Wisdom Hospice Craft Fayre

What a great day was had by all. There were a few familiar local sellers but a number of unknowns too. Not only did scores of people turn out to support this worthwhile event, they were all in very good spirit and the atmosphere was fab. It is this frst time I have attended this event but I will be returning. I had added a few new lines which sold well and many of the comments gave me ideas for further new lines at the next few shows.

The Weekend/Monday

Knowing that hobby was home for the first 3 days of this week I invisaged a quiet weekend - how wrong was I? As I was up and around long before anyone else on Sunday I set off to the local bootfair knowing it was proably going to be the last of the season, had a great tiem and came bag with a carrier stacked fullof goodies having spend the grand sum of £10. When I got back they were all still in lazy Sunday breakfast mode so off to the shed I went and began soaping.

Monday with kid off to college and hubby sleeping in I set about an early morning glass cutting and kiln layout session. The combined result of Sunday and Monday's energies this sexy little gift set conatining a slice of Wild Poppy soap with exfoliating seeds, A Midnight Gardina Soap Cake with delicate grey rose decoration both nestled on one of my glass soap dish and tied with black lace.

Bath Cookies

Not a recipe I have tried but just one of the many delicious sounding ones over at Fresholi.co.uk
http://www.fresholi.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75&Itemid=38

Dog Soap

Looks like the week's gone to pot! Sorry this week's weekend soap arrives 2 days late on Tuesday - Oh well better late than never I guess.

My Recipe for Lemon & Lavender Dog Soap is sufficent to make a bar/block of around 100g.

You will need:100g Soap/Microwaveable pot/2 drops Yellow Food Colouring/2 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil/4 drops Citronella Essential Oil/3 drops Lavender Essential Oil/Mould – you can use any plastic tub or pot (remember it will determine the final shape of your soap.

You will not be able to use any utensils or pots For food or drink after using for soap making.

1. Grate Soap into microwaveable pot and melt gently for around 10 seconds on half power.
2. When fully melted add Essential Oils and Food Colouring.
3. Stir and pour into mould.
4. Leave to cool and set for 1 hour.
5. Place in freezer for 10 Min’s to aid release from mould.
6. Release from mould and enjoy bathing your dog.

Honey & Ginger Winter Warmer Soap

In preperation for Satursday's Craft Fair I got busy with a new soap on Friday, it was a grey and windy day so I figured it time to be introducing the warming variety.

Honey is always a soft subtle scent which always leave uncoloured to make this block a little colourful for dull winter days I made a biscuit coloured block of Ginger. When the Ginger was hardened I chopped half into small squares and lay in the bottom of my mold before pouring 2/3 of the Honey on top when semi hardened I pushed in some more Ginger which I had shredded on a mandalin and then poured the rest of the Honey.

Result - a great smelling and interesting looking slab of soap.

Salt Bar

Sea salt is packed with natural minerals (Bromide, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium) all of which are absorbed by the skin aiding circulation and metabolism, combating stress, slowing the aging process and energizing the body generally. When rubbed against the skin in crystal form it works to exfoliate. Unlike normal Sea Salts Dead Sea Salt is inedible but are even richer in minerals making them the choice for spas and beauty treatment.

Lemon Salt Bar Recipe:100g Melt & Pour Soap Base, 100g Sea Salt (preferably Dead Sea), 2g Lemon Essential Oil and 1 drop of Yellow colourant. Melt the soap base, stir in the salts, add oil and colour, pour into mould to set. This is a truly invigorating and refreshing soap bar, great for hands, body and feet though some may find it a little harsh for face.

Orange & Almond Cake Soap

With the EU rules and regulations soapers have to be very careful with the making of anything that resembles food. We can so I interpret the infomation make for example something that smells of Orange as long as it does not look like an Orange or any other edible item. The darling little cupcakes and larger cake slices that have been popular for a while are a big NO NO (unless you want to take the potenially very costly risk) but every now and then I just can't resist and make a little cake for myself.

I made soap M&P with Orange colour and Sweet Orange Oil scent poured into a muffin case and let it set. I then grated some slithers from a previously make Almond block, dropped them onto the top and stuck into place with a little amount of the Alomd shavings melted. When fullyhardened I peeled away the paper muffin case. It semlls delicious and looks almost edible...part of the problem! But for personal use who cares, I figure just enjoy.

Soap Salts

There is nothing better than a relaxing bath especially at the weekend. To get the very best from it I like to use Soap Salts they are real easy to make and fill the bath with great minerals lovely smell and luxury botancials.

To make my Rose & Neroil Soap Salt you will need:

100g Course Sea Salt, 50g M&P Soap Base, 10g Red Rose Petals, 2ml Rose & Neroli Fragrance Oil, Air tight storage Jar.

Melt the soap base and drip onto a sheet of kitchen foil. When soap has set (about 10 mins) pour sea salt into large mixing bowl (one you will not be using for food) peel soap from foil and put into bowl with salt. Add fragrance oil and rose petals. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated with each other pour into storage jar.

This mix should give you sufficent for 4 baths. You can use the same principle with any fragrance or botanicals and if desired add liquid colour.

Run bath water pour in your creation lay back and soak up the relaxation.