A Handmade Soaper's Blog

Sunday, June 29, 2008

New

I got my shipment of new FOs (fragrance oils) and so I got busy putting them to use!

The White Ginger Amber FO turned out gorgeous. I did a light swirl, and the fragrance turned out to be just as light, which was a relief since it came across quite perfume-y in the bottle.

Restocked on the Oatmeal, Milk and Honey soap. Varied it slightly from the origional, with a more mild formula and only an oatmeal swirl, as opposed to oatmeal throughout the entire bar.

My fresh linen/ grass stain combo will get a new name, and has been restocked for the craft show! I think it will do really well in Snowflake.

Wish I could post pictures, but my camera is MIA right now. Pictures to come later, of all the recent cuts.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Making the Cut

I don't think I will ever tire of the thrill of unmolding and cutting a fresh soap; the way the top looks in the mold really isn't much of an indication as to what is hiding inside. Each slice into the soap log is different, with the first being your clue as to what the soap will be like. I've had soaps that were rejected with frustration after that first cut, and others that I just couldn't cut fast enough as I couldn't wait to see the rest of it.

After last week's huge push (5-7 batches/ day!) I have slowed down a bit. I really wanted to be sure to have stock up for the show in Snowflake, and now I can go at a more normal pace! I cut 2 from yesterday, and poured 2 new ones today.

Yesterday's 2 both turned out fantastic! I really love the food fragrances (fruits, mochas, etc.) as opposed to florals (with the exception of a few choice blossoms: jasmine, lavender, lilac...) so I selfishly stuck to my own preferences when I made a new fruit bar: Farm Stand, with a unique blend of fruit fragrances.


The other log was Kumquat (an instant favorite the first time I soaped it!), and the ITP swirl had some interesting twists to it. Smells WONDERFUL, of course!

I really had been wanting to try a salt bar, so that was on my 'to-do' list today. I wasn't happy with the grain of salt I had though, so I processed it (3lbs!!) until it was more fine. Simple recipe; old stand-by 100%CO/20%SF 1:1 salt & oils. I used my favorite FO (ok, so not just food FOs are favorites), Sandalwood Vanilla by Brambleberry (wait, it's got vanilla--does that make it a food FO?). Following some good advice, I only let it sit about an hour before I unmolded it and cut it. Only a few bars didn't make the cut (breaking as I cut-- those will become 'salt sticks' instead of 'salt bars' for those who want to try it without committing to a full bar), and the rest look gorgeous. Forget the month cure, I just had to lather up a piece! Great right off the bat, and will only get better the longer it sits. Love at first lather. Salt bars have a ton of benefits, but since I can't 'claim' anything....do the research on your own and then come back and get yourself some (in a month or so!!); it won't take much convincing, I'm sure!

My other pour from the day was a simple Biscotti/ Mocha, bottom and top layer were biscotti, and the middle was Mocha. Smells great, of course. I just really have a hard time soaping something I don't absolutely love!

FOs on order from Brambleberry: White Ginger Amber (way excited about!), and restocks including lavender (which they were out of last order) and the super yummy buttercream! I'll have to check my invoice to see when they will be here.....

Monday, June 23, 2008

$5 Off - Summer Sale!

We will be using this blog to announce sales, giveaways and general information about upcoming products.

The first coupon we will be offering through The Soap Deck is our Summer Sale Coupon.

First 15 customers receive $5 off any purchase over $25.(excluding tax & shipping, expires July 31st)

Coupon Code : SummerSale

Coupon is appled during checkout after you select the shipping method.

$5 Off Summer Sale Coupon Code.  Save on luxury handcrafted soaps from tvala Handmade.


Check back often for great offers and upcoming luxury soaps from tvala Handmade.

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Saturday, June 21, 2008

About Us

tvåla Handmade was created to share the benefits of goat milk soaps. We believe there's something special about a handmade soap. From the ingredients chosen, to the recipes formulated, fragrances selected, occasional coloring mixed and carefully swirled, to the final product cut by hand and wrapped by us personally, there's thought and care that goes into every bar. Only fresh goat's milk from our dairy herd is used; there are no canned or powdered milk products in any tvåla soaps. We take great pride in our company, our commitment to customer service and in the products we sell. Our online store is designed to provide you with a safe and secure environment to browse our product catalog.

 

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