Articles

Love at first sight best describes our feelings about when we first used this soap mold. It makes a fun, round shape that is perfect for making gum-ball size balls of soap. This video demonstrates Crafter's Choice - Round Ball 7/8" Mold (1803).  Some very creative artisans included inspirtional ideas at the end of the video for you!

Look into any serious golfer's bag, and you'll notice there is often more to his or her equipment than golf clubs, golf balls and tees. Many players carry a skincare arsenal of sun block, lip balm, insect repellent and muscle cream, too. This niche market is growing and so is the demand for golf related cosmetics.

Soap color bars are color-concentrated soap bars that vibrantly and evenly color melt & pour soaps. Many prefer using soap color bars because they don’t leak like liquid colors or get powder everywhere like powdered colors. Using soap color bars will help your soapmaking be quick, easy, and clean!   Here are three ways you can use soap color bars.  

What's the hype with soy candles? And why do so many sustainability-oriented candlemakers prefer them? The answer is simple. Soy candles are a cleaner, all-natural, plant-based wax and have unique benefits. Here's the breakdown as to why soy wax is different, how it compares to paraffins, and why it's the perfect choice for your next candle project or cozy night in. Read on to learn more. Soy wax is derived from hydrogenated soybean oil. That means it's made entirely from soybeans as opposed to petroleum or animals. Hydrogenation refers to the process of adding hydrogen, a naturally occurring element, to soy oil, which is where it gets its creamy, waxy texture. And why it's perfect for candle making. Unlike paraffin wax, which is the result of refining crude oils, soy wax is a renewable and biodegradable option. That's why it's so sought after by eco-conscious crafters and customers alike. In short, soy candles are free from synthetic ingredients, unlike many of its alternatives. Looking to get started with soy wax? Explore our full range of soy waxes here. Clean and Safe BurningSoy candles are ideal for indoor use because burning them creates far less soot than paraffin candles. That's especially noteworthy for those of us who prioritize air quality. With proper wick trimming and burning techniques, a soy candle can be nearly soot-free. The result? Fewer stains on your walls and ceilings, and most importantly, a cleaner environment in your home. Non-Toxic & NaturalAnother boon of all-natural, plant-based soy candles is that they're free of the toxins that plague petroleum-derived candles. Soy candles don't release harmful carcinogens, making them perfect for a health-conscious household. That said, don't be fooled by "all-natural candles." Some manufacturers sell products that are soy-blended with paraffin and other additives. For a truly non-toxic experience, make a point to read labels and check ingredients for potentially harmful additives. If purity is a focus for you, check the ingredients for "100% soy wax".Eco-Friendly and SustainableSoybeans are a renewable resource. And many soy waxes are sourced from crops grown in America. This supports sustainable agriculture and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance imports. Plus, soy wax is biodegradable, which means any accidental spills or discarded remnants won't linger in the earth. Key DifferencesLet's break down the key contrasts:Feature - Soy Wax - Paraffin WaxSource - Plant-based (soybeans) - Petroleum-basedSoot Production - Low - HighBurn Time - Longer - ShorterScent Throw - Softer cold throw, strong hot throw - Stronger cold throwSustainability - Renewable & biodegradable - Non-renewableToxicity - Non-toxic when 100% soy - May release harmful compoundsCommon MisconceptionsThe myth that soy candles don't have a strong throw scent has been debunked! Sure, an unlit soy candle may be a bit subtle, but once they're burning, they have strong scent throw. That's especially true when they're paired with quality fragrance oils and are poured under ideal temperatures. Soy candles, when crafted correctly, are non-toxic. Because soy is a vegetable-based wax, it doesn't release carcinogens and other potentially harmful toxins when burning. However, that's not the same thing as "cleaning" or "purifying" the air. The misconception comes from the fact that soy candles won't add pollution to the air, unlike paraffins. For safety-conscious crafters, it's a good idea to consult IFRA recommendations for fragrance and safe-use standards. No wax is perfect, and soy has its quirks. Frosting: This white, crystalline layer doesn't affect performance but can impact aesthetics. It's common with soy and part of its natural charm. Fragrance Throw: Soy holds fragrance well but may require proper cure times and precise temperatures to shine. Soy holds fragrance well, but for the end product to give off a strong scent throw, it does require more focus during the candle-making process, specifically cure times and temperature during pours. Cost: Slightly more expensive than paraffin, though still affordable and long-burning. To improve results: Use wicks sized for soy's lower melt point. Allow candles to cure for 7–10 days before burning. Control your pour temp (ideal is around 135–145°F for fragrance incorporation). Soy wax is an excellent choice for: Families concerned about indoor air quality People with scent or smoke sensitivities Eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce waste Makers who want to offer premium, plant-based candle lines If you value clean-burning, sustainable, and elegant candles, soy is your wax. If you're inspired to try soy wax firsthand, there's no better time to start. Whether you're a seasoned soap and candle crafter or someone looking for a new hobby, soy wax is forgiving, versatile, and deeply rewarding to work with. Explore our soy wax or other waxes and all-natural candles collections to find the right product for you!

Essential oils are a fabulous addition to any of our home made products. With their amazing fragrances and therapeutic benefits, they're a natural fit for just about any recipe. But with great power comes great responsibility, and there are a few things to consider when using citrus essential oils.

This article addresses commonly asked questions related to making bath soaks, bath fizzies, bath tea, bath salts, and powdered milk bath.

Avocado oil has become a popular ingredient in handmade skincare and hair care products, praised for its rich, emollient texture and nourishing properties. While widely recognized in culinary use, this natural oil is also valued in beauty formulations for its ability to soften, hydrate, and enhance the appearance of skin and hair. Whether incorporated into lotions, soaps, or hair treatments, avocado oil is a versatile addition to any DIY beauty routine. Derived from the flesh of the avocado fruit, avocado oil is a plant-based oil known for its lightweight feel and ability to absorb into the skin without leaving a heavy residue. It is often used in cold process soaps, body butters, scrubs, and hair masks as a conditioning ingredient. Because of its smooth application, avocado oil is favored by formulators looking to add moisture-boosting elements to their handcrafted creations. Many crafters include avocado oil in skincare products because it is reported to support hydration and enhance the look and feel of dry or rough skin. The oil's naturally rich texture makes it a popular choice for body butters, lotions, and facial creams.Moisturizing PropertiesOne of the most commonly referenced benefits of avocado oil for skin is its potential to help maintain moisture levels. It is often used in creams and balms that are designed to provide a soft and supple appearance. Some skincare enthusiasts prefer avocado oil because it has been known to absorb quickly without leaving a greasy feel.Enhancing the Look of Dry or Mature SkinAvocado oil is frequently included in formulations intended to improve the appearance of dry or mature skin. It has the potential to create a more plump and refreshed look when used in overnight serums, body butters, and deep-conditioning masks.Reported Soothing PropertiesMany DIY skincare makers incorporate avocado oil into their creations because it is believed to help the skin feel more comfortable, particularly in formulations for sensitive or stressed skin. Adding a few drops to a body butter or face cream may contribute to a more soothing experience. Beyond skincare, avocado oil has been known to be a favorite in hair care formulations due to its lightweight yet conditioning properties.Supporting Hydration for Dry HairOne of the key benefits of avocado oil for hair is its ability to act as a conditioning agent. It has the potential to improve the appearance of dry or brittle strands when used in hair masks or leave-in treatments. Many DIY formulators add avocado oil to their handcrafted shampoos and conditioners to help maintain a smooth and soft texture.Helping with Scalp ComfortAvocado oil is sometimes included in scalp serums and treatments because it is reported to create a more nourished and refreshed feeling on the scalp. Some people prefer it as a lightweight alternative to heavier oils when looking to support overall scalp care. Avocado oil is easy to incorporate into handmade beauty products. Some popular applications include: Cold Process & Melt & Pour Soaps: Adds a conditioning element to soaps without a heavy feel. Lotions & Creams: A luxurious addition to body butters and daily moisturizers. Hair Masks & Conditioners: Often used in deep-conditioning treatments for a soft, healthy-looking finish. Facial Serums & Oils: Blended with other carrier oils for a lightweight, hydrating touch. While the health benefits of avocado oil are still widely discussed, its role in skincare and hair care formulations makes it a staple for many DIY crafters. Whether you're looking to enhance the benefits of avocado oil on skin or explore how it can be used in hair care, this multi-purpose oil provides plenty of opportunities to create nourishing, high-quality beauty products.Ready to incorporate avocado oil into your next project? Explore our selection of high-quality oils to find the perfect addition to your formulations.

The global baby personal care market is currently valued at around USD 56 billion and is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 7% from 2016 to 2024. Increased awareness among consumers regarding child hygiene is a primary factor driving the increase in the baby personal care market.

We love the smell of honey scented personal care products and the look of dripping honey pairs nicely with this trend! Real honey is too messy and sticky to drip on the side, so we combined ingredients to look and drizzle like honey. We placed bath bombs, MP soap and CP soap on trays and then drizzled the ‘honey’ on top. It worked best to move back and forth pouring mostly on the sides of the product from the top. We tried pouring only on top with the hope the excess would trickle down the sides, but we ended up with a lot of ‘honey’ on top and almost none on the sides. We also found using a soap cutter to cut the soap bars from the excess soap on the tray worked well. Each honey drizzle was made from different ingredients that paired best with the product.

Vanilla Color Stabilizer (VCS) is a fragrance technology designed specifically for the soap and cosmetic industry. It is used in soap and cosmetics to prevent/reduce the browning of product due to vanilla content in fragrance oil. Vanilla Color Stabilizer is a proprietary blend that can be listed as “fragrance” on your label. This is because when you mix it with your chosen fragrance oil, you are technically creating a new fragrance.

What Is Gelled Soap?Most of us learn about gelling the first time we experience a partial gel. A partial gel happens when the inside of your soap heats up enough to become gelatinous and translucent while the outside retains a cooler temperature. The resulting soap has a circle throughout it where the inside circle is brighter and the outside edges are muted. The problem is purely aesthetic. Generally, soap makers try to avoid partial gel by either gelling their soap completely or preventing the soap from gelling at all. In this column, we will discuss three ways you can force gel phase.

How do shampoo, conditioner and other styling products keep our hair bouncin’ and behavin’?