Studio DIY Blog Crush, Ombre Inspiration, and Free Soap Tutorial!

Kelly, of Studio DIY

If you’ve been visiting the Soapylove Facebook page lately, you know that I’ve been seriously crushing on the DIY Studio blog!!  The tag line is “Make Life a Party.”  Say no more, right?!  Kelly, the adorable woman behind the blog, has incredible tutorials and stylish inspiration.  I could go on and on.  But you should check it out and get on her super fun mailing list.  Your inbox will thank you!

Yesterday she posted a tutorial for DIY ombre glassware.  So pretty! 

DIY Ombre Glassware Tutorial

Which reminds me – you can get this beautiful faded effect quite simply in glycerin soap!  A tilt of the mold is all it takes.  In conjunction with The Nova Studio, here is the Soapylove Ombre Soap Tutorial.  Enjoy!  (And if you have any questions or comments, please post them below!)

Free Ombre Melt and Pour Soap Tutorial

It’s so fun when a fashion trend translates perfectly into glycerin soap crafting! Like the “ombre” effect, which is a pretty color fade that is being used in everything from dip dyed shorts to hair color effects. Getting a perfect fade in soap might seem tricky, but with a simple technique you’ll get gorgeous results every time.

I see these soaps as a very elegant wedding or bridal shower favor, or a pretty way to add color to enhance your fragrance choice. This is also a handy technique to add to more complex designs!

Supplies: Makes 4 bars

·         4 oz of clear soap base, cut roughly into 1” cubes

·         12 oz of white soap base, cut up

·         Pastel mica colorant of your choice

·         Fragrance oil of your choice

·         4 cavity soap mold (I used Milky Way guest rectangle)

·         Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol

·         Stir sticks, mini paper cups, 2 cup heat-proof measuring cup, microwave

First we will color a small amount of clear soap with mica powder. The powder must be dissolved before adding to soap or else it will clump. To do this, spray some alcohol in a small paper cup (about ½ teaspoon). Stir in a pinch of mica powder and stir well. Melt 1 oz of clear soap base. Pour into the cup of mica solution and stir well. For this effect, I suggest using less color than you think you should. A blush of color is what we’re going for.

Now spray the inside of your mold with alcohol. Pour just enough colored soap to coat the surface.

Next quickly tilt your mold and prop it up on something like a book or magazine. Not more than 1/2” tall.

The colored layer is so thin that you must be super careful that your white soap is not too hot. Melt 12 oz of white soap base. Stir in 1 mL of fragrance oil per bar of soap you are making. Allow to cool in cup until thickened, spray hardened soap in mold with alcohol, and top off with white soap.

Allow soap to harden and unmold!

For all of Soapylove’s tutorials and class projects, go to www.soapylove.com!

How to Throw a DIY Glycerin Soap Making Party with Free Printables!

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One thing I love about making glycerin soap is how easy and fun it is, for all ages!  I gathered up my friends and family for this video to show you how to host a soap crafting party.  As a bonus, I have included the printable signs and name tags to this post!  All you need is a crock pot and a freezer, plus supplies (which you can find in the soap section of most craft stores).

One thing that really tickles me when people make soap is how magical it seems!  From stirring in the color and watching it swirl into the soap, to choosing fragrance (which is a very personal decision!), and then the fun of popping a soap out and admiring their work.  The whole process is exciting and entertaining (as you'll see with my friend Alison)!

Get everyone outside and make something useful and creative.  For the full instructions, check out Let's Get Soapy which includes your supply list and ideas for party themes.  From birthdays to bridal showers, this party idea will make you the hostess with the mostess!

Find all of Soapylove's eZines and tutorials at www.soapylove.com!

Buy in Bulk! Get the whole library of Let's Get Soapy for a special price!

Lori and Cassie at The Nova Studio are always thinkin'. Since we all noticed that the interest in melt and pour soap is on the rise and people are discovering how awesome soap crafting is, they decided to put the entire Let's Get Soapy eZine Collection into one bundle, and save you a bundle!  

Each issue has 3 full step-by-step tutorials (many with great holiday and gift ideas), supply articles, technique ideas, design inspiration, and often some extra goodies like printables, you will get a lot of great information in these eZines.  Designed to be read on your monitor, you'll be able to dive in the moment these digital magazines hit your inbox.  

Check it out!  I think you'll love it!

Dissolving Embed Paper - So Much Room for Soapy Creativity!

When I started making glycerin soaps, I wanted to get lots of detail into my designs.  I used exacto knives and toothpicks to cut pieces of soap into fancy shapes like birds, silhouettes, tiny tiles... you name it.  I loved doing it but even then there were so many looks I couldn't achieve.

I used chocolate transfer paper, which was fun but colors will bleed since it's made of food coloring.

I saw soap designs with photographs in them and was pretty excited until I found out they were using sheets of acetate or plastic which didn't sound very skin friendly (hello, sharp edges and corners!). My quest continued.

Bicycle Soap - winner of Best Melt & Pour at HSMG Conference 2010

Then I heard about dissolving paper.  I was intrigued but read about people using hairspray to set the ink so it wouldn't bleed, and even then it was very problematic.  But it sounded like the best material, so I tried it.

Well, let's just say that once I figured out the nuances of embed paper, I was hooked!  I created an entire soap collection around this material because I loved it so much.  It's perfect for making logo soaps, wedding favors (photos of the happy couple!), and combined with other soap techniques it's a show stopper.

Are you interested yet?  If so, here are my Cliff's Notes about this amazing stuff:

1. This is my favorite brand. I've had NO problems with it.  My soaps that are years old still look new.
2. Use a laser printer!!  Ink jet printer ink will dissolve into a fuzzy blob!  Not pretty!
3. Only use graphics with the designer's permission.  Personal photos are great, but celebrity pics will get you in trouble. The world of digital clip art is vast and affordable. Just check the artist's rules about using them if you plan to sell your gorgeous creations.  

If you'd like to learn more - from printing tips to a step-by-step project - check out Issue 9 of Let's Get Soapy which also includes free printables.  I'm sure you're going to have so much fun!!  

Comment below if you have any questions or additional input!  

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!  :)

Curious about Let's Get Soapy? Come take a look!

If you like the looks of the projects featured in Let's Get Soapy, but weren't sure what an eZine is or what else would be included, I have now made the Summer 2009 issue (my best seller) available for you to see. I guarantee that you will enjoy the articles, photos, and tons of tips packed into every issue.  Check out all seven, including my brand new Summer 2010 issue, at www.letsgetsoapy.com. 

To view the video on the Issuu site where you can download, rate, and comment on it, click here.  Thanks!

Open publication - Free publishing - More bath

Summer is Delicious in the New Let's Get Soapy!

Summer's sunny days are here, and the new issue of Let's Get Soapy is bursting with sunshine!  With 3 great tutorials inspired by the delicious treats of the season, you'll be soaping in no time.

This issue features Fruity Soap Kabobs (an adorable way to display your soaps!), Juicy Striped Soaps (with tips on how to streamline your loaf soapmaking), and the cover project: Soapy S'Mores!  The chocolate coated graham crackers (which you will make the mold for - it's easy!), filled with fluffy soap marshmallow is almost too real looking.  But based on how many of my friends are asking for S'More, I know they're a hit!

In this issue, you'll get:

• Full tutorial for mouthwatering Fruity Soap Kabobs
• UV Inhibitor Test and Product Review
• Vintage Juice Glass Inspiration Board
• Eye catching Juicy Stripes Soap Loaf Tutorial
• How to make your own Graham Cracker Silicone Tray Mold
• S'More Soaps Tutorial including soapy marshmallow fluff
• New M&P Head Scratchers Advice Page
• Complete Resource Directory for all Articles
• and much more!

Upon your purchase of this article and photo packed 18 page issue, you will receive a confirmation email with a link. Follow this link to download your copy and get soaping right away!

Don't miss your early bird discount!

If you get your issue by Wednesday, July 7, you'll get the Early Bird Rate of only $12!  That's $3 off the regular price!


Click here to see even more pictures of what's inside.  I know you're going to love it!

Thank you, LMNOP!

Today is already a great day!  First I got the new issue of LMNOP in my inbox (which I must say is so beautiful it hurts) then I was surprised two times!  My Soapylove Peace, Love, and Soapiness was featured twice!

Thank you so much to Jenny Lacey for inviting me to be in your eZine.  I'm so glad I know about LMNOP now.  It will be the source of inspiration for many projects to come!

For those waiting for my eZine featuring those delicious S'More Soaps, it's in the final stages of publication right now and should be ready in a few hours!  Thanks for your patience!

New Summer Issue is Looking Tasty!

I am madly working on the new issue of Let's Get Soapy for Summer.  It will be full of wonderful summery inspirations such as fruit, juice glasses, and s'mores!  The S'More Tutorial is packed with techniques - making your own graham cracker mold, realistic melted chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow filling!  

Also there will be a new question and answer section to help you with your most challenging melt and pour dilemmas.  Please post your best head scratchers here and it may be picked for the eZine! 

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks!

Fun Summer Party Idea - Make Soap!

Last year when I launched the Summer issue of Let's Get Soapy, I made this little video to show how much fun it is to host a soap making party.  It works for every age group.  A teacher did this with her kindergarten class, and it would make a great bridal shower project! 

Don't forget to grab your issue of Let's Get Soapy, which comes with the printable name tags and station signs.  With the new Soapylove Jewelry Box Colorant Set and Candy Jar Fragrance Set, it's easier than ever to get the supplies together for a great party (the colorant set was completely inspired by this eZine issue!). 

Have fun!

"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! 

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!

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!)

The New Soapylove Website and Winter eZine Have Arrived!

I am beyond excited to announce that my new, super fabulous* website is now live! You can now find everything in Soapyland under one roof, including all Let's Get Soapy eZines!

If you have a minute, please head over and check it out. It looks completely different! New features are:

• Entire collection of Soapy Pops, including the brand new Mint Chip and 2 holiday styles.
• An exclusive area for wholesalers so shop owners can now place orders online anytime.
• A registration option so you can save your payment option and make future orders super quick.
• All eZines can be purchased right on my site instead of at a secondary site.
• Entire area dedicated to soapmakers where you can find Soapylove class schedule, links to Soapylove supplies, and sites where you can buy the book.
• Finally, a whole page dedicated to all the social media where Soapylove appears.

It's all designed to make it easier and more fun for you to find just what you need! And right now I have TWO great specials to celebrate!

1. Get free shipping on all Soapy Pops through November 6. Just enter SOAPYLAUNCH during checkout to get the discount!
2. The new Winter issue of Let's Get Soapy is on Early Bird special for only $12 through this Friday, too. Don't miss it!

I would love to hear what you all think. Please comment here and let me know! Otherwise, I'll see you there! :)

*The super fabulousness is completely due to my sister, Cheryl Jackson, who took the amazing new photos for the site and the super talented website design team at Aeolidia. I could not have asked for a better experience from design concept to site implementation.

Winter "Let's Get Soapy" is Coming Together!

I am feverishly working on the new tutorials and articles for the Winter issue of Let's Get Soapy! I'm finding lots of inspiration from white Christmas trees and colorful ornaments this year. The focus is on holiday gift giving and using sparkle and shine in your designs!

This issue will launch on November 1, and you'll find these great projects and articles inside:

• Polka Dot Party Soaps (on cover)
• Shimmery Snowflake Bars
• Candy Cane Loaf Soaps
• Feature article about soap glitters
• Easy ways to expand your soap design into a gift basket
• and a product review of TKB's Pop Micas!

As usual I will be offering an early bird special for the first week, so make sure you are signed up for the Soapyclub to get an email notification when it's ready!

Happy soaping!

Gothic Pumpkin Soaps

Halloween is coming and I love the fall holidays! I picked up a fun Halloween magazine yesterday and was inspired to make a new soap. If you're looking to add a touch of black to your designs, you will really like this single pour project!

Supplies for 2 bars of soap: (you can get everything from Bramble Berry except for transfer sheet which is from Fancy Flours)

8 oz of clear soap base
Silver mica
Black oxide (optional)
Pepperberry fragrance oil (or any you like, but this has a really nice spicey scent)
Heavy duty octagon mold (or any flat faced mold you have)
"Floral Scroll Black" chocolate transfer sheet from Fancy Flours
Knife, cutting board, scissors, rubbing alcohol in spray bottle, yadda yadda

(Click on photo to enlarge)

1) Choose a design that has very little detail. Sketch it on paper first and make sure it will fit in your mold.

2) Cut your shape out of your transfer sheet. Be very careful to avoid touching the rough side, since it's very sensitive and can smudge easily.

3) Touch your finger into a drop of vegetable oil or liquid glycerin and apply a thin coat to the mold where you will put your design. Place your design, SMOOTH SIDE DOWN, into the mold and use a pencil to touch the transfer gently and make sure it's completely stuck down. You don't want any air pockets where the soap can sneak under.

4) Melt 6-8 ounces of clear soap base (depending on the capacity of your soap molds) by cutting soap base into small chunks (dice sized), and heat at full power in a microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until all remaining chunks are melted. Dissolve a pea sized amount of silver mica in a 1/4 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and stir into melted soap. You can add a touch of black (dissolved in alcohol again) if you would like a deeper shade like I have. Stir in 3 mL of fragrance oil (completely a personal choice. Use more or less!)

5) LET SOAP COOL A LOT! You need to pour this super super cool. If a skin is forming on the surface, that's good! It should be between 110-115 degrees. Now pour into your mold, but pour at the edge of the mold so the soap runs over your design. Do not pour directly onto the transfer.

6) Allow soaps to harden completely overnight. Unmold by inverting mold and pushing on the back with your thumbs until soaps pop out. Gently pry an edge of the plastic up and peel off. Voila!

You can wrap these soaps in Saran Wrap and close the ends at the back with tape or a sticker, or put in a treat bag and tie tightly with a ribbon.

If you like this technique please check out more projects in my book, or if you're in the Halloween spirit please check out my latest issue of Let's Get Soapy which is chock full of soapy tricks and treats! Thanks!

Fall Issue of Let's Get Soapy Now Available - be an Early Bird!

The new issue of Let's Get Soapy is now available and it's full of new Halloween projects! Learn how to make Day of the Dead Skull soaps, Glowing Nuclear Soaps, and Candy Stick Soaps. Also read about how real sugar skulls are made, using soap paints, compare different brands of glow powder, and get inspired by an awesome sugar skull mood board!

Every issue is packed with clear photos, tips, and a full supply directory. You'll have plenty of time to make these soaps and be ready for the first Harvest Festivals! (Did you know that it's completely okay - and encouraged - for you to make and sell the finished projects? Yes!)

As usual, I'm offering a special discount for early birds. Get your copy by Friday, August 21, and you'll get $3.00 off the regular price. Don't miss it!

Click here for even more photos of what's inside this 21 page issue and the shopping cart. You'll get a link via email to download the PDF right to your computer. Then you can read it on your screen or print out the pages you like! It's instant gratification!

Thanks so much and enjoy!

Hard at Work - For You! :)

Were you wondering why I can't just post that eyeball soap tutorial (and tell you where I got that mold?!)? Because I'm working very hard on the August issue of Let's Get Soapy. The eZine - my labor of love - needs to be packed with tutorials, tips, tricks, techniques, and great pictures so it will give you what you have come to expect! And I promise I won't let you down.

For example, here is one of the projects you'll find - Candy Stick Soaps! The crazy stripes are so fun to make and you can really get creative with color combinations. I went with a Candy Corn theme for Halloween (which this issue is dedicated to!).

You will find soap painting, neon colors, glowing colors, embedding tricks, and more! I am planning on having it up and ready next week. Make sure to sign up with the Soapyclub so you'll get the heads up when it's available (and I always offer an early bird discount!).

Thanks for your patience!

Coming Along! Glowing Rockets!

The Fall issue of Let's Get Soapy will be all about color - but not just any colors. Neon colors, glitter, and glow in the dark colors! There will be no subtlety allowed! :)

For those who haven't checked out my glycerin soap crafting eZine yet, each issue has several tutorials plus articles on everything from trends to packaging to product reviews. For fall, I have an article comparing two brands of glow in the dark powder. The above photos show how the sample soaps look in daylight, then in the dark immedately after sun exposure, and then one minute later. It's really amazing how different they behaved!

To learn which powders I used and get a great tutorial featuring this fun stuff, make sure to sign up for the Soapyclub (see sign up box on left hand side of blog page) and I'll let you know as soon as the eZine is ready.

To see what current issues are available click here. There are lots of great tutorials and articles waiting for you to check out right now! :)

Stop the Presses!

Hello loyal Soapylove readers and fans of Let's Get Soapy! I just wanted to let you know that due to some major events, some of which are...

• selling our condo
• finding and moving into new rental house
• travelling to Bellingham and Point Richmond to teach
• mega-list of additional side projects

...that Let's Get Soapy will not be ready on Monday as hoped. I will let you know as soon as it is, but didn't want to keep anyone wondering!

Thanks for understanding and don't worry - it's going to be awesome, just as soon as I can do it! :)