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The Nova Studio Segment Airs on TV 20
2008-02-22 20:02:00
I was reading on Lori Nova 's website that The Nova Studio is going to be on TV! According to her website that a few weeks ago, she was paid a visit by Lesley Nagy, TV Host and Producer of The TV Show "Your Green Life." Anyway, a three minute segment will air on TV20 (Comcast cable 13) this Sunday, 2/24/08, at 6pm. In the segment, Lori is showing Lesley how to make eco-friendly poured soy & rolled beeswax candles.I have taken alot of classes from Lori, but not this one. If you are interested in making your own candles and what to get a preview of her class, then I would recommend checking it out.For more information on The Nova Studio, check out the studio's website at www.thenovastudio.com.

Hand Milled Soap Recipe
2008-02-21 21:36:00
We all love those specialty soaps, you find at soap shops. Sure they're wonderfully scented and rich and creamy, and expensive. I have a few recipes for hand milled soap that rival those expensive brands, for half the price. They're great for a personal treat, or for gift giving.HAND MILLED SOAPFor Rich and foamy milk soap, you'll need:2 bars mild unscented white soap½ cup dry instant milkwatera small sauce pana wooden spoonplastic soap molds (found at craft supply stores)a cheese grater3 drops of essential oils, your choice of scent ( optional )Directions:Grate the bars of soap, like you were grating cheese for pizza, into a bowl. In your small sauce pan put ¼ cup of water. Now add your grated soap. Heat on low until melted. Try not to stir. You will be tempted to but don't, or you'll make bubbles that you don't want. When it is all melted, fold in your dry milk. Make sure you don't stir, it's very important to fold gently. Remove from heat, and add essential oils, if des...
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How to Turn a Fun Hobby into a Financially Stable Business
2008-02-21 19:35:00
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and wanted to make money from a hobby or an interest, then I found a class for you! This class is offered through Chabot College's Community Education. Here is the information:Do you want to make money from a lifelong hobby or interest but are not sure where to begin? Take this class from an experienced entrepreneur and learn the fundamentals needed to establish a clear direction and vision for your business. Topics will include: the ?simple? business plan; business structure in California; break-even analysis and pricing; your market and customers; pricing, marketing and your image; the wholesale vs. retail decision?and much more.Saturday, March 8, 200810:00 AM - 4:00 PMChabot College25555 Hesperian Boulevard, Room 315Hayward, CAPhone: (510) 723-6665Website: http://chabot.augusoft.net/Cost $59It is not to late to register. I would not let this one pass you by. I am seriously thinking of taking this class myself. Here is a click directly ...
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Networking with your fellow crafters
2008-02-20 20:08:00
These websites allowpeople to connect with each other and to each other's networks. Sites like MySpace, FaceBook, and Linked In are examples of social networking sites. Well now there is one for crafters! If you are interested in networking with your fellow crafters, here is a new site for you to check out, http://crafters.zawire.com/And if you would like to sign up for free, here is the link: http://crafters.zawire.com/index.php?call =login.I just out about it through my subscription to Craft Show Success Newsletter. I am going to check it out.
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Make your own homemade lip balm
2008-02-19 20:58:00
Lip Balm Recipe s ~To make the following homemade lip balm recipes, melt beeswax and oil in microwave or double boiler, add other ingredients and pour into attractive containers. Let sit for 48 hours allowing time to set before use.CAUTION: Your oil and beeswax will get extremely hot. DO NOT BOIL!! If it starts boiling, then cut heat source off and allow it to cool before handling it.Honey Lip Balm 4 oz extra virgin olive oil3 oz beeswax½ vitamin E capsule1 oz honeyAloe Lip Gloss 4 oz extra virgin olive oil3 oz beeswax½ vitamin E capsule½ teaspoon aloe vera gelCreamy Cocoa Lip Balm 4 oz extra virgin olive oil3 oz beeswax½ vitamin E capsule½ teaspoon cocoaChocolate Chip Lip Balm (This lip balm recipe is one the children are sure to enjoy!)4 oz extra virgin olive oil3 oz beeswax½ vitamin E capsule3-6 Chocolate ChipsCocoa Butter Bliss 4 oz extra virgin olive oil3 oz cocoa butter1 ox beeswax½ vitamin E capsuleThere are many other recipes that you will find online. These are only a few. ...
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Soap Ingredients on Clearance
2008-02-19 20:17:00
I happened to be at the Michaels in Mountain View. And I noticed in the aisle where they have the soap and candle supplies that they are clearance some merchandise out. The merchandise that is on clearance are the Life of the Party Herbs, Life of the Party Fragrance such as peach, sandlewood and fragrances from the Natural line. Sorry no soap base on clearance. So if you are wanting to stock up on these supplies, I would get to your local Michaels and check it out.If you are a candlemaker, they do have some colorings and fragrance that are on clearance.
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Berries & Cream Salty Scrub
2008-02-18 20:11:00
Ingredients:15 oz wt fine sea salts10 oz wt medium sea salts2 oz wt sunflower oil3 oz wt macadamia nut oil4 oz wt glycerin soap base0.17 oz wt germaben II (optional).5 ml raspberry fragrance oil.5 ml wild strawberry fragrance oil.5 ml blueberry thrills fragrance oil.5 ml cran-raspberry fragrance oil1 ml vanilla cream fragrance oilInstructions:Melt your glycerin soap base in a microwave safe container for 1 minute on a medium heat. When glycerin soap base has melted add your emollient oils and germaben II, mix these up well and then add your slats. Last step add fragrance oils and mix until all ingredients are incorporated evenly (mixture will be thick). Put finished salt scrub in a tightly sealed glass container.For more great recipes check out http://www.pinemeadows.net/.Source: http://www.pinemeadows.net/recipes.php#r7
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Layered Soaps from DIY
2008-02-17 19:16:00
Try making this bar of soap layered with star-shaped soaps. These bars of soap would be great to be put out on holidays such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day and 4th of July. This project from the same lady who did the popsicle soaps that was posted earlier. Another idea is to purchase the star shaped muffin mold from Wilton, which can be purchased at Michaels.From "Craft Lab"episode DCLB-261 which airs on the DIY Network.Jennifer Perkins and Debbie Chialtas show how to make layered soap. This project is impressive despite how easy it is to do.Materials:clear and white soap basemica colorant ? pink, silver, blackrubbing alcohol in spray bottle*circle, square or rectangle soap moldssmall metal cookie cutter shapes - stars, circles, etc.glass measuring cuppopsicle stickssmall cups*Fill a small spray bottle with rubbing alcohol to break any surface bubbles on the soap while it?s still liquid.Steps:- Melt 3/4 ounce of clear soap base in a measuring cup.- Spritz a few sprays of alcohol in...
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Apple Tart Soap Recipe
2008-02-16 22:30:00
Ingredients:4 oz. Clear Unscented Glycerine Soap 1 Tablespoon Liquid Soap1 teaspoon Liquid Glycerine1/2 teaspoon Apple Fragrance Oil**2 Drops Red Food Color1/2 teaspoon Ground CinnamonDirections:- Melt soap in small pan over low heat or in a glass cup in the microwave.- Add Liquid Soap and glycerine and stir gently but well.- Add fragrance, color and cinnamon.- Stir and let stand a couple minutes, just enough to start tot hicken so when you stir again the cinnamon will be more evenly distributed.- Pour into molds. Allow to set completely (in or out of freezer).Wrap in plastic wrap or use cellophane candy bags.**Note: The author of this recipe is using red food coloring. I do not recommend it. It is better to use a liquid soap dye. I can tell you from experience that the red liquid colorant from Michaels is more of a pink red,whereas the red liquid colorant from Yaley's is more of a orange red. Also you may want to try Life of the Party's Suspension Formula Soap Base to have the cin...
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Mojito Soap Recipe (cold process)
2008-02-15 19:53:00
When I took Lori Nova's Cold Process Soap making 201 (layering and Swirls) class in Januuary, I had picked her Mojito scented soap. Mojito had become a favorite scent of mine since I took her body butters class so that a likely choice for me. And I have been looking for a recipe that would be close to recreate it. So I found this recipe to pass along to anyone whose favorite drink is a Mojito.Click here for the cold process soap recipe for Mojito soap: www.snowdriftfarm.com/form_mojito.html
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Spa Parties by Linda
2008-02-14 19:39:00
Linda Aboytes, a student in my Bath and Body Gifts class at Sunnyvale Cupertino ACE on February 9th, is a Independent Consultant for BeautiControl. BeautiContol has high quality skin products for any age from 20 to 50, acne prone skin, sensitive skin and even products for men at competitive prices.Get pampered and get impowered and schedule you Spa Escape today. If you are a hostess of a party, you will receive the following:* 50% off your skin care maintenance (up to a $113.00 suggested retail value)* Comforting Spa Neck Wrap (a $20 retail value) for you to keep* Free BeautiControl products bases on your Spa Escape Results!If you would like more information check out Linda's page at http://www.beautipage.com/. And put her name (Linda Aboytes) in the appropiate fields. If you would like to set up a spa party with Linda, contact her at (408) 734-1719.**Just to let you know that Linda lives in Sunnyvale, Ca. And I am not sure if she is restricted to a territory or not. You will have ...
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Bath Bubbles
2008-02-13 20:17:00
Ingredients:30 oz wt. Liquid Soap Base10 oz Distilled Water3/4 cup Liquid Glycerin15 drops liquid color1 1/2 tsp favorite fragrance oilDirections:Combine all of your ingredients into a bowl and mix together with a stick blender for approximately 1 minute. Pour into your bottles of choice and they are ready to use. Variations- you can use less distilled water if you want a thicker final product. You can also incorporate the polysorbate 20 (use equal parts polysorbate 20 to fragrance oil & warm for approximately 10 seconds in the microwave before adding to the rest of your ingredients).For more great recipes check out http://www.pinemeadows.net/.Source: http://www.pinemeadows.net/recipes.php#r7
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Class - Soap Making Made Simple
2008-02-12 21:40:00
Melt and Pour Soap Making, a.k.a. Soap Crafting, is an easy and creative way to make your own soap. The soap created by this method is great to give as gifts or as party favors or even raise money at your next fundraiser. By the end the class you will learn this process to start making your very own soaps in your home or as an activity at your next party. In addition, you will take home all of the soaps you have created in the class. Students must bring a two cup measuring cup (Pyrex preferred) , a dish towel and a snack lunch to class. A $20 lab fee will be collected for all the supplies you need to create your very own soap.April 12, 200811:00 am to 2 pmCost: $35.00 (Class ); $20.00 (Materials Fee)Sunnyvale Cupertino ACE591 W. Fremont AvenueRoom 2ASunnyvale, CA 94087Phone: (408) 522-2700Website: http://www.acefuhsd.org/Catalogs will be mailed out to Sunnuvale and Cupertino residents on February 28, 2008. Online Registration begins on February 29, 2008. Walk-in/Phone-in Registration...
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Class Updates....
2008-02-12 00:40:00
I had to cancel my Bath & Body Holiday Gifts (3/1/08) class through the Redwood City because of low enrollment. My next class of Handmade Bath Products through College of San Mateo's Community Education currently has 7 students. So I have 5 to 8 seats available for anyone interested. There is still enough time to sign up, but I would not wait until the last. So tell your friends. For more information, check out their website at http://communityed.smccd.edu/ and go to the arts and crafts section. I always thinking of new classes to teach. I am currently working on a new class on Home Fragrances. In this class, students will learn how to make their own reed diffusers (that are so popular these days), linen sprays and fragrance rocks. I am planning to offer that in the Fall at the Palo Alto Adult School. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
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Potassium Hyroxide Source
2008-02-10 22:51:00
If you are having difficulities finding Potash ( potassium hydroxide ) for your liquid soap recipes, check out Camden Gray (http://www.camdengrey.com/) which happens to be located in Florida.This source also sells Lye (sodium hydroxide), essential oils, fragrance oils, mica powders and more for your soap and bath products.
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Heart-Shaped Soap From Martha Stewart
2008-02-10 22:10:00
Stamped soaps, inspired by candy conversation hearts, are great gifts for friends. Put in cellophane bags tied with tags; adorn with glitter.Tools and MaterialsNonstick 9-inch square panHeart -shape cookie cutterGlass measuring cupGlycerin soapBench scraperSoap colorant or food coloringSpray bottle filled with rubbing alcoholCutting boardNeedlenose pliers1/8-inch metal letter stampsMasking tapeHeart-Shaped Soap How-ToWe used a 2-inch cookie cutter (1 inch high) and 2 1/2 pounds of glycerin soap-sold at crafts stores-to make 16 hearts.1. Depending on your equipment, yields may vary. To determine how much glycerin you'll need, fill pan with water to 1/4 inch below height of cookie cutter; pour water into measuring cup. Record amount; discard water.2. Cut soap into small pieces with bench scraper; fill measuring cup. Microwave on medium heat until melted; stir. Add soap and heat until you've reached the water amount. Add colorant; stir. Pour liquid into pan. Spray with alcohol to elim...
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Bath Oil Recipe Demo (Carol Duvall Show)
2008-02-10 07:30:00
On an episode of The Carol Duvall Show (DIY Network), a demonstration of bath oil project is featured.Kathy Lamancusa demonstrates how to make stimulating and relaxing bath oils using oils most people have in their kitchens. She uses almond and soy oils; essential oils of juniper, jasmine, lavender and rose; and vitamin E in capsule form. Lamancusa suggests using an aromatherapy book to learn the different properties of various oils, and then creating your own recipes. She also explains how to put flowers in a decorative bottle, fill it with oil, seal it with paraffin wax, and decorate the bottle's exterior with dried flowers and raffia.Mix the ingredients of the following recipes in a glass bowl and let cure overnight:Stimulating oil:1-1/2 to 2 cups soy oil4-5 drops of jasmine essential oil3 drops of juniper essential oilcontents of 4-5 vitamin E capsulesSoothing oil:1-1/2 to 2 cups almond oil4-5 drops of lavender essential oil3 drops of rose essential oilcontents of 4-5 vitamin E...
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Scented Blend Recipes
2008-02-08 20:09:00
If you are interested in creating your own blended scents for your soaps or bath products, I found a link at Pine Meadows that can help you:http://www.pinemeadows.net/recipes.ph p#r7If you try any of these recipes, please let us know how it works out. And definately tell us which recipe is your favorite.
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Tangerine-Peppermint Heart Shaped Soaps
2008-02-08 02:14:00
Here is a cute idea to give as a gift for Valentine's Day!IngredientsClear Glycerin Soap Base (about 4 squares will fill one sheet mold)Red Natural Powder Soap ColorTangerine or Orange Essential OilPeppermint Essential OilHeart s Lollipop Sheet MoldDirectionsCoat mold with cooking spray and wipe out excess. Cut soap squares into 1/2-inch chunks and place in microwave-safe bowl (we used a 1-cup pyrex measure with spout) and melt on high power for 30 seconds. Continue to heat at 10-second intervals, until completely melted, stirring after each interval. Remove from microwave and add Coloring until desired tone is achieved. Add about 2 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil and about 2 - 3 drops of Tangerine Essential Oil. Cool slightly and pour into the prepared mold. Try to avoid filling the stick channel.Allow to harden for about 10 - 15 minutes. If any soap has entered the stick channel, simply pinch-off the excess with your fingers.If you are looking for other recipes, check out some o...
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Valentines Day's Soaps
2008-02-07 00:07:00
If you are looking for a creative soap project to give your Valentine's for Valentine's Day, then here is the project for you.The fun of melt and pour soap is that it's ready to use right after you unmold it!Be sure to check out the Valentines Soap Project Gallery for more photos of the different variations the author/crafter has made.You can vary your soap with:*different color letters and/or bars* using white and/or clear soap base* using glitter* using many different colors and layers - I could have laid in several different colors in the larger heart molds I used. Just melt a few ounces of each color, get a few pipettes, and paint away! You'll be amazed at how easy it is - and how beautiful your final soaps are. Almost too pretty to wash with!(1) Valentines Day Layered Melt and Pour Soaps (2)What You Need to Make Layered Valentines Soaps(3) Melt the Soap(4) Lay in the Letters and/or First Layer(5) Prepare the Rest of the Bar(6) Pour the "Bottom" Layer of Soap(7) Unmold the So...
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A New Craft & Business Forum
2008-02-05 23:50:00
I was just reading Wholesale Supplies Plus's Blog. The recent entry announced a new Craft and Business Forum I would like to share with all of my readers. To visit this new forum, visit http://forums.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/i ndex.php.I often purchase supppies from Wholesale Sales Plus and I am looking forward to reading entries from other customers/readers. I have signed up and I hope you will too!
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Shea Butter Fizzy Pops
2008-02-05 20:15:00
By: Sue & Kathy, Customer Service at Wholesale Supplies Plus(http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com /)Ingredients1 ½ cups Citric Acid3 Cups Baking Soda2 teaspoons Shea Butter 2 teaspoons Dreamsicle FO 2284 drops Citric Orange Liquid ColorCandy Lollipop SticksEquipmentLarge glass mixing bowlFine Mist Spray Bottle of Rubbing Alcohol12 Plastic BeakersDirectionsMelt shea butter in microwave and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine citric acid and baking soda. Add shea butter, fragrance and color. Mix well. Heavily spray mixture with rubbing alcohol. Mix well. Continue the alcohol ?spray and mix? procedure until mixture begins to stick together. Fill plastic beaker with mixture, patting down as you go until about ¾ full. We found that it was easier to put an empty beaker in the filling beaker and press. This gave a nice firm press without air pockets. Fill cups until ¾ full. Take one lollipop stick and push into the center of the pop. Let harden overnight. When hard, it is ready to...

Tips for making melt and pour soaps
2008-02-04 19:30:00
The first rule of making melt and pour soap is to use low heat to melt the soap, especially soap bases with additives such as oatmeal and milk products. This is especially important if you are melting soap directly on the fire in a pot. Then it is best to use a thick-bottomed pot, turn the heat down to low and add a small amount of water, say 1 tablespoon, to the pot before adding soap pieces.After taking the soap off the heat, allow it to cool a bit so that a skin forms on the top, gently stir this skin back into the mixture and allow to cool until the temperature is lukewarm, at all times gently stirring in between cooling to get rid of the skin that forms on the top of the soap. This is very important. The cooler the soap, the more intact the final design will be and the more pronounced the scent will be because the fragrance will not be destroyed. I usually cool all my soaps until they are a bit warmer than lukewarm to the touch to spare the fragrance but also so that the design...
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Color Bleeding
2008-02-02 21:52:00
Definition: Color bleed occurs in melt and pour soap when the color you've added doesn't stay where it's supposed to - when the color in an embed or section of of the soap "bleeds" or "migrates" into the section or part next to it after it is made - usually after couple of weeks. The blue in the blue layer starts to "leak" into the white layer...or the red in the hearts (pictured) starts to bleed into the clear soap base.This happens primarily with liquid dye-based colors - but can happen with any colorant that is water soluble. Red is often the most problematic. Non-water-soluble colorants like oxides, pigments and micas will not bleed, but they do not provide bright, vibrant colors, and aren't as transparent. The red of an oxide is more of a brick red; the yellow, a mustard yellow.Several companies sell what are called "non-bleeding" colors. I have had mixed results with them.Again, the key factor is whether or not the dye is water soluble. If it is...it will mix in well, be c...

How to Swirl Colors in Soap by Sinclair A. Sheers
2008-02-02 00:18:00
Oct 18, 2001This article describes how to swirl two or more colors of soap in a single bar. There are several different ways to do this depending on the type of soap you are making, the type of mold you use, and what you want the final product to look like.Melt and PourUse water-based colorants with melt and pour soap. There are two different methods to swirl melt and pour soap colors. The first method is to melt two separate containers of soap, color each one separately, and then carefully pour them into the mold. The second method is, if you have liquid colorant, to fill the mold with uncolored soap and then drop a different color into the soap at opposite ends of the mold. Then, no matter which method you used, gently swirl the colored soap with something like a toothpick or a craft stick. If the mold is deep, remember to swirl the soap at the bottom, too.Cold Process, Hot process, or RebatchingThere is a certain time in the soapmaking process when you add the additives like scen...
More About: Colors , Soap

Bath & Body Holiday Gifts Class @ Sunnyvale - Cupertino ACE
2008-01-31 20:39:00
Currently, there are 6 students enrolled in this class and I have space for 4 more students. If you are interested in taking this class on February 9th, then please call (408) 522-2700.If you are interested in taking this class, you can also register online at https://ace.fuhsd.org/general_info/new_re g.asp?_id=455. Just to let you know that the information states that the class is from 12 noon to 2 pm. That is incorrect. The class is from 11 am to 2 pm.For more information, check out the school's website at http://www.ace.fuhsd.org/.The class fee is $35.00 and I will be collecting a $20 materials fee.I hope to see you there!
More About: Holiday , Gifts , Bath , Body , Sunnyvale

Melt and Pour Soap Making Class
2008-01-30 19:58:00
Just wanted to let everyone know that my class at the Palo Alto Adult School on Saturday (2/2) is on!I currently have 7 students and I have 3 more spaces available.If you like to take the class, please call the adult school at 650-329-3752. For more information on the class, please visit the school's website at www.paadultschool.org/.Please remember to bring a 2 cup measuring cup and a lunch to eat. I will be collecting a $20 materials fee.
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Cosmetic Ingredient Books
2008-01-30 19:30:00
If you currently making your own bath and body products or just want to learn more about ingredients, I would recommend the following books to add to your library:Milady's Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredient s Dictionary by Natalia Michaluh A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth WintonI would say that the best place to find these books would be on Amazon.com. I do not think that the local bookstores would care these, but you can check. If they do not, they may be able to place an order for you.It would be interesting to carry these books around with you to see what are really in some of our cosmetic products.
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Marbelized Soap
2008-01-30 19:15:00
According to Kelly Ewing, author of Making Candles and Soap s for Dummies, marbeled soap aka swirled soap is just two or more colors mixed to together to acheive marbled effect. To make marbled soap:1. Melt your soap base.2. Separate a small amount of melted base into another bowl.3. Add your main color to the bowl that contains the majority of the soap. Ewing suggests not to select a too dark of a color base because you want your contrasting swirl to be visible.4. Add a darker color to the small amount of base.5. Pour your main color of soap into mold.6. Take the smaller portion of swirl color and pour it evenly over the top of your base soap in a zig zag fashion, trying to evenly pour over the top so all parts of the the soap will have both colors. Using a toothpick combine soap just like you would when making a marbled cake. Just place down into the soap and gently drag it back and forth to side.7. Remove your soap from the mold after it hardens. This step can take anywhere from o...

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REBATCHING
2008-01-29 20:04:00
If you are interested in making your soaps by the rebatching or handmilled method and you cannot find a class to learn this technique, here is some information from PV Soap:Basic Materials:Shredded Soap BaseCrock pot, small or medium sizeGlass measuring cupWooden spoonWhole milk or 2%Powdered milk (secret ingredient)Any additives, such as herb, flowers, grains, cornmeal, oatmeal, etc.Colorant chips or liquid dye (optional)Any fragrance oil or essential oil *(fragrance oils work great in rebatching)Optional: additional oils such as sweet almond, jojoba, vitamin EMold/s (lightly greased with Vaseline)Drying rackYou may half, quarter or double this recipe as needed.Rebatching is a good way to get the feel for soap-making without having to handle any caustic ingredients. You can also use a double boiler, but we recommend the crock pot method. Takes about 2 hrs. to make.Start by measuring out 4-6 cups of shredded base soap or as much as will fit into your crock pot without going past the...