Thursday, August 29, 2013

Soap Crafting Book Recipe Review and GIVEAWAY!!!


Bramble Berry has always been one of my favorite soap supply companies. When I first started making soap, I learned so much from Bramble Berry and owner Anne-Marie Faiola's Soap Queen blog and youtube videos. I watched so many Soap Queen videos that I and my family had the theme song stuck in our heads.  Heck, "glop" is practically a household word in our home. 
In addition to watching tons of videos, I learned to make soap from reading many soap-making books. I loved these books and learned the essentials of soap making, but they always lacked something. I learned recipes and technique, but what was missing was the artistry involved with soap-making.
As an artistic person, what I love so immensely about soap-making is that it engages all my senses. I love the swirling, the gradients, and the color combinations, all while making something that smells fantastic that I can give to loved ones as a gift that I made. 
Until now, I have not been able to find a book that embraces both the technique and artistry of soap-making.
 In her new book  Soap Crafting, Anne-Marie not only provides all the soap making basics, but also techniques, such as the Mantra Swirl, Funnel Pour, Gradients, Linear Swirls and many others. These are all the things I wanted to learn as a beginner, but could never find in book. Soap Crafting includes recipes for natural colorants as well as fun, bright colors with micas, Lab Colors and oxides.
Where was this book when I started making soap? I would recommend this book to anyone who makes soap. It is equally appropriate for the novice soap maker or the advanced artisan who wants to try some new, more complex techniques. 
When I was contacted about making a recipe from Anne Marie's new book, I was thrilled! I have been anticipating the release of this book for months.
A few weeks ago, I was provided everything needed to make the Calendula Cleansing Bar.
This recipe challenged me to do a few things I had never done before: Using Calendula petals as an additive in 3 different ways in one soap (Calendula petals infused in sweet almond oil, added to the batter and then used on the top for added aesthetic appeal!).
The recipe was easy to follow and the bars turned out amazing! The recipe only uses 2 oils, sweet almond oil and olive oil, so it is extremely gentle on the skin. The Calendua petals also act as a gentle cleanser that is perfect for those with sensitive skin, maturing skin or young skin.

Here are some photos from my soap making session:

After the infusion, I used cheese cloth and a strainer to remove the Calendula petals.
This oil added a beautiful, natural yellow color to my finished soap.

Ready to get started,. I have everything I need! On a side not, this 10"
silicone loaf mold sold by Bramble Berry is awesome!

Blending!

After I reached light trace, I added some of the Calendula petals.

Pouring!

The final step was to add the remaining Calendula petals to the top of the soap. Naturally beautiful!

The cut bars look and smells incredible. Everyone who sees this bar loves it!

This bar is scented with Lemongrass essential oil and smells divine! This is the perfect bar for those that don't want artificial colors or fragrances. It is also the perfect choice for people with sensitive skin. I will definitely be making this recipe again!

Please check out these other blogger who have also made recipes from Soap Crafting!

http://oilandbutter.blogspot.com/
http://lustercanyon.blogspot.com/

Giveaway!!! 

Please follow me and leave a comment and I will randomly draw someone to win the new Soap Crafting book (can only mailed to U.S)! You must enter by 10 p.m. PST., Sunday, September 1st. The second place winner will receive a free bar of this amazing soap!

44 comments:

  1. Beautiful post! I would love, love, love this book!

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    1. It's my favorite soap book yet. I have done several of the recipes and they are all great!

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  3. It's never too late to learn new tecniques! It's lovely.

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  4. Hi Shelly, I'd love to try some of the soap! I love Calendula! I currently buy soap from Sellwood Soap Co., but am not against sharing my business!

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    1. Jodi, I think you would love this bar! It is made with Lemongrass essential Oil and smells amazing.

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  6. Beautiful soap!! Would love to win the book! Thanks for a chance at the give away!

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    1. Thanks Ginger! The book is really awesome. I would definitely have bought it if I wasn't part of this blogging tour. Do you have a website or blog I can follow?

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    2. Not at this time. Something my sis and I have considered doing for awhile; time to get it done!

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    1. Thanks Lindsey! I will put you in the drawing for the soap. See you tomorrow!

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  8. Now following your blog. Great post! Looks like you did a beautiful job on the Calendula soap.

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    1. Thanks!So you have a blog or website I should follow?

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  9. I, too, love making soap for the same reasons you listed above! It's extremely pleasurable to make something very pretty that feels so good to bathe with. I would love to have a copy of this book as well! How nice to have all the information in one place! You've encouraged me to make soap with Calendula flowers now! Your bars turned out gorgeous!

    Deanna Paine

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    1. Thanks! I am definitely buying some more Calendula petals a.s.a.p.!

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  10. Shelly, you and Anne Marie are both so kind to offer this giveaway.

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  11. Um, I LOVE your soap and will be placing a big order this fall to give as gifts to family/friends. Woo hoo!

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    1. Thanks Carrie! The fall scents are my favorite. Very comforting. I have lots of pumpkin, chai tea, woodsy scents, apple etc. Love Fall! xoxo

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  12. Just signed up to follow your blog. You are never too old to learn new tips and tricks for soaping. I just love the look of the Calendula soap, I'm sure I have a bag of those somewhere *lol* Great job!

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    1. Thanks! Do you have a website or blog I can check out?

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  13. I'm delighted to have found your blog....you've made some gorgeous soaps. Oddly enough, I have calendula infusing in sweet almond oil right now for a batch of calendula soap. I can't wait to try it out!

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    1. I had never done this! It was definitely a lovely addition to the soap. I will be infusing more in the future. Thanks for following!

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  14. Oooo I would love to win the book! Looks awesome!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. I just checked out your blog and your soaps look great!

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  15. Hi Shelly - I've just followed your blog (via Bloglovin) on the back of this review - love it (and the soap!) I'm in the UK so not eligible for the giveaway, but it was released here on Amazon on Tuesday and my copy is already on the way :-D
    You make beautiful soaps!
    Vicki

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    1. I checked lout your blog too. Your soaps look great!

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  16. Wonderful post Shelly, I love the way your soap turned out...it looks so creamy!

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    1. Thanks! I appreciate it. Do you have a blog I should follow?

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  17. Hi Shelly! I was about to buy the book already but if I can win it, how great would that be?! :-) I am all the way in the Philippines but I will be in California from sept 7 to 13 to visit my sister. If I qualify for the draw, please include my name! I would be thrilled too with the soap! We don't have calendula here and I'm very curious about it. Thank you and Bramble Berry! :-)

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    1. I will let you know if you win. I am sure we can work something out.

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  18. Beautiful!
    ...and the soap ain't bad, either.

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    1. he he! I thought you were some sort of creepo at first. Love you!!! (BTW, this is my hubby!)

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  19. Wow, great looking soap! It sounds amazing.

    Following along with you, now. :)

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  20. Beautiful soap! I love Calendula soap! Thanks for sharing a copy of the book!

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  21. Your soap looks fabulous! I love the natural color of calendula soap.

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  22. Thanks for being a part of our Soap Crafting Blog Tour! I just love how your soap turned out. =)

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