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Several months ago, I featured a blog post by the folks at Cibaria Soap Supply, that showcased some examples of the real artistry that you can create with soap. Their examples were all inspired by food. (Check them out - they're really wonderful.) Today, I came across this blog post entitled 30 Weird and Awesome Soap Designs. And they're certainly right...some of them are awesome...and some are just weird! Soap can indeed be molded and crafted into some amazingly creative shapes. Tell us what you think about them by clicking on the "comment" link below!

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Kayla Fioravanti just posted a great article about "Why Plants Smell" in her Essential U blog. I've always maintained that essential oils are some of the most amazing, complex and fascinating substances on earth. In her article, she says that "Plants smell for two main reasons, defense and attraction. The aromatic oils promote a plant's growth, aid in reproduction by attracting insects, repelling predators and protecting them from disease. " Our job, as candle and soap makers, is to blend those essential oils, both the "attracting" and the "defending" into blends that serve our purposes - that smell nice, that promote a sense of relaxation or tranquility, or even repel insects. Understanding the background, botanical information and even the chemistry of these essential oils makes the scent all the more enchanting.

I needed to make some soap the other day, and was trying to think of an appropriate recipe for these waning days of summer. Green Tea and Lemongrass was perfect. The lemongrass essential oil is hearty, yet crisp and brisk - the green tea gives it a sense of warmth, a warm color, and a feeling of a comfortable autumn. I also add some eucalyptus essential oil to help balance the heavy citrus sweetness of the lemongrass. (Which made it an even more perfect autumn soap.) Make the soap using brewed green tea instead of plain water...and add the steeped leaves at the end. It's an easy and exotic soap recipe for you to try.
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I know it's not even Labor Day yet, but if you're going to be taking part in the fall craft show season, it's time to get started planning and making. The fall craft show season leading into the winter holidays is one of the biggest sale seasons for soap and candle makers. Many candle and soap makers even start preparing in the spring and summer - picking out which scents and styles of soaps and candles they are going to make. There are as many different size, theme, style and type of craft shows as there are craft-makers. Here are some tips, ideas, guides, lists and resources from craft show participants all across the country.
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