Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Outlander-Inspired Soaps
When I first began making soap, I would say that I was largely inspired by my kitchen. Lately, I find many of the soaps coming out of my soap kitchen are inspired by the books I love. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have become a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon's series of Outlander books since picking up the first book just over a year ago. So it should come as no surprise that Jamie and Claire, the main characters in the series, have inspired their own soaps.
Claire's soap is a rustic , earthy soap. The ingredients were specially chosen to reflect Claire's status as a medical woman, her knowledge of medicinal herbs and her love of gardening. I infused the olive oil with comfrey, a plant that Claire put to good use when treating her patients. Rhassoul clay represents the earth from which she gathered her plants. Since Claire understood the healing power of honey, I added a good helping of honey. I finished it off with a fresh blend of rosemary, lemongrass and cedarwood essential oils.
On to Jamie's soap . . .
Oh Jamie. I have a little secret. I have a crush on a fictional character. His name is Jamie and he is a red-headed Scotsman from the 18th century. Okay, so it's not actually a big secret. Even Mike knows and has come to terms with the fact that if Jamie should suddenly walk out from the pages of the book, I would have to leave him. Yep, Diana Gabaldon is that good when it comes to making characters come alive. (I have a feeling I am not the only woman in the world who would compete for Jamie's attention.) She is also wickedly good at describing physical attributes and smells. I knew I had to make a Jamie soap but it took awhile to design it, more specifically, its scent. I knew it was going to be a beer soap with a good helping of oatmeal or "parritch". But the scent? I couldn't just throw anything together. It had to smell like Jamie, you know? After weeks of thinking, I decided upon an earthy blend of patchouli, rosemary and orange. I couldn't be happier witth his soap.
Both Jamie and Claire soaps are sold out at the moment but new batches are curing as I type. However, there is a chance for you to win a bar of each soap. Theresa of Outlander Kitchen is hosting a giveaway on her blog. I encourage you to visit her and not only for the soap. Theresa is a professional chef who develops recipes based upon the food found in the books. It's a brilliant idea and a great read. Her latest recipe : hearty Sheperd's Pie. Giveaway ends 9 pm PST, Wednesday April 18.
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| Claire's Soap |
On to Jamie's soap . . .
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| Jamie's Oatmeal Soap |
Oh Jamie. I have a little secret. I have a crush on a fictional character. His name is Jamie and he is a red-headed Scotsman from the 18th century. Okay, so it's not actually a big secret. Even Mike knows and has come to terms with the fact that if Jamie should suddenly walk out from the pages of the book, I would have to leave him. Yep, Diana Gabaldon is that good when it comes to making characters come alive. (I have a feeling I am not the only woman in the world who would compete for Jamie's attention.) She is also wickedly good at describing physical attributes and smells. I knew I had to make a Jamie soap but it took awhile to design it, more specifically, its scent. I knew it was going to be a beer soap with a good helping of oatmeal or "parritch". But the scent? I couldn't just throw anything together. It had to smell like Jamie, you know? After weeks of thinking, I decided upon an earthy blend of patchouli, rosemary and orange. I couldn't be happier witth his soap.
Both Jamie and Claire soaps are sold out at the moment but new batches are curing as I type. However, there is a chance for you to win a bar of each soap. Theresa of Outlander Kitchen is hosting a giveaway on her blog. I encourage you to visit her and not only for the soap. Theresa is a professional chef who develops recipes based upon the food found in the books. It's a brilliant idea and a great read. Her latest recipe : hearty Sheperd's Pie. Giveaway ends 9 pm PST, Wednesday April 18.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Take that, Man
To phrase it nicely, I am frugal. I hate adding to shipping costs by buying bubble wrap envelopes. I especially don't like it if I think there is a chance that I can do it myself.
Well, I found a link and I am trying to make it myself. If it works out, I'll share it with you. Not only am I upcycling and saving money, I also feel like I'm sticking it to The Man.
Well, I found a link and I am trying to make it myself. If it works out, I'll share it with you. Not only am I upcycling and saving money, I also feel like I'm sticking it to The Man.
Monday, April 2, 2012
A Peek at my Table
Last Friday, I did my first craft show of the year. I thought I would show a few photos of my display.
Before Christmas, I noticed at busy shows that my soaps were getting a little man-handled. The brown paper packaging was my attempt to protect the soap but I actually really like the look. The brown paper is the perfect background for the bird stamp. When possible, I am recycling/upcycling brown paper. On top of each soap pile is a little sample, available for smelling. It should be noted that children love, I mean, love smelling soap.
For months, various friends have recommended placing a little dish of coffee beans on my table as a way to cleanse the sense of smell for those who like to smell all the soaps numerous times before making their decision. It was a great idea but each show, my table would remain bean-less. . . until last Friday. maybe I was just waiting for the perfect little blue cup.
My favourite addition to my table is my new chalkboard mirror. New to me, that is. The mirror is a $10 find from a local thrift store. A couple of coats of paint, some chalkboard paint and a little swipe of sandpaper. (More to come on the process at a later date.) Have I mentioned how much I love this mirror? Held up by my vintage suitcases, of course.
Before Christmas, I noticed at busy shows that my soaps were getting a little man-handled. The brown paper packaging was my attempt to protect the soap but I actually really like the look. The brown paper is the perfect background for the bird stamp. When possible, I am recycling/upcycling brown paper. On top of each soap pile is a little sample, available for smelling. It should be noted that children love, I mean, love smelling soap.
For months, various friends have recommended placing a little dish of coffee beans on my table as a way to cleanse the sense of smell for those who like to smell all the soaps numerous times before making their decision. It was a great idea but each show, my table would remain bean-less. . . until last Friday. maybe I was just waiting for the perfect little blue cup.
My favourite addition to my table is my new chalkboard mirror. New to me, that is. The mirror is a $10 find from a local thrift store. A couple of coats of paint, some chalkboard paint and a little swipe of sandpaper. (More to come on the process at a later date.) Have I mentioned how much I love this mirror? Held up by my vintage suitcases, of course.
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