winter Archives - Soap Deli News

Homemade Winter Gifts for Your Seasonal Holiday Gift List

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December 11, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon 2 Comments

Not all handmade gifts are created equal. So it can be hard hunting for homemade gift ideas that you know will truly be appreciated. To take some of the guesswork out your holiday gift list, I’ve put together a gift guide filled with homemade winter gifts.

So whether you’re crafting handmade gifts for a winter holiday, or making birthday or hostess gifts, this collection of homemade winter gift ideas are perfect for everyone on your list!

Homemade Winter Gifts & Ideas

1. Hot Chocolate Lotion Bars

These DIY hot chocolate lotion bars from Eco Living Mama (pictured) make lovely seasonal stocking stuffers and handmade holiday gift ideas. Not only do they smell amazing, they made with all natural, good-for-your-skin ingredients. Make it.

2. Hot Chocolate Milk Bath Salts

Another chocolate inspired homemade gift idea, these hot chocolate milk bath salts from Everything Pretty are the perfect homemade winter gift. Not only do these bath salts soothe seasonally dry skin, they’re the perfect way to relax amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Make it.

3. Sugar Plum Body Butter Bars

These silky, lightweight body butter bars from Humblebee & Me are made with plum oil for its moisturizing properties and rich, seasonal scent. They can be tinted with mica, if desired, and are perfectly sized for stocking stuffers for simple homemade winter gifts for friends and coworkers. Make it.

4. Homemade Mulling Spices

These fragrant, homemade mulling spices from Hello Glow make wonderful homemade winter gifts for wine lovers. (Trust me, I know!) However, this recipe works beautifully with bourbon as well. Included with the printable recipe are easy instructions for making citrus ginger mulled wine to include with your gift. Make it.

5. Peppermint Orange Body Butter

A recipe from one of my guest posts on The Nourished Life, this peppermint orange body butter recipe helps to nourish and protect dry, winter skin. It’s a super easy homemade holiday gift to make while the fresh citrus mint fragrance is perfect for the season. Make it.

6. Christmas Tree Bath Bombs

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, these Christmas tree bath bombs from Onion Rings and Things (pictured) are a winter delight when taking time out for self care. Scent them with essential oils for natural homemade winter gifts for your friends. They’re perfect for helping ease the pressures of the holiday season and forcing that much needed time off from the stress of daily life. Make it.

(While this bath bomb recipe calls for food coloring, I recommend using a bath bomb colorant or lake dye instead for a colorful bath that won’t stain your tub.)

7. Skin Softening Hand Scrub

Winter is rough on dry skin. However, it can be even more brutal on dry hands. Help your friends, family and even teachers (who are always washing their hands) keep their hands soft and moisturized this winter with this easy skin softening hand scrub recipe from Soap Deli News. Make it.

8. Holiday Gifts in a Jar

Sugar scrubs are so easy to make. Why not make a trio of three mason jar sugar scrubs for your homemade winter gifts? No Compass Necessary shares their natural sugar scrub recipes for peppermint, vanilla spice and frankincense sugar scrubs. Plus there are free printable labels to make gift giving even easier! Make it.

9. Fizzy Bath Salt Recipe with Essential Oils

It’s hard to avoid a cold during the holiday season. So why not give a gift that tackles all of one’s holiday woes – winter sniffles included? This fizzy bath salt recipe from Soap Deli News fizzes like a bath bomb but is SO much easier to craft. While taking a time out to relax in the tub, the combination of Epsom salt and essential oils help to clear nasal passages and ease sore muscles. Make it.

10. Hot Cocoa Bath Bombs

If you’ve mastered the art of bath bombs then this DIY from A Cultivated Nest is a must for your homemade winter gifts. These cute homemade hot chocolate bath fizzies look like something you could eat, complete with “icing” on top so you can wow your friends and coworkers with your mad crafting skills. Make it.

11. Scented Dry Oil Body Spray

This best homemade holiday gift idea for a DIY dry oil body spray from Soap Deli News (pictured) is a long time Pinterest favorite. It makes lovely stocking stuffers or homemade winter gifts for friends and family. Make it.

12. Homemade Massage Candles

Candles are another amazing way to enjoy your favorite scents. However, these homemade massage candles aren’t just great for making the room smell great. They can also be massaged onto skin once the wick is blown out. Then simply massage onto skin to condition dry patches and add a wonderful holiday scent. Make it.

13. Simple Solid Perfumes

Solid perfumes make wonderful homemade winter gifts for friends. This easy DIY perfume trio from Hello Glow using natural essential oils to create three lovely fragrance blends – energizing, calming and joyful. If aromatherapy isn’t quite your thing, swap them out with fragrance oils in your favorite seasonal scents. Make it.

14. Hand Poured Herbal Candles

Candles always make lovely homemade winter gifts for just about anyone. I especially love gifting candles as handmade hostess gifts throughout the year. These DIY hand poured herbal candles from The Herbal Academy are especially perfect for the winter season. Naturally scented with simple essential oil blends and botanicals, these candles are made with toxin free soy wax. Make it.

15. Essential Oil Room Sprays

This trio of essential oil room sprays from A life Adjacent are another wonderful gift for the hostess this winter at holiday gatherings. Crafted using only distilled water, vodka and essential oils, you can make room sprays scented in cola, mulled orange cider, vanilla latte and hot cocoa for natural home scents throughout the season. Make it.

16. Homemade Winter Hand Scrub

We all suffer from skin that feels dry and tight in the winter. Our hand, especially, tend to suffer from hand washing and other daily activities. Help your friends and loved ones pamper their hands with this homemade winter hand scrub from Lemon Peony (pictured!) Make it.

17. Shimmering Body Butter

This cardamom scented shimmering body butter from Wild for Nature is non-greasy. So moisturizing dry hands this winter won’t leave behind those messy oily fingerprints. It’s warm spiced fragrance is perfect for winter weather, while the addition of bronze mica makes it holiday party perfect! Make it.

18. Eggnog Soy Wax Candle

This delightful candle tutorial from Jojotastic is crafted with soy wax and natural essential oils for a fun spin off the popular holiday drink. Infused with with nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla essential oils, this soy wax candle looks and smells just like eggnog! Make it.

19. Handmade Rosemary Mint Soap

Everyone uses soap, which is part of why it makes such a great handmade gift ideas. These rosemary mint soap bars from The Turquoise Home are made using a natural melt and pour soap base in addition to honey to nourish dry winter skin. Rosemary and peppermint essential oil then add a delightful seasonal scent. Make it.

(Prefer to make cold process soaps for your homemade winter gifts? Try this rosemary mint cold process soap recipe! And don’t forget to check out these pretty gift wrap ideas for your homemade holiday soaps.)

20. Stovetop Potpourri

This beautiful jars of stovetop potpourri from Tidbits will not only make your own home smell like the holidays, they’re also shelf stable. So they’re perfect for homemade winter gifts for neighbors, teachers and coworkers – all the people you’re not quite sure what to give for gifts. Choose from three delightful home fragrance blends with this cost effective homemade gift DIY that also comes with free printable labels. Make it.

21. Gingerbread Bath Bombs

Gingerbread is always at the top of my list for homemade winter gifts. There’s just something about those warm spices and the fragrant scent that make the season feel comforting and inviting. These gingerbread bath bombs from Beauty Crafter (pictured) are no exception and are perfect for stocking stuffers and other seasonal winter gifts. Make it.

22. Gingerbread Men Soap Bars

There are so many wonderful ways to gift gingerbread for the holidays, I couldn’t stop with just one DIY ideas. These super easy, glittering gingerbread soaps from Soap Deli News are made with just three ingredients and are perfect for last minute homemade winter gifts for friends and family. Make it.

23. Gingerbread Man Soaps

If glitter isn’t your preference, not to worry. These 15-minute DIY gingerbread man soaps from Happiness Is Homemade offer a more traditional take on gingerbread. Simply add a bit of soap paint to your finished gingerbread soaps for the cutest stocking stuffers ever. Make it.

24. Gingerbread Men Snow Globe Soaps

Snow globes are always a favorite during winter. This creative homemade soap tutorial from Soap Deli News shows you step-by-step how to make your own DIY snow globe soaps with little gingerbread men hidden inside. They’re not only super cute, but they’re also a favorite among both kids and adults alike! Make it.

25. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies always make delightful homemade winter gifts. The warm seasonal spices are definitely my favorite this time of year! This gingerbread cookies recipe from Evermine, however, offer a unique twist on traditional gingerbread cookies. Each gingerbread man cookies is designed to hold a candy cane inside it’s grasp! Make it.

26. Boozy Wood Infused Bourbon

Gifts for guys can be hard. However, this DIY for wood infused liquor from Man Made DIY (pictured) is perfect for homemade winter gifts for him. Simply infuse a piece of grilling wood – along with dried fruits and spices if desired – to create unique holiday alcohol blends that can be enjoyed throughout the winter holiday season. Make it.

(Not sure about making your own infused alcohol without a little extra guidance? Try one of the DIY liquor infusion kits from Vena’s Fizz House for all your favorite liquors.)

27. Needle Felted Wine Bags

Don’t just gift a bottle of wine this holiday season. Gift it with your own handcrafted needle felted wine bag! Not only are these wine bags WAY easier to make than you might think, they are also reusable and regiftable making them perfect homemade winter gifts for the eco-conscious. Make it.

28. Wood Burned Rolling Pin

This DIY allows you to explore your own creativity even if you’re short on time. The perfect gift for bakers and foodies alike, these easy wood burned rolling pins from Delia Creates can be customized in minutes with just a simple, inexpensive wood burning kit. Make it.

29. Marzipan Pinecone Treats

The fact that these marzipan pinecone treats from Country Hill Cottage look just like pinecones delight me to no end. A simple no bake holiday gift, these pinecones are made using marzipan, almond slices, cocoa, and spices for unique homemade winter gifts. Make it.

30. Gourmet Vanilla Extract

If you have an instant pot then you’re going to love this homemade holiday gift idea. Tidbits teaches you how to make your own gourmet vanilla extracts for your favorite foodies in three gourmet flavors – chocolate vanilla, cinnamon vanilla and coconut vanilla – in your instant pot. Plus there are free printable labels to make your gift look perfect! Make it.

31. Simple Beeswax Candles

These simple, natural beeswax candles from Hello Nest only take five minutes to create. Perfect for any minimalist in your life, this gift also makes a lovely addition to anyone’s home decor. Even better, you can buy beeswax sheets with Prime shipping for the perfect last minute holiday gift idea. Make it.

32. Cookie Cutter Fudge

This homemade cookie cutter fudge recipe from Crafty Morning is perfect for the baker in your life. Not only are your friends and family gifted with homemade fudge – yum! – but your gift comes wrapped inside a cookie cutter that can be added to their collection. Make it.

33. Peppermint Patties

Peppermint patties are one of my all time favorite candies. These homemade peppermint patties, however, are the most amazing thing ever! Learn how to make your own at The Gunny Sack. Then top your handmade treats with crushed peppermint for delish homemade winter gifts everyone will love. Make it.

34. Peppermint Mocha Salt Scrub

Coffee scrubs are touted for anti-aging skin care benefits. But when you combo a coffee scrub with mocha, you’ve got the perfect homemade holiday gift for the coffee lovers in you life. Learn to make a salt scrub with a caffeine punch at Everything Pretty. Make it.

35. Christmas Tree Body Wash

This fragrant, bubbly Christmas tree body wash recipe from Humblebee & Me makes great homemade winter gifts for those surprise guests. Or slip them inside your family’s stockings for homemade skin care they’ll love bathing in all winter long. Make it.

More Homemade Winter Gifts & Ideas

Didn’t quite find the perfect homemade winter gifts for your holiday gift list? Take a peek at these DIY Christmas gift ideas. Or shop from my handmade holiday gift guides below.

For homemade winter gifts and ideas, you can find me on your favorite social media platforms. You can follow me on G+, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’ and Instagram. Alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, DIY Craft Project, Gift Guides, Holiday DIY, Homemade Gift Ideas Tagged With: bath and body, christmas, Christmas gift, christmas gifts, craft, diy, gift guide, gift idea, gift ideas, handmade gifts, holiday gift, holiday gift giving, holidays, homemade gift, winter

Creative Ways to Package Soap for Sale (Or Handmade Holiday Gifts)

I may receive compensation from links on this site. See my disclosure policy.

November 20, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon 3 Comments

If you’re looking for creative ways to package soap for sale to set your product apart at craft fairs and events, then you’ll love these easy soap packaging and labeling ideas! Keep reading to learn the best ways to package homemade soap for sale and put your soaps a head above the competition. Plus learn how to make some of my favorite homemade soap recipes for winter skin care.

Creative Ways to Package Soap

Just because the homemade soaps you sell need to include the weight and ingredient list doesn’t mean you’re stuck using a traditional soap label. If you’re looking for creative ways to package your cold process soap bars, then try thinking outside the box. (Learn how to legally label your soaps for sale.)

Easy Ways to Package Soap Using Scrapbook Supplies

I used scrapbook supplies and bakers twine to decorate these homemade soap bars. Simply print out your ingredient list and other information onto squares of cardstock. Then use bakers twine or a decorative ribbon to attach the ingredient list to the bottom or back of your soap bars. Simply slip the ingredient list under the bakers twine to safely secure it to your soap.

This is also a great way to package soap for seasonal handmade holiday gifts. It’s really as simple as wrapping chipboard elements, cardstock cutouts and felt shapes onto your soaps using ribbon, string or twine.

You can also use patterned scrapbook papers to wrap your soaps like little presents. A custom cigar band then displays your information or message. I love this custom cigar band and patterned poppy paper combo from The Creative Artisan Co. You can order these personalized soap labels as a set or separately with your own custom business logo or message for handmade soap wedding favors.

Or consider all-in-one custom soap packaging like this custom soap packaging design from Andrea Tips that wraps and labels your soap all at one with just one product.

There’s even a soap wrapping tool that allows you to hand wrap your homemade soaps perfectly every single time!

I also love this simple idea for tying leather cording around shaped soaps and accenting with herbs like rosemary. It’s a really easy way to add that extra touch to your handmade holiday gifts.

How to Package Round Soap

One of my favorite ways to package round soap is by using washi tape. You can do this one of two ways. You can either tightly wrap your soap in foodservice film, then wrap a piece of washi tape around the diameter of the bar. Or, you can cut brown paper to fit the diameter of your soap. Then wrap the paper around the diameter. Tape the paper closed. Then add decorative washi tape over the brown paper (as pictured above.)

If you’re looking for ways to package your soaps to sell you can also put your label around the diameter of your soap in lieu of the washi tape. Or try one of the following ways to package round soap. I love how attractive the soap label is on these ways to package soap from Etsy sellers.

This sweet fig goat milk soap from Fish Princess Farm illustrates one of the more common ways to package soap using patterned paper or fabric and a round sticker label.

You can also use plain colored tissue paper similar to this soap example of a bar of homemade shaving soap from Crow Sparrow Wares. To give your homemade soaps as handmade holiday gifts, you may want to use a simple, round handmade with love sticker for your round soap bars.

I also love this twist on using paper as one of the ways to package soap. Instead, The Humble Soaper uses breathable, gauze-like fabric as a unique way to wrap her homemade soaps. Rather than folding the fabric into the center of the soap bar, she instead ties the fabric on top as illustrated by this example of her natural round soap bars.

Ways to Package Soap in Boxes

Soaps boxes are one of the easiest ways to package soap. Just because you use a box to package your soap, however, doesn’t mean it has to be “square.” This holiday inspired unicorn bath bomb box from Tyars Essentials would also work beautifully for unicorn or horn shaped soaps. (This is a downloadable file so you will need a Cricut machine for this project.)

Eco-friendly carton soap boxes will make your green friendly soapmaking business shine. The carton soap boxes from GREENKraft come in three sizes, are made with recyclable cardboard and are 100% recyclable. They also feature a nifty little window so you can show off your homemade soaps inside. I think they look especially nice with these custom apothecary labels from Substation Paperie.

Gable boxes and pillow boxes, like these from Cookiebox Store, are another wonderful way to package your homemade soaps for handmade holiday gifts.

Or give these clear boxes a try. These clear soap boxes make stylish packaging for melt and pour macaron shaped soaps and are perfect for homemade soap wedding favors.

How to Package Homemade Soap Bars in Bags

Bags are also one of the easiest ways to wrap soap for sale or to give as handmade holiday gifts. Monita Natural Care sells decorative burlap bags for her homemade soaps that you can for gift giving. However, it’s also great inspiration for designing your own burlap bags for handmade holiday soap gifts.

These cotton muslin printed bags from USCreativeshop are available in bulk for employee gifts, wedding favors or soaps for sale. They come in a variety of size options to best fit your needs. I also love that these bags can be reused time and again.

For more ways to package soap for sale or to give as handmade holiday gifts, be sure to check out more soap packaging and labeling ideas on Etsy here. You can also shop for homemade soaps from my curated collection. Alternately, keep reading for some of my all time favorite homemade soap recipes for winter skin care.

Best Homemade Soap Recipes for Winter Skin Care

If you suffer from dry skin or eczema in the winter, or other times of the year, it may be time to switch up your natural skin care routine. These homemade soap recipes are perfect for winter skin care. Made with natural skin conditioning ingredients, all of these winter homemade soap recipes nourish skin without stripping it. You’ll love the difference a moisturizing, low cleansing soap can make for your skin!

Have photos of your homemade soaps or great soap packaging ideas? Then be sure to tag your pictures with #soapdelishowoff when you share ways to package soap on instagram.

For homemade soap recipes, you can follow me on your favorite social media platforms. You can follow me on G+, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’ and Instagram. Alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Homemade Gift Ideas, Small Business Marketing & Tips, Soapmaking Tagged With: cold process soap recipe, cold process soapmaking, gift idea, holiday gift, holiday gift giving, holidays, packaging, selling soap, small business, soap labels, soap packaging, soap recipes, soap tutorial, soapmaking, winter, winter skin care

Glitter Snowflake Soap Recipe with Peppermint Essential Oil

I may receive compensation from links on this site. See my disclosure policy.

October 24, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon Leave a Comment

I had planned this sparkly, glitter snowflake soap recipe to share with you all a bit closer to winter. However, with the realization that many of the Northern states are already enjoying that cloud of white falling from the sky, I decided not to wait. (Nor’easter anyone?)

I know that many of my readers on Facebook have requested more melt and pour soap recipes. So I hope this instructional melt and pour soap tutorial helps to deliver just that. Not only is my glitter snowflake soap recipe easy to make, it’s also a joy to use. I mean, there’s GLITTER!

My homemade glitter snowflake soaps make great seasonal gifts throughout the winter holiday season. However, don’t you dare let anyone tell you that the homemade soaps you create are too pretty to use! My BFF gave me that line and I (not) yelled at her to use it anyway. After all, I can always make more.

Which of course brings me around to a rather unsettling discovery a few years back. When I was shocked to find my “pretty” homemade soaps from ten plus years ago still stored in my parents’ bathroom closet… I know. Don’t get me started. (They don’t do it anymore though thankfully. Not after they tried switching back to commercial bar soap.)

Anyhow, if you’re a fan of glitter, then you’re really going to love my glitter snowflake soap recipe. Scented with peppermint essential oil and filled with shimmering biodegradable glitter, this glitter snowflake soap recipe is a must for your next weekend DIY project!

Ready to get your sparkle on? Then let’s do this!

Glitter Snowflake Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

7.25 oz. clear natural melt and pour soap base
15.75 oz. white natural melt and pour soap base
.25 oz. peppermint essential oil
fine electric blue bio glitter, to suit
fine white bio glitter, to suit
fine silver bio glitter, to suit (optional)

Materials & Supplies:

6-cavity silicone snowflake mold
4-cup heat safe glass measuring cup like Pyrex
utensils for stirring
digital scale
spray bottle with rubbing alcohol
cutting board, optional

Instructions:

You’ll begin by making the glitter layer of your glitter snowflake soaps first. To do this, start by weighing out 7.25 oz. of the clear melt and pour soap base. Cut the soap base into chunks and place into a heat safe, glass measuring cup. Heat in the microwave in 30 second increments until melted.

Remove the melted soap from the microwave using a folded tea towel as the glass may be hot. Now weigh out .1 oz. of the peppermint essential oil and stir into the melted soap base. Next, add your choice of biodegradable glitters in your colors of choice. Have fun with it, but be careful not to go overboard. Too much glitter can make your snowflake soaps feel scratchy!

Now stir well to combine so both the glitter and the peppermint essential oil are evenly distributed throughout the soap base. Allow the melted soap base to cool slightly.

Place your silicone snowflake mold on a cutting board. Then stir the melted soap again.

Pour the glittery soap base evenly into each of the mold’s six cavities. Then spritz the tops of your soap with rubbing alcohol to remove any air bubbles. If desired, use the cutting board to carefully transport the mold to the refrigerator to hasten cooling times.

While the first layer of your glitter snowflake soap cools, you can get started on the next step.

Wash and dry the measuring cup you used to melt the clear soap base.

Next, weigh out 15.75 oz. of the white melt and pour soap base. Cut it into chunks. Then place the soap inside the measuring cup and heat until melted, in 30 second increments, stirring occasionally.

Once melted, weigh out and stir in .15 oz. of the peppermint essential oil.

Once the first layer of soap has fully hardened, spritz it with rubbing alcohol. Then pour the white peppermint scented soap based into the cavities of your mold on top of the first layer.

Spritz the tops of the soap with rubbing alcohol to remove any air bubbles. Then allow the soap to cool and harden. (Again, you can transfer your soap to the refrigerator to speed up the process.)

Once your glitter snowflake soaps have hardened, carefully remove them from the mold.

Then wrap your glitter snowflake soaps tightly in foodservice film for storage or gift giving.

More DIY Winter Holiday Gift Ideas

If you like my glitter snowflake soap recipe, then you’ll love these other winter DIY holiday gift ideas!

For more great gift worthy project ideas, check out my DIY Christmas Gift Ideas board on Pinterest.

Also make sure to follow Soap Deli News across all of your favorite social media platforms. You can find me on G+, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’ and Instagram. Alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Holiday DIY, Homemade Gift Ideas, Soapmaking Tagged With: Christmas gift, crafts, diy, easy, eco-friendly, essential oils, gift idea, glitter, holiday gift, melt and pour soap recipe, melt and pour soapmaking, peppermint, soap tutorial, soapmaking, stocking stuffers, winter, winter skin care

Brazilian Triple Butter Soap Recipe for Dry Skin & Eczema

I may receive compensation from links on this site. See my disclosure policy.

September 16, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon 3 Comments

This post is sponsored by Soap Bar Lounge. All opinions are my own.

Create the perfect pairing for seasonal gift giving by combining a bar of homemade soap with a soap dish from Soap Bar Lounge! Keep reading to learn how to craft your own skin conditioning triple butter soap recipe. Plus discover what makes Soap Bar Lounge ceramic soap dishes the best option for your homemade soaps!

Regardless of the season, if you have dry skin, then you probably avoid using products that irritate your condition. For me, that means using a homemade soap bar in the shower. I also keep homemade soaps by the sink, one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom, where they get used most often. Not only is washing my hands important for sanitary reasons (no one wants to accidentally ingest salmonella) but it can also prevent the spread of cold and flu germs.

Of course, washing your hands on a regular basis can leave them feeling tight and dry – especially as cold weather hits. So I formulated a Brazilian triple butter soap recipe to counteract the drying effects of hand washing. It’s also great as we move into the cold, dry air that’s common throughout fall and winter.

To help my homemade soap bars last longer, I’ve started using soap dishes from Soap Bar Lounge. As you may know, when homemade soaps sit in a pool of water, or are unable to dry out between uses, they can become soft and mushy. When this happens, soap starts to disappear a lot faster with each use. The soap dishes from Soap Bar Lounge, however, prevent this from happening.

Their patented soap dish design allows for air flow around your homemade soaps as well as a way for your soap to drain. Even better, because there are no holes in the bottom of these dishes, you don’t have to worry about water draining onto your clean countertop. As a result, your soaps not only last longer, your countertop stays clean!

I really love that Soap Bar Lounge soap dishes are made right here in the USA using high quality, glazed ceramic. This means they not only look great, but they’re also easy to clean. The modern design and range of colors ensures that your new soap dish not only functions as intended, but it also looks great wherever you decide to use it. The colors are also easy to incorporate into your seasonal or holiday decor.

For seasonal gift giving, simply pair a Soap Bar Lounge soap dish with a bar of homemade soap. This creates a simple, yet beautiful gift idea that’s perfect for housewarming gifts, hostess gifts and holiday gifts. And, to save you money, the soap dishes from Soap Bar Lounge ship free anywhere within the United States. You can also purchase Soap Bar Lounge products wholesale to create instant gift options this holiday season for your small business or online shop.

My Brazilian triple butter soap recipe yields six bars of homemade soap. This means you’ll have extras to give as seasonal or holiday gifts. I paired my Brazilian triple butter soaps with soap dishes in carousel red and roca beige, then accented them with leather cord and journaling embellishments for a pretty, gift worthy presentation.

Brazilian Triple Butter Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

1.6 oz. Andiroba oil (10%)
1.6 oz. Castor oil (10%)
2.4 oz. Refined coconut oil (15%)
1.6 oz. Cupuaca butter (10%)
5.6 oz. Pomace olive oil (35%)
1.6 oz. Tucuma seed butter (10%)
1.6 oz. Ucuuba butter (10%)

4.8 fl. oz. distilled water
2.1 oz. lye/sodium hydroxide

1 oz. fragrance oil, optional

Instructions:

You’ll need to follow the basic cold process soapmaking method to craft these ultra conditioning, Brazilian triple butter soaps. You can find a refresher course on making homemade soap from scratch here. This means ZERO aluminum and heat safe containers and utensils. You’ll also need an immersion blender and a digital scale to weigh out ingredients. Additionally, you should also take safety measures to protect your eyes and skin when working with lye.

To make my Brazilian triple butter soap recipe, begin by measuring out 4.8 fluid oz. of distilled water into a heat safe container or pitcher. Then, use a digital scale to weigh out the lye, called for in the recipe, into a separate container. In a well, ventilated area, slowly pour the lye (granules or flakes) into the water. Then mix until all of the lye has dissolved and set aside.

Now weigh out the soapmaking oils and butters into a large heat safe container or stainless steel pot. (I like to weigh out the solid and semi-solid butters first, then follow with the liquid carrier oils.)

Heat the soapmaking butters and oils called for in my Brazilian triple butter soap recipe until they have melted. You can do this by heating the ingredients in a non-metal container at 30% power in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat in a stainless steel container.

Once the butters and oils have melted, set them aside to cool. When your soapmaking fats and lye-water have cooled to around 95°-100°F, you can start making the actual soap.

To do this, slowly pour the lye-water into the liquid oils and butters. Then use an immersion blender to combine the ingredients until you reach a light trace. At this point, you can weigh out and add your choice of fragrance oil, if desired, to the soap batter. As my boyfriend really wanted a more masculine scented soap, I scented my triple butter soap recipe with a sandalwood fragrance oil. Alternately, you can also use essential oils for a natural fragrance at a usage rate of up to .8 oz. by weight.

Mix the soap batter again to incorporate your fragrance into the soap. Then, once your soap reaches a medium trace, pour it into your mold. (I used this 6-cavity rectangle silicone mold.)

Cover your soap with parchment paper or plastic wrap, then set aside overnight. You should be able to unmold your soap bars the next day. Once unmolded, set your soaps aside in a cool, dry location to cure for four to six weeks. (My soaps did a crazy partial gel so some of my ends are lighter than the rest of the bar.)

Now wrap your homemade triple butter soaps as desired for personal use or gifting. You can wrap your soaps in fabric, burlap or paper to make them easy to gift. Then simply tie on cording or a ribbon.

Finally, pair one or two bars of soap with a ceramic soap dish from Soap Bar Lounge as a finishing touch! Buy your favorite colors now! And don’t forget to come back and let me know how much you love your new soap dishes!

Filed Under: Homemade Gift Ideas, Shopping, Soapmaking Tagged With: christmas, Christmas gift, cold process soap recipe, cold process soapmaking, crafts, diy, fall, gift idea, holiday gift, holiday gift giving, holidays, soap dish, soap tutorial, soapmaking, winter

Kick Your Severely Dry Skin (And Eczema!) to the Curb with Ucuuba Butter!

I may receive compensation from links on this site. See my disclosure policy.

September 6, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Paris Fragrances. All opinions are my own.

This homemade ucuuba butter salt scrub recipe is a natural holistic solution to dry, itchy skin and eczema. Learn what makes this winter skin care recipe so special and how to craft your own.

Cold weather is on the way. And typically, that means you can expect dry skin in your near future. However, if you already suffer from dry skin, or if you have eczema, winter can seem a little unbearable. There’s nothing worse than fighting with your skin and not being to find a product that brings relief. If this scenario seems familiar to you, don’t worry. There is a way to save your skin this winter. All you need are a few simple ingredients from Paris Fragrances.

Ever Feel Like Your Moisturizer Is Irritating Your Dry, Itchy Skin Even More?

I’m one of those people that loathes putting on lotion. Often times, when my skin is especially dry, it feels like I’m applying lotion every hour. While it’s amazing when first applied, a short time later I’m wondering if it’s actually making my skin’s condition worse. So I’m always particular about knowing exactly what I’m putting on my skin – and especially what the ingredients are.

Ingredients matter. And it’s not just the ingredients that you find in a product. It’s also about the ingredients NOT in a product. That’s part of the reason I prefer making my own natural skin care products. Not only is it easy to keep my own products simple, I often find that they are also more effective than store bought brands. Plus, because I know exactly what’s going into my skin care recipes, I don’t have to worry about being surprised by an allergy to a product.

My homemade ucuuba butter salt scrub recipe is the perfect skin care solution for winter. This multi-use product works like an in-shower moisturizer as well as a gentle body scrub. However, it can also be used as a conditioning salt bath in warm bath water. Using this ucuuba butter salt scrub in your shower locks in the moisture from the water while your pores are open. So skin feels moisturized longer. And it also feels protected against the elements.

What Is Ucuuba Butter?

Ucuuba butter is an exotic butter native to Central and South America. Like other exotic body butters, ucuuba butter is cold pressed from the seeds of the tree its sourced from. In this case, that would be the Ucuuba tree. As the seeds of the ucuuba tree are rich in fats, extracts of the oil is often as high as 50% of the weight of the dry seeds.

The ucuuba tree is a fast growing tree found in the Brazilian Amazon Forest. As these trees can grow as much as ten feet over the course of just two years, it makes ucuuba butter a highly sustainable product.

The natural unrefined butter from this tree’s seeds is typically yellow to brown in color and has a natural odor reminiscent of nutmeg. Like cocoa butter, ucuuba butter is solid at room temperature. However it has a somewhat higher melting point of 127°F, whereas cocoa butter melts between 93°-100°F. Similarly to cocoa butter, ucuuba makes a wonderful addition to homemade soaps, hair care products and skin care recipes.

Skin Care Benefits of Ucuuba Butter.

Ucuuba butter has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. This makes it an ideal addition to skin care recipes formulated for dry skin, acne and eczema. Additionally, this natural butter is also rich in essential fatty acids that can help to replenish and moisturize dry or maturing skin. It also contains both vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol) commonly found in natural anti-aging products. These proponents can help to reduce the visible signs of aging as well as replenish and reverse skin damage.

Where to Purchase Ingredients.

I used ingredients from Paris Fragrances to craft my homemade ucuuba butter salt scrub recipe. Paris Fragrances offers quality products with great prices. As a partner with HSCG, Paris Fragrances works with ethical suppliers to help create a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy with the communities living in the Amazon Forest. Additionally, Paris Fragrances is also a member of The Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild.

All of the products from Paris Fragrances are imported from Europe and South America, with emphasis on exotic Brazilian fragrances. The oils and butters, which are sustainably sourced from the Brazilian Amazon Forest, are cold pressed and left unrefined so they retain their natural benefits when use in skin care formulations.

About My Ucuuba Butter Salt Scrub Recipe.

I’ll be honest. If you are one of those people that likes exiting your shower squeaky clean, my homemade ucuuba butter salt scrub recipe is probably not going to be your cup of tea. While this homemade scrub is similar in ways to most salt scrubs, it’s also very different.

Rather than using sea salt for my homemade ucubba butter salt scrub recipe, I use Dead Sea salt instead. A luxury cosmetic salt, Dead Sea salt is extracted from the marshes of the Dead Sea then solar dried. Its fine grain and moisture content make it especially suited for bath salt and body scrub recipes.

Considered to be the best therapeutic salts available, Dead Sea salt is rich in natural minerals that include magnesium, potassium, sulfur and calcium. These minerals work to help improve blood circulation as well as cleanse, disinfect and exfoliate skin. As a home remedy, Dead Sea salt has shown to benefit those who suffer from a variety of skin ailments including acne, eczema and psoriasis as well as dry, itchy skin and atopic dermatitis.

Unlike traditional sea salt, such as the type of salt you may use for cooking, Dead Sea salt is incredibly hydrating. And, similar to Epsom salt, it is able to soothe sore muscles and calm inflammation that is often associated with both rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Another key difference in my ucuuba butter salt scrub recipe lies with ucuuba butter’s hydrating properties. As ucuuba butter, along with the combination of the other natural ingredients included in this recipe, are such rich moisturizers, the oils and butters don’t fully rinse off in the shower. So, once you step out of the shower and towel off, remnants of these ingredients are left on your skin reducing, or eliminating, the need to apply an after shower moisturizer. Your skin will not only feel soft and smooth, it will also look healthier with each use.

In addition to ucuuba butter, this recipe is also crafted using andiroba oil. Renowned by native Indians for its healing properties, andriroba oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe skin inflammation, itching and rashes. (Learn more about andriroba oil here.)

This homemade ucuuba butter salt scrub recipe has a rich natural fragrance that is lovely solo. However, if a fragrance oil is desired, this scrub pairs well with both Paris Fragrances sandalwood fragrance oil and their seasonal Halloween pumpkin fragrance oil.

Ucuuba Butter Salt Scrub Recipe

Ingredients:

1 oz. ucuuba butter
2 oz. andiroba oil
.5 oz. vegetable based emulsifying wax
.25 oz. unscented liquid Castile soap
.25 oz. cupuacu butter
12 oz. Dead Sea salt
.1 oz. fragrance oil, optional

Instructions:

Begin by using a digital scale to weigh out the ucuuba butter, capuaca butter, andiroba oil and emulsifying wax. Gently heat in a double boiler until melted.

While the butters, oil and wax are melting, weigh out the Dead Sea salt into a medium glass bowl.

Then weigh out the fragrance oil, if desired. Mix the fragrance oil into the salt until the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the salt.

Once the butters, oil and wax have melted, remove from heat. Now weigh out and add the liquid Castile soap.

Then add the salt mixture to the melted ingredients, mixing well to combine.

Once the ucuuba butter salt scrub has cooled, mix the scrub again to break up the salt grains. Then spoon the scrub into your desired container(s.)

You can use your homemade ucuuba butter salt scrub recipe in two ways. You can either massage the salt scrub onto damp skin in a warm shower. Or, you can add the desired amount of the scrub to warm, running bath water. Once you finish bathing, simply pat dry.

For extremely dry skin, I recommend applying my bacuri butter body balm or my simple 3-ingredient bacuri body butter prior to getting dressed for an extra layer of skin protection and nourishment. Also be sure to try my natural bacuri butter & murumuru soap recipe!

You can also make a travel worthy solid lotion bar to take with you on the go. Simply melt, combine and mold 2 oz. beeswax, 1.75 oz. ucuuba butter, 2 oz. capuaca butter and 3 oz. andiroba oil using ingredients from Paris Fragrances.

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Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes Tagged With: body scrub recipe, dead sea salt, moisturizer, natural skin care, salt scrub, salt scrub recipe, vegan, winter, winter skin care