tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88251565376374986952024-03-14T10:14:39.580+00:00BLOG BRIALLENA blog about crafts - mainly Corn Dollies, Soap and Bath Goodies and Handmade Felt (with a few excursions).briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-55905222991373820832010-04-26T01:18:00.001+01:002010-04-26T01:19:37.258+01:00Balms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Over the last few weeks I've been working on herbal macerations (oils infused with herbs) and making balms.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrfVi3NKUBApE68LFOBKgs-zgUoGsebuhj5WS_4NiB4XMHLKmlqwaW4fo8EOzgrlvh9ooPeazFZcr1AVNeiU6cql1po22tc-dW0viKtDkOr5IqjE88av1-m-xHHiq8mXj3T20X7L0UbY/s1600/4Balms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrfVi3NKUBApE68LFOBKgs-zgUoGsebuhj5WS_4NiB4XMHLKmlqwaW4fo8EOzgrlvh9ooPeazFZcr1AVNeiU6cql1po22tc-dW0viKtDkOr5IqjE88av1-m-xHHiq8mXj3T20X7L0UbY/s320/4Balms.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I took these to the <a href="http://www.ruthinproducemarket.co.uk/index.php">Produce Market in Ruthin</a> on Saturday and sold a few - but I must have a photo session of the individual balms before I can put them for sale online.<br />
<br />
In addition I now have baby balms for sale in<a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/briallen"> my Folksy shop</a> - not online at Briallen just yet though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSCNEtcotJ2lp5cbiQ6wgan1_PTGTCNMlrGaZYOxtHLSF-QWiFFVAxxDNQcw63u6LGysa2FcLHMFiFHR-HCTzciF7mMQTk0-ddZ9W_r-NVlNsPcIPkW4-DDqJgU1RxPYG2llFvgwFOls/s1600/GenBaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSCNEtcotJ2lp5cbiQ6wgan1_PTGTCNMlrGaZYOxtHLSF-QWiFFVAxxDNQcw63u6LGysa2FcLHMFiFHR-HCTzciF7mMQTk0-ddZ9W_r-NVlNsPcIPkW4-DDqJgU1RxPYG2llFvgwFOls/s320/GenBaby.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There's a Lavender one as well as the unfragranced one in the pic - they're also suitable for Mums-to-be and new Mums as they contain Shea Butter, which is widely used for dealing stretch marks, and the balms are goodly emolliants for anyone.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-75099281800142990842009-12-02T16:25:00.001+00:002009-12-02T16:26:34.389+00:00Now on Folksy and a new Dotty BagI now have a <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/briallen">Folksy shop</a> - not a lot in it yet but this bag which I made recently is there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcAqNs_Z8UQnS_DJ651DFg76s6rwERiScNMCcuNdd8F373BOpd6RnqUYZ46zeoQg7V9hObKUQNsMeaCvjHCdDZo3FaFERLDVCQIpAHi89ZQLQLnMmzj1qmuGLH8puOmDSdBTvLGBOu-Q/s1600-h/DotBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcAqNs_Z8UQnS_DJ651DFg76s6rwERiScNMCcuNdd8F373BOpd6RnqUYZ46zeoQg7V9hObKUQNsMeaCvjHCdDZo3FaFERLDVCQIpAHi89ZQLQLnMmzj1qmuGLH8puOmDSdBTvLGBOu-Q/s320/DotBag.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
It's made with dyed merino using the seamless felting technique and the embellisments/handle are added by needle-felting (so no sewing).<br />
<br />
As you can see it's not a large bag to take all your clutter plus the kitchen sink - but a "pod" style; there'd be room for lippy and a hanky alongside a purse style wallet and mobile, maybe even an ipod also (but I haven't one to try).briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-33031800730546552362009-11-22T02:27:00.000+00:002009-11-22T02:27:05.741+00:00More Felt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After a not very good fair Ive plent of stock left so I thought I'd mak some extra stuff for the next fair in Llangollen on the 28th November. With plenty of soap and toiletries and my ever present Corn Dollies it had to be felt - so I've made a few handbags using the seamless technique.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qIs7NzdI-JOqVWFU4IfADBqHDN5gHhu_-nvGimDY6VTD4lZma_NhLDCZ86eUHgUOqfmzOt2NRwgbF0wi24w07UIn34cwJ9yfyzDcAtuku0OTRlMJeXs7bdd-cWoj61NVdtm47llPS24/s1600/BlueBag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qIs7NzdI-JOqVWFU4IfADBqHDN5gHhu_-nvGimDY6VTD4lZma_NhLDCZ86eUHgUOqfmzOt2NRwgbF0wi24w07UIn34cwJ9yfyzDcAtuku0OTRlMJeXs7bdd-cWoj61NVdtm47llPS24/s320/BlueBag2.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The one above is in dark blue dyed merino with white Shetland cobwebbing - I've one more of the bar and circle toggle fastening but have discovered that the supplier doesn't stock them any more (bit of a B - it's a nice fastening).<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The one below is in black dyed merino with grey Suffolk and a touch of white Shetland. Both bags have no sewing or glue - I've attached fastenings and needle felted embellishments by needle felting.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl3lAoopaZMnmLFb849fa_zOWXj_4mmLz91jarf2s2PRs84fIPK0w9KAqVaK2gDZfpVbkiGzaVPYjJmCiIisgeg_Wz-6zE1qcM-tbAWnpt8tm9UCnsH1bFVglzkte1uulR6kOJHGcyIY/s1600/BlackBag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl3lAoopaZMnmLFb849fa_zOWXj_4mmLz91jarf2s2PRs84fIPK0w9KAqVaK2gDZfpVbkiGzaVPYjJmCiIisgeg_Wz-6zE1qcM-tbAWnpt8tm9UCnsH1bFVglzkte1uulR6kOJHGcyIY/s320/BlackBag2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
This one has already been claimed so I've nearly finished a similar one - but I've used Black Welsh Mountain instead of the dyed merino - so it's all natural coloured fleeces.<br />
<br />
I did try a white and pink pod style bag - but I'm not happy with it and it's destined for the bin I'm afraid!briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-76853358347917471842009-10-14T17:35:00.006+01:002009-10-14T17:57:05.373+01:00Two More ProductsI've been selling bath salts at the Produce Market since the spring - but only just got around to packaging (thanks Corrie) and putting on the website ! Not good with Christmas beginning to loom on the horizon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhN5Fv3Q64r1vIhgYUQL0KzqIlflIWxKYwtY0iFBMF_5U16eiiIN1ekBXJCZHNFHvt4WBB3AS9uyHzVAB5KVUHh8AdAKu3eXEIaQQKCmQEoVMld3EjzBOQBaUJbzvDyau7dA3H5gxcsc/s1600-h/Salts01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhN5Fv3Q64r1vIhgYUQL0KzqIlflIWxKYwtY0iFBMF_5U16eiiIN1ekBXJCZHNFHvt4WBB3AS9uyHzVAB5KVUHh8AdAKu3eXEIaQQKCmQEoVMld3EjzBOQBaUJbzvDyau7dA3H5gxcsc/s400/Salts01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392496621935012066" border="0" /></a>They're scented with blends of eassential oils in the fragrances of the three most popular soaps and are a mix of Dead Sea and Sea salts with Epsom Salts.<br /><br />After that I came up with the idea for another bath product - initially this was going to be scented bath milks in the same fragrance range but then it became much more complex and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shenina Bath</span> was born.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UATFbNwkSjYt_Zt_g7MFvtBPFDYA99OWp9xehtWzo6AFQeJ1uq4gEn-Bywx0-pzUuduGr_ejQYsdzqHxlsPCLY5elm_UQdN56fSuKe6sJBEBtab4qNvcvv_T04t3ssg_4LOv0bznqxU/s1600-h/Shen01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UATFbNwkSjYt_Zt_g7MFvtBPFDYA99OWp9xehtWzo6AFQeJ1uq4gEn-Bywx0-pzUuduGr_ejQYsdzqHxlsPCLY5elm_UQdN56fSuKe6sJBEBtab4qNvcvv_T04t3ssg_4LOv0bznqxU/s400/Shen01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392499518644950546" border="0" /></a><br />Based on beautifully fine Dead Sea salts there's Goat's Milk and Yoghurt powders there also and the same blends of Essential Oils.<br /><br />Both have those little wooden scoops included.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-68724151140907543732009-09-27T17:18:00.008+01:002009-09-27T17:46:46.673+01:00Beer SoapI now have a couple of beer soaps on the Briallen site.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe5jhtYH5WLRW4RGKObgzeeYMNbGMdJM9FVtLo-dw6Mh-sW2mTQypxUaytjBtA1a4rpSYtKus34tlEO6iLlgJf7T2yYtift2jE0FXNJiQIVtO81SmAoNCAlDjKhXNyHVhHj0OpZdeAxg/s1600-h/CwrwDuB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe5jhtYH5WLRW4RGKObgzeeYMNbGMdJM9FVtLo-dw6Mh-sW2mTQypxUaytjBtA1a4rpSYtKus34tlEO6iLlgJf7T2yYtift2jE0FXNJiQIVtO81SmAoNCAlDjKhXNyHVhHj0OpZdeAxg/s400/CwrwDuB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386186110153344002" border="0" /></a>This first one is made with Welsh Stout from the North Wales Brewery, a micro-brewery near Abergele. I added a small amount of raw cocoa butter to get the darker colour.<br /><br />The one below is from the Purple Moose Brewery in Porthmadog - it's a draught beer (so no bottle in the pic) and the Myrtle Stout is brewed just once or twice a year - mainly for Halloween.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_cnsykulSUdJKg9A1D8S11k9bjrjqXK2wytmjaemuG8wUqB4BK42NMeY_oS-NtAvx2IbbnEG-Os-0lyMAD6htrxG4RscszuXHir06F7VqCa8q2FVqIFnkaNMcaIGg8taCQQeO1OxMNw/s1600-h/CwrwMM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_cnsykulSUdJKg9A1D8S11k9bjrjqXK2wytmjaemuG8wUqB4BK42NMeY_oS-NtAvx2IbbnEG-Os-0lyMAD6htrxG4RscszuXHir06F7VqCa8q2FVqIFnkaNMcaIGg8taCQQeO1OxMNw/s400/CwrwMM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386188287085233842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Both breweries have said I can use their logos on my labels and the North Wales Brewery is going to sell my soaps made with their beer from their stands at various shows and festivals.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-59885515007350503642009-09-08T22:14:00.004+01:002009-09-08T22:31:45.672+01:00Herb SachetsIt's a long time since I posted anything here and because of a couple of months severe IP problems (resulting in a change of provider and domain hosting) I've not updated my website either!!<br /><br />However I've been pretty busy with new products - these little fine calico bags of mixed herbs and spices are drawer scenters. I've used recipes from an 1866 book of household hints.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJWpEalcZfrxVXRB3bCIFd9EUATAGIrM9lsqq0kAlOReGG6DsSqBKGkiCKxt4YS3qQRDe9BTZvCvaJEGU3ImCJScga9Ij9nuKUmBTF8T2nmS9yqZMRHIco-em3fl-XgjzQvzaDUSf4lM/s1600-h/BandBoxes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJWpEalcZfrxVXRB3bCIFd9EUATAGIrM9lsqq0kAlOReGG6DsSqBKGkiCKxt4YS3qQRDe9BTZvCvaJEGU3ImCJScga9Ij9nuKUmBTF8T2nmS9yqZMRHIco-em3fl-XgjzQvzaDUSf4lM/s400/BandBoxes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379208828636824578" border="0" /></a><br />Two bags fit nicely into the soapboxes, which Corrie of <a href="http://lomondsoap.blogspot.com/">Lomond Soap</a> organised in the spring, so I printed bands to go round them (it's a relief not to have to put all those INCI names on the labels). They've attracted quite a bit of interest at the monthly market over the summer but should make goodly stocking fillers for Christmas.<br /><br />(I do keep meaning to try one in the bath and see whether it needs the appropriate EOs added for use as a bath sachet).briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-23254982220782461502009-03-30T18:09:00.003+01:002009-03-30T18:14:31.906+01:00Eggs Are Not Just For Easter!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/img/Soapy/MeltsBombs/FizEgg4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/img/Soapy/MeltsBombs/FizEgg4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Egg shaped bath bombs in their own travelling box - got to be a goodly present at any time of year!<br /><br />The fragrances are the same as the soaps in the blogpost belowbriallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-10290063000663623712009-03-27T13:36:00.003+00:002009-03-27T13:46:29.191+00:00New Soaps OnlineThree new soaps on the Briallen site.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWusQrUodKMybwOLSw7rAd1LZgsXijdm4ELhWOj7oeI-5yhUppx6OzhFw7MSfS6lr8V_ZwvXD0trCpIP-lCvx2VJWYe48xDiV8Eji_zD4VGYVCZggZwKfNkK9tfrR_V4pzjr-oFG0lVE/s1600-h/SpringSoaps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWusQrUodKMybwOLSw7rAd1LZgsXijdm4ELhWOj7oeI-5yhUppx6OzhFw7MSfS6lr8V_ZwvXD0trCpIP-lCvx2VJWYe48xDiV8Eji_zD4VGYVCZggZwKfNkK9tfrR_V4pzjr-oFG0lVE/s400/SpringSoaps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317861673546004610" border="0" /></a><br />They are all fragranced with my own blends of essential oils: Green Angel is a herby/aniseedy one with Sweet Fennel, Khayyam is a rosy blend and Nos Da is a lavender based blend.<br /><br />Khayyam is named after a damask rose; the original was found growing near the grave of Omar Khayyam and a cutting was plated on the grave of Eward Fitzgerald, who translated his work.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Nos Da</span> is Welsh for <span style="font-style: italic;">Goodnight</span>; when I made some bubbling bath bags with this blend of EOs the testers said it sent them to sleep (one whilst still in the bath).briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-14127831948202915612009-03-22T14:18:00.002+00:002009-03-22T14:20:45.712+00:00The Felt Bowl TutorialI've taken down the zip file of the tutorial now - if you need a copy then email me.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-87235176882184771862009-02-25T00:42:00.003+00:002009-02-25T00:45:24.917+00:00Fizzin' EggsHaving read about the qualities of Tapioca Starch (same sort of stuff as Natrosorb) I thought I'd try some in bath bomb fizzies as it apparently absorbs oils, including essential oils, and releases them as it dissolves - also gives a goodly "feel" to the water.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GZUIQxgnlbssYQr_PVQRFrnvhyNZE1zxUCi6Z5U9p4mFr-hueYWV0sGXwb5ZfWNMQfqk5aieU7LZ99J2F6Woc46nDHMkoB6lb4qqwTmArNLEIfQap8vpA-aXS9BC2ZEjleAoxdJeLIc/s1600-h/FizEggs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GZUIQxgnlbssYQr_PVQRFrnvhyNZE1zxUCi6Z5U9p4mFr-hueYWV0sGXwb5ZfWNMQfqk5aieU7LZ99J2F6Woc46nDHMkoB6lb4qqwTmArNLEIfQap8vpA-aXS9BC2ZEjleAoxdJeLIc/s400/FizEggs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306529360749204978" border="0" /></a> </div><br />The predominant EO in the blend is Sweet Fennel and there's powdered goats' milk in there also.<br /><br />I'll probably add a dried flower or two and then shrinkwrap.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-86463451932610737402009-02-16T10:47:00.004+00:002009-02-16T10:58:11.693+00:00Old Rose Melts<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Two bath melts with an Old Rose fragrance (essential oil blend).<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKocs6Ev0_6FxdPRvgFCB9nl9sau2Oya93aU-b3WulV7xxT9nsTwejL_Rtrp4MsR6mfJolNY7UTmTMC4z4Er3DcUwayxj7AS1El3OugNyyd3SgrZprkLoIsMbrwR_tZcv5gMLK0POvVJ4/s1600-h/ORmelts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKocs6Ev0_6FxdPRvgFCB9nl9sau2Oya93aU-b3WulV7xxT9nsTwejL_Rtrp4MsR6mfJolNY7UTmTMC4z4Er3DcUwayxj7AS1El3OugNyyd3SgrZprkLoIsMbrwR_tZcv5gMLK0POvVJ4/s400/ORmelts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303347567970172274" border="0" /></a></div><br />The smaller one is a Buttercream Melt - blended Shea, Mango and Cocoa butters with dairy butter powder and just a small amount of fizz to aid dispersal.<br /><br />The larger one has more fizz and is a Chantilly Cream, with Coconut oil instead of the Mango butter.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-87747078555074041372009-01-22T12:55:00.004+00:002009-01-22T13:16:16.519+00:00February OfferThere's a substantial discount on my latest <a href="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/soap_bath/ScrubSoak/bodyscrubs_soaks.html">scrubs</a> - but you'll need to find the password from a link on this page - Happy Hunting!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/img/Soapy/ScrubSoak/FaceTMornT.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/img/Soapy/ScrubSoak/FaceTMornT.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">FACE the MORNING</span><br />A refreshing facial pick-me-up with gentle exfoliation from the cardamon powder, ultra-fine Scottish oatmeal and golden caster sugar and the emolliant properties of babassu, coconut and jojoba oils which ensure that your skin will remain soft and smooth all day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/img/Soapy/ScrubSoak/HyMangoT.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/img/Soapy/ScrubSoak/HyMangoT.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">HEY MANGO!</span><br />This highly moisturising body scrub obtains its lovely colour from the Cornmeal and Mango powder exfoliants. Mango Butter and a blend of oils including Papaya Seed Oil are there to give your skin that pampered feeling.<br /><br /><h3><br /></h3><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/img/Soapy/ScrubSoak/KarakorumT.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="http://www.briallen.co.uk/Shop/img/Soapy/ScrubSoak/KarakorumT.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">KARAKORUM</span><br />A vigorous salt-based scrub with Himalayan, Dead Sea and Atlantic salts in a base with Kokum Butter and Black Seed oil - a sumptuous and exotic scrub with a spicily fragrant blend of Essential Oils.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-18721433160257949802009-01-18T16:14:00.003+00:002009-01-18T16:20:26.344+00:00Facebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxqfCvfBiw8xxzAjhUYw64lf_AS9-S7QRtblMdZRtDZOv5JmN2JcjYpzSXQmLRs_EOtmBBIdPzQwAEdJ1APu20EST9bR7-jBii09YDtS78QuVaCDJ8fceV6pXCe-l5jOX_J-bWeOCTfc/s1600-h/primrose.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxqfCvfBiw8xxzAjhUYw64lf_AS9-S7QRtblMdZRtDZOv5JmN2JcjYpzSXQmLRs_EOtmBBIdPzQwAEdJ1APu20EST9bR7-jBii09YDtS78QuVaCDJ8fceV6pXCe-l5jOX_J-bWeOCTfc/s400/primrose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292668541586847394" border="0" /></a>I've now managed to create a Page on Facebook!briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-70777443887652838282009-01-11T17:33:00.003+00:002009-01-11T17:44:35.023+00:00Santes Dwynwen and ValentineSantes Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and her day is January 25th and then Valentine's Day will be here before you know it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKx0el5oBemYkRSkxQUdOXPAoAZ3E6aTYS-Yw6hMHoUyFgd924ilXJInJBcf3-Up5X3sfrMT87n6GqEJR-IRxRzyHvD0cdVWipm91KwYFaydG-ISo9Pla_zumzpexIQTggJhc88Z9XXc/s1600-h/SwtHeart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKx0el5oBemYkRSkxQUdOXPAoAZ3E6aTYS-Yw6hMHoUyFgd924ilXJInJBcf3-Up5X3sfrMT87n6GqEJR-IRxRzyHvD0cdVWipm91KwYFaydG-ISo9Pla_zumzpexIQTggJhc88Z9XXc/s400/SwtHeart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290091228920770258" border="0" /></a><br />This little Corn Dolly is about 17cm/7ins deep (without the loop) and will be going onsite shortly.<br /><br />I wanted a the heart shape which a double loop provides but didn't want to make the more usual Mordiford Dolly.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-31501919691303520062009-01-10T00:50:00.005+00:002009-01-11T12:35:27.069+00:00Scrub Up For Spring"A bit premature" you may be thinking!<br /><br />February, however, is the start of Spring in the old Celtic calendar - it is the month when green shoots start to appear and the snowdrops, <span style="font-style: italic;">Fair Maids of February</span> are in flower. The beginning of February is also <span style="font-style: italic;">Imbolc/Oimelc</span> (Oimelc = Ewes' Milk) when the first lambs would be born (although today there will have been some already).<br /><br />My three new scrubs will be onsite from the start of February - a good idea for preparing yourself for Valentine's Day (or for a Valentine present!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIu3c-Geh-SFGSJG-wYoU9NQvskw-2kqvp5RIixuJYv3e_j0aiGwfgRDpkwzUXasMgiR8EY14Ewq1mfd5dvwe7beCTjhNeB5nWW9wYVLFGZgK2d0UBSiXof8YtTAEtDPheZk_cOWP5kI/s1600-h/NewScrubs2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIu3c-Geh-SFGSJG-wYoU9NQvskw-2kqvp5RIixuJYv3e_j0aiGwfgRDpkwzUXasMgiR8EY14Ewq1mfd5dvwe7beCTjhNeB5nWW9wYVLFGZgK2d0UBSiXof8YtTAEtDPheZk_cOWP5kI/s400/NewScrubs2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289464886597509442" border="0" /></a><br />All three have had excellent reports from the testers, with no firm favourite. From left to right they are:<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hey Mango!</span> a medium textured cornmeal scrub for most areas of the body with Mango Butter, Papaya oil and a natural Mango Fragrance.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Karakorum</span> a more vigorous saltbased scrub with Himalayan, Dead Sea and Atlantic salts in a base which contains Kokum Butter and Black Seed oil - a really luxurious and exotic scrub with a fragrant spicey blend of Essential Oils.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Face the Morning</span> with powdered Cardamom, Fair Trade Golden Caster Sugar and Grapefruit Essential Oil in Jojoba and Grapeseed oil base. The majority of testers found this suitable as a facial scrub/masque.<br /></li></ul>Keep your eyes on <a href="http://fresholi-bites.blogspot.com/">Fresholi Bites</a> for an introductory offer!<br /><br />(must keep my eyes open for a goodly clump of snowdrops to take a pic)briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-3085126998099332072008-12-28T01:19:00.004+00:002008-12-28T01:32:23.389+00:00Soap Mould from GermanyCorrie of Lomond Soaps (see blog list) arranged the purchase of some of these partitioned moulds <a href="http://www.gisellamanske.com/152201.html">from Germany</a> so I tried a batch of HP Castille.<br /><br />I put my soap into the mould end of the afternoon and demoulded about 10.30pm (went out to eat with Child and S in Shotton on (the unroyal) Deeside.<br /><br />I used 1300 oils (olive with bit of coconut for Castille) but will have to arrange crockpot (5.5ltre) the other way round next time as I couldn't lift it to pour the way it was and had to use a ladle - so despite banging a few times the batter didn't level completely.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglfrfcg71uPQKsqPQ2UnsZHbvBbZON0mg5-u9YKGlRiWjzGS5nq8zQJx_gtHsxF38l9pSEGSSOJdPa6mUkQ2kdpZMdlSONp4mgw-7KvFMD_nhrP-HHkTyE9rJlhj3k1IeXdjR4001dMY/s1600-h/MouldFill.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglfrfcg71uPQKsqPQ2UnsZHbvBbZON0mg5-u9YKGlRiWjzGS5nq8zQJx_gtHsxF38l9pSEGSSOJdPa6mUkQ2kdpZMdlSONp4mgw-7KvFMD_nhrP-HHkTyE9rJlhj3k1IeXdjR4001dMY/s400/MouldFill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284646308560943122" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When I pushed the dividers down the edges of the soaps curved downwards - so they've not sunk in the middle at all.<br /><br />De-moulding was no problem 'cos it's cold in the utility and I just pushed the soaps down and out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2GxVl0u0gXJn9D9X1rHVojpMMjMNHjD629BOrr_50_fxjneSHimtw6FiKKv9N4kO_2j5_3t8nZRGxN5SPKz0GqlUAn_qLGOg-XCWjl3cbB9UCvqZALLaW1HbZ-oiVQdDptOOOLYOl1c/s1600-h/MouldSoaps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2GxVl0u0gXJn9D9X1rHVojpMMjMNHjD629BOrr_50_fxjneSHimtw6FiKKv9N4kO_2j5_3t8nZRGxN5SPKz0GqlUAn_qLGOg-XCWjl3cbB9UCvqZALLaW1HbZ-oiVQdDptOOOLYOl1c/s400/MouldSoaps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284646661126170066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Parchment had wrinkled on the base - I'll cut a piece of teflon oven liner to fit before next lot. The tops of these will have to be planed but if I'm making a scrub soap I'll sprinkle a layer of oatmeal or whatever on the top.<br /><br />On second thoughts perhaps I won't plane the tops - it's quite a nice texture and there's a potential here for swirling (my HP soap batter is quite fluid as I add <span style="font-style: italic;">Sodium Lactate<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span>at trace.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-6822683340208768532008-12-24T17:23:00.001+00:002008-12-24T17:25:31.493+00:00Compliments of the Season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb-DmWCeyYcDc2ajo5dnX9qfpC1Ha6vRzBgBNVn1vBfbuPKWvbPsfLcFbzdXRPubThemcJVGn4MwCpD2lsHcbCEeUu_6bdR2SnoqQcSAXD3iqWX9026MajtNc2bH759VZ9cB7NSA77DI/s1600-h/SnQuGs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb-DmWCeyYcDc2ajo5dnX9qfpC1Ha6vRzBgBNVn1vBfbuPKWvbPsfLcFbzdXRPubThemcJVGn4MwCpD2lsHcbCEeUu_6bdR2SnoqQcSAXD3iqWX9026MajtNc2bH759VZ9cB7NSA77DI/s400/SnQuGs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283408939517716034" border="0" /></a>briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-58180134135522415982008-12-18T12:59:00.003+00:002008-12-18T13:03:39.176+00:00I'd had an enquiry about a felted soap to give to an Irish girl (in the end the buyer opted for Midwinter and Lemon, Glycerine and Honey) so I set out to devise a fragrance and name.<br /><br />I decided to base the fragrance on Bog Myrtle (checked out where it grew in Ireland) and thought of <i>Peat Bog Fairy</i> (after the folk group - until I checked out <i>Peat Bog Fairies</i> and discovered they came from Skye!).<br /><br />Still on the Fairy theme I decided on something to do with the <i>Sidhe</i> (pronounced Shee) the Fair Folk of ancient Ireland who retreated into a differnet dimension and inhabit the green mounds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1uEUS0DtiaA5NUQj2IbPuAbGKKXeMKq8w1MGn6UR6J7RX44J5VJbhVA9Zmb5dDctX7s3NymQEvdoITsWeq_OJhfK3DDGEegmN7ZuttOR53CptDvSWvcArntpn2EqRFZIfIerVso6chA/s1600-h/ArdNaS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1uEUS0DtiaA5NUQj2IbPuAbGKKXeMKq8w1MGn6UR6J7RX44J5VJbhVA9Zmb5dDctX7s3NymQEvdoITsWeq_OJhfK3DDGEegmN7ZuttOR53CptDvSWvcArntpn2EqRFZIfIerVso6chA/s400/ArdNaS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281114663334300834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><i>Ard na Sidhe</i> is Mound of the Fair Folk - the soap has silk, green clay and Bog Myrtle EO.<br /><br />Bog Myrtle has a long standing reputation as an insect repellant and recent studies have shown it to be effective in treating acne.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-44216802557054001702008-12-15T19:32:00.003+00:002008-12-15T19:48:55.203+00:00Face the Morning ScrubThis is one of the scrubs I mentioned a few posts down; it's a finely textured scrub which testers said works well on the face.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgJJigeY0gtNPYrVD_tQcfNjqVhXN-70RozMUV6pyfukHdnOfAbvz3No51ewORfBVMmKo38WQmrPWCT2ykdhLw5WF7mslAU9X7z743vRzMbNphNCABRZitUvETC1QGOy3qnvYprK1Foo/s1600-h/FtM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgJJigeY0gtNPYrVD_tQcfNjqVhXN-70RozMUV6pyfukHdnOfAbvz3No51ewORfBVMmKo38WQmrPWCT2ykdhLw5WF7mslAU9X7z743vRzMbNphNCABRZitUvETC1QGOy3qnvYprK1Foo/s400/FtM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280102452747562370" border="0" /></a><br />With the ultrafine oatmeal and jojoba it will also work as a masque in addition to being a moisturising scrub, making it a 3-in-1 treatment.<br /><br />It's likely to be a Winter only product as, because it does not have butters in the ingredients, it will separate at warm temperatures - can't post it in warm weather.<br /><br />It will be onsite in January as part of a range for perking up the skin after the Yuletide indulgences.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-17364047777950451052008-12-08T16:23:00.003+00:002008-12-08T16:34:33.040+00:00A Surprise OrderI had a number of orders for Corn Dollies during August to October but an order for this one plopped into my mailbox on Friday night - I suppose it's going to someone for a Yule/Christmas present.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo5GGqZCjAICI0ihYmUbz2tTMuaFOVqqIaC1xEeZgyVh0T0IsOs4zsZPJPBXJmS-FNKiOlBQ0Spy_6hmPaQ4BkaLPrbCWiXckta1pIQ4qoz-XvoPiKW7j6SBD_4nwcrQB-dqZ7oKlyEg/s1600-h/WelshCDolly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo5GGqZCjAICI0ihYmUbz2tTMuaFOVqqIaC1xEeZgyVh0T0IsOs4zsZPJPBXJmS-FNKiOlBQ0Spy_6hmPaQ4BkaLPrbCWiXckta1pIQ4qoz-XvoPiKW7j6SBD_4nwcrQB-dqZ7oKlyEg/s400/WelshCDolly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277456453219245506" border="0" /></a><br />It's about 26 inches from top to bottom and the problem with posting the larger dollies is finding a box to fit. Fortunately my last order from Gracefruit had been sent in a box which was just the right size - so I've just posted it off with reused space-filler stuff and fingers crossed it arrives safely amongst all the Christmas post.<br /><br />I used 200 or so straws - so I'll post the cut off ears to Elizabeth at Gracefruit for her hens!briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-90641757687343344332008-12-03T19:43:00.003+00:002008-12-03T19:59:56.937+00:00My Soaps Aren't Natural and They're Full of Chemicals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDadL8HGLijoTP_RBO_LG4DF3rDtslY13mmrfteygm-HQgUX5gbxbBrSqiJbeIC7OI-7ZHqWFYjYQh2Q3q7aP65anW6RDyLE7xq8WbiK8Z9LhLAnvpjb1mJeN5RQYeojv_IM22rQwFp_I/s1600-h/HonHarv.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDadL8HGLijoTP_RBO_LG4DF3rDtslY13mmrfteygm-HQgUX5gbxbBrSqiJbeIC7OI-7ZHqWFYjYQh2Q3q7aP65anW6RDyLE7xq8WbiK8Z9LhLAnvpjb1mJeN5RQYeojv_IM22rQwFp_I/s400/HonHarv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275652042288796002" border="0" /></a><br />I don't harvest them from bushes in my garden - there are plants which are "natural soaps" in that they contain saponins (chemicals of course, like the rest of the plant); plants like Soapwort, which is still used to wash some old and delicate fabrics.<br /><br />But a bar of soap can't be "natural" as it is formed by a chemical (re)action between lye and fats. Lye itself isn't natural either, the sodium hydroxide used in solid soaps is usually formed from brine by electrolysis and is often a by product from the manufacture of hydrochloric acid.<br /><br />So don't let anyone tell you their soap is "natural".<br /><br />Nor can it be "chemical-free" - think about it!<br /><br />Everything is composed of chemicals, some are good and some are bad.briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-35835456901255507152008-12-02T17:01:00.003+00:002008-12-02T17:13:11.283+00:00More Moisturising ScrubsToday I posted off samples of three new scrubs to willing human guinea pigs - and then realised that I hadn't taken any photos!<br /><br />So until I make some more here are the descriptions listing some of the ingredients:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Karakorum</b></span><br />A salt scrub for vigorous scrubbing containing a mix of salts and spicey EOs. Going by reports on bathsalts of a similar mix this should be a goodly scrub to use in the bath at the end of a hard day.<br /><br />It will contain:<br />All sorts of salts including Himalayan Black Salt<br />Coconut oil<br />Kokum butter<br />Black Seed oil<br />Blend of Spice EOs<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Hey Mango!</b></span><br />A cornmeal scrub for use on most parts of the body and limbs; not as hard as Karakorum it will contain:<br /><br />Mango butter<br />Mango powder<br />Papaya seed oil<br />Sunflower oil<br />Mango and Lime natural essence<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Face the Morning</b></span><br />A caster sugar and ultrafine oatmeal scrub with ground Cardamon and Grapefruit EO (OK on my face so will have to see what the testers say).<br /><br />It will also contain:<br />Babassu oil<br />Jojoba<br />Grapeseed oil<br />and one or two other ingredients.<br /><br />Another problem was that my sense of smell hasn't properly returned following a cold so I'll have to see what the guinea pigs report on the fragrances.<br /><br />All fingers crossed for the next few days!briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-80424271130553774552008-11-19T17:27:00.003+00:002008-11-19T17:41:58.298+00:00Body ScrubsI've recently had certification for oil/butterbased <span style="font-style: italic;">Cleansers and Conditioners (rinse-off)</span>; I thought my Fruity Scrublets where pushing the boundaries of my salts/oatmeal based <span style="font-style: italic;">Infusions for Bath or Shower</span> a bit far.<br /><br />This is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Raspberry & Coconut Scrub</span> - it has raspberry powder, fine dessicated coconut and fine demarara sugar as the scrub with coconut oil, babassu oil and raspberry seed oil - I may add raspberry and coconut essences (don't use FOs) depending on what the testers report back after trying out samples.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicq8zeAVzweI4aakIbvBWhCcaxyEtZKrcUX08k77iqkEzw-KX6iWlmjvAZy33JmkUBWN-quaItCtnDt8VvFvC_tcr-PEmDiAkSZIjv5KSf1p8MZ486bgIbCJZWeYyz2mXvchTHHwHixE/s1600-h/RaspCoc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicq8zeAVzweI4aakIbvBWhCcaxyEtZKrcUX08k77iqkEzw-KX6iWlmjvAZy33JmkUBWN-quaItCtnDt8VvFvC_tcr-PEmDiAkSZIjv5KSf1p8MZ486bgIbCJZWeYyz2mXvchTHHwHixE/s400/RaspCoc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270423953590999858" border="0" /></a>The PET kilner style jars aren't cheap - but neither are most of the ingredients so I don't think deli-pots would suit the image.<br /><br />So now I'm considering going for SA on leave-on<span style="font-style: italic;"> Balms and Butters</span> (but <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> creams and lotions despite some people's efforts to persuade me - I even had a couple of samples of emulsifiers popped in with an order for butters and oils!)briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-64605996100957902482008-11-18T17:43:00.004+00:002008-11-18T18:02:45.483+00:00Felted SoapLast week I decided to see how my bars (made in Gracefruit's excellent mould) of Hot Process soap stand up to being covered with felt and this is the one I made.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsZCO5iLCunWJ-UWI9vjRGd8RuAy9PDYsqnwqzvMlTxFQT1seB9Jg-lZ5W1wy6f7FX_VWrXMsaA5vHPMMDC0fhjMP2bc6sNw7DjLg-7-t56x6tCdcUgoqSEGS3vrdT9lxMq1dgS_jwdE/s1600-h/FeltSoap1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsZCO5iLCunWJ-UWI9vjRGd8RuAy9PDYsqnwqzvMlTxFQT1seB9Jg-lZ5W1wy6f7FX_VWrXMsaA5vHPMMDC0fhjMP2bc6sNw7DjLg-7-t56x6tCdcUgoqSEGS3vrdT9lxMq1dgS_jwdE/s400/FeltSoap1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270055136777798466" border="0" /></a><br />I'm quite pleased with the result.<br /><br />Felted soap gives you a washcloth and soap all in one; it floats in the bath and is easier for people with a weak grip to manage. It does like to have a well draining soap dish (I've seen some US felted soaps with felt hanging loops which have not been sewn on - I haven't yet worked out the way to do this.<br /><br />If you're comfortable with the way wool fibres behave when felting and want to have a go there's an excellent tutorial on <a href="http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/soaprecipes/ss/soapfelting.htm">this soap and candle making site</a>.<br /><br />His term the <span style="font-style: italic;">Wet Cat Stage - </span>is very apt - the wool does go a bit willd before it settles down to shrink!briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825156537637498695.post-35894828599694903862008-11-11T12:24:00.004+00:002008-11-11T12:46:11.259+00:00Felt Pots From a Workshop Afternoon<span style="font-family:arial;">The pots in the pic below were made in an afternoon workshop by people who had never made felt before - so there's no reason why you can't make a goodly pot on your first attempt!<br /><br />(the dark olive one in the centre which was the finished example I took to show them what they were making).<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3CwSBZ3yUWVAvcQM_eKj2REnM7wVtunyHhf4N-PSvJ0_TFwnszoT301KBapdI-iiqBpv7GfTVuyj6mBUKVUTXO1BqXoN4Nb2T-ArEKIeXhRlXwOj1IHxRi2b3I8o6euC6Kz3o51eMXQ/s1600-h/FeltPotsM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3CwSBZ3yUWVAvcQM_eKj2REnM7wVtunyHhf4N-PSvJ0_TFwnszoT301KBapdI-iiqBpv7GfTVuyj6mBUKVUTXO1BqXoN4Nb2T-ArEKIeXhRlXwOj1IHxRi2b3I8o6euC6Kz3o51eMXQ/s400/FeltPotsM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267375870637460434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">They're still wet and stuffed with a couple of thin binbags.<br /><br />The blue one shows the size of the circle which was cut out and how much bigger the aperture is after the shrinking down of the felt.<br /><br />The one which has a hairy look is made from a selection of natural fleece fibres, some of which need more rubbing to felt down.<br /><br />(If you decide to have a go and have problems send me an email with a pic and I'll do my best to help)<br /></span>briallenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16255028121179265308noreply@blogger.com0