Choosing Natural
There are plenty of reasons to choose organic products, from environmental and animal rights benefits, to reasons for personal health and safety. But even for people who do not feel strongly about...
View ArticleTo Gel or Not to Gel? Gel Phase and Cold Process Soap
When I first began making cold process soap, I was convinced that proper insulation was the key to making good cold process soap. It seemed like every book I read, every site I visited and every person...
View ArticleSoaping for the Season- Seasonal Soaps Without the Cutesy Kitsch
I've never been one to adorn my house in cutesy holiday decor. You won't find American-flag-themed chairs on my porch during summer, or four leaf clovers on my front door in March. So, I will admit,...
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Rose Hip Powder- Cold Process Do's and Dont's
Why Use Rose Hip Powder In Soap?BenefitsRose hips contain high concentrations of vitamin C as well as A, D and E. They are also rich in antioxidants. All of this makes rose hips great ingredients to...
View ArticleSuicidal Soap Syndrome
Many of us have at least one favorite recipe. One that we've made time and time again, knowing it will make a good bar of soap. Then one day it surprises us... and it doesn't behave! It seizes or...
View ArticleNatural Exfoliants and Additives for Cold Process Soap Making - A Few of My...
Oatmeal- Ratio: 1-2 T. per pound of oilMethod: Use slow cooking or rolled oats for soap. Do not use instant or quick cook oatmeal (It absorbs to quickly and creates a gloppy mess). Grind your oats into...
View ArticleDirty Laundry, Patience and the Art of Soapmaking
With all the anticipation and excitement that builds as we wait for our soap to gel, it is always a thrill to unmold a soap and reveal a beautifully formed, wonderfully scented bar that appears just as...
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Doomed! Soaping Disasters
As I began preparing for my first big show, I couldn't help but feel like this whole soaping endeavor was doomed! I had sunk a pretty big lump of money into starting this business, now it seemed like...
View ArticleA Little Honesty Please
Again and again I read posts by soapers who seem to be on a one man or one woman crusade to de-bunk the "natural" myth. Soapers who like to use micas and lab colors and fragrance oils and constantly...
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Soap for Your Teeth!
Soap for your teeth!Toothpaste is full of dangerous chemicals and harsh abrasives that can damage your teeth’s enamel. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional pastes, soap is definitely...
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Soap and Social Media
Facebook is a great place to showcase your soap... but becareful what else you're showcase!Facebook is a wonderful tool to catch up with old friends, stay in touch with family and even promote your...
View ArticleGMO What's the BFD?-- Part 1
When it comes to genetically modified organisms (GMO) there are few areas of our lives that aren't impacted. GMO's are frequently either touted as miricle food or cited as a potential hazard for the...
View ArticleGMO what's the BFD?-- Part 2
Effect on FarmersBackground1970- The US Congress passed the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) giving breeders up to 25 years of exclusive control over a new, distinct varieties of plants with a few...
View ArticleA Vegetarian atThanksgiving?!
Between traffic jams, family and the pressure of preparing a delicious multi-course meal for dozens of people, Thanksgiving can be trying enough without the added challenge of having to feed a...
View ArticleThe Castor Canundrum: Miracle Bean or Toxic Curse?
Castor Oil:Castor oil is a wonderfully unique oil, rich in glycerin esters of ricinoleic acid. It is widely used throughout the world in everything from industrial applications to folk remedies and, of...
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Fun for Free!
Green Clay from MRHOne of my favorite parts of soap making is experimenting with new products, from rich exotic oils, to fine spices and scrumptious essential oils. Yet, it always amazes me how much...
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Nature's Inspirations: The Amazing Cuttlefish
If you have ever seen a cuttlefish, then I assume you already know how awesome these magical little guys are. If you haven't... you, my friend, are missing out! PBS aired a great show starring the...
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Palm Oil- The Dark Side of Vegan Soap
Palm oil really is an amazing oil. Take a quick look around your house and you'll likely see dozens of products that contain palm oil. It may show up in anything from chocolates, cookies, crackers and...
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Disecting Dove
Spotted Hippo Soap's "Simply Soap"People often wonder how handmade soap differs from the type of "soaps" they buy in the grocery store. I thought it would be interesting (if not a bit nerdly) to look...
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What does natural mean?
In recent years, as the organic industry has expanded, the use of the word "natural" has come under increasing attack from all sides. Supporters of both organic and conventional foods argue that the...
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Lotion Bars- Who? What? Why?
With all types of luxurious oils like shea, and hempseed just laying around between soap batches, it wasn't long before I began wondering what else I could do with these oils. My first thought was...
View ArticleFelted Soap
I've always wanted to be one of those people who could find the one thing in life they are really passionate about, then work really hard to master their craft and excel in their field. Unfortunately,...
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If Soap Were Superman
If cold process soap were superman then water, surely, would be its kryptonite. It seems like soapers are always reminding their friends and customers to use a well draining soap dish and to ensure...
View ArticleBreaking the Rules- Going Rogue and Making Soaping Fun Again
If you've read my blog at all, you know by now that I don't do anything haphazardly. I research whatever topic has caught my interest until I feel confident that I can make a responsible, well reasoned...
View ArticleVanilla Essential Oil?
At a recent show, someone asked if I made lavender/vanilla scented soap, to which I replied "no". I went on to explain that there is no vanilla essential oil and since I don't use artificial scents,...
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