Articles

mi·ca | cosmetic colorMica colors sparkle, shimmer and give products the sizzle a maker is looking to achieve. When paired with the coordinating aroma of a fragrance or essential oil, effective pigments create exciting designs that stimulate several senses of buying consumers. Color is first caught by the eye, then fragrance is breathed in through the nose and the brain takes this input and stimulates the imagination!

Pumpkins aren't just great for decorations and pie making anymore. With their essential vitamins and nutrients they're also a great way to spice up your fall skincare lines!

Remember filling crazy shaped bottles of rainbow sand at your favorite vacation destinations? We decided to take a spin on this kid-friendly project and use bath salts, because rainbow is back…and it’s not just for unicorns! Not only do these colorful bottles look cute, but they smell great and can be used during bath time. This project is fun, easy and favored by kids of all ages. Make time to take a half hour out of a rainy day and let the kids get creative.

Whether you're a seasoned soap maker or just starting out, understanding the intricacies of trace in cold process soap making is crucial. Every soap making journey is bound to encounter a few hurdles along the way, and being equipped with the knowledge to diagnose and rectify these issues is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into what trace means in soap making, how to expedite or decelerate the trace process, and how to identify and address false trace. So, let's dive in and master the art of controlling trace for impeccable cold process soap.

What is it about your favorite cosmetic and soap supply company that keeps you coming back? Is it quality products? Is it friendly and courteous customer service? Is it quick delivery? Is it free shipping? All of the attributes that you appreciate in your go-to supplier should be what you strive to incorporate into your own business.

“Crane berries”, the familiar berry accompaniment to holiday meals, are also one of the most versatile antibacterial herbs.

A new year marks an opportunity to take note of which aspects of your business worked in your favor and which you may need to adjust—including your own perspective and attitude. Here are a few tips to help you make the lens through which you view the world a little more positive—both for the good of your business, and your enjoyment as an entrepreneur.

The definition of branding is no longer limited to labels, logos and packaging; these are only subsets of a much larger category. Due to social media, and greater awareness in general, today’s savvy consumers want to buy from brands they trust. So, it’s important to give your customers a reason to know, like and trust your brand. We do that by brand storytelling.

Just like the seasons, things are bound to change and how you handle that change can determine the balance in your life. Here are some quick tips to create change on your own terms!

Many soap makers love plastic molds for their beautifully detailed designs and their economical price, but they can be tricky to use with cold process soap. Plastic molds come in a variety of designs that include molds for practically every holiday or event and molds that complement a wide variety of colors, fragrances and other soap making ingredients. Some of our favorite Milky Way® molds for this issue of Handmade include the Aloe Vera Soap Mold, Bee and Honeycomb Soap Mold, Lavender Guest Soap Mold and the Oatmeal Rounded Soap Mold. We have found three tricks that make for consistently molded soap bars in plastic molds. Pictured: Cold process soap with Crafter's Choice® Energy Fragrance Oil and Safflower Powder. Molded with Milky Way™ Henna Teardrop Soap Mold (MW 258)

The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical plant with edible fruit consisting of multiple berries that have come together and formed a single mass. It is the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae family. Pineapples contribute to over 20% of the world production of tropical fruits and as a crop are second only to bananas as the most important harvested fruit. Both the root and fruit of the pineapple may be eaten or applied topically as an anti-inflammatory or as a proteolytic (exfoliating) agent. 

Selling soap at farmers' markets and similar events can be an effective and inexpensive way to build brand recognition in your community, engage with new audiences and give customers an opportunity to see, smell and experience your products in a way that online venues simply can’t accommodate. Selling handmade soap at a farmers' market or another popular event can mean plenty of foot traffic, but it also demands that you take extra steps to capture visitors’ attention and drive sales. Try these tips to help drive traffic to your booth and master how to sell at farmers' markets and other special events.