Tools Of The Trade: Scent Blending

(This doesn't even scratch the surface!)

If you're a scent junkie like me, you probably have dozens upon dozens of bottles of scents laying around. Many of mine are 1 oz bottles of something I wanted to try but never really cared for. Others are my staples-basic, one-note fragrances that I can use alone or blend with other scents to create something delicious. I think every soap and candle maker should have these basics in their scent collection-especially if you're a food scent lover, er, junkie like myself:

Vanilla (that goes without saying)

Chocolate

Strawberry

Coconut

Peach

Blueberry

Cherry

Pineapple

Apple

Orange

Lime

Cinnamon

Coffee

Brown Sugar

Peppermint

All of the above-mentioned can be mixed and matched to create your own unique blends or you can use them to make some old favorites like so:

• Blueberry+French Vanilla=Blueberry Cheesecake
• Strawberry+French Vanilla=Strawberry Cheesecake
• Apple+Cinnamon=Apple Cinnamon (duh!!!)
• Strawberry+Peppermint=Candy Cane
• Orange+Peach=Fuzzy Navel
• Chocolate+Strawberry=Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Lime+Vanilla=Key Lime Pie
• Pineapple+Coconut=Pina Colada
• Peach+Vanilla=Peaches N Cream

The possibilities are endless. Throw a gingerbread FO into the mix, and you've got instant pie fragrances. If you've got a favorite scent blend, I'd love to hear from you. Share the wealth!

Tools Of The Trade: Establish Your Brand With Memorable Labels

We all know (or should know) the importance of brand recognition. It's what separates us from the competition, and it's what helps potential and returning customers recognize who you are! I've been really lackadaisical with my branding efforts. One minute I want this color or that design. The next minute, I want something completely different. In the year I've been in business, I've changed my colors and my look so many times, my head is spinning, but there was one constant: the color pink. I love it. It's feminine. It's girly. It's seductive. It's everything. Branding doesn't necessary have to include a picture, but it could be a symbol like the Nike swoosh or the McDonald's arches. For me it's the color pink and my slogan: Where a passion for soapmaking meets the art of handmade!

I've worked with many designers, but the one person who "gets" me and my many moods is Jennifer Stuart at Studio71 Design. Check out her blog to discover and ooh and aah over her gorgeous designs. She seems to really capture the essence of what a shop is. Her work is phenomenal! She designed my current Project Wonderful ad, and she designed my latest labels. Bonus: Her turnaround is quick! I'm always calling on her at the 11th hour for something, and she pulls through. Thanks Jen!

For more info on branding, check out this article I found on branding at American Craft Guide!

Tools Of The Trade: Saponifier Magazine

If you are a soap maker or even thinking of becoming a soap maker, then you need to add Saponifier Magazine to your arsenal. This magazine is published bi-monthly and is sent via e-mail in PDF format. I love it! It offers invaluable information on latest trends, techniques, and industry standards.

They recently held a Best Swirl contest, and congratulations to Balsam for coming in 1st Place! She even gives a tutorial on how she made her prize-winning soap. I've always wondered how some of these incredible artists achieved their fantastic looking swirls, and Saponifier also offers a book on how to swirl. I'm definitely buying that one because my swirls suck!

Another cool thing about Saponifier is all the wonderful suppliers who advertise there. You get to discover some you may not be familiar with or meet some old favorites. Well, I'm off to re-read the latest issue. I've got some studying to do!