Selecting soap making oils and butters is a fun and personal process. Each oil and butter contributes various properties to the finished bar. For example, some oils may give a silky lather, while others may contribute extra moisturizing properties. Many soapers spend years perfecting their cold process recipes to create what they consider to be […]
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Business Insurance
As a small-scale soap maker, you have probably educated yourself about soap making, and the business side of things before you went into business. Often, however, one thing gets left out: insurance. If you assume your homeowners insurance will cover you, you are probably wrong… What about my homeowner’s policy? Homeowners policies don’t (in general) […]
Build Your Own Soap Cutter
by Catherine Failor of Milky Way Molds When it comes to cutting soap into bars, most small-scale soapmakers are faced with 2 options: laborious hand-carving or the purchase of expensive pre-fabbed cutters. But in very little time, you can create your own customized soap cutter for $50 or less. This simple but effective cutter can […]
Pricing Your Cold Process Soaps
Please note that this analysis is intended for informational purposes only. Your actual cost of goods may vary depending on shipping charges, ingredients used, and time spent on each batch of soap. First, let’s discuss some basic overhead costs incurred by any small business (be it soaping or clothing design) like heat, electricity, phone bills […]
Soap Coloring Options
The following article on soap coloring options was inspired by a reader’s question concerning the differences between oxides, micas, ultramarines and colorants and when to use which one. Soap Coloring Options: Oxides, Micas, Ultramarines – What’s the Difference? by Anne-Marie Faiola You’re right, there are a lot of soap coloring options out there. I’ll go […]
Reusing Your Packaging
Article by Michael A. McAuley One of the most lamented aspects of purchasing almost any product is the, often valuable, packaging left over once the contents have been used up or removed. However, the “King of Reuse” is here to save you from having to recycle your bottles before they’ve reached the end of their […]
History of Fragrance Oils
Fragrance Oils are widely used in soapmaking and for many other products, including candles, lotions and bath bombs to name a few. They are a cost effective, reliable method to use when scenting your product. However, not all fragrance oils are created equal… Test your Oils! Not all fragrance oils are created equal. What may […]
Men’s Fragrances
Perfume for women is big business. Often, men’s fragrances are pushed into the background, sometimes not considered a viable market. This appearance is deceptive and simply not correct…. Roots of Men’s Fragrances Even the most virile of history’s men perfumed themselves – Nero had a passion for roses and even had his banquets strewn with […]
Finding a Craft Show
Originally prepared for The Saponifier by Anne-Marie Faiola and was published in Volume 2, Issue 3. Now that you’ve created a beautiful batch of soaps, how do you share them and sell them to the public? Craft shows are an excellent place to start. Here are some tips for making your craft show experience a […]
Pricing Your Melt and Pour Soaps
Pricing Your Melt and Pour Soaps Originally prepared for The Saponifier by Anne-Marie Faiola; published in Volume 2, Issue 1 As a small business owner, you’re faced with all kinds of decisions from what brand of olive oil to use to whether to have a graphic designer design your logo. There are a whole lot […]
Soap Making Methods
There are many ways to make soap. When people talk about the soap “Grandma used to make,” they’re not talking about the pretty and colorful creations you see lining the windows of upscale salons and boutiques today. This article will discuss the basic types of soap; it is not meant to be a “How To” […]
Keeping Organized
10 Frugal and Thrifty Tips to Keep Organized by Anne-Marie Faiola, Teach Soap Not all of us can go to The Container Store and get their $967 crafters organization system (but wouldn’t it be nice if we could?) With that in mind, here are things we do at Bramble Berry and our retail store Otion […]
Using Essential Oil Safely
Essential Oils are volatile and are highly flammable. When using essential oils, please follow these general safety guidelines: • Keep away from fire or open flame • Store in a cool place • Keep out of sunlight • Plastic bottles are a no as they allow the essential oil to evaporate and take on the […]
Using Emulsifying Wax
Emulsifying Wax: What is it and how does it work? Emulsifying wax is one of the essential ingredients in making lotions and creams. Think of it as the “glue” that will hold your recipe together. We’ve all seen how oily salad dressings separate after sitting for a while. You then shake the bottle until it […]
