Catching Up!

Well! I've been nicely busy! Nice in that it's manageable. I am never, ever, bored.

Edit 11:20am - I saw this *great* dragonfly this morning. Had to insert it into the blog!




So let's see... last week one of my projects was trying to dislodge some soap out of a round mold. This particular mold is an air assist mold which has worked great in the past, but this time the seal broke. There I was looking at a really nice smelling PVC pipe.

Ugh. So I set out to fix the seal. Which I did. The problem was that the seal in the soap tube was stronger than the two top epoxy. So the air assist wasn't going to work. The seal is still plenty usable. All is not lost. I just have to fix the other parts of the mold now. Because I broke it.

But in the end, four cans of veggies and some serious force... we got it out.

And the end result is worth it.


I will be able to fix the mold and use it again. I've also found a liner to use in it. The soap meanwhile, is curing on the rack. It's nicely scented with Red Apple fragrance. I'll let everyone know when it's in the Etsy shop. -H

Over Thinking. It's a Problem.

In my little soap world, 2011 is all about focus. Over thinking can really throw a wrench in trying to focus. Creative, yet up tight people are like that. How can I create, yet totally be a control freak about my project? (And yes, I just called myself "creative.")

This most recent soap was a great exercise in not over thinking but just going for it. And here’s the outcome:

I really wanted to play with my brick red pigment. The control freak guy on my left shoulder told me that if I used red, it would turn pink. "So what," says the recovering sod who was once spontaneous a million years ago.

So yeah, I hear you out there... "oooh! Red mica... wild living." Well all I have to say about that is, "It takes all kinds... and I guess I'm that kind." Broken down, you've got my preferred blend of oils, shea butter being the star, boosted with sunflower oil and scented with Black Tea fragrance oil. It's a complex scent. Not your southern sweet tea... but a dark, smoky blend. One for a black eyeliner day. Not that I ever have those...

Meanwhile... windy yet dry makes for an excuse to go to the lighthouse.

Next up... CP swirls. - H

A Fitting Beginning

At the end of 2009 I posted a quick thank you to everyone out there who's been joining me on my Sandbar Soaps adventure. I'd like to do the same as we crack open 2011. 2010 was simply amazing. I learned a lot about myself, my business and of course, my soapies.

When I'm busy though, the first thing to go is the blog. It's not that I don't have anything to say... it's just that once I start this conversation with myself, I'd like to offer myself a seat. And some coffee. And probably a cookie. Pretty soon we're having a good old time and I'm behind in most of the rest of my endeavors. (Have I mentioned that I am never bored?)

So that is a long and round about way of saying "thank you." You're the best. And I'm sorry I haven't posted since the month of April.

So let's get this party started:

Chipotle Caramel Hot Process. Oh my.

Everyone like this one. It's got cocoa butter which compliments the deep sweetness. Cranberry seeds visually simulate the redness of chipotle peppers.

Oh. And look out. I now have a Dremel. Just you wait.

Have a Heart...

The ever elusive soap cupcake.

This sweetie is made with an organic soap base. The foamy top is a combination of the organic soap base and an all natural liquid soap. Scented with Pearberry. Divine. - 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

The cupcake reveal...

I am really happy with how my cupcake soaps turned out. Two are already gone. And I think I want to give one to my mom... so maybe I should just plan on making another batch right away. I am not known for my cake decorating skills, so the frosting isn't perfect looking, but I'm satisfied.



If it weren't for the fragrance oil, these would be all natural. The bottom is carrot cake scented, with cocoa butter, cinnamon and honey. The top is cream cheese frosting scented with shea butter.



Think next time I'll do a swirl frosting. Looks better, I think. - H