Monday, April 25, 2011

Perfume Bottle Soap inspiration


Mother's Day is just a little over 2 weeks away, and you might be wondering what you should do for the Mom in your life this year.  Flowers?  Candy?  She deserves something unique, made by you, and useful!  I have just the thing: Perfume Bottle Soaps!
In my latest issue of Let's Get Soapy, I show you how to make your very own bottle mold.  There are so many wonderful inspirations for bottle shapes and colors, including this photo from Martha Stewart. The opaque pastels are so beautiful!

For a very feminine version, try making your mold from an ornate perfume bottle.  I did a quick search on Etsy for perfume bottles under "vintage", and found many gorgeous possibilities such as this old Avon Perfume Bottle from ForestDayDream.

When shopping for a bottle (a great excuse to hit up your local thrift store!), avoid bottles that get extremely wide since you will need to push your soap bottle out of the bottom opening of your mold.  Also avoid overly ornate tops like swans since little necks or pieces can break.

This adorable little owl jar from ricracandbuttons has a great shape and its feather texture would show up perfectly!  Another great thing about using perfume bottles is their size is usually just right for a soap - about the size of your hand.

For great places to shop for perfume bottles check antique stores, thrift stores, your local drug store, and of course online.  Etsy has a vast vintage section and there are many treasures to be found.  Plastic works just as well as glass, so you might even find some cute ones in your toddler's dress up box!




Monday, April 11, 2011

MP Challenge! Soapy Battenburg Cake!


I am a huge fan of baking blogs. There is so much inspiration to be had, and delicious treats to tempt me! Today I saw the most wonderful cakey confection on Sprinkle Bakes - a Battenburg Cake! Better yet - it's a full tutorial. So for the bakers out there, check out the full post here. Sprinkle Bakes: Spring Battenburg Cake

For the MP soapmakers out there, check it out and then get ready for a challenge!

This is the first ever Soapylove challenge. I would like to see YOU try your hand at a glycerin soap version of this stunning cake, then go to my Facebook fan page and post a photo of your entry. This is based completely on looks - so take your best photo! I will judge the entries (and consult with some of my soapmaking friends) and pick a winner on Tuesday, 4/19. That gives you the weekend to give it your best shot! I have a fun prize to send you, and it's not soap! :)

I can't wait to see your entries, and if you don't want to enter please come over and check them out. I know this will be a lot of fun!

Now go get soaping!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

New issue of Let's Get Soapy - now available!

I am so happy to announce that the newest issue of Let's Get Soapy is now available!  It's bigger than ever, with 25 beautiful pages, featuring these great tutorials and articles:
  • How to make your own bottle mold using brushable silicone
  • Tips and design ideas for creating amazing bottle soaps
  • Behind the scenes tour of Klean Spa's workroom
  • Floral Spa Bar tutorial featuring 2 kinds of skin-loving salts
  • An article to help you choose salts for your next soap project
  • How to make adorable soap sprinkles with brand new soap recipe
  • Full supply directory for everything used in the tutorials

Early birds get the worm!  Purchase your issue this week at www.letsgetsoapy.com and get it for only $11.95 (regular price is $14.95!).

Do you prefer a hard copy?  Or do you love the "virtual magazine" feel of flipping pages on your monitor?  Now you can get your issue at Magcloud.com, too! 

Tell a friend!  :)