Tortuerouge Soap Making Retreat

Tortue Rouge is pleased to announce new dates for their very popular Make Your Own Natural Beauty Products course on 10th – 12th June 2008, and 9th – 11th September 2008. Each course is three full days, with arrival the day before each course starts. The courses include accommodation and meals and are priced at Â£540.00 (+ VAT) per person. Delegates are usually astonished by the quality of the accommodation and food and describe it as a relaxing holiday as much as an opportunity to learn.

This very comprehensive course, taught by the Tortue Rouge team, will give students a thorough grounding in how to make a wide range of skin care and toiletry products using natural ingredients. There will be plenty of hands on work as well as theory and course notes to provide a valuable reference tool for the future. This course is ideal for those who are concerned about the amount of harmful chemicals that are used in commercial cosmetic products and would like to make their own. After this course you need never buy expensive commercially produced lotions and potions again!

Source: .tortuerouge.co.uk

If your idea of Halloween fun includes a little bubbling, fizzing magic—without the sugar crash—these DIY Halloween Bath Bombs are your new favorite trick and treat. Think spooky swirls, candy-free gifts, and a little self-care potion-making, all rolled into one bewitching bath-time delight.

These are perfect for mums who’d rather stir up a bath bomb cauldron than bake another round of cupcakes for the class party. They also make fang-tastic gifts for teens, neighbours, or anyone who needs a little seasonal sparkle in their soak.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Bath Bombs

Kid-safe ingredients – No creepy chemicals here
Great for gifting – Pop into mini cauldrons, treat bags, or mason jars
Smells like fall – Think pumpkin spice, candy corn, or sweet orange
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable citric acid
Easy to customize – Add spiders, glitter, glow-in-the-dark mica, or even a surprise toy

Ingredients

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup Epsom salt or fine sea salt
2 tsp sweet almond oil (or coconut oil)
1 tsp water or witch hazel in a spray bottle
10–15 drops essential oil (sweet orange, lavender, cinnamon, or candy-like blends)
Natural colorants or skin-safe mica powder (orange, purple, black, green)
Optional: eco glitter, mini plastic spiders or Halloween charms
Silicone molds or mini plastic cauldrons

How to Make Halloween Bath Bombs

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform—like a dusty spellbook.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix your carrier oil and essential oils. Add your chosen colorant and glitter here too. If using black, go light—it can stain tubs if overdone.

3. Combine with Care

Slowly drizzle the wet mixture into the dry mix, whisking continuously. It should feel like damp sand. If it clumps when squeezed, you’re ready. Mist lightly with water or witch hazel if too dry.

4. Add Hidden Surprises

Press a small plastic spider, glow cube, or toy into the center for a trick-or-treat effect!

5. Mold It Up

Spoon the mixture into your molds, pressing firmly. Let them dry at least 24 hours before popping out.

Spooky Variations to Try

Spider Surprise

Hide a plastic spider inside and use black mica for a creepy crawl effect.

Pumpkin Spice Delight

Add a dash of cinnamon and orange essential oil with orange coloring.

Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Bombs

Use glow mica and store under light for a fun bathroom glow!

Boo Bombs for Kids

Make ghost-shaped fizzies using a silicone mold and sweet vanilla oil.

Packaging Ideas for Gifting

Wrap in cellophane with twine and a tag: “Drop in warm water and summon a spooky soak!”
Nestle in mini cauldrons from the dollar store
Use kraft boxes lined with Halloween tissue paper for classy spooky gifting
Add a punny printable tag like “You’re the bomb!” or “Witch, please!”

Tips & Tricks

Don’t over-wet your mixture—it can fizz prematurely.
Use gloves to avoid stained fingers.
Let kids help with colors and pressing (just maybe keep the glitter far away unless it’s a full moon).

Why These Are Better Than Candy

Let’s be honest—October sugar overload is real. These bath bombs are a charming alternative that still feel like a treat. Plus, they turn your bathroom into a spa and a mad scientist lab.

Whether you’re making them for your kids’ school party, teen Halloween sleepovers, or your own pumpkin-scented peace and quiet after bedtime chaos, these DIY bath bombs are a crafty way to keep Halloween fun—and fizzy.

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