Coconut Milk Soap Volcano

In my 16 years of cold process soapmaking, I have heard of of soap volcanoes in various soap forums, books and soap gatherings over the years. But until today, I had not experienced one for myself. The ensuing happenstance was so exciting that I started exclaiming 'Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh' with such glee that Erik (manager of Otion) thought I was thrilled about what he was talking about. When I finally got him turned around to see the soap, his jaw dropped. Erik has been making cold process soap for only 2 years but has made 300+ batches of cold process soap in those two years. He's never seen the volcano happen either. I shouted at the top of my lungs for the customer service team from Bramble Berry to come watch. They arrived just in time to catch the last of the show.

The soap literally bubbled out of the mold like a fizzy soda fountain, with mounds of frothy, bubbling caustic soap. The entire thing was funny because I was wearing my gloves and goggles but had I not been working on a protected surface with my hands and eyes covered, it could have been a disaster. The bubbling took about 90 seconds to finish. After it was done erupting, about half the soap was out of the mold and on the table.

Notice how much the soap deflated as it cooled down? It lost almost half of its volume!

The soap was super hot (over 200 degrees) as though it was going through a full hot process (or in-the-oven-hot process) gel phase. Since the soap hadn't separated much, I just plopped all the soap that had overflowed back into the mold, patted it down (with gloves on - the soap is still caustic) and smoothed it out. The soap isn't the most pretty soap I've ever seen but hopefully it will be usable.

I'll cut the soap tomorrow to see how it looks and am hopeful I saved the batch. The experience reminded me of the valuable lesson about making soap with too many unknown variables. Coconut Milk + Cocoa Butter + Coconut Oil + Untested Fragrance = Super Pow Volcano Soap. This is why buying fragrance oils from a proven, tested vendor is so important for you too. If someone else has done all the testing for you, there is one less variable for you to worry about when you're soaping at home or in your soap studio.

Soapylove Blending Frogs

Debbie made these fun colors from the SoapyLove line of Jewelry Box Colors. You can see from the fun little 'flies' in front of the frogs what colors she used for blending.

From left to right:

Ruby Red

Fiery Fuschia

Sunshine Yellow + Fiery Fuchsia

Sunshine Yellow

Turquoise Blue + Sunshine Yellow

Turquoise Blue

Turquoise Blue + Ruby Red

Turquoise Blue + Fiery Fuchsia

Turquoise Blue + Sunshine Yellow + Fiery Fuchsia

Aren't those versatile colors? You get the veritable rainbow from just four easy to blend colorants. Debbie designed a colorant line that is easy to use, straight forward and comes with little droppers in the caps to boot. We're all loving her colorant line for some of our fun fall projects (hint: tune in this Thursday to see some of her goodies in project action).

New at Bramble Berry

Soapylove Colorants, Fragrances and Soap

Bright White Melt and Pour
Naturally Clear Melt and Pour
Candy Jar Fragrance Set
delectable Desserts Fragrance Set
Jewelry Box Soap Colorants
Sweet Treats Soap Colorants
Scalloped Heart Mold
Scalloped Rectangle Mold
Scalloped Round Mold

Fragrance Oils
Mandarin Myrrh Fragrance oil
Bay Rum Fragrance Oil
LoveSpell Type Fragrance Oil
Lavender and Herb Fragrance Oil
Patchouli Fragrance Oil
Summer Melon Spritzer Fragrance Oil
Vanilla Oak Fragrance Oil

Essential Oils
Balsm Peru Essential Oil
White Thyme Essential Oil

Soap Molds
Heavy Duty Molds

Ice Tubes Mold (see the SoapQueenTV episode using this mold here)

2 Piece Ice Sphere Mold (check out a fun tutorial here)

Pumpkin Soap Mold

Colorants
Chocolate Shimmer Mica (lip and eye approved)
Copper Penny Mica (lip and eye approved)
Deep Blue Mica (eye approved)
Lavender Mica (lip and eye approved)
Matte Yellow Mica (lip and eye approved)
Super Blue Mica (eye approved)
Super Green Mica (eye approved)

Red Jelly

Toxic Waste Dump Yellow

Yellow Jelly

We'll have our popular 'What's New' category updated on the Bramble Berry site soon enough but until then, I hope this helps you to not miss anything new and exciting that we've added in the last two months.

Small Batch Caramel Bliss

From La Bella Caramella

I bought these caramels from La Bella Caramella to celebrate the end of my liver detox. See old post here and make sure to check out the comment my dear Dad made (at the bottom). He cracks me up!

Here are the extravagant flavors that I got: Lavender Vanilla, Candied Ginger, Cocoa Mint, Crushed Vanilla, Cocoa Hazelnut, Lemon Tarragon, Butter Pecan, Espresso Almond & Cardamom, Thai Coconut & Lemongrass.

My favorite? Well, I haven't tried them all yet (everything in moderation) but so far my favorite is Lemon Tarragon with fleur de sel sea salt. When my sister-in-law Cheriss tried them, her eyes lit up and she exclaimed, "Wow! Now I understand why you sent away for these! They taste amazing. I guess small and fresh is the way to go with caramels." She is definitely right. And you can check out all of La Bella Carmella's goodies here. I see she's added a Pumpkin Pie flavor for fall (drool).

You Could be a Lucky Winner!

It's a proud day at Bramble Berry today as our burgeoning mold manufacturing company ELF has put out their first new design of the season: the Pumpkin! Made out of white food-grade HDPE plastic, this mold has 4 cavities and holds 4.3 ounces.

I have FOUR of these molds to give away to soaping fanatics. If you'd like to get one of these molds for FREE, all you need to do is...

1. Be one of the first 4 people to place an order at Bramble Berry for $85 or more.

AND

2. Put a note on your order that says "I love soap! The mold I would like to see ELF make next is __________________".

(The note field is at the very end of the ordering process after you've made the payment)

And, really, truly, fill in the blank. I want to hear what you'd like to see us make so I can get my industrious elves to make the molds you want to use.

Ready. Set. Go!

Holiday Special Edition: Lip Balm

As promised, this video is now only available for purchase at Bramble Berry. Be sure to check out our ever expanding list of Online Video Tutorials here. I am so glad you had an opportunity to experience a premium Soap Queen video.

Soap Queen Project Sneak Peak!

Woo-Hoo, it’s another SoapQueenTV episode and today I’m mixing it up. It’s not soap! It’s all about lip balms, lip stains and lipsticks. Clocking in at a full 13 quality minutes, this is a longer, more detailed version of SoapQueen.TV than you’ve seen before.

This video will give you an idea of what you can expect for just $5.95 on our soon to be debuted Soap Queen TV Projects. It's a new concept for Soap Queen TV: In depth projects with loads of extra footage and secrets that you can't get anywhere else. Enjoy a soapmaking class from the comfort of your own home taught by me, the Soap Queen! These paid tutorials are longer videos with more complex projects often including extra goodies like label templates, special guests and printable project sheets. Don’t miss out on the fun!

But don't fret, I'm not planning on changing my blog content. I'll always be here for you providing fun ideas, finds and concepts and stop by every Thursday for the regularly scheduled tutorials and Soap Queen TV videos.

I'm so excited for this week's Soap Queen TV because it's my first episode where I branch out and do something other than soap projects. Hang on to your seats, because I'm going to show you how to make 2 different recipes- a small batch for you and your close friends and a larger batch that will make 50 lip balms at once! Now sit back, relax and enjoy 13 Minutes of Lip Smackin' Fun.

Don't miss out! This sneak peak video will be FREE for only two weeks!
After the two week period this video will be available for just $5.95 for unlimited access.

Ingredient List:
Coconut Oil
Beeswax
Sweet Almond Oil
Avocado Oil
Buttercreme Flavor Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil (2nd)
Shamrock Green Mica
Red Mica
Lip balm tubes
Slidey Lip Balm Tins
Pouring Tray
Lip Butter Pots
Double Boiler
Measuring Spoons
Glass Bowls
Super duper cute labels.

The Soap with the Hole

"I just wanted to thank you two for a great class and let you know how much I learned and enjoyed it [the class]. The four hours went by in a snap!!! I wish you were closer so I can take brush up classes every 3 months, but maybe I can make it twice a year." - Student from Private Class at Otion

I had the extreme privilege of working at Otion yesterday where I taught a relatively new soaper how to do advanced melt and pour techniques. All in all, we made at least 8 different projects in four short hours.

We cut, chopped, tilted and manipulated soap in all sorts of ways to make some lovely bars of soap. More important than the bars of soap we made at Otion during the actual class were the lessons learned. One of the joys of melt and pour soapmaking is that once you master any of

the techniques, you can apply it to many different projects all in the soaping sphere.

We did have a happy accident with the loaf soap below. We were in a big hurry to finish the loaf soap up so our student could get back on the road so we put the soap in the freezer and as soon as it was hard enough, popped it out (love our loaf molds!). The loaf looked amazing but the second we cut into it, the entire middle spilled out all over the entire table. It was a little surprising but turned out to be fortuitous. We just propped the soap on its side and poured Royal Purple colored Labcolor soap into the hole and voila! The soap (pictured top left above) looks incredible!

Right now, I'm really gearing up for a big class on Friday. I'm doing a private class with a full 7 hours of personalized instruction. That private class will cover Bath Fizzies, Lotions, Advanced Melt and Pour AND Mineral Make Up.

If you can't make it for a class at Otion, don't despair - there's always www.soapqueen.tv video library, the longer instructional 45 minute DVDs on melt and pour and cold process soapmaking or any number of books for you to teach yourself.

Desperately Seeking Birchwood Molds

Hi Team -

Since you guys were such incredible help with my tooling problem a few months ago (and yes, it's fixed; the fruits of your labor are here with the new Scalloped Line), I'm coming to you again with another 'opportunity.'

We need a replacement for our Birchwood Molds. We loved the molds, our customers loved the molds and we want them (or some facsimile) back.

If you know of a woodworker that can make us at least 25 molds per month, I want to talk to him or her. They can email me directly at info (at) brambleberry (dot) com or call me at the office. My number is 360-734-8278.

Thank You - Tooling Issue Follow Up

To everyone who helped with the tooling issue a few months back, these are the first perfect molds that we made after utilizing a combination of many peoples' advice and feedback. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Surprise Birthday Weekend

I had such a lucky weekend with girlfriends. Dennis Fiorvanti from Essential Wholesale planned an amazing birthday weekend for his beautiful wife (and business partner), Kayla. He flew in Kayla's friends from all across the country to wow Kayla and in a feat of surprise-genius-ness, really truly surprised her. We all hid in the kitchen and waited for her to arrive home. And boy was she happily shocked!

Dennis had everything planned out - dinner at The Melting Pot first. If you've never been there, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience; decadent food, an amazing experience and way too much tantalizing food. It is not for any sort of dieters though; I literally gained 2 pounds overnight after this sumptuous feast. (P.S. In case you have never had the pleasure of meeting Kayla, in the top left photo, that's Kayla's Mom, Kayla and me).

After a late night giggle fest, the next morning we did brunch at Kayla's favorite breakfast place and then it was off for Group Pedicures for all of us! We were so happy that the spa could accommodate all of us. I went with a pale pink but had a completely jealous moment over one of the other gals' 'Very Merry Berry' colored toes.

After pedicures, we went to go see Julie & Julia (see Donna Maria's write up about it here; that's Donna Maria in the green in the above photos) and all agreed it was an amazing movie - a definite 'Must See' for all entrepreneurs.

And as if that was not enough, Kayla treated us all to dinner at her favorite Lebanese Restaurant followed by a shopping trip at the Essential Wholesale sample bar. I left with a bagful of goodies and a guilty heart for being so greedy. But even with my guilty, greedy heart, we all agreed that the goody bags for the birthday party attendees were sure a classy touch.

All in all, I felt super lucky to be included in such a special weekend for Kayla. It was the perfect girlfriends' weekend and I returned to Bellingham feeling thankful and refreshed.

Watermelon, Soap Stones & Vegan

Watermelon Soap by Sweet Body

Unique Sea Sponge Soap by Soft Shell Body Shop

Men's Shaving Soap & Stand by Red Leaf

Chinese Inspirational Soap Stones by Spotted Cow Soaps

Essential Lavender Soap by Swan Mountain Soaps

Kiss Me and Make it Good Lip Balm by Funktional Spa

Honey Almond Soap by Southern Vermont Soap

Dazed and Confused Vegan Soap by Yummy Suds

Blue Chamomile Soap by Swan Mountain Soaps

Soapylove Line Juicy Details

"Mission Control: The Soapylove Line is a go for Launch!"
Here are more of the sweet and juicy details.

Melt and Pour Soap:

Naturally Clear Melt & Pour Soap: This SLS-free soap is as clear as you can get while staying almost 100% natural. The soap comes in a perfect storage container.

Bright White Melt & Pour Soap: This SLS-free soap is the same formulation as the Naturally Clear, only with the addition of all-natural mineral Titanium Dioxide to make the soap white.

Two Colorant Kits:

Jewelry Box Colorant Set: Add a few drops of these gorgeous crystal clear colorants to clear soap base and create any color of the rainbow! The superfine soap glitter suspends easily, adding that irresistible touch of "bling"!

• Ruby Red
• Fiery Fuchsia
• Turquoise Blue
• Sunshine Yellow
• Sparkle Dust (superfine Iridescent glitter)

Sweet Treats Colorant Set: This set takes all the guesswork out of hitting that tricky shade - a mouth watering tan that looks like baked cookies, donuts, waffles, ice cream cones, or pop tarts. The white color allows the crafter to soften it more, or add a drop of Buttercream yellow to warm it up. The White, Pink Frosting, and Buttercream colors are gorgeous for layered dessert inspired soaps. The bonus tube of mixed "rainbow sprinkle" jojoba beads is icing on the cake!

• Bakery Beige
• White Icing
• Pink Frosting
• Buttercream Yellow
• Rainbow Sprinkles

Two Fragrance Sets:

Candy Jar Fragrance Oil Set: With classic hard candy scents, this will be a must for those neon styles and glittery jewel tone soaps! The Vanilla Stabilizer will give extra insurance that those pretty soaps won't change color.

• Cherry Pop
• Pink Strawberry
• Lemon Drop
• Tutti Fruity
• Vanilla Stabilizer

Delectable Desserts Fragrance Oil Set: Like a trip to the ice cream shop, this set covers all sweet tooth temptations. Creamy frosting, rich chocolate, sweet jam, and refreshing sherbet scents will tickle any fancy!

• Chocolate Fudge
• Strawberry Jam
• Vanilla Frosting
• Orange Sherbet
• Vanilla Stabilizer

Three Molds

Three molds based on Soapylove’s whimsical design sensibilities.
Scalloped Heart Mold
Scalloped Round Mold
Scalloped Rectangle Mold (pictured below)

Bramble Berry Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amber Strawn
amber@brambleberry.com
360.734.8278 x 103

Bramble Berry Announces "Soap’lebrity" Branded Product Line

Bramble Berry Soapmaking Supplies (http://www.brambleberry.com) is partnering with soap artist Debbie Chialtas of Soapylove (http://www.soapylove.com/) as a designer in a series of Bramble Berry Soapmaking Supplies. The Soapylove Line is a unique collaboration between a well-known online soapmaking supply company and the extreme creative element of Soapylove. The exclusive Soapylove for Bramble Berry collection draws inspiration from the 1980’s, ice cream parlors, and all things sweet and cute.

“Debbie Chialtas is a soapmaking icon, known throughout the indie crafting community,” said Anne-Marie Faiola, founder of Bramble Berry. “Bramble Berry is thrilled to partner with Debbie to bring her signature aesthetic to soapmakers across the world. Her vibrant, pop-culture inspired line combines retro influences and playful fun, providing endless ideas and projects for the novice to the expert crafter.”

Known for her book ‘Soapylove’ and her popular (and first of its kind) E-Zine series, ‘Let’s Get Soapy’, Chialtas developed her Bramble Berry collection based on Soapylove's quirky and fun style. “While designing my soaps," Chialtas explains, "I ended up mixing so many special colors and fragrances that I realized there was a void in products out there to make bright and stylish soaps. The partnership with Bramble Berry is a dream come true; seeing my product ideas come to life is incredibly exciting!”

Chialtas started making soap when she was pregnant with her first child in 2005. Her innovative Soapy Pops were a huge hit and since then she has expanded her line to include a core line of Soapy Pops as well as a new and modern line of soaps. She also enjoys designing tutorials for her e’Zine, her book, her active blog http://www.soapylove.blogspot.com/ and guest blogging for http://www.soap-queen.blogspot.com/.

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Easy Sea Turtle Soap Tutorial

Ingredients
White melt and pour
Clear melt and pour
Green jojoba beads
Sea Turtle Mold
Salty Mariner Fragrance Oil

One: Melt 3 ounces of clear melt and pour soap base in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Do not add any fragrance oil at this time.

Two: Stir in 1 tablespoon of green jojoba beads and pour the soap into the turtle part of the soap mold. Spritz with rubbing alcohol to eliminate any bubbles. Note: The jojoba beads will float to the top which is perfectly normal. If your jojoba beads are melting, it is because your soap is too warm. Cool your soap down to 130 to ensure the soap does not melt your jojoba beads.

Three: Melt 12 ounces of white melt and pour soap base and mix in .25 to .50 ounces of Salty Mariner Fragrance. Or choose any fragrance or essential oil combo you want (might I suggest our helpful 'Clean' fragrance category for some ideas?). Once the white soap has cooled to 120 degrees and the turtle has a thick skin on the back (better to support the weight of the white soap), spritz the turtle with rubbing alcohol (to help the layers adhere) and fill up the mold with the white soap. Spritz the freshly poured soap with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any bubbles.

Four: Let the soap cool for 12 hours. Pop the turtles out of the molds and enjoy! I just love how the jojoba beads give the faintest hint of a full outline but don't totally overpour the fun texture that the white soap has.

Variation: Below we used our all natural Spirulina Powder, Clear Melt and Pour and our Seashell Mold.

The iPhone Application is Ready to Rock!

We are so excited (and by 'excited,' we mean literally doing the 'happy soaping dance' in the office at Bramble Berry) that the iPhone application is finally ready for action! I've been playing around with it for the last month and absolutely have loved the freedom it gives me. No more running back to my computer to make small changes to my recipe; it's always at hand and easy to create recipes on the fly. Now it's your turn to play! It's as easy as 1-2-3. This link will take you directly to the App Store Or just search for "soap" in the App Store on your iPhone to buy the Soap App for just $4.99.

ONE: Click on "Start a New Recipe" to start a new recipe. Or click "Saved Recipes" to access your favorite tried and true recipes. I've put three of my favorites in there to get you started.

TWO: Click 'Add a New Ingredient' to choose your first (second, third, fourth ... tenth) oil.

THREE: Choose a superfatting percentage.

Four: Review your recipe. Does it look good to you? Are you missing anything (like say, Olive Oil?). How does that yield look? Oooh, too small? Not to worry, we've solved that for you too!


Just hit 'Edit' and 'Yield' and enter the new ounce quantity you'd like your recipe to be. No more math or multiplication for you; the iPhone App does it all for you.


Hit 'Done' (upper right) and Viola! Your recipe is complete. Now it's time to make some soap!


If you turn the phone sideways, your entire recipe appears in a 3 x 5 note card format allowing you to keep your hands free to make soap. The iPhone app will even save your favorite recipes so you can always have them on hand. Download the soapy application today!