A Handmade Soaper's Blog

Saturday, February 7, 2009

What's your favorite thing to make?

For the last few months I have been furiously formulating, researching, testing, scrapping and occasionally clapping over the latest bath & body products I've been developing to add to my inventory.  My poor husband has been so patient with this hobby of mine, and finally has stopped asking, 'Now what are you making?  More?  WHY?!'.  

My desk is covered with scraps of paper with percentages and formulas written out, my notebooks are full to bursting with my notes and results and my shower is packed full of soaps and scrubs.  My nightstand is covered with jars of shea, bottles of lotions and there is an open lip balm in every room.  

Last night, I was running a (teeny-tiny, I swear) trial on my finalized sugar scrub (I am debating whipped vs. non-whipped, it doesn't change the formula at all, just the finished texture) and my Sweet looked over at me and asked, 'What are you doing?' with that 'I thought you were satisfied with that formula' look on his face.  I just smiled back and said, 'I'm creating!'.  He laughed and after a minute asked me, 'What is it that you like to create best?'.  

Well, that question stumped me for a minute.  There are soooo many aspects of bath and body products that make them fun to create.  The two reasons that are the highlights to me are the chemistry and the art.  I love making lip balms; I swear they look like gorgeous swirling pools as they are poured and cool.  I love making whipped shea (it's the beauty of the meringue-like finish and the fun clean-up that gets me.....actually packaging the stuff is a downside, I'll admit).  I love making the lotion and scrub; it's just amazing to me everytime I make them and see water and oil meeting and deciding to be friends!  But, I think most of all, my all time favorite product to create is soap.  Soap making is the best of both highlights; I get to experience the chemistry and formulation phase which is very interesting to me, and I get to be an artist as well, playing with colors, layers and textures.  

So, now I'm curious.....what is it that you like to create?  Why?  

5 Comments:

Blogger Patrice @ The Soap Seduction said...

I love making cold processed soap, but I hate the clean up! I like making lip balms too:-D

February 7, 2009 3:53 PM

 
Blogger Ann said...

Your hubby sounds a bit like mine. I'm usually in my workroom into the wee hours of the morning working on some project or another. And he asks, "Are you ever coming to bed?"
I enjoy creating things with paper...themed albums, home decor, ATC cards, etc.
I got my order yesterday from your mom and I could hardly wait until this morning to try out the soap! I didn't wait to try the lip balm sample (thanks!) and the shea butter, though. That's some yummy stuff! I LOVE it! And this morning I used the Serenity soap. Wow! It's wonderful!!! You're so talented. Thanks!!!

February 7, 2009 8:31 PM

 
Blogger Krystall said...

I love to create- well anything. Making something that was not there before is such a wonderful feeling. So far my best creations (although not technically mine) are my children. ;)

With crafts, I love designing jewelry, and making hair bows and flowers. I also enjoy drawing- I'd love to take a class someday.

I love the products you create. You are an artist and a scientist, all rolled in to one.

February 9, 2009 2:43 PM

 
Blogger J. Johnson said...

Creating anything is a wonderful feeling, but I would have to say right now my fav is soap. I work with my sister, and I made my second batch of hand-milled soap a few days ago, nothing beats the feeling of washing your hands with something you made yourself:) By the way, I love your blog!

February 10, 2009 11:29 AM

 
Blogger Katrina said...

I love things that have color and pattern. So at the moment my favorite is quilts. I think I design more than I will possibly ever be able to make.

February 10, 2009 4:18 PM

 

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