Mica

So I was playing around on Pinterest, imagine that, looking at soap stuff, as if I can't get enough soap! Anywho, I came across this different technique that I had to try. You use the silicone mat used for fondant ( picture 1 ) and cover the raised areas with mica ( picture 2 ) and then you get picture 3! I am pretty happy with the result, however I will use more mica next time so it's a little darker. I do love the effect, do you like it?

Dogs 4 Diabetics

There is this REALLY great organization that I support and I hope you will join me. They are Dogs4Diabetics, they train and place Medical Assist Diabetic Alert Dogs with folks with insulin dependant diabetes. The dogs are scent trained to recognize chemical changes in the blood sugar. It's amazing the things that animals can do, I feel like we haven't even begun to tap into it!

Here's their website www.Dogs4Diabetics.com and their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/Dogs-4-Diabetics-7676047299/timeline/ . I hope you will take a peek and help them in this very worthwhile work.

Morphing

So all of us crazy soapmakers know that morph happens! It can be the gorgeous fragrance blend that smells like heaven when you make it, but just shy of a cat box when it's added to soap! Or, it can be the color, which will totally do its own thing! Below are two batches of Floracita, usually it's shades of pink, yellow and green. You will see the good one as well as the one where the color completely went its own way! They way to get around this is knowing which colorants will work, and which suppliers have colors that don't morph! Lesson learned on that one! It still smells fantastic! (lily/honeysuckle/neroli)

Stamping Soap

I've been stamping my soap lately, it's a little more work, but I so love the effect of it. When you stamp, you have to wait a day or so, if you do it before, you will get an impression that's less than crisp. On the other hand if you wait to long, you wont be ABLE to make an impression! There are quite a few companies that can make custom stamps, although my fave to work with is Dave at Lasercutz on Etsy. He's done a couple stamps for me and my only regret is that I don't need to order a bunch more! Below are a few stamps waiting their turn to get stamped, my actual stamp and, ta-da, the finished product! If you're looking for a way to bring a little something extra to your soap, think about doing this!

Up To Speed

Here's what I've been up to.... I am doing the Brentwood Market starting this Season rather than Pleasanton, where I have been for the last 14 years. The reason for the change was sort of like the Magic 8 Ball says "All signs point to yes". I miss my customers of course, and I gave them a code to use for free shipping at check out of the Etsy Shop, its Ptonlove and its good til the end of the year. (feel free to use it if you like) So, it's a little strange being a different place on Saturdays, but I am really loving that the Market is 8 - noon and it's just 10 miles, not 48! I'm still trying to get the rhythm of the Market, learn when it's busy etc, but I'm really happy that it's been a good change. It's also a seasonal Market so I'll have some Saturdays off after the end of November, that will be amazing, and I wont go as crazy as I did last Christmas keeping up! I've also been updating my labels, you'll see a lot more color and I am loving the cheerfulness! Oh I brought the Lotion Bars back too, 6 different scents! Lets see, oh and I've been stamping the soaps too, I love the look of them! So now you're up to speed! I'll try to write a lil more often! Feel free to ask questions if you have any!

Interview with Bella Rose

Today, in "the Soap Studio" we interviewed our Mascot Bella Rose, without further adeu here is the interview with questions from Bernard Pivot: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORD? Bully-stick WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE WORD? No WHAT TURNS YOU ON? My squeaky snake and warm laps WHAT TURNS YOU OFF? The Vet WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CURSE WORD? ( We can't repeat it!) WHAT SOUND OR NOISE DO YOU LOVE? The Can opener WHAT SOUND OR NOISE DO YOU HATE? sirens WHAT PROFESION OTHER THAN YOUR OWN WOULD YOU LIKE TO ATTEMPT? Lounge Singer WHAT PROFESSION WOULD YOU NOT LIKE TO ATTEMPT? Cat IF HEAVEN EXISTS, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR GOD SAY WHEN YOU REACH THE PEARLY GATES? Good Girl, c'mon in!

Go Marissa go!

My very awesome friend is participating in the Cupid Undie Run, which is a benfit to The Childrens Tumor Foundation. Please join me in supporting her in this VERY worthwhile project! Every little bit helps! Here's the link, please help! http://my.cupids.org/marissaShaw#.VNq8vzmKmDk.facebook

kitty feet

I so seldom miss Market, but when I do, I get to hang with my kitties! Here's Murrays feet, so cute! and a bonus jonas, Spike's feet when he was still a baby I don't know why I find them so cute, but I do! :-)

Lena Horne & Teddy Wilson - 'A Prisoner of Love'

I recently drove to Sacramento and on the way home I was looking for a good radio station. I stumbled upon a public radio station and this was what they were playing, I was instantly smitten! I hope you enjoy it!

New Beginings

I just love the new year, bright and sparkling with all the exciting possibilities! Every year I set up a goal or ten, things like what I want for the business, things I want to do differently as well as some things I want to do personally. As for business, its done very well, I am very pleased and grateful for all of your support. I couldn't do any of this if not for you, and of course the support of my family. The focus this year will be on continueing to grow the online business, which in turn helps with the personal goal too; to make things a little easier for me! I crave time to just "be" and I usually deny myself that time, I feel guilty when I goof off! But I realize that I do need to "charge my batteries" too now and then. To that end, I gave up one of my year-round Markets in favor of a seasonal one that's very close to home. I really like to be closer to home and have been at the Pleasanton Market since the begining, in 2000, thats 96 miles round trip for me. Of course some of the vendors come much farther than that, like as far as Fresno! So anyhow, I am looking forward to spending time with all of you, and looking forward to more chill time for me! Wishing everyone a great year, filled with things that make you happy. May you all exceed your goals!