I don't feel like working ...

and it is freezing so that probably doesn't help matters.

Montpellier - South of France

I was lucky enough to visit the South of France this month but even luckier than that was a visit to L'Occitane in Manosque.

I was not able to take photographs inside the factory, understandably. 

More soap

Playing with Picasa

Anyone for pie?

New at Riverlea Soap

Wedding Favours

We have had a lot of requests for gold soap. This is fine you you are making Melt and Pour but not easy with CP. I found some really nice, very fine gold powder and we are quite pleased with the results. We brushed it on with a large, soft brush.

M&P Citrus Slices - Part B

This  week we will finish it up the citrus slices we started last week. See this entry here.

1. Take your cut citrus segments and have them ready to place into your round cavity moulds. You will need to work fast so make sure they are close by.
2. Melt your uncoloured clear soap base in the microwave in short bursts until it is all melted
3. Pour a small amount into the mould and quickly take all your little citrus pieces and place them into the clear soap you have just poured. Position them as evenly as possible- easier said than done!
4. Spritz with spraying alcohol to remove any bubbles and repeat the process until you have finished all your citrus pieces.
5. Once the clear soap has hardened, about 10 minutes, melt the white soap base and spritz the citrus slices that are in the moulds and carefully pour the white soap over them making sure the soap is not too hot or it will melt the citrus segments.
6. Wait for the soap to fully harden before you remove them from the moulds.

 

M&P Citrus Slices - Part A

This project is a little more difficult than it looks. You have to work quite quickly in some areas as the soaps sets up fast.

You will need:

Clear  M&P Base (this depend on how big your moulds are and how many you want to make.)

White/ opaque M&P Base (a small amount to cover the slices).

Determine how big your mould is by putting it on a scale and pouring water into one of the cavities.
Colour – I used red and yellow mixed to make orange.

Fragrance – 1.5 % of the soap base
Round drain/down pipe

Plastic mould with round indentations

Microwave Jugs

Rubbing Alcohol to spray bubbles away

Method:

1. Prepare your drainpipe mould by covering the bottom so the soap does not leak out.
2. Melt your clear soap base in the microwave in 30 second bursts. When melted add your colour (I added 1 drop red and 2-3 yellow) and fragrance and stir gently.
3. Pour carefully into your drainpipe mould and spritz with the rubbing alcohol to remove any bubbles.
4. Allow the tube of soap to harden for about 1-2 hours.
5. Once the soap is hard remove it from the circular mould and cut into citrus segments.

 
Part B to follow next week.