Wednesday, March 31, 2010

"Wash My Back and I'll Wash Yours" Giveaway!

It has been just a few days since the new issue of Let's Get Soapy has been launched and I'm thrilled by the response.  I think a whole issue dedicated to all natural ingredients has been long overdue, and I'm really happy to share what I have learned about them!  Now I would like your help!

If you tell your friends, followers, fans, or blog readers about the eZine, I have a special thank you gift for your efforts - a special bonus tutorial!  It's for the Zen Soaps pictured here - a 3 page tutorial full of photos, and using molding materials I'm sure you have in your kitchen right now.  The ingredients are all natural and both versions (Honey and Aloe Vera) are explained.  This will not be posted in any future eZine or on my blog.  It's exclusively for my Soapylove sharers! 

All you need to do is spread the word about the Spring "Let's Get Soapy" whether it's on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, on a forum... any social media you like.  Then email me a link to your post at debbie[at]soapylove[dot]com.  I'll email you the 3 page Zen Soaps Tutorial!  That's it! 

Thanks so much for your help!  And if you haven't gotten your copy of Let's Get Soapy yet, make sure you get it by Friday when the Early Bird Rate of $12 will expire.  For over 20 pages of Soapylove info, it's a great deal! 

Monday, March 29, 2010

Spring issue of Let's Get Soapy is now available!



Yay!  The Spring eZine is now ready for you!  There are 21 photo and info packed pages, all focusing on natural ingredients and specialty soap bases.  I'm especially excited about the Budding Leaves Loaf Soap Tutorial where NO colorants are used at all - just botanical additives in specialty soap bases!

You'll also find:
  • Product review of some gorgeous all natural colorants
  • Butterfly Soap Tutorial with THREE unique versions
  • How to use soap embed paper
  • How to use cosmetic clays in MP soap
  • How to successfully suspend stubborn exfoliants
  • Inspiring exfoliating soap board
  • Budding Leaves Loaf Soap tutorial
  • Printable butterfly page
  • Complete Resource Directory for all Articles
  • and much more!
Remember my Boxed Soaps?  This issue tells you where to get that cool dissolving paper and how to use it!

The early bird gets the worm, and in this case the early birds get $3 off!  Head over to the Soapylove site to see more photos from inside and get the new issue for only $12 if you snap one up by Friday.

I also have an amazing sale on the Boxed Soaps - only $4.99 each, but they're selling out quick so pick out your favorite today!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

New Spring eZine Coming Along!

Hi everyone!  I've been very busy lately, finishing up the next issue of Let's Get Soapy.  It's a special issue dedicated to all natural colorants and specialty bases.  The projects all use essential oils for fragrance, too!

This issue is bright, beautiful, and creative, plus there are loads of articles to tell you more about many of the fabulous options we have.  Here's a photo from version 3 of the Butterfly Soap tutorial (yes, THREE versions!). 

Some of the tips and articles included are:
  • Using soap embed paper
  • Using cosmetic clays to color soap
  • Some new and exciting all-natural colorants (featured on the cover)
  • How to suspend stubborn seeds and other exfoliants in your soap
There is a lot more, including a printable page full of the same beautiful butterflies shown here, so you can get started with no trouble!

Make sure you are signed up for the Soapyclub to get your early bird discount.  I'm thrilled with how this issue is coming, and I'm sure you will be, too!

(Don't forget to hit up the great Spring Break Sale on our new Boxed Soaps, too.  Styles are selling out quickly!)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Spring Break Sale!

Don't let Easter sneak up and catch you empty handed!  Fill your baskets with Soapylove's new Boxed Soaps, all lovingly handmade and packed with beautiful details.  With styles great for girls, boys, and grown ups, you will find something for everyone.

Now through March 31 you can get them for only $4.99 each!  That's a huge discount from the regular price of $9.00 each.  A couple of styles have already sold out so head over and pick yours before they hop away!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Soapy Cupcakes Video Tutorial a la The Soap Queen!


How to make Soap Cupcakes with Whipped Frosting from Soap Queen on Vimeo.

I was so thrilled to see this great video tutorial of the Fluffy Frosted Soapy Cupcake tutorial I created for The Soap Queen.  You will LOVE how easy and fun it is, as you will see!  For the full list of ingredients, check out her blog post here.

Thank you Anne-Marie for making this.  I'm so happy that you felt my project was video-worthy!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

When Things Get Complicated, Keep It Simple (Easter Tutorial!)

The other day I was grocery shopping and passed by the Easter section. There was a great display with molds on it, so of course I bee-lined it right over.  It turns out that Jell-o offered two 4 cavity molds for FREE with the purchase of 3 full sized Jell-o products.  They didn't have to ask me twice!

Later, when I got home and checked out my score, I realized that these molds were WAY too detailed to fill with multiple colors.  It would take the patience of a saint, so I had to rethink my plan.

First, I got out my bowl of scrap soaps.  Every time I make a project I pour my left overs into my silicone heart mold.  It's great to have tons of colors handy for times like this.  When I want to experiment I just pop a few in a cup, zap them, and I'm ready to go.

I decided that for molds like this, it would be best to keep it simple.  This is not usually my approach as you know!  Here is what I made:


First, I made the marbled soaps.  These are super easy and fun!  Take two separate cups of soap (as cool as you can), colored with non-bleeding colorants, and pour them simultaneously into the mold.  Do a blob here, a blob there, to make different areas of color. It might be a little messy and the back might look kind of worrisome, but the front will be great! 

Next I did a batch of natural ingredients.  One is white soap with lavender colored ground loofah stirred in, and the other is cream soap with Calendula petals.  I like how the texture makes them interesting without hiding the details of the mold.

Next, I decided to choose one detail that was the cutest from two of the molds.  One was the yellow beak on the duck (chick?  My son and I had a little debate about this).  Just drop a bright color to highlight that feature and then fill the rest with a pastel version of that color.  Easy and sweet!

Finally, my favorite method for making very special soaps with that super colorful look - brushing with mica.  This would be great for kids because the color goes on gradually and they use a regular paint brush.  The basket has so much texture that it's perfect for this technique.

Make some soaps in solid colors.  Then take a dry brush, dip in mica (any color, and it doesn't need to be non-bleeding), dab on a napkin to get off the extra, and brush on!  I used copper sparkle on the basket and a mix of other shades for the eggs.  The Opalescent colors make very pretty egg colors. You can even use glitter!  If you get the Bramble Berry mica sampler, you'll have a great selection.

There you have it!  A handful of easy methods to use super detailed molds.  Have a great day!

(Don't forget to check out the great line of Soapylove supplies available at Bramble Berry!)

Monday, March 15, 2010

Hugs and Kisses From Around the World!

Recently my Typography Soap was the lucky winner in the "Innovative Design" category of the Handmade Olympics.  Along with that wonderful title came gift certificates from 3 amazing Etsy shops!

First was from Theme Fragrance based in Brooklyn, New York (Brooklyn is definitely where it's at these days!).  I ordered the Mini Spray Perfumes Set and the Keep Calm and Spray (or Carry) On Set. Not being a fragrance wearer (I'm still reeling from the gag-worthy colognes that guys in high school used to wear), I was really interested to try some all natural fragrances.  I am delighted to say that I LOVE Theme's scents.  They're all very pleasant and uplifting!  Check out their fragrance line as well as some beautiful soaps and lip balms!

Next I headed over to Michele Maule from Portland (also coolness central).  Being a WAHM with 2 kids, I rarely treat myself to art.  I couldn't have been more lucky than to get to shop from Michele.  Her paintings and artwork have soft, soothing colors but have great modern themes like typewriters and city scapes.  I chose 2 subjects that dominate my life - time flying and coffee.  They're perfect for me and I can't wait to put them up in my house!  

Finally I went to Papermode from Paris (need I say more?).  This incredibly creative collection of accessories and jewelry feature her intricately folded paperwork.  It was so difficult to pick from so many fabulous designs!  At last I chose some really cool dangles and some edgy earwires.  They are truly as amazing in person as they are in her photos, and she went above and beyond in her very special packaging.  You could feel the love pouring out of the envelope!

Thanks so much to Rik Rak Studios for hosting the Handmade Olympics and to the wonderful shops that spoiled me rotten!  I am so flattered and grateful.  xoxo!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Two Tutorial Tuesday! :)


Hi everyone!  I have been madly making soaps lately and haven't been posting as much, but today I have a "2 fer!"  Since I have kids jumping on my bed I'm going to make it quick!!

First is a new tutorial now posted over at the Soap Queen.  If you love ice cream then you'll love this new Soapylove mold!  The color combo possibilities are endless.  Make sure to add one to your collection!  (but first head over and see how I made those adorable ice cream embeds, too!)


Next is a truly awesome tutorial from Roots and Wings Co - how to make Lego soaps! This mom is so crafty.  She used real Legos and urethane to make her own molds.  This tutorial is so chock full of great tips and techniques.  It's a must read! 

Thank you Rebecca for letting me share your project with my readers!!

Have a great day everyone!