Soap Making, Oils and Recipes
Making your own cosmetics can be fun, but sometimes filling those little tubes and containers with hot from the stove product can be a bit tricky. Here’s a method that will help.
Fill a cake pan halfway with layer of uncooked rice, lentils or small beans. Stand the tubes or containers straight up so their … Read More ...
Body powder is a great way to keep cool in the hotter months! But did you know that the talcum used in many commercial powders has been shown to cause tumors in lab animals ? This talc-free recipe is a great alternative:
1/4 cup (59 ml) cornstarch
1/4 cup (50 ml) arrowroot powder
3 Tb … Read More ...
Bored with the same old soap molds? Try using non-traditional molds instead! You might be surprised at the result.
-plastic ice cube trays
-shoe boxes*
-plastic drawer organizers
-milk cartons*
-plastic Easter eggs
-clay flower pots
-PVC pipe
-tuna or sardine cans
-plastic sand toys or sand castle molds
-storage containers
-Jell-O molds
*Molds that … Read More ...
Dad or another another important man in your life enjoy a good workout, but not the sore muscles after? This homemade sports rub makes a great Father’s Day gift for the active man. The thyme and eucalyptus essential oils have healing properties and the peppermint has a cooling effect. The Cedarwood oil adds a nice … Read More ...
Father’s Day is only a few days away! Why not make that special guy something this year? An classic shaving soap is something that most men can use, and he’ll be delighted to know that you made it especially for him. Unlike a lot of commercial soaps, this shaving formula won’t dry out his skin.… Read More ...
The latest (June/July) issue of Bust magazine is out on the newsstands and includes several natural solutions for getting rid of those pesky summer insects. The Buy or DIY section has an article on making a lemongrass spray-on tincture, an anti-bug essential oil and cute appliqued herbal sachets.
The second half of the article profiles … Read More ...
Everyone has heard of the popular site Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that is edited by its users. Sites that are using Wiki’s open source software (called Wikimedia) have been popping up everywhere, including several crafting-related ones.
Soap makers will be delighted to know that a site devoted exclusively to their craft has recently been … Read More ...
Essential oils are extracted from natural substances such as flowers, herbs, fruits, spices and grasses. These oils are believed to affect the body’s physical and emotional properties, which is traditionally called aromatherapy. Here are some facts to keep in mind when working with essential oils.
If you’ve cooked with garlic or onions, you know that getting the smell off of your hands can be hard, even with the strongest scented soap. But the answer may be as close as your favorite morning beverage–coffee!
Using cheesecloth, make a small pouch and fill it with 3/4 cup fresh, whole coffee beans. After … Read More ...
Green tea has been used for medicinal purposes in China for centuries, but the west has only recently discovered its many health benefits. Studies have shown that green tea contains powerful anti-oxidants not contained in black or oolong teas. Your skin can benefit from these anti-oxidants as well. This wonderfully simple tonic will cleanse, tone … Read More ...
Popsicles–also known as ice pops or ice lollies, are a favorite summertime treat for children and grown-ups alike. But now you can take these treats into the shower using glycerine soap, inexpensive popsicle molds and wooden popsicle sticks.
Ingredients:
1 pound unscented glycerin soap (cubes will be easier to work with)
1/2 teaspoon essential oil … Read More ...
Need to eliminate puffy eyes in a hurry? Chill two spoons in the freezer for five to 10 minutes. Place the “hollow” side of each spoon over closed eyes until the spoon no longer feels cold.
The tannins in tea also work to reduce puffiness. Take two chamomile tea bags that have completely cooled after … Read More ...
Warmer weather means it’s time for all those cute strappy shoes and sandals that have been hiding in your closet all winter. But are your feet ready? Here’s an exfoliating scrub that will help remove all that dead, flaky winter skin. This mixture is best used at night followed by the application of a thick … Read More ...
If you have ever made your own perfumes, colognes or experimented with aromatherapy you may have run across the term Carrier Oils. But what are they?
Carrier Oils “carry” or dilute essential oils (concentrated liquids derived from flowers and plants) so they can be applied to the skin. They are commonly made from vegetables or … Read More ...
Bath cookies look good enough to eat but they are made from salt and fragrant oils.
What you will need:
2 cups of Sea salt or rock salt
1/2 cup Baking soda
1/2 cup Cornstarch
2 tbs of Almond oil
1 tsp Vitamin E oil
1-2 eggs
6 drops Essential oil
Makes 10-12 cookies depending … Read More ...