The Lather Project: Soap Updates

I wanted to do an update on a few of The Lather Project Soaps, since they’ve had some time to ‘sit’ now for a few weeks.

If you recall, there were a few soaps that used fragrance oils that I knew would ‘morph’ a bit - change the color of the soap. Many fragrance oils with a vanilla scent base will do this - and I used several of them during The Project. There are color stabilizers and non-discoloring fragrance oils, but I prefer to use some ingenuity in combating this issue. I used layering, blind swirls and a few other techniques to actually take advantage of the discoloring and try to create a pretty bar of soap.

Amber Vanilla Shampoo Bar (Soap #15) is one that I knew would discolor over time, and I tried some layering that wouldn’t be visible for a week or so, so I didn’t post photos then - but here they are now! This is one of the prettiest bars - although not the best layering job - with the cream and browns. And I love that the coloring is all completely natural!


Another one was Soap #10 - Lemon Poppyseed. With this one, I had split the raw soap into two batches, coloring one with a little yellow oxide and adding the poppy seeds - but no fragrance oil - therefore no discoloring. I then added the fragrance oil only to the second half of the soap base, after removing about 2 tablespoons of raw soap. Then I swirled in the leftover 2 tablespoons - since this soap has no fragrance oil either and won’t darken. I had hoped I’d get a beautiful brown & cream swirled bottom half with a yellow-poppy seed top half - but it didn‘t quite darken as ‘brown‘ as I‘d expected.

And the last one with a big change is my Botanical-Infused Lavender Vanilla (Soap #6)! The Vanilla half turned a beautiful deep brown and created a really interesting-looking bar! And it smells soooo delicious…

Overall, I’m quite pleased with all The Lather Project soaps - even the ones that didn’t turn out exactly as I’d anticipated! But that’s all part of the fun!

I’m still offering The Lather Project Soaps at 10% off in my etsy shop http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com using the Promo Code ‘Lather Project’!

Choosing something else? Receive a free sample bar of a Lather Project Soap with any purchase using the same Promo Code!

Thanks again to everyone who followed The Lather Project! It was great fun and I look forward to my next blog series!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 28, Soap 28

It’s Day 28!

And tomorrow’s the last day to enter our Lather Project Soap Giveaway! 3 fabulous Soapy Prizes and lots of easy ways to enter and WIN!

http://bellissimasblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/lather-project-soap-giveaway.html

And again, for those of you who voted in our fragrance Poll and did not select Amber Vanilla (Soap #15), I have no intention of disappointing! Today’s soap is Triple Mint!

This is such an exhilarating soap!

Peppermint tea provides wonderful antioxidants, crushed dried mint allows for gentle exfoliation and peppermint essential oil offers a scent to awaken the senses! This is a super soap for those who are definitely not morning-people! Better than a 2nd cuppa coffee!

Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Peppermint is believed to help relieve symptoms of allergies and asthma, aid in relieving nausea, headache and stress, as well as reduce muscle spasms. And it may nourish dull skin and improve oily skin.

So, here’s the description for Soap #28:

Bellissima Handmade Triple Mint Triple Milk Blend Soap

Our amazing Triple Milk Blend Soap in Triple Mint is incredibly creamy and full of lather due to our triple blend of protein-rich milk (goat, cow & organic coconut) and luxurious all-veggie oils like olive, high-oleic sunflower seed and rice bran to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Our Triple Mint soap delivers a truly revitalizing aroma! Peppermint essential oil in the lowest therapeutic amounts, peppermint tea that’s full of antioxidants and real crushed mint for exfoliation make this an all-natural spa-quality experience! This is a stimulating and refreshingly cool, clean scent!

Look for Soap #28 at our etsy store

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com in the next few days!

Remember to use Promo Code ‘Lather Project’ to receive 10% off your Lather Project Soap purchase!

Choosing something else? Use the Promo Code to receive a free sample bar of your choice of Lather Project Soaps!

Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #29!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 24, Soap 24

It's Day 24!

Don’t forget to enter our Lather Project Soap Giveaway! 3 fabulous Soapy Prizes and lots of easy ways to enter and WIN! Just scroll down 2 posts back....

Growing up, we had lots of fruit trees in our backyard - peaches, apples, even red grapes!

This was amazing to us, since our house sat right on the water - a little inlet off Narragansett Bay named Warwick Cove (and my Mom‘s still there). We always thought our land would be too highly saturated with salt water to sustain much growth, but we had lots of trees, bushes, flowers, plenty of weeds and our gardens usually did pretty well.

The biggest and the best fruit tree we had, though, was a huge wild blackberry bush! We‘d be so excited as we would check and check to see if they were ripe yet! And when they finally were, it somehow always caught us by surprise, so we’d stretch the bottom of our t-shirts out, making a cotton ‘bowl’ out of it and fill it with as many juicy berries as we could possibly fit!

Of course, the problem with this method of berry-picking was the big purple stains that inevitably covered our fingers - and the front our T-Shirts! We didn’t care, but my Mom would give a big groan and then an even bigger sigh when she saw us coming in the house with the first blackberries of the season!

And it was worth the scolding - they smelled and tasted delicious! So I’ve chosen Blackberry Grapefruit for the scent for Soap #24.

And here’s the description:

Bellissima Triple Milk Blend Soap in Blackberry Grapefruit

Our amazing Triple Milk Blend Soap in Blackberry Grapefruit is incredibly creamy and full of lather with our triple blend of protein-rich milk (goat, cow & coconut) and luxurious all-veggie oils like olive, high-oleic sunflower seed and rice bran to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Blackberry Grapefruit delivers the aroma of tart wild blackberries and tangy grapefruit - and that’s just the beginning of this wonderfully complex fragrance! Sweet mint, herbal sage, citrus-y lemon, fresh greens, spicy vanilla and tropical floral notes elevate this to a most sophisticated, fruity fragrance!

Look for Bellissima Blackberry Grapefruit Triple Blend Milk Soap for sale at

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com in the next few days!

Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #25!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 23, Soap 23

It’s still Day 23!

Don’t forget to enter our Lather Project Soap Giveaway! 3 fabulous Soapy Prizes and lots of easy ways to enter and WIN!

I’m super excited about Soap #23!

Mainly because it’s a special request.

A lovely young lady contacted me and told me about the bridal shower she’s hosting for her sister. She had made some beautiful Lavender & Chamomile herb pillows for party favors and had a thought that some matching soap might be a nice touch.

What’s more pampering and relaxing than Lavender & Chamomile scented pillows and soap? And what woman wouldn’t like to receive spa-quality items as a gift?

I completely agreed with her!

Since she was a little short on time (the Shower is June 13th), she had certainly done her research by hunting down a hot-process soapmaker. The hot-process method of soapmaking essentially ’cooks’ the lye out and speeds up the saponification process by weeks. While the soap is ready to use right out of the mold, the more time you give before using the bar translates to a harder, longer lasting bar of soap. But it’s ready to cut, package and ship within 24-48 hours.

So I used Egyptian Chamomile-Infused High-Oleic Sunflower Seed Oil (and infused the chamomile in distilled water, as well), added lots of real Lavender buds, scented it with 3 parts Lavender and 1 part Chamomile and gave it a pretty purple iron oxide swirl to come up with her matching soap!

She’ll have them in hand and ready to decorate and pair with her pillows by the weekend! And since I fell in love with this blend, I have plenty extra to list in my shop!

Here’s the official description for Soap #23:

Bellissima Botanical-Infused Lavender Chamomile Soap

Our line of Botanical Infused Bath Bars are a special treat for your skin - infusing teas, flowers, plants and herbs in oils or water and adding it to soap not only imparts the amazing benefits to the soap, but also allows for the most nutrients and enrichment possible from the botanicals!

Lavender Chamomile is a harmonious blend of sweet, fresh lavender with just the right amount of herbal chamomile to elevate this to a relaxing and heavenly scent. This is an unforgettable floral fragrance! And with real lavender buds and Egyptian Chamomile, this soap offers gentle exfoliation and is a visual delight!

Look for Bellissima Botanical-Infused Lavender Chamomile Soap for sale at http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com in the next few days!

Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #24!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 22, Soap 22

On to Soap #22!

And just one more scented soap for Father’s Day!

I just love spicy scents for men.

Chances are very good that it harkens back to memories of my Dad and his absolute favorite aftershave - Old Spice. I relate scents (and music, too) to people and places from my past and certain smells (and tunes) can literally transport me back to another place and time.

To this day, if I get a whiff of cherry pipe tobacco, I think of my Grandfather.
BubbleYum bubblegum reminds me of the 1st boy I ever had a crush on.
Lysol brings me right back to my high school locker room.
Aquanet hairspray send me right back to high school… period (I went to an all-girl school)
Cherry LifeSavers always make me think of my best friend from 3rd grade.
And Old Spice triggers cherished and loving memories of my Dad.

So I wanted a nice, blended spice for Soap #22, and here’s the description:

Bellissima Cardamom Spice Triple Milk Blend Soap

Our amazing Triple Milk Blend Soap in Cardamom Spice is incredibly creamy and full of lather with our triple blend of protein-rich milk (goat, cow & coconut) and luxurious all-veggie oils like olive, high-oleic sunflower seed and rice bran to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Cardamom Spice delivers a warm, sensual and exotic aroma. Cinnamon, cardamom and clove blend beautifully with white florals, notes of earthy amber and musk and a touch of sweet, creamy vanilla. This is a sultry and sexy scent, passionate and memorable for either men or women!

Look for Cardamom Spice Triple Milk Blend Soap for sale at

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com in the next few days!

Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #23!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 21, Soap 21

It’s Day 21!

Three weeks down, only 9 more soaps to go! And to put it in different terms, over 60 lbs of soap down and almost 30 more to go!

For Soap #21, I wanted another masculine scent for Father’s Day. I’m not so sure this one succeeds as a manly man’s soap, but the scent reminds me a bit of those commercial ‘deodorant’ soaps, so it should appeal to men who like Irish Spring!

I had acquired this Fragrance Oil at the beginning of the year, and have been using it to scent my homemade liquid laundry detergent - yes, it smells that fresh and clean! And yesterday I went back to the supplier’s site that I bought it from to get a peek at the fragrance description, and it’s been discontinued.

This happens all the time, so I’m not terribly surprised, just s bit disappointed. I have a full pound of it, so I’m not likely to run out of it anytime soon, but I can’t access a description for the scent. It’s been completely eliminated from the website as if it never even existed! I always go back to the supplier for the manufacturers’s scent description so that I have all the elements of the fragrance correct, and then add my own take on it. So I really felt at a loss on this one….

However - I absolutely stunned myself by doing something with amazing forethought and unbelievable organization and planning. Back when I first started buying fragrance oils, I wanted to document my initial sense and thoughts on each one as they came in. I actually made a list and wrote down my impressions of - and renamed as I saw fit - every fragrance oil I’ve ever bought!

I had stopped doing it a few purchases back - but believe me, I’ll be continuing this practice religiously now that I realize how important it is and how being able to refer back to the list comes in extremely handy!

So, here’s the description for Soap #21:

Bellissima Handmade Triple-Milk Blend Soap in Hunter Green

Our amazing Triple Milk Blend Soap in Hunter Green is incredibly creamy and full of lather with our triple blend of protein-rich milk (goat, cow & coconut) and luxurious all-veggie oils like olive, high-oleic sunflower seed and rice bran to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Hunter Green delivers a relaxing blend of woody and herbal notes. Cedar, cinnamon, rosemary, sage and other green herbal elements blend harmoniously with hints of patchouli, and clove and just a touch of musk and vetiver to create a complex and stylish scent. This is a bright yet earthy scent and a refreshingly different clean fragrance.

Look for Hunter Green Triple Milk Blend Soap for sale at

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com in the next few days!

Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #22!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 20, Soap 20

We’re on Soap #20!

I can hardly believe it - only 10 more days left on The Lather Project!

For those of you who voted in our Poll and did not select Amber Vanilla (Soap #15), I have no intention of disappointing! Today’s soap is Cracked Black Pepper!

With Father’s Day coming up, I wanted to offer something in a more masculine scent. I have to admit that although I have lots of fragrance oils, I have very few - if any - that specifically (and supposedly) appeal to men. No bay rum, no sandalwood, no cedar - although I have every intention of adding these and more to my collection someday.

Men just don’t think about scented soap the way women do - I think…

My husband, for example, likes all kinds of soap fragrances - everything from a simple vanilla to the highly complex Avocado & Lime. But his favorite so far? Prickly Pear Cactus (Soap #19) - who’d have thought that would appeal to a man? But he drooled over it all day yesterday (and today), asking me three times already when he could grab one for the shower.

So I don’t quite buy into the stereotypical men’s scents - I like to think that a man’s sense of smell is every bit as sophisticated as a woman’s, and that a wide variety of fragrances are as appealing to them as they are to us.

But personally, I prefer spicy for a man - and Cracked Black Pepper fits the bill!

So, here’s the description for Soap #20:

Bellissima Handmade Cracked Black Pepper Coconut Milk Soap

Our amazing Coconut Milk Bar Soap in Cracked Black Pepper is incredibly creamy and has impossible lather due to lots & lots of organic coconut milk! Our lavish blend of vitamin- & nutrient-enriched all-veggie oils keep this bar vegan friendly and luxuriously nourishing. I include olive & coconut oils to make this wonderfully cleansing and sunflower and rice bran oils to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. Pure black pepper essential oil and real cracked black peppercorns elevate this soap to a spa-quality experience!

Cracked Black Pepper delivers the sweet, spicy, warm aroma of sun-dried peppercorns with a hint of woody and floral notes and fresh, green, almost-fruity undertones. Cracked Black Pepper is exotic and earthy, stimulating and sensual, energizing and refreshingly different - and without a doubt a sexy and masculine fragrance!

Look for Cracked Black Pepper Coconut Milk Soap for sale at

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com in the next few days.

Tune In Tomorrow For Soap #21!

It’s Day #17!

And we’re moving right along - to milk soaps!

The only word I can use to describe milk soap is… okay - I need more than one word: rich, luxurious, creamy, lush, velvety… I could go on and on and on!

Milk not only enhances the texture and consistency, but also adds remarkable health benefits to soap.

All milk contains natural emollients, vitamins and triglycerides that moisturize the skin. Goat milk specifically contains the highly effective moisturizer capric-capryllic triglyceride, as well as amino acids that are easily absorbed to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

Goat's Milk has a PH level similar to our skin, which may help protect the skin from invading free radicals, bacteria and chemicals we come in contact with every day.

Goat milk soap can relieve dryness and leave your skin feeling silky soft. And it’s often recommended by dermatologists for their patients who suffer from skin sensitivities and conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.

With such incredible benefits - as well as the wonderful feel it has on the skin - who can resist Goat Milk Soap?

And so, here’s the description for Soap #17:

Bellissima Handmade Anjou Pear Goat Milk Soap

Our amazing Anjou Pear Goat Milk Soap is incredibly creamy with plenty of protein-rich goat milk and our blend of luxurious all-veggie oils. I include olive & coconut to make this super-cleansing and sunflower and rice bran for ultra-moisturizing and to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Anjou Pear delivers the aroma of crisp tree-ripened pears with hints of tart green apple and sweet pienapple. Notes of aloe, ivy and just the slightest touch of ginger & cinnamon raise this scent to a sophisticated and refreshingly different fruity fragrance!

Look for Soap #17 for sale in our shop at http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com soon!

Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #18!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 16, Soap 16

It’s Day 16 - and we’re past the halfway point in the Project!

And our last of this week’s utility-themed soaps is a Doggie Shampoo Bar! Now normally, I like to do a liquid soap for doggie shampoos, but I had a request for a bar, and this was the perfect time to do it!

There is some controversy over handmade soap for pet use, due to the ph factor. Since it’s difficult to control the ph of soap, and a dog’s skin does not tolerate temporary ph changes as ours does, the question remains how healthy lye soap can be for animals. However, if you’ve ever read the ingredient listing on the bottle of any commercial pet shampoo, you’ll wonder how any of that stuff - chock-full of chemicals and wholly unnatural ingredients - could possibly be good for any animal. Handmade soap has got to be better!

And the greater advantage is not only in the ability to choose the healthful oils, but also in selecting beneficial and all-natural ingredients to take the place of those chemicals. There are some wonderful herbs and botanicals that will help achieve similar results - repelling fleas, ticks and mosquitoes while nourishing and soothing the skin and fur.

Comfrey and chamomile can help in soothing and calming dry, stressed and irritated skin. Eucalyptus and sandalwood may aid in repelling fleas, ticks, mites, mosquitoes, chiggers and other annoying critters. Aloe, oatmeal and lavender can help to calm and heal bug bites, scratches and sores. Rosemary has antibacterial properties.

I also added essential oils - but only in the absolute lowest therapeutic amounts - tea tree oil and peppermint essential oil to aid in repelling bugs and black pepper as an antiseptic.

But this soap’s not just for dogs - people who plan to be in the outdoors and want a more natural bug repellent will benefit from use, as well! And since most of these ingredients are antibacterial, antiseptic, soothing and gentle - it also makes a great soap for acne-prone skin!

So, here’s the description for Soap #16:

Bellissima Handmade Comfrey & Tea Tree Dog Shampoo Bar Soap

Our Comfrey & Tea Tree Dog Shampoo Bar is incredibly lathering and wonderfully creamy with our luxurious blend of vitamin- & nutrient-enriched veggie and plant oils. I include olive & coconut for cleansing, castor oil for extra lather and lots & lots of shea butter, sunflower, grapeseed and rice bran oils to leave your pet’s coat soft and shiny and their skin healthy and nourished.

Both comfrey & chamomile are added to sooth the skin, eucalyptus & sandalwood included to help repel bugs, aloe, oatmeal & lavender help in calming itchy skin and rosemary acts as an antibacterial to help in healing sores and scratches. The lowest - and safest - therapeutic amounts of tea tree oil, peppermint and black pepper essential oils are added as well, to pump up the repellent and antiseptic qualities of this Dog Shampoo Bar!

Look for Soap #16 for sale in our shop in the next few days:

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com

Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #17!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 14, Soap 14

It’s Day 14!

And we’re still doing soaps with a purpose - other than just cleaning, that is! And today it's my alltime favorite! It’s a facial complexion bar!

Skin care is a passion for me. And I’ve spent years trying and testing facial cleansers - with some satisfaction but so much disappointment. The common theory seems to be that because cleansers spend so little time on the skin, there is low penetration and therefore, very little benefit from even the best of ingredients. But my feeling is that it’s another important and wonderful opportunity to feed your skin the very best nutrition you can!

So I wanted a really nourishing complexion bar and chose some fantastic ingredients:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil for quality moisturizing
Coconut Oil as an emollient
Meadowfoam Seed Oil for its ability to penetrate and moisturize and nurture damaged and distressed skin
Castor Oil for its lubrication and ability to draw and hold moisture to the skin
Evening Primrose Oil as a super-emollient and its ability to protect and condition the skin
Avocado Oil because it’s protein and vitamin-rich and has healing and regenerative properties
Grapeseed Oil for its absorption abilities and moisturizing properties
Sweet Almond Oil for conditioning and softening properties
Rice Bran Oil for its high moisturizing abilities
High-Oleic Sunflower Seed Oil for its absorption and moisturizing properties
Vitamin E because it’s an anti-oxidant
Honey for its ability to draw and hold moisture to the skin
Oatmeal for its ability to help bind emollients to the skin
Chamomile & Calendula for their ability to soothe irritated and sensitive skin
Aloe Vera for its ability to heal and soothe skin

Amazing, right?

So, here’s the description for Soap #14:

Bellissima All-Natural Luxury Facial Bar Soap

Our All-Natural Luxury Complexion Bar Soap is incredibly lathering and deliciously creamy with our lavish blend of vitamin- & nutrient-packed all-veggie & plant oils. I include lots of both evening primrose and meadowfoam seed oils to make this bar super-nourishing, castor oil for plenty of lather, sweet almond and rice bran for softening and conditioning and sunflower, avocado and grapeseed oils to leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

I carefully infuse aloe juice with oatmeal, and infuse water and oils with gentle chamomile and calendula to produce a soothing and moisturizing Facial Bar. I added Vitamin E as an antioxidant and honey to help draw and trap moisture in the skin. I’ve left this bar fragrance- and color- free to leave this an ultra-luxurious and all-natural facial soap!

Look for Soap #14 for sale in our shop soon at

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com

And the fragrance winner in our Poll is Amber Vanilla - so be sure to Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #15! It's our First Reader's Choice!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 13, Soap 13

Today is Day 13!

And time for another soap that serves a purpose: shaving soap!

The first time I shaved with handmade soap a tear came to my eye - and not from pain for a change!

I spent years investing in higher quality and more expensive razors, testing various hair removal products even trying hot wax and sugaring. When those Smooth-Away sandpaper-style pads came out, I had to practically restrain myself from picking up the phone and ordering! Shaving has just always been an issue for me.

But handmade soap has solved so many of my shaving problems. I rarely nick, scrape or cut myself anymore, there’s no stinging or cringing, no peeling, chafing or dry, flaky skin afterwards. I get the closest shave I’ve ever been able to achieve and my skin looks and feel fabulous! I don’t even need to use the gallons of lotion afterwards like I used to!

There are so many wonderfully emollient oils and soothing ingredients that can be added to a handmade soap, making a shaving soap that really works and feels fantastic. It actually helps to make shaving a pleasure rather than a chore - well, almost!

And here’s the description for Soap #13:

Bellissima Shaver’s Companion All-Natural Luxury Shaving Soap

Our amazing All-Natural Shaving Soap is incredibly lathering and deliciously creamy with our lavish blend of vitamin- & nutrient-enriched all veggie & plant oils. I include lots of both mango and shea butter to make this bar super-velvety, castor oil for plenty of lather, and sunflower, sweet almond and grapeseed oils to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

I carefully infuse aloe juice with soothing oatmeal, and infuse water and oils with gentle chamomile and calendula to produce a gentle and moisturizing bar of shaving soap. Kaolin clay is added to provide ‘slip’ to help the razor glide smoothly across the skin. We’ve chosen to leave this bar both fragrance- and color-free for a completely natural shaving experience.

Look for Soap #13 for sale in our shop soon at

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com

Tune in Tomorrow for Soap #14!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 12, Soap 12

It’s Day 12!

And in keeping with our ‘utility theme’ this week - soaps that serve specific purposes, I thought I’d make a Mechanic’s Companion - pumice soap. Remember Lava - that soap that would virtually strip two layers of skin off your hands while also scouring dirt & grease? Well, handmade pumice soap will still remove the dirt and grease, but leave the skin on your hands - and keep it looking and feeling fabulous!

The difference is in the oils. With handmade soap, we can control the properties of the finished product by carefully choosing the oils. Oils like coconut and palm are cleansing, oils like castor and nut butters provide lather, oils like sweet almond and apricot kernel are conditioning, oils like rice bran and sunflower are gentle and emollient. Additives like chamomile or calendula for gentle soothing, orange essential oil to cut grease and tea tree oil to help with disinfecting can really turn a plain pumice soap into a spa treatment!

And I love a good pumice soap for my feet! I’m still plagued with callouses after spending years working on my feet during my youth. I find pumice stones and files too abrasive, but a good moisturizing pumice soap always does the trick! My feet are almost summer-ready!

So, here’s the description for Soap #12:

Bellissima Mechanic's Companion Orange & Tea Tree Pumice Soap

Our amazing Orange & Tea Tree Pumice Soap is incredibly lathering and deliciously creamy with our lavish blend of vitamin- & nutrient-enriched all-veggie oils. I include olive & coconut to make this super-cleansing and lots & lots of mango butter, sweet almond and grapeseed oil to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. Finely ground pumice adds to the deep cleaning and brings the exfoliating factor. Wonderful for the mechanic or gardener in your life!

Orange & Tea Tree Pumice Soap works as hard as you do! Pumice is fabulous for removing dirt, grime, tar, ink, paint, adhesives and more while the orange essential oil works overtime to help dissolve grease and oil. Tea tree oil is added for it’s antibacterial and disinfectant properties while a touch of black pepper essential oil adds a mild antiseptic. Super for either heavy-duty clean-up or for a spa foot treatment!

Look for it in my shop at http://bellissimaminerals.etsy.com/ in the next few days!

Tune In Tomorrow for Day 13!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 8, Soap 8

We’re on Soap #8!

I can’t believe we’re already on Week #2 - the first week went by so fast! Over 20 lbs of soap down, less than 70 to go!

The last few soaps in the Project have had kind of a pale palette, and I realized I totally needed something bold and colorful - a true feast for the eyes! I wanted some serious eye candy!

Since I normally only use cosmetic grade mica, oxides and ultramarines for soap colorants, I know I’ll never achieve some of those brightly hued soaps that are produced by using liquid soap dyes. What I also know, however, is that some amazing colors can be achieved through completely natural sources - things like alkanet, turmeric and even pumpkin puree can create gorgeous colors in soap. And I can’t wait to experiment with them to see what I can create!

I also thought I’d try more layering with Soap #8. Now, layering hot-process soap is not an easy task. At the end of the cooking process, the soap is a hot, thick, glossy mass that has to be maneuvered - I believe the technical term is ‘glopped’ - quite carefully into the mold to prevent air bubbles and other catastrophes. Scenting & coloring hp soaps are skillful talents in themselves, but layering adds a higher degree of difficulty. And because I’m an unbelievably impatient person, this is always a particularly tricky challenge for me.

But it was so much fun! And I love the festive, ‘ice cream cake’ quality of the soap loaf!

So, Soap #8 on Day #8 is:

Bellissima Handmade All-Veggie Oil Blend Bath Soap in Exotic Orchid

Our amazing Exotic Orchid Soap is incredibly lathering and deliciously creamy with our lavish blend of vitamin- & nutrient-enriched all-veggie oils. I include olive & coconut to make this super-cleansing and sunflower and rice bran to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Exotic Orchid delivers the lush, heady aroma of fragrant orchids and notes of ylang ylang, frangipani, white lily, hyacinth, gardenia and creamy vanilla add interest and complexity to this delicious fragrance. Passionate and romantic, vibrant and intoxicating, luxurious and exhilarating, this is an incredibly unique and distinctively glamorous scent!

Soap #8 is available for sale at http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com

Mention Promo Code ‘Lather Project’ in the Message to Seller Box for a 10% discount off of your Exotic Orchid Soap purchase!

Choosing something else? Enter the Promo Code to receive a Exotic Orchid Sample Bar! (Either wait for a revised invoice or I’ll refund the discount back after payment)

Tune In Tomorrow for Day 9!

The Lather Project: 30 Soap in 30 Days - Day 6, Soap 6

Soap #6 is another special request.

One of my very first sales after I opened up my Etsy Shop was from lovely woman with a true passion for handmade soap! I firmly believe she has bought from and tried some from every single soap seller on etsy, bless her heart!

She had left me flattering feedback and sent a convo asking if I had her favorite scent - Lavender Vanilla Soap - and at the time, I didn’t. But I offered to make her some - and unfortunately, I moved on and completely lost track of her request.



I forgot about it.

It happens to all of us. And when I discovered her request yesterday as I was sorting through and filing old emails (thank goodness I save everything!), I was horribly embarassed and wracked with guilt! And decided immediately that Soap #6 would be hers. This one’s for you, Emma!

Here’s the description for Soap #6 on Day 6:

Bellissima Handcrafted Botanical-Infused Lavender Vanilla Soap

Our line of Botanical Infused Bath Bars are a special treat for your skin - infusing teas, flowers, plants and herbs in oils or water and adding it to soap not only imparts the amazing benefits to the soap, but also allows for the most nutrients and enrichment possible from the botanicals!

With this amazing Lavender Vanilla Soap, I infuse both distilled water and sunflower oil with Lavender to get the absolute most out of it’s healing and aroma-therapeutic qualities. I added a bottom layer of vanilla to warm up and complete the scent profile - the herbal elements of the Lavender and the creamy, spicy yet sugary sweet notes of the Vanilla are perfect together! And then I sprinkled real lavender buds on top and between the layers for both their beauty and for gentle exfoliation.

Soap #6 is available for sale at http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com

Mention Promo Code ‘Lather Project’ in the Message to Seller Box for a 10% discount off your Lavender Vanilla Soap purchase!

Choosing something else? Enter the Promo Code to receive a Free Lavender Vanilla Sample Bar! (Either wait for a revised invoice or I’ll refund the discount back after payment)


Tune In Tomorrow for Day 7!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 4, Soap 4

Soap #4 is a special request by my husband.

When I first started on my soap making journey years ago, I had made this soap with him in mind - and it‘s been his favorite ever since! He’s not a coffee drinker - strictly tea. Me, I’m a coffee-by-the-pot kind of girl, but I enjoy drinking tea occasionally.


What I do love about tea, though, is all the anti-oxidants! Rich in polyphenols, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, tea just might provide as many benefits when applied to the skin as when ingested internally! Honey, too, has anti-oxidant as well as anti-microbial properties - and is famous for, among other things, it’s natural ability to attract and retain moisture which may aid in maintaining skin’s softness and elasticity.

And this is another soap for our all-natural line!
This one’s not vegan, however, due to the honey, but it has no synthetic fragrance and no colorants. I love when I can scent and color a soap without using additives!

I used strongly brewed mix of earl grey tea (for the aroma & color) and green tea (for the benefits) as the water element of this soap, and then added about 3 tablespoons of honey once the cook was done. The soap is a rich, deep caramel brown shade as a result of the tea - and the scent is both delicate and distinctive.

So, here’s the description for Soap #4 on Day #4:

Bellissima Handcrafted All-Natural Sweet Tea & Honey Soap

Our amazing Sweet Tea & Honey Soap is all-natural with our luxurious blend of vitamin- & nutrient-enriched all-veggie oils. We incorporated brewed tea and lots of honey for the wonderful skin-healthy benefits, used lots of olive & coconut oil to make this gentle but cleansing and lots of sunflower and rice bran oils to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Sweet Tea & Honey imparts the scent of traditional earl grey tea - a relaxing blend of citrus with a hint of bergamot. With the golden amber, slightly floral perfume of honey and the aromatic notes of fine, black tea leaves, this is a uniquely subtle and highly sophisticated fragrance!

Soap #4 is available for sale at
http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com
Mention Promo Code ‘Lather Project’ in the Message to Seller Box for a 10% discount off your Sweet Tea & Honey Soap purchase!

Choosing something else? Enter the Promo Code to receive a Free Sweet Tea & Honey Sample Bar! (Either wait for a revised invoice or I’ll refund the discount back after payment)

Tune In Tomorrow for Day 5!

The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days - Day 3, Soap 3

We’re on Soap #3 - and a yummy #3 at that!




When I ordered this particular fragrance oil, I was really looking forward to the first sniff. It was named Tropic Winds (or something similar - ‘name changed to protect the innocent‘). Having been a travel agent for over 10 years, I’ve inhaled the breeze on many islands and I really looked forward to all the fabulous memories this scent would bring back!

When it arrived in the mail I swiftly opened the bottle and took in a huge whiff - and it smelled nothing like Tropic Winds! Certainly not of the winds I had ever experienced tropically. Oh I sensed an undercurrent of hyacinth, maybe a touch of hibiscus, but nothing that resembled the ‘winds’ of any island I had visited. I was expecting red florals, a touch of tropical fruit, a bit of exotic greenery and lots of ozone and sea air.

But didn’t it smell exactly like my favorite Red Sangria from my very favorite Spanish restaurant!?! And once I soaped it, the fruity, wine-y aroma prevailed… and there we have it!

Oh! And this was my first attempt at layering hot-process soap - I have to work on my technique quite a bit, but overall I was pretty pleased!

And so, Soap #3 on Day #3 is:

Bellissima Handcrafted Red Sangria All-Veggie Oil Blend Soap

Our amazing Red Sangria Soap is incredibly lathering and deliciously creamy with our luxurious blend of vitamin- & nutrient-enriched all-veggie oils. I include olive & coconut to make this super-cleansing and sunflower and rice bran to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Red Sangria imparts the scent of a medley of fresh fruits and the invigorating aroma of a variety of red florals. Pineapple, tangerine, plum & lime mix melodically with hibiscus, amaryllis, hyacinth & even sweet orchid. The robust undercurrent of smooth, red wine makes this a unique, brisk & energizing, fun & fruity fragrance! And the mica-tinted top layer makes this soap a visual delight!

Soap #3 is available for sale at
http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com
Mention Promo Code ‘Lather Project’ in the Message to Seller Box for a 10% discount off your Red Sangria Soap purchase!

Choosing something else? Enter the Promo Code to receive a Free Red Sangria Sample Bar! (Either wait for a revised invoice or I’ll refund the discount back after payment.)

Tune In Tomorrow for Day 4!

The Lather Project: Day 2, Soap 2

I've had so much fun with Soap #2!

I’ve been meaning to add to my line of completely natural, vegan soaps - no animal byproducts (like tallow or beeswax), no synthetic fragrance oils, no chemical dyes - and this project is such an awesome opportunity to develop fabulous new products for this line!

So, Soap #2 started with my all-veggie oil soap recipe and I decided I’d create a fragrance blend with my essential oils - something uncomplicated to start with. Since I’m a beginner at fragrance blending, I wanted something straightforward and traditional - a two-note blend well-loved and instantly recognizable.
I chose orange & clove.

And getting the blend right was much easier than I thought - probably because I already knew that I wanted just enough clove to ‘warn up’ the scent, but not overpower the orange. A ratio of 2:1, orange to clove, worked perfectly.
And then I took to my spice grinder.

Orange essential oil is famous for it’s ability to cleanse and cut grease, so I felt it would be a natural progression to add in some exfoliants. I ground up some dried orange peel and added about 1.5 teaspoons to the cooked soap (since I have a 3 pound batch). I knew I also wanted a really pretty soap - so I ground up some cloves for a bit of color contrast and texture. I added only about ¼ tsp to the batch, since the clove - even finely ground - is quite abrasive.

And lending to the pretty factor, I noticed that the orange essential oil added a gorgeous light peachy tint to the soap, so I couldn’t resist a mica swirl - I chose a deep orange, almost pumpkin colored mica to swirl in.

And to ‘top’ it all off, I dropped a few whole pieces of the dried orange peel and just a pinch of the ground cloves into the mold before I spooned in the soap. This gave me an elegant and colorful surface to my loaf.

And so, here’s the description of Soap #2:

Bellissima Handcrafted All-Natural Vegan Sweet Orange & Clove Soap

Our amazing Sweet Orange & Clove Soap is an all-natural, vegan soap including luxurious all-veggie oils - featuring olive - but also with sunflower and rice bran to nurture and leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated! With real ground orange peel & cloves, this soap offers gentle exfoliation for the shower or makes a wonderful super-cleansing, super-moisturizing hand soap!

Sweet Orange & Clove is a year-round, uplifting and rejuvenating fragrance favorite for both men and women. It offers a well-balanced blend of citrus - pure, sweet orange - and just enough spicy clove to warm up and round out this refreshingly clean, classic scent.

Soap #2 is available for sale at

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com

Mention Promo Code ‘Lather Project’ in the Message to Seller Box for a 10% discount off your Sweet Orange & Clove Soap purchase!

Choosing something else? Enter the Promo Code to receive a Free Sweet Orange & Clove Sample Bar! (Either wait for a revised invoice or I’ll refund the discount back after payment.)

And here’s wishing you all a Happy Mother’s Day!

Tune In Tomorrow for Day 3!

The Lather Project: Day 1, Soap 1

Today’s the first day of 'The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days’ - I’m so psyched! This is definitely the biggest, if not one of the most exciting events since I started my business. This endeavor really has me rejuvenated, and has got my creative juices flowing. I have so many electrifying things planned for this Challenge - and I just couldn’t wait to get started!





And so we’re on Day 1, Soap 1.

I thought for the first soap in my challenge I would go back to the beginning… well, sort of.

Many, many moons ago, the very first soap I made was a cold-process, 1lb test loaf created with a very simple 5 oil recipe. I’ve never used a borrowed recipe - I’ve always created my own using an online soap calculator. I decided early on in my business that Bellissima’s recipe’s would - and forever will- be our own proprietary formulations. And that goes for everything from our mineral cosmetics to our solid perfumes to our laundry soap.

Although my very first soap wasn’t a fabulous success, I keep one bar from that batch for posterity - so I can periodically look back to see how far I’ve come. And the scent was Calla Lily - one of my very favorite floral fragrances!

I decided that for Soap #1, I would use my all-time favorite soap recipe - mmmmm, featuring Olive Oil & Shea Butter - and the first fragrance I ever used in soap making: Cally Lily.

I decided, too, to use an in-the-pot swirl technique and add in a bit of gold mica. I wanted something delicate and ethereal for this soap - just a barely-there hint of color - just like the classic wedding-white flower.

And so, here’s the full description:

Bellissima Handcrafted Soap w/Olive Oil & Shea Butter in Calla Lily

Our amazing Calla Lily Soap with Olive Oil & Shea Butter is enriched with luxurious all-veggie oils - featuring olive - but also with sunflower and rice bran to nurture your skin - and lots & lots & lots of Shea Butter to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated!

Calla Lily is a harmonious blend of fresh white florals and green herbal elements. Notes of freesia, cyclamen and white roses - and just a whiff of cashmere - round out this sweet and alluring scent.

Soap #1 is available for sale at http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com

Mention Promo Code ‘Lather Project’ in the Message to Seller Box for a 10% discount off your Calla Lily Soap purchase!

Choosing something else? Enter the Promo Code to receive a Free Calla Lily Sample Bar!

Either wait for a revised invoice or I’ll refund the discount back after payment.

Tune In Tomorrow for Day 2!

'The Lather Project: 30 Soaps in 30 Days'

I’m on a mission.

I’m setting myself a challenge that is just so exciting that I’m bursting at the seams! A trial that will test all my skills, talent and creative abilities as well as my stamina and fortitude. An undertaking that will not only be stimulating and exhilarating but fun and hopefully, entertaining, too!

I’ve been needing to replenish my inventory of soap and develop some new products, but have been procrastinating like crazy (it’s practically a genetic disorder in my family). I’ve only been making what I’ve needed from order to order lately, and that’s just not like me. I love to make soap - just read some of my earlier posts to learn more about my obsessive devotion to this craft. But I’ve been forced to let other priorities take precedence and I’ve suffered for it - immensely.

Not only is my inventory severely depleted, but my stress and anxiety level has increased dramatically! Soapmaking is and always has been a highly therapeutic process for me, and going without my ‘fix’ for even a week or two has me a total wreck.

So I’m ready for a retreat. An adventure in intensive therapy like I’ve never experienced before!

30 straight days of soap making.

I’ll be documenting this project right here in my first blog series. I really hope you’ll consider following along - I’ll need lots of ideas, encouragement and support! I’ll post pictures, add recipes, note successes and failures - and I promise special pricing and deals just for my readers! I'll be listing every soap for sale at http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com. I’ll keep you updated every single step of the way - I may even host a Giveaway or two!

And at the end of this extravaganza, I’ll have over 90 pounds of soap in stock. 30 three pound logs of different formulas, scents, blends.

I’d better start making some room - because The Lather Project is off to a running start tomorrow!