and allow to set and cure.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Midweek Soap Porn - Halloween Soaps and More

2010-10-21T16:06:00.008-04:00

Here's a little mid-week spotlight on bath and body artisans with some great Halloween products. Enjoy!

Halloween Night by Compass Rose Soaps

Weirdo Set by Washable Art

Scary Skull Soap by Sweet Soap Treat

Voodoo Doll Soaps by Sweet Olive Soapworks

Zombie Brain Cupcake by Sun Basil Garden

Halloween Bubbly Sugar Scrub by My Natures Art

Bewitching Soap by Lippincott Soap Co.

Frankincensintein by The English Major Soap Co.

Purple Eye Soap by Bunny Bubbles

Vampyr Soap by Squeaky Queen

Witchy Fingers by AJ Sweet Soap

Witches Brew Soap by A Bath Shoppe

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Question of the Week - Biggest Soap Mistake

2010-10-02T23:02:00.004-04:00

This week's question is...

What was your biggest soapmaking mistake? A mstake that will go down in the history books from shocking to horrifying to funny. Let us know by posting below.

I'll start by sharing my own big mistake, since some of you may be shy with sharing this one...I once got a tiny speck of lye on my dry lips (you know how it comes in the tiny crystals that can become airborn). I went to moisten my lips when I got the shock of my life - a chemical burn on my tongue. Luckily I was quick to stick my tongue under running water and then tried gargling with vinegar. After nearly losing my lunch to the vinegar gargle, the burning sensation settled down. Within an hour, the burn was gone and my mouth was back to normal. I'm sure you can picture the scene unrolling. It was quite the spectacle.

Now it's your turn.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Orange Blossom Soap

2010-09-30T20:53:00.004-04:00

I whipped up a batch of my Orange Blossom soap this evening. I usually make it a peach and cream swirl with a sprinkle of dried orange peel on top. This time I made it with a deep shade of orange and the cream was a bit darker, too. I then topped it with dried orange slices as well as orange peel. It looked so delicious I decided to share it while it was still in the mold. I can't wait to slice it tomorrow.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

MIA No More - At Least For Awhile

2010-09-29T19:49:00.005-04:00

OK, so I went MIA for awhile. It's just been incredibly busy this month. September always is. I increased hours at my day job, went out of town for a few days, finally decided on a design for my website, and my daughter had a birthday. She's now in double digits, the big 1-0. So between prepping for her birthday and toting her to a ridiculous number of dance classes and auditions, I have had my hands quite full.

Now let me take a couple of seconds to brag about my little girl. I promise it will be short - and this is my first time doing so here. She takes a lot of dance classes every week. She also competes in Scottish Highland dancing, and is back on the dance team, which results in many shows in the community and this year on a cruise. But the big news is she auditioned for the Nutcracker Ballet and was cast as a polichinelle with the Miami City Ballet and will perform in a multi-million dollar production at the Kravis Center at all 4 shows. So we're pretty excited, but that means practices every weekend. And it's exhausting, well it is for me at least. There, I'm done. :-)

Needless to say, I've been hard pressed for some time. What little time I do have between chauffeuring, working, running a business, writing, cooking, cleaning, teaching, etc. is spent on the couch in a catatonic state with my daughter's puppy - did I mention we've been taking her to puppy classes, too? However, I am pushing myself back in the groove. After all, this is an outlet and I enjoy it.

So here's what's coming up....

Sunday Spotlight World Tour - this Sunday showcasing Asia
Mid-week spotlights featuring Halloween and Fall
Tutorial for a Citrus Sunrise soap - it's easy
New recipes
Business tips
A survey
And more

So stay tuned.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

2010 Fall Winter Trends for Soaps & Candles

2010-08-29T00:43:00.003-04:00

Here is some 2010 color inspiration from the fashion industry for fall and winter...

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body products

Question of the Week - Bestselling Scent

2010-08-26T09:48:00.003-04:00

The question of the week is...

What is your best selling scent for soap? And your bestselling scent for candles, if applicable?

I'll get this one started. My best selling scent in soap is a tie between Mint and Lavender. My bestselling candle scent is Celtic Sea Mist, which is an ocean type fragrance.

I'd love to hear from you.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body products

Sunday Spotlight - Around the World Tour - Soaps in Africa

2010-08-22T18:45:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately, I had great difficulty finding soap actually made in Africa. I imagine that a combination of very little internet access and the lack of good search tags is preventing me from finding soaps without going through hundreds of Google search pages. However, not to leave you all disappointed, I do follow a company in the UK called Shea Butter Cottage.

Shea Butter Cottage's owner, Akua Wood, is a native of Ghana in West Africa. Although she currently resides in the UK, she has a relationship with a small group of women in Ghana that make some of the soap she sells. She pays them fairly for their handmade soap and does a significant amount of service to help these women grow their business.

Akua also markets her products for women in Africa or of African decent, tailoring products for this ethnicity's skin and hair types. Therefore, even though Akua is not currently in Africa, I would love to feature some of her products which are from Africa or made for Africans.

Enjoy these images from Shea Butter Cottage. Be sure to follow Akua's blog, as well (click here).

The Around the World tour continues next Sunday Spotlight featuring Asian soaps. If you are a soapmaker in Asia or would like to recommend a site you've stumbled upon, please let me know.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Contest Winners - Botanicals and Herbs

2010-08-21T10:43:00.006-04:00

First I would like to thank everyone for reading this blog. I greatly appreciate those of you that let me know specific topics you like to read about. It will help with future posts.

On to the winners...

It looks like Courtney R Beard and Lynda are winners of the Botanicals and Herbs Sampler. Congratulations! You have one week to email me with your address. If I do not hear from you by Sat, Aug. 28th, I will draw another winner.

Thanks for participating. I have another contest coming up very soon. Remember, if you would like to purchase a sampler set of botanicals and herbs, it is $10 plus shipping. For more information click here.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products