I'm In The Current Issue of Saponifier Mag!

Wee, look at me! lol....I submitted my pics and blurb a few months ago to Saponifier Magazine, and I was selected for this mini spotlight. I am so stoked! Saponifier is like the Sports Illustrated of soap making. If you're new to soap making or even a seasoned pro, I highly recommend subscribing to this periodical. It's completely online, and the issues are published bi-monthly.

That's really it. I just had to share! Stay cool, and have a safe and happy 4th!

Getting Down With The Swirl!

(Pic taken from Burnt Mill Candles & Soaps)

That's a little play on words because this phrase actually means different things to different people. I'm using this term to mean swirling soap colors. One of my biggest challenges as a soap maker has been how to achieve all those beautiful swirls that you see in many of your favorite cold processed soaps. I briefly mentioned this a few posts back when I talked about Saponifier mag's Best Swirl Contest. I also mentioned that they were offering a book dedicated to the various swirl techniques: cold and hot processed swirling, swirling in the pot, swirling with multiple colors, even m&p swirling! I had to have this book! It was available in 3 formats: booklet form, cd form, and a PDF download. You know which one I got right? The instamatic PDF download baby!!!

I tore into this book, and guess who was one of the guest "swirlers"? Misty from Burnt Mill Candles & Soaps! Misty, you didn't tell me you're a published star!!! I always wondered how you made your soaps look so beautiful, and now I do. It's going to take some practice, but I'm going to give it a try. I'll post pics soon!

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!

One Step Ahead...

I always pride myself on being one step ahead of the game (or at least on pace). Case in point: I received my download of the Jan/Feb '09 issue of Saponifier Magazine the other day, and one of the articles was Product Reviews. I was surprised to see that one of the products being reviewed was Brambleberry's Holly Berry fragrance oil. I was so excited because I bought this FO back in November as my one true Christmas fragrance. It's a limited edition FO, so I'm not sure how long it'll be around. The reviewer used her Holly Berry in body cream and MP soap, but I used mine in CP soap. The scent itself is a combo of holly, pine, and red tart berries with supporting notes of cinnamon and cardamom. There was a disclaimer that the soap would discolor to a peach/gold after 8 hours. That would have been so cool, but it didn't happen for me. My soap stayed the red and green I colored it. I really smell the cinnamon and pine more than anything making it perfectly unisex. I sprinkled a little gold soap glitter on it for effect. Believe it or not, I haven't used this one yet. It's going in the shower tonight. Bottom line: It is a nice addition to your holiday/winter collection.

And The Winner(s) Is......

Fooled ya!!! You already know Barack is the man! This post is about who the Suppliers of the Year are according to the annual poll at Saponifier Magazine. I'm going Blogzilla and watching MSNBC, so I'll do a quick rundown with a more detailed post later....


The top three overall faves:

1. Brambleberry
2. Elements Bath & Body
3. Southern Soapers

Top essential oil supplier:

1. Essential Oil University
2. Camden Grey
3. Brambleberry

Top herb supplier: (Do you say herb with a silent "h" like "irb" or hard "h" like her-b?)

1. Mountain Rose Herbs
2. San Francisco Herb Co.
3. Atlantic Spice Co.

Top supplier for general soap and cosmetic ingredients:

1. Soapers Choice
2. Wholesale Supplies Plus
3. Brambleberry and Lotioncrafter

Top soap mold supplier:

1. Milky Way Molds
2. Brambleberry
3. Upland Molds

One quick question: Is Bramberry on the take?? Just kidding. I'll be doing honorable mention in my next post which is no put down on the winners. Til then....

New Suppliers

As much as I believe in loyalty and the "If it aint broke..." mantra, I'm always in search of something bigger and better. I guess those aren't the right choice of words. What I really mean is I'm always in search of something more efficient and cost-effective. While I believe in quality to the utmost, I'm a struggling artist, so I've gotta make my dollars work for me. I'm really starting to step up my CP making game, and I need oils-a small arsenal at a relatively small price.

I happened to be flipping through some of my old Saponifier mags, and I saw this add for Columbus Foods. What an obvious place to look for wholesale soaping oils. I have yet to find a site where you can buy 7 pounds of olive oil for less than $15.00. If you know of one, please let a sister know! Anyhoo, I go on a spree. They sell the oils in 7 pound increments, so I buy pomace olive oil, palm kernel oil, Castor oil, coconut oil, and rice bran oil. With shipping, I spent about 80 bucks. Not bad for 35 pounds of oil. When I finally get the delivery, I don't know what I was expecting, but what I have are 5 big yellow jugs. They remind me of anti-freeze containers. I'm so excited. I can't wait to start soaping. I immediately make two batches-a coconut lime shampoo bar and a concoction I call Sweet Sticky Thing. I'll post pics in a few days, but I encourage you to look at Columbus Foods if you haven't already.