Christmas is coming…

I have been working hard making Christmas stock. I am particularly pleased with the little Christmas pies.

Riverlea Soap

A very thoughtful thank you gift

You may remember the family wedding we had recently. I made the wedding favours for my step son and his lovely bride and as a thank you gift they sent me this amazing photographic tent. I LOVE IT! It was such a thoughtful gift.

I was so excited when I opened the pouch and saw it all neatly packed up. The excitement turned to 20 minutes of frustration as I tried to unpack the tent. I was convinced that there was a part missing as it just seemed to flop over the whole time. I had to figure out the is was twisted and packed into itself. I had a good laugh once I realised how to unpack it.

I am still getting the hang of the lighting and positioning of items but it really is an amazing little “tool”

Thanks guys. Hopefully this will take my photos to the next level.

Riverlea Soap

Making transfer soap – a tutorial

 
You will need:

• A silicone mould,
• Black oxide colour,
• Glycerine soap base (M and P),
• Fragrance oil,
• Rubbing alcohol,
• Jugs and spoons,
• Chocolate transfer sheets. The are available from most baking shops

1. Place your soap in the microwave on defrost until it has all melted,
2. While it is melting cut your transfer sheet to fit snugly into the base of the mould, shiny side in contact with the mould. i.e. facing down

3. Take your black oxide (mixed with a little alcohol to prevent it from clumping) and mix it into your melted soap.

4. Let the soap cool until it has a skin on it and is cool to the touch. Peel the skin away from the spout and gently pour into mould over the transfer. Leave the soap to cool for about 45 minutes or until cool and hard. Do not be impatient with this step or your transfer won’t stick nicely.

5. Peel back the transfer and admire your beautiful soap.


Wrap your soap in cling wrap and place in a pretty bag tied with a nice ribbon.




 
Riverlea Soap

The Aussies, Canadians and English make soap

You may remember my post about the family wedding and all the relatives staying. The Dutch side of our family making soap with me.
When the rest of the family heard about the soap making they had to have a try for themselves.
I had two sessions: the first was with Sarah, my sister in law who is the editor of an amazing crafty magazine in the UK – Crafts Beautiful. Above is the soap I made and had given her a few months ago when I went to visit her in the UK. She decided that was the one she wanted to make. Next week I will show you the tutorial to make these soaps.
Below is Sarah with her soap. She chose an Ultramarine Pink with Opaque glycerine soap base and a Neroli essential oil.


Next we had Emily, Jane, Sarah, Diny and Deb.

Some of them chose to make a basic clear Melt and Pour option and the others chose opaque and they all added colour and fragrance.













I think they all had some fun and it is always satisfying to create something.

Riverlea Soap