Comeback

I realize that I haven't blogged in a while.  I do apologize for that.  I've been busy, but that is no excuse.  So here is what I've been up to...I'm opening up a storefront!  I have been teaching soap making classes for a couple of months now and it has sparked an interest that has got me in a tailspin. 


I have been taking time to get organized, get certified and documented as a full-time business, and I have found a great location and space to conduct classes.  I love to teach, and I've always liked the student/teacher relationship.  I don't claim to know it all.  I've learned a great deal from reading blogs, books, and experimenting on my own.  I have tried many processes in the last couple of months, but documentation with pictures has been an issue for me. I look forward to getting organized and being able to document and blog a lot better than I have so far.  I am currently making great progress in the storefront.  The building had a leak and combined with the rain that we've had in Tennessee there has been plenty of fixing going on.  A fresh coat of pain, new ceiling tiles, and furniture is what is needed.  I'll keep you posted on the progress!


Ok! So I have a job that I love doing.  Baby showers, Wedding Showers, office and birthday gifting are my favorite things to do.  Polka dots and turquoise are the name of the game.  I love the way it all came out.  I wished I would have had more time, but it was a spur of the moment gig.  Hot-Process is what I went with.  I do like the hot-process look and the idea of being able to use the soap so quickly after its completed.  Cold process let's me be more creative, but it takes a while to cure.  I love the entire process of the soap making, but with this one...my creativity came out in the labeling and packaging.  

Here are a couple of pictures for your enjoyment.

For those of you who make soaps out there, what is your favorite soap making process?  Cold, Hot, Cold-Process Oven Method, or Cold-Process Refrigerator Method?  I would love to hear a little bit about your experiences.


Until next time.....xoxo


Kenia

Bloggers

I have been so busy working that I've had no time to blog.  I kind of missed it.   Truthfully, it's great therapy to just write about anything.  I used to keep a journal when I was in college and I loved it!  It was my quiet time to gather my thoughts of the day, or the week if I didn't write in it every day.  I was not as dedicated as my roommate was about journaling, but I wrote in it more than I thought I would.


My family and I have been in our new home for less than a year and I had some boxes that I needed to go through and I finally did when my Mother was looking for things to sell at her upcoming yard sale.  Instead of finding old clothes, I found my college journals!  First, they made me feel old.  Then when I started reading them I realized that the little things that bothered me back then don't mean as much to me know.  It also occurred to me that I hadn't blogged in a while . . . so here is what I've been up to.  I've ran into a lot of new blogs that I have enjoyed reading and new things in the blogs that may interest some of you...so here they are:

• Looking for a great cutting tool?  Jennifer at Jenora Soaps seems to like it.  She may have inspired me to purchase it.   Check it out:  http://jenorasoaps.blogspot.com/.  She even gives you a link where you can purchase it.   Her blog is awesome.

• Missouri River Soaps is a great blog as well.  Holly is so creative and makes lovely products.  She also has videos which have inspired me to make one myself.  That will come out some day!  Here is her link:  http://missouririversoap.blogspot.com/

Somehow, these ladies have inspired me, by reminding me how good it feels to create.  Whether it's a cutter that you love or a new creation you'll hope others will love.  The beauty of expressing yourself through art is self motivation.  So, I am a little late creating my new fall soap line, but I am working my butt off doing it.  I've been wanting to tweak my soap recipe, so I've been doing that this week and hopefully this weekend or even tomorrow I will start to measure my oils and start making my fall line.  I will be experimenting with the "in the mold oven method".  We will see how that turns out.  So I will keep you posted. 


For those of you who have helped me in the last couple of months, if I have not already told you...Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I have loved these special orders, but they have been overwhelming when you put them together with the activity I have had in my daytime job.  Here are a few pictures of my special order creations for you to enjoy!

300 "Princess Stephanie" Soaps, 300 Body Lotion & 300 Lip Balm

50 Soy Candles for Baby Lilian Rose

Back to Basics of Melt and Pour

How do you like these soaps?  Not my usual cold or hot process soaps, in fact these are melt and pour.  I am sure that most soap makers have all dabbled with them at one point or another.  These are the stops I first made when I discovered cold process soap making.  I use to love making these soaps . . . actually the impatient side of me still loves making these.  Personally, I love it went my 8 year old comes around and says "Mom, I want to help you make soaps today".  I think that is why I still love it, because I can make soaps with him.

I have a customer . . . her daughter has fallen in love with these soaps and she wants 300 soaps, lotions, and lip balms in pink organza bags by September 4th.  I am a little pressed for time because I got real sick after coming back from the Smokey Mountains.  The only thing that keeps me from panicking is the fact that these are simple to make.  I use the SFIC soap base.  It's made in California.  The company has great customer service...and for those of you who make M&P soaps.  Check them out:  http://www.sficcorp.com/.

I find it interesting that after years of making soaps, I always have customers that pick those transparent melt and pour soaps over the cold and hot process ones. The look is what sells them.  That is what make making and selling so interesting to me. 
 

SFIC Melt & Pour 50lb Base

Slow Melting Soap

Pink Cotton Soap

Here I am using soap boxes to keep the lotion bottles standing up!

I am giving away 3 of these soaps.  Just be the first one to comment and we can make the arrangement.

Kenia

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http://www.ksbsoaps.com/

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The Results

I am finally getting around to cutting and taking pictures of the soaps I previously showed you.  I was pleasantly surprised, but like always, they inspired me to make more soap, but before I show you the new creations take a look at these and tell me what you think.

Sex in the Shower

The Breakfast Bar

Fruit From The Tropics

Sweet Orange

I am really excited to show you this one.  We have decided to call it Van Gogh.  Marlisa and I were inspired to call it Van Gogh because of the colors chosen.  Four colors in total micas, oxides and ultramarine.  I love the layer look...and she loves the wild colors.   I am quickly becoming a fan of a wild look because of this soap.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Van Gogh

Well, I hope you all enjoy the look of these new creations.  I am off to the Smokies to spend some quality time with my family.  Enjoy the rest of the week.

Kenia

Weekend Adventure

This past weekend I was a little busy.  I had my father make me a couple of adjustable wooden molds and I finally was able to use them.  I had my soap making partner in crime (Marlisa) come over to help me out.  Making soap is fun, but having someone to help you out is even better.  It’s another pair of eyes and another opinion that makes it more fun.

Marlisa - Soap making partner in crime (cousin)

So here are a few pictures of our adventure.  These soaps will be available in my Etsy Shop mid July.  Later I will post pictures when they are cut.

 

The new look for our “Sex in the Shower” soap.

Love this coincidental heart that came about with Marlisa drizzling.  It’s a true keeper!  This is the best selling soap that I make.  I’ve changed the look of this soap several times because I wasn’t happy with it in the past, but I must say THIS will be the one from here on out!  It's scent is a combination of cherry, pineapple, peach and vanilla.

Here are a two more pictures for your enjoyment.

"Sex in the Shower"

"Sex in the Shower"

The Breakfast Bar

This soap is the very best of breakfast without the scramble eggs.  It’s contains scents of  vanilla, milk, honey, oatmeal,   topped off with ground coffee.  This is my newest creation.  It’s warm and sweet and you just want to eat it (we don't recommend it).

The Breakfast Bar

“Fruit From The Tropics”

A combination of color with a simple scent of sweet pomegranate topped with ground hibiscus for a beautiful look.

“Fruit From The Tropics”

Sweet Orange

This looks like dessert, but it’s my Sweet Orange scented soap, topped off with dry orange peel.  It’s my ultimate favorite look, and there is something about a sweet citrus scent that I truly love.

Sweet Orange

TO BE CONTINUED.......