Help & How Tos

Who doesn’t like soaking in the tub surrounded by decadent bubbles? Making bubble bath from a base is simple and fun to do. Your customers will love it!

Utilizing a mason jar double boiler is a versatile, efficient, and gentle method for melting and blending ingredients, particularly beneficial in the crafting of homemade soaps, lotions, and other beauty products. This specialized guide aims to deepen your understanding of the mason jar double boiler technique, highlight its advantages for personal care product creation, provide essential tips for successful application, and answer commonly asked questions.Incorporating a mason jar into your double boiler setup revolutionizes the way you craft homemade beauty products. This method not only ensures the gentle and effective heating of ingredients but also enhances the overall enjoyment and success of your DIY beauty projects. When making your own soaps, lotions, balms, and other beauty products, controlling ingredient temperature is crucial to achieving the perfect consistency and preserving the integrity of sensitive components like essential oils and butters. A mason jar double boiler facilitates this control, offering a safe and effective way to heat and mix your ingredients. Gentle Heating: Using a mason jar in a double boiler setup provides a mild and even heat that's ideal for melting shea butter, beeswax, and other base ingredients without risking the degradation of their beneficial properties. Precision and Safety: This method allows for precise temperature control, minimizing the risk of overheating delicate ingredients. It also keeps direct heat away from glass, reducing the chance of breakage. Clean and Convenient: The mason jar serves as both a melting pot and storage container, streamlining the process and reducing cleanup. Its transparency allows for easy monitoring of the melting process. Avoid Full Water Immersion: Ensure the water level in the pot is low to prevent any moisture from seeping into your product. Steady Heat: Maintain a low to medium heat to keep the water simmering gently, ensuring a consistent temperature without boiling away the water. Handling Care: Mason jars will become hot; use oven mitts or a towel when handling the jar to avoid burns. Jar Integrity: Inspect your mason jar for any cracks or chips before each use. A compromised jar may break when exposed to heat. Is a mason jar double boiler safe for all beauty product ingredients?Yes, a mason jar double boiler is suitable for most beauty product ingredients. The key is to heat gently and avoid sudden temperature changes that could crack the glass or degrade sensitive ingredients.Should I leave my mason jar double boiler unattended while heating?It's important to never leave your double boiler unattended. Regular monitoring ensures the water level is maintained and that the ingredients are melting as expected.Can I use a mason jar double boiler to melt wax for homemade candles?A double boiler can make a 4-6 oz candle if using soy wax. Typically it would not be recommended to use a double boiler for larger batches.What's the best way to clean my mason jar after using it for lotions or soaps?Allow the jar to cool slowly to room temperature. Wipe out excess oil, as oil from lotions should not go down a sink drain. Washing it with warm, soapy water should remove any residue. For tougher residues, soaking the jar first can help loosen and remove the material.

This video demonstrates how to make Baby Massage Lotion. Our recipe uses Crafter’s Choice Gentle Face and Baby Cream with Fractionated Coconut Oil and Bedtime Bath Type Fragrance Oil. The fragrance smells of a comforting blend of lavender and musk and the finished lotion is soft and moisturizing. Watch this video to learn more.

How to Make Lip Gloss from Versagel Lip Base - 3 Part Process Versagel lip gloss is one of the hottest products on the market. Making versagel base lip gloss is simple! Just heat, mix, and fill!   Heat 4 parts versagel and 1 part MCT Oil in separate microwave-safe containers. Continue until base reaches 160°F. Mix the heated ingredients together, and in a separate container, mix flavor (up to 3%*)  and color. Combine and mix all ingredients together. (Adjust MCT Oil or colors for desired consistency or color). Fill containers with finished lip gloss mixture using a syringe* or a spatula.   For a specific recipe example, try our Strawberry Lip Gloss Wand Recipe! 

This video shows melt and pour soap making secrets for creating pinwheel soap. Wrapped in a cut cello bag this soap resembles hard candies! We used Emerald Green Glitter to create the green color, and scented this soap with Peppermint Cream Fragrance Oil and Warm Vanilla Sugar Fragrance Oil. Put your own spin on this soap by using a different color and scent. Peppermint, Spearmint or Wintergreen Essential Oils are some natural scenting options.  

In this video newsletter, learn more about the amazing education we offer for hobbyists and professional makers. “Hello Summer!" is full of bright, summery sweet content that will inspire you during your downtime! This magazine features some classic summer favorites like Aloe Butter, as well as new trends like Micellar Water. Our new books are written for all maker levels. Each have amazing reviews. In-stock and ready to ship

Coffee and the caffeine in coffee are both thought to have beneficial properties to soap and also add label and marketing appeal to handmade soap bars. Watch this short video to learn how to incorporate this popular drink into your next batch of soap! In this video we show using fresh brewed coffee, coffee grounds, caffeine extract, espresso fragrance and coffee butter to create a coffee-filled soap that smells amazing!

This article provides some of the common terminology associated with melt & pour soapmaking. 

Join Debbie May on Facebook Live as she demonstrates how to use the Crafter's Choice column molds. Get her tips and tricks on how to make fun embeds with the mold and on some great ways to make sure your soap turns out every time! 

Today, we delve into the enchanting world of candle making, exploring the use of mica powder—a versatile and vibrant mineral pigment that can add a touch of magic to your creations. In this guide, we'll address the burning questions: Can you use mica powder in candles, how to add it to your candle-making process, and ways to creatively decorate your candles with this fine, shimmering powder.

This video demonstrates how easy it is to use the Round 2 ¾” Column Silicone Soap Mold. A perfect tool to embed soap made with smaller columns! Crafter’s Choice offers tree, heart, star and daisy column molds which work perfectly in this mold. 

These DIY bath melts have a slightly different twist. We’re adding Dead Sea Salts and herbs to give you an idea of some of the many things you can add to bath melts to make these a wonderful gift.Supplies and equipment needed:Microwave – or – Mini-Melting Pot (optional)Microwave safe glass containerButter knives for stirringSpoonMeasuring spoonRubber glovesCutting Board (not shown)Digital ScaleDisposable pipettesGuest Size Round Soap Mold (6 cavities)Cocoa ButterShea ButterYellow Beeswax Pastilles – or – White Beeswax PastillesDead Sea SaltsBody Safe Fragrance OilCalendula Flowers Step 1: Add 1/4 teaspoon of Beeswax Pastilles to the microwave safe container. I’m adding a little bit of wax to help keep them firmer for a bit longer outside of the refrigerator. This won’t affect the ability to melt in the bath.Step 2: Place your glass container on the scale and tare out the container (zero out the scale). Weigh out 2 ounces of Cocoa Butter.Step 3: Keeping the container on the scale, tare it out once more and add 2 ounces of Shea Butter.Step 4: Slowly melt the butters and beeswax in a microwave for 30 seconds at a time. The Beeswax will melt with the oils. Stir between each 30-second set. When it is almost melted and there are small chunks left in the container, remove from the microwave and stir with a knife or spoon and the remaining will melt, cooling the mixture at the same time.Optional: if you have Mini Melting Pot, add the beeswax and measured butters to this pot instead of the microwave.Step 5: Using a disposable pipette, add 24 drops of body safe fragrance oil to the melted butters and stir well. For this tutorial I chose Sea Salt and Rice Flower Fragrance Oil which is a clean, fresh, spa-like scent.Add approximately 1% of fragrance oil to the bath melt base.When using a pipette to dispense your fragrance oil:1 ounce of base: add 6 drops of fragrance oil = 1%2 ounces of base: add 12 drops of fragrance oil = 1%3 ounces of base: add 18 drops of fragrance oil = 1%Important: Because we are not using a silicone mold, please make sure the melted butters are not poured too hot as it may warp the mold. Best temperature to pour is between 135 and 145 degrees.Optional: use a thermometer at this stage, however, because the butters did not fully melt and you later added fragrance oil, the melted base should be at the correct temperature for pouring.Place the mold onto a cutting board to make it easier to carry after they’re all poured.Calendula infused bath melts:Step 6: Now is the time to get creative – take a pinch of Calendula Petals and place in the mold cavities. Slowly pour the bath melt mixture into the cavities. Experiment with different dried flowers and herbs!Sea salt infused bath melts:Step 7: Pour the bath melt mixture into the cavities first but do not pour to the top because you’ll need room for the Dead Sea Salts. Slowly add the Dead Sea Salts to the cavities until they are full.Step 8: After you have poured all of the mixture, carefully place the mold into the refrigerator. This is where the cutting board comes in handy! Wait approximately 20 minutes.Step 9: After the Bath Melts have hardened, place them in the freezer for approximately 10 – 15 minutes.Step 10: Now it’s time to take them out of the mold. Carefully remove them and store them in a container of your choice and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. One little cube is more than enough for a luxurious bath!Why store in the refrigerator? When using butters, it is best to keep the items in the refrigerator to keep them firm. Even though I am adding some beeswax, it is only a small amount and these will still melt or soften if left out in warmer weather. When you are ready to use one, take one out of the fridge and pop it in the bath. You will love the scent and butter/oil mixture on your skin!SUPER IMPORTANT: We are using butters and oil in this recipe. Your bathtub will be SLIPPERY – so be careful when getting in and out of the tub. After your bath you will need to clean it to ensure it’s not slippery when getting back in. This is very important. Creating your own infused bath melts is a delightful way to enhance your bathing experience with luxurious, skin-loving ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your bath melts turn out perfectly: Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use will directly affect the final product. Opt for organic butters like shea, cocoa, or mango butter, and use pure essential oils for fragrance. These ingredients will not only smell wonderful but also nourish your skin. Infusion Process: To infuse your bath melts with herbs or botanicals, you can either mix dried herbs directly into the melted butters or infuse the oils beforehand. Infusing oils is a gentle process that involves soaking the herbs in the carrier oil for several weeks, then straining before use. Additives for Extra Benefits: Consider adding other skin-loving ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, honey, or vitamin E oil. These additives can provide additional moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties to your bath melts. Mold Selection: Use silicone molds to shape your bath melts. Silicone molds make it easy to remove the melts once they’ve hardened, and they come in various shapes and sizes to add a fun, decorative element to your bath products. Add Colorants Carefully: If you want to add color to your bath melts, use skin-safe colorants like mica powders or liquid soap dyes. Ensure that the colorants are thoroughly mixed to avoid staining the tub or skin. Always start with a small amount and build up to your desired shade. Label and Gift Your Bath Melts: Homemade bath melts make wonderful gifts. Label your creations with the ingredients and usage instructions. You can package them in pretty jars or boxes to create a thoughtful and personalized gift. What is the best butter to use for a DIY bath melt recipe?Shea butter and cocoa butter are popular choices for bath melts. They are both deeply moisturizing and melt easily in warm bath water, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished.How do I store my homemade bath melts?Store your bath melts in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. If your home is particularly warm, you may want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent melting.Can I use fresh herbs in my bath melt recipe?It's best to use dried herbs in your bath melts to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Fresh herbs contain moisture, which can spoil your bath melts over time.Are there any essential oils I should avoid in my bath melts?Avoid using essential oils that can cause skin irritation or are not recommended for bath use, such as cinnamon, clove, or oregano. Always use essential oils that are safe for topical application and dilute them properly.Can I make bath melts without using essential oils?Yes, you can make bath melts without essential oils. You can use other natural ingredients like cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or finely ground herbs to add fragrance and benefits.How can I make my bath melts more luxurious?Add ingredients like rose petals, gold mica powder, or a few drops of luxurious oils like argan or jojoba to make your bath melts even more indulgent.