Help & How Tos

Watch how to make this lovely, exfoliating body polish! This scrub contains mango butter and coconut oil which will leave your skin moisturized, while the combination of pink sea salts and sugar help to exfoliate and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Bath salts are a fun and simple project that is great for any age! They are an excellent add-on to your product line. You can add many different things to bath salts including milk powders, botanicals and even citric acid/baking soda to make fizzing bath salts. 

Learn how to swirl melt and pour soap in this ‘Simple Secrets’ video. In this video we swirl blue and white soap to create this design. When swirling, it is important for the soap temperatures to be close to the same, and to use wax-coated dividers to separate the pours. Watch this video to learn more about swirling soap.

Shower steamers are a fantastic way to add aromatherapy to your shower. Place the steamer on the shower floor opposite the shower head so the steam and mist gently activate it. Use different fragrances and herbs based on your needs: mints for sickness, orange or rosemary for energy, and lavender for relaxation. The possibilities are endless! Large Mixing Bowl Measuring Container Rubber Gloves Sifter or Sieve Witch Hazel Disposable Pipette Large Bath Bomb Mold (4 cavities) Citric Acid (1 cup) Baking Soda (2 cups) Royal Blue Mica Body Safe Fragrance Oil 0.15 cc Scoop Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda Measure 2 cups of baking soda. Sift it into a large mixing bowl to remove clumps. Step 2: Add Citric Acid Measure 1 cup of citric acid. Sift it into the mixing bowl. Step 3: Add Color Add 4 scoops of Royal Blue Mica. Mix thoroughly by hand until evenly colored. Step 4: Add Fragrance Use a pipette to add 4-5 ml of body safe fragrance oil. Add the oil drop by drop, mixing well between additions to prevent fizzing. Step 5: Add Witch Hazel Spritz the mixture with witch hazel from a spray bottle. Mix briskly by hand, breaking up any clumps. Continue spritzing and mixing until the mixture holds together like wet sand. Step 6: Mold the Steamers Press the mixture firmly into the mold cavities. After filling, press on one side to release the steamers. This mixture makes 8 shower steamers. Step 7: Dry the Steamers Let the steamers dry for 24 hours. Once hardened, wrap them in wax paper or cling wrap, or store in an airtight container. Follow these steps for the best DIY shower steamer recipe, and enjoy your personalized aromatherapy shower experience! How can I customize my shower steamer recipe with different essential oils?You can easily customize your DIY shower steamer recipe by using different essential oils to suit your mood and needs. For a relaxing shower, try lavender or chamomile. For an energizing effect, use peppermint or eucalyptus. The best DIY shower steamer recipe allows for flexibility with essential oils to create your perfect aromatherapy experience.How do I store my DIY shower steamers to keep them fresh?To keep your DIY shower steamers fresh and effective, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Moisture and humidity can cause the steamers to prematurely activate, so it's best to avoid storing them in the bathroom. Proper storage ensures that your best shower steamer recipe retains its potency until you're ready to use them.Can I add colors or decorations to my shower steamers?Yes, you can add colors and decorations to your shower steamers for a personalized touch. Use mica powders or natural colorants to add a splash of color to your best DIY shower steamer recipe. You can also sprinkle dried herbs or flowers on top for a decorative and aromatic addition. Just be mindful that some additives may affect the dissolving process.How can I make my shower steamers more potent?To make your shower steamers more potent, you can increase the amount of essential oils in your recipe. Be sure to follow safety guidelines for essential oil usage to avoid skin irritation. Additionally, placing the steamer in direct contact with the water stream will help release more fragrance, enhancing your aromatherapy experience with this best shower steamer recipe.

Crafter's Choice Melt and Pour Soap Bases are available in twenty-four pound blocks. These soap blocks are more economical than the two-pound trays allowing you to save money and keep your prices competitive. In this video, we share some secrets about handling soap blocks. To keep the soap pristine, our manufacturer pours soap directly into plastic liners. This prevents contamination, which is important in providing the highest quality product. As a result of this process, sometimes the plastic liner creases while soap is being poured. The soap then hardens around the plastic bag. Watch this video to learn how to easily remove the soap block from the plastic liner.

How to use a simple salad shooter to create beautiful soaps!

Learn how to rebatch cold process soap in this short 'Simple Secrets' video. Generally, we rebatch soap when we know we forgot a specific ingredient or we did not like how the soap turned out the first time. Rebatch soap has a more rustic look that many customers love as well!

Coloring soap is an exciting part of the soap-making process, offering a chance to customize your creation to suit your tastes or match your branding. The journey to finding the perfect hue involves selecting the right soap colorants and knowing how much to use. Let's explore the best ways to add colors to your soap, focusing on methods that are both effective and beginner-friendly. Using premixed liquid colorants is a straightforward method, allowing for precise control over the intensity of the color. This technique involves adding the colorant to the soap base and mixing until the desired shade is achieved. It's suitable for beginners and offers consistent results, making it a popular choice among soap makers. When it comes to coloring soap, you have a wide range of options, each offering its unique finish and appeal. Here's a breakdown of the various colorants you can use to add vibrancy and depth to your soap creations:MicasMicas are fine mineral powders that can add shimmer and pearlescence to your soaps. They come in a plethora of colors, from natural hues to bright, vivid shades. Micas are particularly popular for their ability to create a sparkling effect in the soap, making them a favorite for decorative soaps. They're best used in melt-and-pour soap bases or mixed with a little alcohol or oil before being added to cold-process soap to ensure even distribution.Natural Pigments and DyesNatural pigments are derived from plants, minerals, and other natural sources. These include clays, spices, and botanical extracts. Natural colorants not only offer a range of beautiful, earthy tones but can also provide additional benefits to the soap, such as exfoliating properties from clays or antioxidant benefits from certain botanicals. However, the colors from natural pigments can be more muted compared to synthetic dyes and may fade over time when exposed to light.Oxides and UltramarinesOxides and ultramarines are synthetic pigments that are lab-made but replicate natural minerals. They are non-toxic and offer a wide range of vibrant colors, from deep blues and greens to bright yellows and reds. These pigments are stable in soap and do not bleed or fade, making them ideal for creating bold and colorful designs in cold-process soap.Liquid DyesLiquid dyes are another popular choice for coloring soap. They are easy to use, especially for beginners, as they can be added directly to your soap base and mixed well. Liquid dyes are great for achieving vibrant colors and are suitable for both melt and pour and cold process soap making. However, they can bleed into other colors in your soap over time, so they might not be the best choice for intricate designs.LabColorsLabColors are highly concentrated liquid dyes specifically formulated for soap making. They can produce a wide range of colors, from pastels to deep, rich shades. LabColors need to be diluted before use and require precise measurement, making them more suited for experienced soap makers. They are also non-bleeding, making them excellent for layered soaps and intricate designs.Food Coloring and Other Kitchen IngredientsWhile not typically recommended for professional soap making, food colorings, spices, and even coffee or tea can be used to color homemade soaps. These ingredients are readily available and can be a fun way to experiment with soap-making at home. However, they may not provide consistent results, and some food colorings can bleed or fade. For cold process soap, micas and natural pigments are the top choices. Micas provide a shimmering effect and come in a wide range of colors, offering versatility for soap makers. Natural pigments, derived from plants and minerals, are ideal for those seeking a more natural approach to soap coloring. Both options blend well in the cold process method, ensuring an even distribution of color throughout the soap. Determining the right amount of soap colorant to use can be a bit of trial and error. A good starting point is to use one teaspoon of colorant per pound of soap base. However, the exact amount may vary depending on the type of colorant and the desired intensity of the color. It's essential to start with a smaller quantity and gradually increase it until the preferred shade is achieved. Remember, it's easier to add more colorant than to correct a color that's too intense. INFORMATION Difficulty: Moderate Yield: 30 Color Samples TIMING Prep Time: 15 minutes Perform Time: 2 hour, 30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (longer if putting through gel) SUPPLIES Digital Thermometer or Infrared Thermometer Fine Mesh Strainer (Stainless Steel) Extra Long Disposable Gloves (easily found in the dishwashing section at the local supermarket) Small Containers (for holding ingredients) Goggles Digital Scale Plastic Wrap Paper Towels Squeeze Bottle with Liner (optional) 3 x Funnel Pitchers Plexiglass or other apropriate surface to mix colorants on 2 x 15 Capacity Round Bar Silicone Soap Mold 1.5″ x 0.8″ (optional) 2 x Boards to Stabilize the Cups or Silicone Molds (we use foam board cut to 8.5″ x 11″) Pipettes (if testing any fragrance or essential oils) Embossing Stylus, Toothpick, or Other Tool to Mark Samples 1 tsp. Measuring Spoon Pointed Tip Cotton Swabs (Q-Tips) (for cleaning .15cc scoops) 30 x Skinny Sticks or Popsicle Sticks (for stirring) 30 x 0 0.15cc Measuring Scoops (or use a few and clean out with cotton swabs) Soft Brush (for use when cleaning marked soap) (we used a new baby hair brush) (optional) Permanent Marker (to mark cups if not using silicone molds) Pencil for Making Notes on Colorants or Fragrances 30 x 3 oz Paper Cups Paint Brush (for removing loose soap when marking soap) (optional) Vegetable Peeler, Planer, or Detail & Clean-Up Tool (for removing soda ash) Spatula Palette Knife (for premixing colorant with oil) Stick Blender (not pictured) If forcing Through Gel (we recommend forcing through gel if that is what you normally do): Heating Pad Timer Towels/Blankets INGREDIENTS 193 g Olive Oil (44%) (plus additional oil for dispersing colorants) 141 g Palm Oil (Melted) (32%) 105 g Coconut Oil (24%) 110 g Cold Distilled Water (25% Water as percent of oil weight) 62 g Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) (5% Super Fat/Lye Discount) 1 teaspoons Sodium Lactate (Optional) (helps soap to harden and release from mold sooner) (1 teaspoon Per Pound of Oils) If not available, dissolve 1/8 teaspoon salt per pound of hard (saturated) oils in distilled water. For this recipe use a scant 1/8 teaspoon.) 30 Colorants to Test *We will be using metric measurements for more accuracy in this recipe. Also, you don’t have to use this recipe, but if you want to use the same measurements when pouring batter into cups, use the same amount of total oil weight, super fat, and water percentages as above.DIRECTIONSBefore starting this tutorial please make sure to read all instructions.You should have a basic understanding of making cold-process soap before you begin this tutorial.Step 1 – Measure All IngredientsPut on your long sleeves, long pants, shoes, safety goggles, and gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area that is free from distractions.To make the process go faster, measure all ingredients first. To cut down on dishes, measure cold water into the funnel pitcher and measure coconut oil into a different funnel pitcher. Measure sodium hydroxide last.Step 2 – Make Lye SolutionSprinkle approximately half of the sodium hydroxide into the cold water and stir gently to avoid splashing. Make sure to avoid breathing any fumes. Repeat, and stir until mixture is dissolved. (Always add lye to water and not the other way around because of the potential lye volcano. Just remember, “Snow falls on the lake.”) Set aside in a safe place to cool.Step 3 – Make Oil SolutionMelt coconut oil in 30-second bursts until completely melted.Next, add the melted palm oil and olive oil, pouring down the side to avoid introducing air bubbles. If the mixture doesn’t appear clear, microwave in 30-second bursts until completely clear and set aside to cool.Step 4 – Prepare Colorants Decide a layout of the colorants you are going to test. Measure.15 cc of each colorant onto a glass, or Plexiglas sheet. Add a small amount of olive oil to each pile of colorant. Using a palette knife, mix each colorant until entirely incorporated. Label each cup, if you are using them as molds If using a silicone mold, make a map of which colorants you are using where. Step

This video shows how to make red soap hearts using Crafter's Choice Bath Bomb Red Powder Color. We show how to use powder color, and how color changes with different soap bases. These heart soaps are molded and packaged in the Plain Heart Clamshell. These make a great addition to your Februrary product line, and are perfect for Valentine's Day!

This solid lotion bar is packed full of nourishing food for the skin. Your skin will soak in the Hemp Oil and Mango Butter and leave it soft and moisturized. Watch and learn just how easy this lotion bar is to make!

Autumn scents are in the air along with autumn activities. This is a perfect time for a soap making tutorial to cheer on football season – it will bring out the cheers from everyone!Supplies and equipment needed:MicrowaveMicrowave safe glass containers (2)Sharp knife to cut soap into cubesSpray bottle with rubbing alcoholButter knives for stirring soapRubber glovesDisposable pipettesThermometerMini Footballs Silicone Mold20 oz UltraClear Melt & Pour soap base.5 oz White Melt and Pour soap baseA fun & sporty Fragrance OilBlackstar Gold Mica.15cc Scoop Step 1Cut up approximately .5 ounces of White Melt & Pour soap base into small cubes using a sharp knife. Melt for approximately 10 seconds. Repeat if necessary but be careful, because this is not a lot of melt and pour soap base. Leave a little un-melted soap base in the container, because the heat of the melted soap will melt whatever is remaining.Note: No need to add scent to this stage, as it is not necessary for such a small amount of soap.Step 2Taking the Mini Football silicone soap mold, spritz the cavities (football stripes) with alcohol. This allows the soap base to travel well into the nooks and crannies.Step 3Using a pipette, draw approximately 2 ml of the melted white soap base into the pipette and add it to the small cavities within the mold. Do this to all mold cavities.Step 4Spritz with alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. TIP: Sometimes the soap cools down too fast and may stop traveling to the edge of the cavity. Spritzing with alcohol will smooth it out.Step 5Continue with the remaining cavities and let set for approximately 3 minutes. This is not a lot of soap and it will set quickly. Step 1Add three .15 cc scoops of the Blackstar Gold Mica into a microwave safe glass container. Mica does not bleed and is a perfect soap colorant to use for a distinct separation of colors.Step 2Using a disposable pipette, add 4 drops of alcohol to the mica and mix well. Add more alcohol if needed, however, be conservative with the alcohol.Step 3Cut up approximately 20 oz of Ultra Clear Melt & Pour soap base into small cubes using a sharp knife. Add the cubed soap base into the container with the mica and melt in 30-second bursts. Repeat as necessary.Step 4Using a disposable pipette, add 5 ml of Bonfire Bliss Fragrance Oil and stir in slowly. This is a wonderful scent for the autumn season.Step 5Make sure the soap base is not too hot, because it will melt the white soap. The perfect pouring temperature is 130 – 135 degrees.Step 6Spritz soap cavities with alcohol to ensure adherence between the white and brown soap.Step 7Slowly pour the brown soap to the top of each cavity, completely covering the white portion. Finish off with a spritz of alcohol to remove any bubbles on top.Step 8Let the soap set for approximately two hours before attempting to release the soap from the mold. It should be hardened and cool to the touch.Step 9Turn the mold over carefully and slowly press on the bottom of the cavity to release each soap. Pull the edges of the mold away from the soap slightly to add an air pocket. Admire your work! It’s that easy! Creating football soap is a fun and creative way to combine your love for the sport with a practical craft. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect football-shaped soap using a football soap mold:Adding Fragrance: Enhance your football soap by adding fragrance oils to the melted soap base. Choose scents that are popular and complement the theme, such as leather, musk, or sandalwood. Ensure the fragrance is thoroughly mixed into the melted soap to provide an even scent throughout the soap.Preventing Air Bubbles: To minimize air bubbles in your soap, gently tap the filled mold on a flat surface to release any trapped air. You can also spritz the surface with rubbing alcohol to help pop any remaining bubbles.Layering Colors: If you want to add more intricate designs or layers to your football soap, let each layer cool slightly before adding the next. This prevents the colors from bleeding into each other while ensuring a strong bond between layers.Embedding Objects: For a fun twist, consider embedding small football-themed items, such as mini footballs or charms, within the soap. Pour a thin layer of soap, place the object, and then fill the rest of the mold. How do I remove the soap from the football soap mold without damaging it?To remove the soap from the mold without damaging it, ensure it is completely cooled and set. Gently press the mold to release the soap. If you are using a silicone mold, it should be flexible enough to allow easy removal without damaging the details.Can I make football soap without using a mold?While using a mold is the best way to achieve a detailed football shape, you can also hand-shape the soap or use cookie cutters to create a basic football outline. The results may not be as precise, but it can still be a fun and creative project.Storage and Preservation: Store your finished football soaps in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and sweating. Use airtight containers or wrap each soap in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Are you new to soap making? This is the video to watch to learn the basics to get started making soap! This video is an introduction to melt and pour soap, and instructs you how to make a simple bar soap. In this recipe we use Basic Goat Milk MP Soap Base, Revitalizing Rosemary Mint Fragrance Oil and a Euro Round Silicone Soap Mold to create this lovely soap. Once you learn the basics, you can add color, choose a different mold or choose a different fragrance to create a soap bar customized to your taste.