Just Desserts

I get tons of soap inspiration from foods. I will often sit and have soap brainstorming sessions solely based on food. It's just fun really.

But, I thought I knew my desserts, I really did. I've traveled some, and when you travel... you eat out. And when you eat out, you get to try whatever local specialty they've got.

Well. Last year I got to go spend some time with some great friends for a weekend away. I got to eat some pretty yummy stuff. But I also got to sit and brainstorm. There's something about the lingering taste of pancakes and maple syrup, right? Well hang on. I'm a texture person, and these mamma jamma's were cooked with lots of FROSTED FLAKES in the batter and fresh strawberries. Super decadent. Wait. I'm off track.

Back on topic. I was brainstorming and one of my friends recommended that I do a Raspberry Coulis soap. Sure. Why not. I got this amazing soap fragrance oil from Bramble Berry called Raspberry Porter recently and I figured this was my big chance.

This friend of mine (you know who you are) also LOVES hearts. Raspberry Coulis Hearts. So it is. But it turns out that a Coulis is actually a sauce. I guess I was thinking of a Clafoutis, which is kind of like a cobbler of sorts. So... there I was... mixing, pouring, coloring. Generally trying to loosen up a little. I was having fun even! (Actually if you are a Facebook "liker" of Sandbar Soaps, you got a sneaky peeky.)

Today I took pictures of the little babies. And what we have here people, is Raspberry Chiffon Hearts!



I really love these. I used a melt & pour base with shea butter. I wasn't going for perfection. (Can you tell I'm working on that?) So there are these cool little textured bits on the sides. (i.e. Cracks.) Normally, cracks would send me over the edge... but I like them here. They make the hearts look, dare I say, "rustic?" So that was my fun. Enjoy! - H

Extreme Makeover - Soap Edition

I have been working hard on an order for a local customer. Part of the fun of this soap is that I am using an all natural colorant called Alkanet Root.

My first loaf was supposed to turn a dark purple.



I'm sure you are familiar with the color purple. But just in case... this bar of soap is not purple. Not in the least. This loaf isn't going to be delivered to my customer. Which is a shame.

Now, soapmakers everywhere have the mixed blessing of having soap ends, scraps etc. **coming out of their ears.** On the bright side, I always use my own soap. But, you know, sometimes you want to use the really good stuff... and not just the ends. And not the unpurple ones either.

So we gave this baby a makeover:

The Reveal



Ummmm... how cute is that?
Super cute.

I got a bunch of autumn colors and I'm sure I'll be sharing more! :) - H