tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7716222359510553802024-03-13T11:08:47.743-04:00Petals Bath BoutiqueInsights into my soaping adventures...and other random things.Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-40846407853867415952015-09-18T11:09:00.000-04:002015-09-18T11:09:23.465-04:00Sakura Bloom Handmade Soap - Tiger Stripe Pour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><em>Short & Sweet </em></strong>- Since I posted about the tiger stripe pour in my last post, it seemed that I should go ahead and share Sakura Bloom next. This time, I did actually use the traditional back and forth pour lengthwise from one end of the mold to the other.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwBOSy_uZZ0/VeW9XjuyoFI/AAAAAAAABSg/k21xjzBAqpc/s1600/SakuraBloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwBOSy_uZZ0/VeW9XjuyoFI/AAAAAAAABSg/k21xjzBAqpc/s400/SakuraBloom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>Japanese Cherry Blossom, Mimosa Petals, Oriental Woods, warm Vanilla, Tonka Bean and Musk</em></div>
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The pink portion was achieved by mixing neon pink with TD. For the brown, I simply used my favorite brown colorant: Hershey's cocoa powder.<br />
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-89850703997127005442015-09-01T10:49:00.000-04:002015-09-01T10:49:12.374-04:00AvoFresh Handmade Soap - Tiger Stripe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is such a delightful scent. The technique I decided to use was a tiger stripe. However, instead of using the usual back and forth pour down the length of the mold, I poured on just one end of the mold using sort of a modified funnel pour alternating colors with each pour.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Di-kYrKrIdc/VeWs1rILHyI/AAAAAAAABSA/_UGp9hGZwWo/s1600/AvoFresh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Di-kYrKrIdc/VeWs1rILHyI/AAAAAAAABSA/_UGp9hGZwWo/s400/AvoFresh3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The results look quite similar to the tiger strip except that the color pattern in each bar looks completely different from each other where with the tiger stripe, the patterns in each bar tend to be more similar in appearance. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4h4wq-JAflk/VeWs1-DYfWI/AAAAAAAABSI/zb6hQ9giP7U/s1600/AvoFresh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4h4wq-JAflk/VeWs1-DYfWI/AAAAAAAABSI/zb6hQ9giP7U/s400/AvoFresh2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I suppose that you can also pour directly in the center of the mold to achieve this as well. The bar in the front was one of the end bars. It has a very interesting pattern that doesn't quite fit with the other bars. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7k2X3y_mZI/VeWs14__FAI/AAAAAAAABSE/z66zvvhmQmY/s1600/AvoFresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7k2X3y_mZI/VeWs14__FAI/AAAAAAAABSE/z66zvvhmQmY/s400/AvoFresh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>Scent: an invigorating blend of Bergamot, Lemongrass and citrus oils</em></div>
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You can't really tell from these pictures, but the white portion has a really nice shimmer! It was achieved using Snowflake Sparkle mica from NSS. </div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-39574813232693568642015-07-28T11:04:00.000-04:002015-07-28T11:04:00.047-04:00Making & Cutting "Skipjack" - Drop Swirl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My customers have been asking for soaps for quite some time and I've finally had the opportunity to offer a few. Skipjack is pretty much Bay Rum & Lime. Very fresh yet spicy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wq63CHK2FD4/VbOZkCU2h8I/AAAAAAAABPM/TQUoMQyIA4w/s1600/Skipjack3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wq63CHK2FD4/VbOZkCU2h8I/AAAAAAAABPM/TQUoMQyIA4w/s400/Skipjack3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to try a drop swirl for this one. It's my first attempt at one. I'll definitely try this again in the future. Check out the making video below.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgmMd1ZchBA/VbOZkDditiI/AAAAAAAABPI/VhBEKcQW8iM/s1600/Skipjack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgmMd1ZchBA/VbOZkDditiI/AAAAAAAABPI/VhBEKcQW8iM/s400/Skipjack2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Making & Cutting Skipjack</u></span></strong></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y6JGBvWTOi0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y6JGBvWTOi0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-43905973677919895692015-07-25T10:09:00.000-04:002015-07-25T10:09:02.159-04:00Demter & Orchard Grove Hadmade Soaps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For the upcoming mid-summer release, I wanted to try something different and have a continuous theme for all of the soap designs. I don't know if I'll stick with this, but I it seemed like an interesting challenge for myself. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>DEMETER</u></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYGFUiYl9yE/VbOLD-OA7hI/AAAAAAAABOg/oliIbBqrFKo/s1600/Demeter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYGFUiYl9yE/VbOLD-OA7hI/AAAAAAAABOg/oliIbBqrFKo/s400/Demeter2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A delicious blend of early fall berries, southern sweet tea with a sprinkling of brown sugar and spices</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdtzfTc_eDY/VbOLEWXU1mI/AAAAAAAABOw/3WWVvCnG5wQ/s1600/Demeter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdtzfTc_eDY/VbOLEWXU1mI/AAAAAAAABOw/3WWVvCnG5wQ/s400/Demeter3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's difficult to tell in the pictures, but if you look closely, the center has purple jojoba beads. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>ORCHARD GROVE</u></strong></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mmEQ_tEDSw/VbOK1EhlalI/AAAAAAAABOM/opN2-sG5vOA/s1600/OrchardGrove3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mmEQ_tEDSw/VbOK1EhlalI/AAAAAAAABOM/opN2-sG5vOA/s400/OrchardGrove3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Peach and mango purees with golden honey nectar swirled with coconut cream</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUAs1Il4xDQ/VbOK1Pp4ISI/AAAAAAAABOQ/9Xoy6xrrqrg/s1600/OrchardGrove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUAs1Il4xDQ/VbOK1Pp4ISI/AAAAAAAABOQ/9Xoy6xrrqrg/s400/OrchardGrove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't have a lot to say about these! The designs pretty much speak for themselves, lol. I just thought I'd share anyway :0) Till next time...xx</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-24293732857038001782015-07-17T10:49:00.000-04:002015-07-17T10:49:00.036-04:00"Summer Song" Handmade Soap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been wanting to try a watermelon scent in soap for years but never really found a fragrance description that appealed to me...until now.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>SUMMER SONG</u></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pdbSemLmWo/VaA78EpGWzI/AAAAAAAABNY/m8UPZv7X5mg/s1600/Summer%2BSong%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pdbSemLmWo/VaA78EpGWzI/AAAAAAAABNY/m8UPZv7X5mg/s320/Summer%2BSong%2B4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: small;">Crisp Watermelon with notes of Strawberry and light florals on a base of Oakmoss, Cassis, White Musk & Vanilla</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yrq6Fc7OX6w/VaA77yoRL1I/AAAAAAAABNU/0k_RzGO80yE/s1600/Summer%2BSong%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yrq6Fc7OX6w/VaA77yoRL1I/AAAAAAAABNU/0k_RzGO80yE/s320/Summer%2BSong%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This wasn't a candy type watermelon at all but more on the fresh side with a touch of florals. Very wear-able.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9mT9FNHs6A/VaA78IwruRI/AAAAAAAABNc/e5cqf_DHmGk/s1600/Summer%2BSong%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9mT9FNHs6A/VaA78IwruRI/AAAAAAAABNc/e5cqf_DHmGk/s320/Summer%2BSong%2B3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't know if I loved it enough to bring it back to the line-up next year, but they sold very well. As usual, I suppose my customers will be making the decision for me.</div>
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Till next time. xx</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-90487213378498920892015-07-15T09:25:00.000-04:002015-07-15T09:25:00.097-04:00"Silhouette" Cold Process Soap - Spoon Swirl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In the next few post, I'll be sharing a mix of soaps that are currently on the curing rack as well as a few that are in the web-shop right now that I didn't get a chance to share before.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>SILHOUETTE</u></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: small;">Fresh Rain and Patchouli with earthen Moss, lily of the Valley and a touch of Blood Orange</span></div>
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For this soap, I utilized the spoon swirl technique. The spoon has become one of my favorite swirling tools since making the switch to tall skinny molds.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WWw5G2NL-CY/VaAxlS0LvvI/AAAAAAAABMs/MVNxwPi_9x4/s1600/Silhouette%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WWw5G2NL-CY/VaAxlS0LvvI/AAAAAAAABMs/MVNxwPi_9x4/s320/Silhouette%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Swirls have been my favorite soap design for years, but I'v struggled for a while trying to figure out how <strong><em>not</em></strong> to get "butterfly" swirls in every batch when using my chopstick. They were cute the first time but definitely weren't what I wanted to see in every batch! LOL</div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: medium;" style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: small;">I'm getting there ♥</span></div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-76727233918694364582015-07-13T17:36:00.000-04:002015-07-13T17:36:00.314-04:00Making "Pastel" Handmade Soap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was listening to one of my favorite musical artist, Kenny G.'s, album entitled<em> Silhouette</em>, when I was inspired to make a few batches of soap named after a few of my favorite songs. The next few post will be dedicated to them. First up, Pastel...</div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;">The mouthwatering fragrance of Pineapple, Orange Juice, ripe Raspberry and Lime Zest blended with Vanilla Cream</span></div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-15966430758340573272015-07-10T16:47:00.002-04:002015-07-10T16:47:36.634-04:00Seaberry Hadmade Soap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This summer, by customer request, I'm bringing back Seaberry. This wasn't a soap that I was planning to remake but here it is:</div>
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Top notes of marine water and berries with a heart of tropical flowers balanced on a base of white musk</div>
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I've been stuck on this design ever since making "Lola" a few releases ago.</div>
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So, to change things up a bit, all of the soaps in Petals' Mid-Summer Release are going to incorporate this look. </div>
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The trick is going to be keeping the color combinations cool enough to keep the different batches interesting. I'm up for the challenge though :0)</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-18012547329404755312015-05-18T13:40:00.001-04:002015-06-01T08:48:55.348-04:00The ever elusive COCONUT...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Where, oh where has my coconut scent gone </div>
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Where, oh where could it be???</div>
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My goodness, coconut has got to be the most difficult scents to achieve in cold process soap. Notice, you don't see too many straight coconut scented soaps floating around the net. For me, this has been an extreme source of frustration for <em>years</em>! I've tried them form pretty much every major supplier and while I love my suppliers for their other amazing fragrance oils, I have yet to truly be happy with a coconut scent from any of them.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukw6juksY-M/VVocuAQCmpI/AAAAAAAABK8/7ShChQQTNwI/s1600/Toasted%2BCoconut%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukw6juksY-M/VVocuAQCmpI/AAAAAAAABK8/7ShChQQTNwI/s400/Toasted%2BCoconut%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every summer I get a request for a straight coconut soap and every year, I have to say that it's not possible. Coconut fragrances just can't make it through the rigors of cold process soap. This year however, I decided to try and tackle the ever elusive coconut.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Cfu3_T7aLs/VVodLCi-gcI/AAAAAAAABLU/3I2isFr1bN4/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Cfu3_T7aLs/VVodLCi-gcI/AAAAAAAABLU/3I2isFr1bN4/s400/IMG_0017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To start, I made a 3.lb batch of coconut scented hot process soap. I cut the oaf into bars and once they were firm enough, shredded them with a cheese shredder (sorry, no picture of that step).</div>
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Finally, I made a regular size batch of soap and added my coconut fragrance. Mixed to a nice thick trace and added the shredded soap. My thought here was that since hot process soap can retain the scent, adding the strongly scented hp coconut soap shreds to the main batch would allow the fragrance to carry through without interference from the cp method.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3KSiqjEcv8/VVocxei-AfI/AAAAAAAABLI/QmCuWW5KzJY/s1600/Toasted%2BCoconut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3KSiqjEcv8/VVocxei-AfI/AAAAAAAABLI/QmCuWW5KzJY/s400/Toasted%2BCoconut.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I added a bit of cocoa powder to the base to create the brown and TD to the top since I knew it was going to go beige on me. So far (2 1/2 weeks into the cure) the HP shreds still have their scent. The rest...meh. Hubby and I are both getting a mild chocolate scent but not much of anything else. This was going to be called "coconut cream" but at this point the bars have more of a light toasty coconut type scent. Most likely there will be a name change coming.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGE5XUGtkfk/VVocxM-4yKI/AAAAAAAABLE/fY-_LEV9emM/s1600/Toasted%2BCoconut%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGE5XUGtkfk/VVocxM-4yKI/AAAAAAAABLE/fY-_LEV9emM/s400/Toasted%2BCoconut%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure how I feel about this one guys. I'll do an update later. A few cp soaper reviews stated that this particular fragrance oil improves with cure and smells like coconut milk once you actually get the bar into the shower. I keep a chunk on my nightstand and sniff it constantly. The scent is definitely present it's just not screaming coconut to my nose. </div>
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Customer feedback will determine whether I give this a go again or not. </div>
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Till next time ♥</div>
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<span style="color: red;">UPDATE - almost 4 weeks into the cure, the scent has bounced back. It's like a coconut milk scent. I don't detect cocoa anymore and am very happy with the results!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">FYI: soap-makers, this is Natures Garden Creamy Coconut but I'm sure the process will work with most other suppliers as well ;0)</span></div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-61330010667300868892015-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:002015-05-04T09:00:00.302-04:00Making "Purple Rain" Handmade Soap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've said it before and I'll continue saying it: I L♥VE purple. Like, really love it and will happily take advantage of any opportunity to use it in soap. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://petals-bath-boutique.mybigcommerce.com/purple-rain-handmade-soap/" target="_blank">PURPLE RAIN</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqHlE7L2304/VUOO9-lqHLI/AAAAAAAABJ0/XqllpApuJR0/s1600/purple_rain_3.jpg__86697.1428505856.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqHlE7L2304/VUOO9-lqHLI/AAAAAAAABJ0/XqllpApuJR0/s1600/purple_rain_3.jpg__86697.1428505856.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;"><em>A unique blend of Sweet Orange and Lemon with a fresh and calming heart of Lavender on a woodsy base with Orange Blossoms</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">It still amazing how far supplies for the Soapmaking community has come. When I first started soaping, the use of stick blenders was still catching on! Just over a year ago, I was posting about my struggles to achieve a true, strong, vibrant purple in cold process soap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Here's my first attempt at this soap from 2013:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5afzGmrtdc/VUOQrODyyQI/AAAAAAAABKg/SAi-dHr1Pk8/s1600/Purple%2BRain%2Bsoap.jpg%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5afzGmrtdc/VUOQrODyyQI/AAAAAAAABKg/SAi-dHr1Pk8/s1600/Purple%2BRain%2Bsoap.jpg%5B1%5D.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you can see, my purple pigment morphed in to a pink. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ctU4tKIMnQ/VUOPP7RLf_I/AAAAAAAABKU/NO15kbaZjqo/s1600/purple_rain.jpg__25098.1428505856.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ctU4tKIMnQ/VUOPP7RLf_I/AAAAAAAABKU/NO15kbaZjqo/s1600/purple_rain.jpg__25098.1428505856.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm so happy to have found such wonderful cold process stable micas.</div>
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Here's the making video :0)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-mWJsk7xs3A/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-mWJsk7xs3A?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-48476312872218125602015-05-01T10:27:00.000-04:002015-05-01T10:27:04.904-04:00"LOLA" Handmade Soap - ITP Swirl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Back in March ( I think) Petals launched her Spring Release. This was a very fun release to prepare for because I was working with several new fragrances. I was extra fun, because my mom was here in the states for a visit at the time and we sat together for hours planning designs and color schemes. I love it when she visits...<em>sigh</em>.</div>
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<a href="http://petals-bath-boutique.mybigcommerce.com/lola-handmade-soap/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">LOLA</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu2tR8IBLVk/VUOFfWj4i1I/AAAAAAAABJk/nn3KgFGeHLY/s1600/Lola_2.jpg__85828.1428611052.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu2tR8IBLVk/VUOFfWj4i1I/AAAAAAAABJk/nn3KgFGeHLY/s1600/Lola_2.jpg__85828.1428611052.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;"><em>A sassy and flirty fruity blend of summer Berries, Orange Zest and Sparkling Pink Moscato</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;">To start, I went with a bubble gum pink base. Then added a gold mica line. For the center portion, I did an ITP (in-the-pot) Swirl. I used a soft green base with more of the pink and a touch of yellow.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzCNVP0ufCs/VUOFKFOeVTI/AAAAAAAABJU/2WRdP9JGr7s/s1600/Lola.jpg__30229.1428611083.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzCNVP0ufCs/VUOFKFOeVTI/AAAAAAAABJU/2WRdP9JGr7s/s1600/Lola.jpg__30229.1428611083.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;">I do my ITP swirls in the opposite direction of most soap-makers. A classmate asked me back in the 7th grade "Why do you always have to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing?" I couldn't answer that question then and still can't answer it now, LOL! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;">I've always sort of just done things my own way - it just happens to be opposite of everyone else, ha, ha. No point in changing that now ;0)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;">In this case, I simply like the wave-like patterns created when the pour is horizontal better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino; font-size: small;">The top has the remaining pink batter, textured with some iridescent glitter. </span></div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-43539616415971915182015-02-27T11:50:00.001-05:002015-02-27T11:50:53.150-05:00Sundance - In the Pot Swirl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">SUNDANCE</span></strong></u></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QORJk7_sJVs/VPCcLHTlX5I/AAAAAAAABII/4QTE6pCYBSY/s1600/Sundance3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QORJk7_sJVs/VPCcLHTlX5I/AAAAAAAABII/4QTE6pCYBSY/s1600/Sundance3.jpg.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Citrusy blend of Yuzu, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Tangerine, Satsuma, warm notes of Cloves and candied Lemon Drops</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZwqM-LCtEk/VPCcU9cnZBI/AAAAAAAABIg/vg0vksQU0uY/s1600/Sundance%2BMolded.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZwqM-LCtEk/VPCcU9cnZBI/AAAAAAAABIg/vg0vksQU0uY/s1600/Sundance%2BMolded.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The in-the-pot or ITP swirl is probably my favorite go-to swirling method when I don't know what else to do. It's difficult for even someone as finicky as I am, to be unhappy with the end results of this method.</div>
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It's pretty darn near impossible to mess up an ITP swirl. I love changing the direction of the pour between passes.</div>
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It creates all kinds of interesting patterns and swirls and creates a result a bit different from the traditional ITP look.</div>
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These will be cured and in the shop just in time for Spring ♥</div>
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<a href="http://petalsbathboutique.bigcartel.com/">http://petalsbathboutique.bigcartel.com/</a></div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-66404426844805396602015-02-23T09:30:00.000-05:002015-02-23T09:30:01.021-05:00MISBEHAVIN' is finally behavin'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This fragrance has been in a part of <a href="http://petalsbathboutique.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Petals Bath Boutique</a> for <em>years</em>! It's gone through a few name changes (see: Purple Hooters & Pishsalver Potion) and countless design changes. </div>
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<a href="http://petalsbathboutique.bigcartel.com/product/purple-hooters-handmade-soap" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">MISBEHAVIN'</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tmPPDGbZg3U/VOk6kknI07I/AAAAAAAABHk/QADOXX6koe0/s1600/Misbehavin.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tmPPDGbZg3U/VOk6kknI07I/AAAAAAAABHk/QADOXX6koe0/s1600/Misbehavin.jpg.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>A sparkling fruity accord of juicy strawberries, raspberries and citrus pulp on a bed of soft sexy florals</em></div>
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The last few changes have been variations that always involved purple and pink. I settled on the name "Misbehavin" because the colors in first purple and pink batch morphed so badly, that I was <strike>angry</strike>, <strike>frustrated</strike>, compelled created a name to match my emotions.</div>
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I think that now I have finally settled on the perfect blend of colorants and a design that makes me happy. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TnxVYhm3k7g/VOk6ktVEESI/AAAAAAAABHg/SUoZDHUzDE8/s1600/Misbehavin2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TnxVYhm3k7g/VOk6ktVEESI/AAAAAAAABHg/SUoZDHUzDE8/s1600/Misbehavin2.jpg.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Below is a video of this latest batch being made.</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/dZWS9ImcYVY/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dZWS9ImcYVY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-62039365951218889672015-02-22T08:30:00.000-05:002015-02-22T08:30:01.033-05:00Madcap Handmade Soap <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This soap was one of the first batches that I made for my Mid-Winter Release that went live right before Valentines Day. These are sold out now, but my blog is not just for sharing but is also sort of an online diary of my Soapmaking journey, so I need to log these things in. I hope you don't mind indulging me as I play catch up!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">MADCAP</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hTCvdlSPNGk/VLWC-7MYKWI/AAAAAAAABG8/PuOxMmrnP_o/s1600/Madcap%2B5.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hTCvdlSPNGk/VLWC-7MYKWI/AAAAAAAABG8/PuOxMmrnP_o/s1600/Madcap%2B5.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em> An alluring unisex fragrance with top notes of Oakmoss and sensuous Sandalwood supported by Tonka Bean and fresh Citrus on a base of precious Amber and soft musk</em></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NL_tzGD17ns/VLWC-RmvkeI/AAAAAAAABG0/2-JqmSa8vp4/s1600/Madcap%2B2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NL_tzGD17ns/VLWC-RmvkeI/AAAAAAAABG0/2-JqmSa8vp4/s1600/Madcap%2B2.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been so much fun playing with my mica's, pigments and oxides. I've been mixing and blending all sorts of cool colors from almost every supplier, LOL. I really wish that I had done a video for making this soap. It was suppose to be a "tiger stripe" swirl, but the batter started to set up and I had to improvise and this was the result. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhC0Q3Vke78/VLWC-Fo2sZI/AAAAAAAABGw/hMvuQKx_Z5s/s1600/Madcap%2B4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhC0Q3Vke78/VLWC-Fo2sZI/AAAAAAAABGw/hMvuQKx_Z5s/s1600/Madcap%2B4.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The colors are teal, purple, white, melon and silver. I blended to create the silver and melon portions. I have no name for this abstract design; particularly because I seriously doubt that I could ever replicate it! I just KNEW that this batch was going to be a botch but the end result turned out better than what I could have ever planned :0)</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-51933367480957342802014-11-11T12:05:00.002-05:002015-01-14T00:31:39.841-05:00Experimenting with different sizes in my tall skinny molds - Sugar Plum Fairy & Sleigh Ride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last year, I made the switch from traditional shaped soap bars to the "tall skinny" bars. I'd seen quite a few soapers with these bars but the it wasn't as popular as it is now and I was having a difficult time finding molds that 1. produced the right size bars and 2. could allow me to make the quantity of bars that I need for each batch. Finally, I just decided to have another mold custom made.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SUGAR PLUM</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU9avYxOPds/VFrSBZayqoI/AAAAAAAABEs/UxW7CdI9WU8/s1600/Sugar%2BPlum.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU9avYxOPds/VFrSBZayqoI/AAAAAAAABEs/UxW7CdI9WU8/s1600/Sugar%2BPlum.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sweet Sugared Plums with a heart of Citrus Zest on a base of warm Vanilla Musk</div>
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Making soap this way has its pros and cons for me. One of the major cons, is that I have been having a difficult time creating my swirls in the narrow compartments. So, my challenge has been coming up with other creative elements that aren't just about "the swirl". </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SLEIGH RIDE</span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NousXlPqFUY/VFrSBJRFqEI/AAAAAAAABEg/-6UUbcTKimY/s1600/Sleigh%2BRide%2B3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NousXlPqFUY/VFrSBJRFqEI/AAAAAAAABEg/-6UUbcTKimY/s1600/Sleigh%2BRide%2B3.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Top notes of Orange Zest with a center of tart Granny Smith Apples on a warm and spicy base of Clove and fresh Mint.</div>
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I tried to create my own true red by blending merlot mica, hot pink and even a bit of purple. Meh, I'm not overly impressed. Not sure it was worth the extra effort. Good news though, I saw that Nurture Soap Supplies is working on a new an improved "true red" mica for CPers. Can't wait to try it out.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbzvOkBmpoU/VFrSBG9uqgI/AAAAAAAABEk/rjtrQtEBhYw/s1600/Sleigh%2BRide.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbzvOkBmpoU/VFrSBG9uqgI/AAAAAAAABEk/rjtrQtEBhYw/s1600/Sleigh%2BRide.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anywho, I decided to make them shorter and thicker. I really like this size as it fits less awkwardly in my hand and they wear down more evenly in the shower. Now I'm trying to experiment more with colored layers, embeds, etc. It's still a work in progress ♥</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-3031239058407114002014-11-10T10:14:00.000-05:002014-11-10T10:14:00.606-05:00Mayan Gold - ITP Swirling in Layers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I received a bar of soap made with BrambleBerry's Mayan Gold fragrance last year (or was it earlier this year?) in their soap swap. My mom absolutely LOVED the scent and insisted that I include it in my Winter Release.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9sKiiozbyE/VFrSZZ0V36I/AAAAAAAABFA/o_rO74BNBsw/s1600/Mayan%2BGold%2B2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9sKiiozbyE/VFrSZZ0V36I/AAAAAAAABFA/o_rO74BNBsw/s1600/Mayan%2BGold%2B2.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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We designed and made this batch together. I really enjoy soaping with my mom! So, the design was suppose to be 3 layers of ITP swirls: Black bottom with gold swirls (gold mica line) followed by a bronze type color with a black swirl (gold mica line) topped with a gold layer with a bronze swirl (dusting of gold mica). It didn't quite work out like that!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3af35A0r4OI/VFrSZiNLF8I/AAAAAAAABFE/DwcHdrm_5v4/s1600/Mayan%2BGold%2B3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3af35A0r4OI/VFrSZiNLF8I/AAAAAAAABFE/DwcHdrm_5v4/s1600/Mayan%2BGold%2B3.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Everything was going fine until the dam in my mold slid out of place causing the layers to be disrupted. This happened several times as we tried to find things to help reinforce the mold. In the chaos, I forgot half of the center layer still in the bowl and poured the top layer. We spotted the bowl too late and made the decision to just go ahead and add it to the top. Not quite what we were going for, but we were both quite happy with the outcome.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1U9JCmN-Bg/VFrSZdF9OPI/AAAAAAAABE8/9KZwXkV4xys/s1600/Mayan%2BGold.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1U9JCmN-Bg/VFrSZdF9OPI/AAAAAAAABE8/9KZwXkV4xys/s1600/Mayan%2BGold.jpg.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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The scent is amazing: A warm spicy blend with notes of Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Vanilla Bean and decadent Chocolate</div>
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It's a tad bit on the masculine side, but I totally think a chic could rock this scent as well ♥</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-35631282270725183352014-11-07T09:47:00.000-05:002014-11-07T09:47:00.150-05:00Peppermint Bark Snowfake Wax Melts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of my guilty indulgences during the holiday season is Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Chocolate Squares. I've been thinking about making some from scratch this year with my boys. While browsing the net for recipes, I came across pictures of peppermint bark but instead of the usual broken pieces, they were shaped like snowflakes! Now, of course, that got my soapy wheels turning. However, instead of making soap, I though these would be extra cute as wax tarts.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSSnOjIQG8M/VFq44z8abgI/AAAAAAAABDA/ydnHhnjUmiQ/s1600/Peppermint%2BBark%2BSnowflake%2BMelts.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSSnOjIQG8M/VFq44z8abgI/AAAAAAAABDA/ydnHhnjUmiQ/s1600/Peppermint%2BBark%2BSnowflake%2BMelts.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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How delicious! I'll have to remind <em><strong>myself</strong></em> that these are for smelling NOT for eating ;0)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7lFev9zIhE/VFq49WnRApI/AAAAAAAABDQ/yVCLI5CSKMU/s1600/_Peppermint%2BBark%2BSnowflake%2BTarts.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7lFev9zIhE/VFq49WnRApI/AAAAAAAABDQ/yVCLI5CSKMU/s1600/_Peppermint%2BBark%2BSnowflake%2BTarts.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Instead of blending the peppermint and chocolate fragrance oils together, I thought it would be cool to allow the chocolate to start filling the room, then have the mint slowly tip-toe in.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIufCg6p61U/VFq49QL1xlI/AAAAAAAABDI/HDsbTEJy9S8/s1600/Peppermint%2BBark%2BWax%2BMelts.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIufCg6p61U/VFq49QL1xlI/AAAAAAAABDI/HDsbTEJy9S8/s1600/Peppermint%2BBark%2BWax%2BMelts.jpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, the base is a super yummy hot chocolate scent, with a white layer of peppermint topped with real crushed candy canes and glitter. Now, all I have to do is tackle the edible version!</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-12570358505314210712014-11-06T09:46:00.000-05:002014-11-06T09:46:00.157-05:00Sultana's Dream - learning to create silver in cold process soap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I looooove the color purple (any shade) and I love taking advantage of any opportunity to use it in my soap. This scent is a duplication of Lush's Sultana fragrance. I've never smelled the original so I can't say how close this is to it, but it's a really lovely scent that behaved beautifully in this batch of soap.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nzkmywv6Rho/VFqzmlfq3KI/AAAAAAAABCw/C8uP9C8aLD0/s1600/Sultana.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nzkmywv6Rho/VFqzmlfq3KI/AAAAAAAABCw/C8uP9C8aLD0/s1600/Sultana.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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A blend of Bergamot and Blackberry leading to soft floral notes of Egyptian Jasmine and Rose on a warm base of Indian Frankincense, Ginger and Musk</div>
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For the pour, I decided to do what I believe is called a "tiger stripe". The colors here are purple, silver, lavender and white. You can't really tell from the pictures but that really is silver between the purple and lavender layers. Frustrating, yes, I know. I really wish the camera could have picked up that color and shimmer. It's so pretty in person.</div>
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To create the silver portion, I used activated charcoal (I'm sure black oxide would work just as well), titanium dioxide and diamond dust mica. Lot's of diamond dust mica. It added a very pretty shimmer to what would have been simply light gray. I'm looking forward to playing with this color blend some more in the future. I think it's possible to make it pop even more. I'd really be interested in hearing if anyone else has tried something similar and what your results were. Till next time...♥</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-85099290150874060922014-08-22T11:21:00.000-04:002015-01-14T00:32:54.934-05:00More soap ball embeds...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes I really start to feel like I'm running out of ideas for Soapmaking. How many different types of swirls can I do before everything starts to look the same? By the time I got to this soap, I was in one of such slumps.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">HARLEQUIN</span></strong></div>
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Japanese Grapefruit and Citron leaf neatly crushed with Sparkling Mimosa with smoky note of Tobacco, Sugar Cane and Black Vanilla</div>
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I've been holding on to this oil for a while now unsure what to do with it. It's "Dirty Mimosa" from the Sage. I like using FO's from MMS when I'm looking for something very different from the popular scents that other soapers are carrying in their shops. If only I had a nose for real scent blending...sigh. </div>
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I play around a bit with it, but I'd LOVE to really, <em>really</em> understand how to create my own fragrance blends. Sorry, back to this soap :0)</div>
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As I was saying, I'm a bit in a design slump, so I decided to just go with an ITP swirls with more focus on the colors as opposed to the design. The soap balls were a last minute addition. I saw my last bar of Seaberry on the rack and decided, why not add some soap scrap balls again. </div>
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MINI BARS</div>
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The orange soap shreds didn't have much "pop" to them, so I decided to dip them into some gold and orange mica. I really thought the base would discolor due to the vanilla in the fragrance description, but these have been curing for 2 weeks now and so far so good. Fingers crossed.</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-38587664789646660942014-08-18T13:00:00.000-04:002015-01-14T00:34:18.774-05:00Melt & Pour Soap from Scratch and more Color Mixing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few days ago, I shared a video on Youtube chronicling my first attempt at making Melt & Pour Soap from scratch. You can view my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpQDsgWB7Vw" target="_blank">video</a> making the MP base at the end of this post. Also, you can view the original blog post and recipe from Cee <a href="http://oilandbutter.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-make-your-own-melt-and-pour-soap.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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So, from my little project, I was able to make lots of cute embeds to use in my soap for this fall. <span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">MASQUERADE</span></div>
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Fresh top notes of Orange, Pink Grapefruit and Tangerine with a heart of Strawberry, Apple, Pear and soft florals on a warm base of Sheer Musk</div>
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I've been using micas form Nurture Soap Supplies for most of my soaping. There are still some favorites that I like to stick to though. I love my 24K Gold from TKB and Crimson Red from Bramble Berry. For the most part, I am very happy to say that the colors are quite stable in CP soap. </div>
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However, I still prefer to mix my colors. Adding a bit of oxides I find really helps ground some of these micas, particularly yellows & oranges. Purple is my favorite color and I LOVE trying to fit a bit of it in there whenever I can so, once again color blending really helps achieve different hues of the same color. I have a not too stable purple neon from TKB that blended beautifully with my NSS mica. I'll be posting that soap in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-85023984960902056972014-08-13T13:30:00.000-04:002015-01-14T00:35:26.832-05:00Gearing up for Autumn...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know summer is still here but for soap-makers, this is around the time that we usually start getting our fall line-ups together. Before I jump into my fall soap batches, I wanted to share just a few summer soaps that I didn't blog about. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SEABERRY</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5g7mIv12mKc/U-qj1-SbhSI/AAAAAAAABAc/E0XQhg0GPl0/s1600/Seaberry%2B3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5g7mIv12mKc/U-qj1-SbhSI/AAAAAAAABAc/E0XQhg0GPl0/s1600/Seaberry%2B3.jpg.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Scented with Awapuhi Seaberry. This is a calming, "by the sea" type of scent with ozonic marine notes with the aroma of tropical flowers, citrus and tart berries on a mellow base of white musk.</div>
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I used three different shades of blue swirled into a white base. The soap balls were made with shredded soap from every soap scrap I could find in varying shades of blue. I really like how the balls resemble little blue planets</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FLING</span></div>
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A fresh and uplifting blend of Orange Zest, Lemon Pulp and Kiwi with a center of Bamboo & Blackcurrant on a warm woodsy base</div>
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I really don't know what this technique is called, but for a point of reference, I refer to it as a "traveling faux funnel" pour. It's just like the faux funnel pour put I choose a different spot to pour every few passes.</div>
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One more, I have to show this one because I just really, really like the scent! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OASIS</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slbPFvRVIUA/U-qndcUqblI/AAAAAAAABA8/uAdsqpg6gg4/s1600/Oasis%2B6.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slbPFvRVIUA/U-qndcUqblI/AAAAAAAABA8/uAdsqpg6gg4/s1600/Oasis%2B6.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fresh sliced Pineapple beautifully blended with the heady and intoxicating aroma of Jasmine</div>
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I honestly can't even talk about the swirling technique for this one, LOL. For once, I didn't really plan the soap design. I chose the colors and just sort of dropped them in. What I have been doing though is playing around with color mixing. I tend to use the same colors over and over again in my soaps, so I am trying to at least come up with different shades for those colors. I though this combination was pretty, fun and tropical.</div>
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Now, I'm looking forward to fall. I'll be back to share my creations as I finish them. Thanks for reading :0)</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-25465782869659031532014-05-09T11:26:00.000-04:002014-05-09T11:26:27.443-04:00Seaberry Handmade Soap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, I'm all finished making soap for my Summer Release. I'll be sharing several of them here and, hopefully, will have a few tips and tricks to share along the way. I always share a bit more about my techniques and "secrets" here on my Blog rather than on Youtube or Facebook.</div>
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To me, there is just an extra special something about people willing to dig and READ for information. That's how I started and I have a deeper level of respect for those willing to do the same.</div>
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So, to start off, I'll share:</div>
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<strong><u>SEABERRY</u></strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYNvoLKI_Mw/U2zT4AOdSHI/AAAAAAAAA-I/_NPJ0lQZbis/s1600/Seaberry+3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYNvoLKI_Mw/U2zT4AOdSHI/AAAAAAAAA-I/_NPJ0lQZbis/s1600/Seaberry+3.jpg.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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This design was an ITP swirl. There are 3 shades of blue down in a white base. </div>
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The goal was to mimic or create a sense of the movement of water.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECYb3m1rNgM/U2zeC1K9GQI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/CLwkNAGx3NQ/s1600/Seaberry+Molded.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECYb3m1rNgM/U2zeC1K9GQI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/CLwkNAGx3NQ/s1600/Seaberry+Molded.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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To create a bit of interest, I decided to add some soap ball embeds. These were pretty easy to do because they didn't really require too much prep work. I simply shredded every piece of blue soap scraps and left overs from previous batches that I could find. They look more like little planets than berries don't they? I like them though :0)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttKn3fF58yk/U2zeTvn7XsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/pvN8w1KVeJU/s1600/Seaberry+1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttKn3fF58yk/U2zeTvn7XsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/pvN8w1KVeJU/s1600/Seaberry+1.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The shreds were pretty sticky therefore easy to mold together and roll into balls.</div>
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If your shreds are too dry and don't want to stick together, you can try spritzing them with a bit of water to soften them up.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0SAt6Jlnj4/U2zeU2IXOhI/AAAAAAAAA-s/W-0lmwP7Rog/s1600/Seaberry+4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0SAt6Jlnj4/U2zeU2IXOhI/AAAAAAAAA-s/W-0lmwP7Rog/s1600/Seaberry+4.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I like how no two balls are the same and they're filled with so many different shades of blue.</div>
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"SEABERRY" is a light watery scent with ozonic marine notes enhanced by the aroma of tropical flowers, citrus and tart berries on a soft mellow base of white musk.</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-14421549972465770412014-04-25T12:08:00.000-04:002014-04-25T12:08:55.807-04:00Preventing Soda Ash<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Soda Ash is a harmless white powder that can form on top of cold process soap. It's completely harmless, but just not very pretty. The cause is believed to have something to do with soaping too hot or too cold and also from improper insulation. I don't insulate so I suppose that would be considered very improper! </div>
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I believe the soap heats up for the gel phase (quickly if you're using milk - which I do!) and then the surface cools down too rapidly causing the ash if the top isn't covered to prevent air from </div>
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getting to it. </div>
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This is a short video sharing my trick for preventing soda ash on the surface of my soap.</div>
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It may me very helpful for those who like me, don't like to insulate.</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-66450903990182320792014-02-10T10:15:00.000-05:002014-02-10T10:15:00.308-05:00Faux Hanger Swirl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a swirl that I came up with several years ago. Before soapers were really sharing the secrets to their techniques on Youtube. Back when hours of searching online for how-to's on creating pretty swirls in cold process soap in a loaf mold produced the "wisk" swirl on About.com, the ITP swirl or the "grid" pattern swirl for slab molds. Does any one else remember those days? All you could really do back then was stare at a picture with your head cocked to the side mumbling over and over, "how'd she do that?"</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6R_notboaQ/UvY9eQ1duAI/AAAAAAAAA7M/gk8pWRO3jPQ/s1600/CranApple+Rose+2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6R_notboaQ/UvY9eQ1duAI/AAAAAAAAA7M/gk8pWRO3jPQ/s1600/CranApple+Rose+2.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'd spent months pondering over several soaps that had swirls with the colors being dragged into one another in a vertical pattern. It never crossed my mind that this beautiful pattern was being created by putting a wire hanger down in the soap.</div>
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Around this time, I was experimenting with using a chopstick to create swirls on the face of my soap. I'd pretty much mastered those swirl in the slab mold, but wanted the same look in a loaf. After a LOT of experimenting and countless failed attempts, I finally figured that the key was the angle of the stick. Imagine you're holding a pencil in your hand and "writing" on the face of you soap. </div>
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It occurred to me that I could maybe do this to create, what I would later find is called, a hanger swirl pattern.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>CranApple Rose</u></strong></span></div>
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"Faux Hanger Swirl" done using my trusty chopstick.</div>
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This soap is going to be my entry for the Bramble Berry 2014 Winter Soap Swap. The fragrance is a blend of Crisp Apple Rose and Cranberry Chutney. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Blue Sugar</u></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5naIFqrCppU/UvY9dgkftoI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/OQqE1rrY194/s1600/Blue+Sugar.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5naIFqrCppU/UvY9dgkftoI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/OQqE1rrY194/s1600/Blue+Sugar.jpg.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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These swirls were done with an actual wire hanger. </div>
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<em>"Nooo wire hangers!!!" Sorry, couldn't help myself. I can't think of wire hangers without remembering that scene from Mommy Dearest, lol.</em></div>
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Back to the soap: I previously had two unsuccessful hanger swirl attempts before concluding that you really do have to untwist the hanger in order to have control of it in the soap batter . </div>
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Sometimes I have to learn my lessons the hard way. </div>
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Now that I've actually had a successful go at this, I'm going to play around with the technique a bit more in some future batches.</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-771622235951055380.post-68206223609964866452014-01-30T06:30:00.000-05:002015-02-22T21:38:30.061-05:00Breakfast at Tiffany's (Butterfly Swirls??), Flirt and New Soap Packagin...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here are just a few more soaps on curing the rack:</div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S</span></u></strong><br />
Butterfly Swirl Effect</div>
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This wasn't exactly the swirl that I planned. The swirls were supposed to be coming in towards the center from the top corner and opposite bottom corner, but I guess I sort of stumbled onto a new technique.</div>
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When placed together, the bars formed a butterfly pattern that I thought was pretty cool.</div>
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I did the same circular swirl pattern with my skewer that I've always done. I think that my new tall skinny mold played a HUGE role in this. It sort of forced the colors to one side, where in the past with my normal size molds, the swirl stayed in the center of the loaf. Two other batches done the same day, had this same effect. </div>
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This is really a unique kind of scent. It blends bakery types with fresh. Which sounds very weird yet somehow works <strong><em>very</em></strong> well.</div>
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"A blend of Maple, sweet Spices, Coconut Pulp and creamy Vanilla accents on a crisp ozonic base of Clean Linen"</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>FLIRT</u></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g079az1lPNc/UuowOBfkjVI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/Zek3Yon0q-s/s1600/Flirt1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g079az1lPNc/UuowOBfkjVI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/Zek3Yon0q-s/s1600/Flirt1.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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"A flirty heart of light florals kissed with Purple Passion Fruit, sun-ripened Tuscan Grapes and Vanilla musk"</div>
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I'm not really a floral kind of girl, but I'm getting there! They are growing on me. This soap was a hit last Valentines Day, so I brought it back. I actually don't mind doing these embeds. They're fun and who can resist sparkly hearts?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqJlaWeUmrU/UuowP-2E_9I/AAAAAAAAA60/j_0EU2MlR-U/s1600/Labeled+Soap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqJlaWeUmrU/UuowP-2E_9I/AAAAAAAAA60/j_0EU2MlR-U/s1600/Labeled+Soap.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the past, I've always created my own cigar bands, printed them, cut them out, wrapped all the soap bars then shrink wrapped them in plastic soap sleeves or more recently, smell through film. But since I am, for the most part, a one woman show, it really is becoming a bit much in regards to time. </div>
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So, I've switched to vellum paper and sticker labels. It took me only a few days to do what normally takes almost 2 weeks. Customer feedback will determine if I stick with this. I like it though ;0)</div>
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Kia - Petals Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012815812279825542noreply@blogger.com7