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Book Review And Giveaway – Give Yourself Margin

September 17, 2020 by Shellie Wilson 9 Comments

“Give yourself margin” is a sewing maxim about leaving enough excess fabric to account for potential mistakes. This book is about giving yourself space—the mental margin—to reconnect with your creative self by trying new things and, yes, even by failing sometimes. With lush illustrations, empowering interactive prompts, and inspiring personal stories, Give Yourself Margin is the perfect gift for anyone who is looking to rediscover their spark.

This book is a guide to self-love and asks you all the right questions, but I have to say the illustrations alone are breathtaking, this book is a book or art.

The perfect book for the creative soul. Each page a gentle push into the right direction of finding yourself and taking a moment to think, thinking of your answers alone is a moment in time when your brain settles from the everyday dust and you become selfish in your own thoughts to consider the answers. A selfishness that is needed, required and should be praised, without these moments of selfishness we loose ourself to everyone around us.

We love this book so much we are giving 5 copies away to CraftGossip.com readers.  For your chance to win, simply comment below and tell us one thing you did for yourself today. Open to US addresses only, this giveaway closes on the 31st of October when winners will be randomly drawn from the comments below.

 

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Comments

  1. Coreen Oei says

    September 18, 2020 at 8:43 am

    Looks like great advice for all of us. Paper crafting is my go to stress reducer and being a scientist, the creative aspects helps to balance the logical mindset. Looking forward to reading this book.

  2. Marian says

    September 18, 2020 at 8:43 am

    I took a walk in the meadow this morning and didn’t think about anything, just purposefully taking each step and listening to the sounds ofnature around me and looking at the vegetation.

  3. Laura Rustin says

    September 18, 2020 at 9:22 am

    When I was working on site, I did a lot of adult coloring to stave off boredom during my job at a call center. Since I’ve been working from home, I haven’t been doing that. I’ve started again and I’m working on a lovely autumn design. I had forgotten what a difference that little bit of creative output makes in an otherwise tedious day!

  4. Gail Holden says

    September 18, 2020 at 11:41 am

    I am recovering from back surgery and REALLY miss crafting! Before my surgery I put together Craft Ziplock Bags containing EVERYTHING needed for a particular small project. Example: Fall Angel with leaf wings, Altered Tin Halloween/Christmas Scenes. And every day I do one ~ I feel so accomplished and my creative heart is full…
    Thank you so much,
    Gail Holden
    28A Apple Tree Drive
    Goffstown, NH 03045

  5. Jan M Hart says

    September 18, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    Took a long nap and let everything wait until later.

  6. Denise Bryant says

    September 18, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    The book sounds awesome! I love the cover art, and I imagine it’s full of beautiful illustrations!

  7. Amanda Potts says

    September 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm

    I would love to be considered for this draw! The book sounds like just what I need to re-start my crafting after a recent slow period.

  8. Judi Robins says

    September 19, 2020 at 12:01 am

    Let’s see, today I ordered Vitamin D3 for myself. My neighbors, friends, and relatives were concerned about me not taking care of myself so I “allowed myself to let them in” by following their suggestion and doing something about it. I was waiting for my husband to confer with me on this, but he recently passed away. Now I need to allow other people close to me to be my confidantes.

  9. Jennifer Martin says

    September 19, 2020 at 12:42 am

    For the past few weeks I have become a homeschool teacher to my two granddaughters, ages 8 and 11, as well as caring for their 3-month-old brother while their mom goes to work. I have been retired for the past two years, enjoying my freedom to come and go as I pleased. Today, I called off school and I went to my sewing room and spent some time doing what I love-quilting. Would LOVE to have a copy of this book to reignite that spark of creativity I used to have.

Have you read?

DIY Burn Relief Soap – A Soothing Aloe Vera and Lavender Recipe for Sunburn, Windburn, and Irritated Skin

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been caught out without sunscreen—and paid the price with lobster-red shoulders, itchy rashes, or skin so tender you could cry brushing against cotton sheets. Been there, done that (more than once if I’m honest). Whether it’s summer sunburn, winter windburn, or a splash from a hot pan, our skin sometimes needs a little extra TLC—and that’s where this DIY Burn Relief Soap comes in.

This homemade soap bar is designed to calm, hydrate, and gently cleanse burned or irritated skin. Made with a melt-and-pour soap base, soothing aloe vera, and essential oils like lavender and chamomile, it’s gentle enough for daily use—even for kids or those with sensitive skin.

Think of it as first-aid meets spa day in a soap bar.

Why This Soap Works for Burn Relief

Each ingredient in this recipe has a soothing purpose—no fillers, no synthetics, just skin-loving goodness:

  • Aloe Vera Gel
    Famous for its burn-healing powers, aloe is cooling, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory. It speeds up healing and eases discomfort on contact. 
  • Chamomile-Infused Oil
    Chamomile contains bisabolol and apigenin—natural compounds known to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and support skin regeneration. 
  • Lavender Essential Oil
    Not just for relaxation, lavender is also antimicrobial and helps soothe painful skin. It may even reduce scarring over time. 
  • Goat’s Milk or Aloe Melt and Pour Base
    A gentle, nourishing base loaded with vitamins, perfect for dry or damaged skin. The creamy lather won’t strip away your natural oils. 
  • Tea Tree Oil (Optional)
    A drop or two adds antibacterial support, especially if your burn is the result of heat rash or has broken the skin. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb goat’s milk or aloe vera melt-and-pour soap base 
  • 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol or colorants) 
  • 1 tablespoon chamomile-infused oil
    (You can DIY this by steeping dried chamomile flowers in sweet almond or olive oil for 1–2 weeks) 
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil 
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional) 
  • Silicone soap mold 
  • Rubbing alcohol (for surface bubbles, optional) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Soap Base

Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small cubes for even melting. Use a double boiler or microwave in short 20–30 second bursts, stirring often until smooth.

2. Add Aloe Vera and Oils

Remove from heat and stir in the aloe vera gel and chamomile-infused oil. Mix gently until fully combined.

3. Add Essential Oils

Once the soap cools slightly but is still pourable, add the lavender (and optional tea tree) essential oil. Avoid adding them while the soap is too hot, or they’ll evaporate.

4. Pour Into Molds

Carefully pour the mixture into your soap molds. Spritz the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles.

5. Let It Set

Allow the soaps to cool and harden completely—usually 3–4 hours at room temp, or pop into the fridge to speed things up.

6. Unmold and Store

Once firm, gently pop out your bars. Store in an airtight container or wrap in wax paper to keep them fresh and prevent “soap sweating.”

How to Use Your Burn Relief Soap

  • Use in the shower or bath after sun exposure or any time your skin feels tight, hot, or inflamed. 
  • Gently lather with lukewarm water—avoid hot water, which can aggravate burns. 
  • Pat skin dry with a soft towel and follow with a natural after-sun lotion or body oil for extra moisture. 

Make It Your Own – Variations & Tips

  • Add Oatmeal: For extra calming, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of finely ground oats (colloidal oatmeal works best). 
  • Extra Cooling: Add 2–3 drops of peppermint essential oil for a gentle cooling tingle—great for sunburn. 
  • Herbal Layer: Place dried calendula or chamomile petals in the bottom of your mold before pouring the soap for a botanical, handmade look. 
  • Mini Soaps: Pour into mini silicone molds to make burn relief travel soaps for beach bags, camping kits, or gifts. 

Safety Notes

  • This soap is ideal for minor burns, sunburns, and skin irritation. 
  • Don’t use on open blisters or severe burns—in that case, stick to medical treatment. 
  • Always do a patch test if you’re using a new essential oil or ingredient, especially for kids or sensitive skin. 

Perfect For…

  • After-sun showers 
  • Camping and travel first aid kits 
  • Gift baskets for gardeners, surfers, or outdoor lovers 
  • Care packages for new mums or anyone with sensitive skin 
  • Self-care stash for menopause-related heat sensitivity 

Making your own burn relief soap is such a simple but powerful way to care for your skin naturally—and it feels especially good knowing there are no sneaky synthetic additives or harsh ingredients lurking in your bar. Just healing herbs, soothing oils, and a whole lot of love.

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