New Labels

New Labels for Body Balm

My new body balm is here! My label is fresh off the press too. I'm very excited right now. This was my first attempt at using Photo Shop. My friend Marsha tutored me yesterday and this morning. I keep learning more things each day. I've always been intimidated by computers but now knowing they have fun programs just makes me proud to be able to use my computer more.I can't wait to see how much I progress in the weeks to come. Soon I will dabble in Paint Shop Pro and see where that takes me.

My Coconut scented body balm is made from beeswax, Shea butter, sweet almond oil and a yummy toasted coconut fragrance oil. I will introduce another one that will have a new formula. Time to ponder that...

Baby Shower Order & Phthalates

Today, all I can smell is fresh soap curing. I have an order for a client who is having a baby shower. She asked me to make her gifts for her hosts. I'm so happy to do this for her.I must add, it's a big order too! She requested 15 bars of soap, 15 spa bars, 15 lotion bars, and 5 twist up lotion sticks. Whoever gets these will surely know how much they are appreciated. No need for air freshener when you make handmade soaps! The scent wafting through my home is Pure Rain, made by Wholesale Supplies Plus. This is the fragrance used to scent the 15 spa bars. WSP carries most of the fragrances and essential oils I use in my bath and body products. Debbie May is the owner of this supply company in Ohio. Her products are tested and are of the finest quality and competitively priced for this industry. She has made it her mission to sell fragrances and flavor oils(used in lip balms) that are phthalate -free and are made in the USA.

What are phthalates and why should I know about them? Phthalates are "plasticisers",an industrial chemical used to make PVC more pliable. Shockingly, it is also found in children's and pet toys, food packaging, wall coverings, vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents,nail polish, hairspray, shampoo and even perfumes! Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid. They are oily, color-free and odorless. Often they are used to help beauty products "hold" scent. Imagine all the things we know our skin comes in contact with we know is harmful. Would you think that these plasticisers effect our bodies? They have proven to affect both male and female reproductive systems as well as cause liver cancer. Be kind to your vessel that carries you through this life. Look for products that are manufactured safely and that have made changes in the chemicals they use to make your everyday products. Being healthy is being aware. Take charge of your health!

Lotion Bars and Lip Balms

Soon, I will add lotion bars in a twist up tube to my line of bath products. My ingredients are simple yet amazing: Shea butter, Sweet Almond oil and beeswax. These body balms will come in scented and unscented. I will also be adding lip balms. This project is still on the drawing table though. They will have plenty of good ingredients to pamper those puckers. My flavors so far will be Chai, French Vanilla, Herbal Mint, Plain and something like Tangerine. These are kind of all grown up flavors but if I can find a good kiddie one, I will add it.
I'm very excited to be trying new products. These new items are very easy to use and instant results which is more my speed. Now off to the drawing table!

New Scents

Today, I'm trying shamefully to get the word out about my blog and Artfire shop. I hate self-promoting when it comes to me. I do have soaps that are great but I don't give much exposure. I give stuff to family and friends and so far they love them. I've come along way since my melt and pour soap days. I now make my soaps all by hand. I like to use Olive,Palm,Coconut and Rice Bran oils as well as Cocoa and Shea butters. I even recently added Castor oil to my base formulas and the results are fantastic. My soaps give lots of bubbles and the added Castor oil adds a nice creamy lather. The scent of my soaps are either from fine fragrance oils that are paraben and phthalate free as well as nature's own essential oils like ones used for Aromatherapy. Whether it's natural essential oils or fragrance oils, scent plays a huge part for our senses. A wonderful smell can transport you to a time and place that has been forgotten. Sometimes those scents bring fond memories or even not so fond memories. When deciding on a fragrance try to pick one that gives a feeling or memory that is one you want to revisit. Vanilla smells yummy and you might want to eat but not a good choice if you are dieting. Choose Citruses when you want to feel energized or if you want to remember a tropical vacation. Lavender if you want an old fashioned scent that is a classic staple in all bath and body lines. Whatever you decide, have fun and find your own path down memory lane.