Help & How Tos

Discover the ultimate secret to keeping your skin hydrated and silky smooth with our exclusive Blueberry Lemon Verbena Whipped Body Butter recipe. This luxurious body butter combines the fragrant essence of sweet blueberries and refreshing lemon verbena with a blend of natural oils and butters to create a perfectly balanced, non-greasy moisturizer. Ideal for those seeking a whipped body butter recipe that leaves skin feeling soft and rejuvenated without the oily residue. Difficulty and Yield: Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, making it accessible for all levels of experience. Yield: Produces 3 x 8 oz jars, each containing 4.4 oz (125 g) of product. Crafting your DIY whipped body butter starts with understanding the basics. This recipe is designed to be simple yet effective, providing you with all the necessary details to ensure success on your first try. Preparation and Cleanup: 15 minutes to organize and sanitize your workspace. Creation Time: Approximately 1 hour to blend and whip your ingredients into perfection. Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Managing your time efficiently is key to a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience. This whipped body butter recipe non greasy formula ensures that not only your product but also your process is clean and streamlined. To embark on this aromatic journey, gather the following supplies: Digital Scale Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer Heatproof Mixing Bowl 1-2 qt Saucepan or Skillet Optional: Piping Bag and Large Star Tip Optional: Tall Drinking Glass or 1 qt Mason Jar Spatula Spray Bottle with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Pipettes (for essential oils) Paper Towels Freezer Stovetop or Portable Burner Timer 3 x 8 oz Plastic Jars with Black Dome Lids These supplies ensure a seamless crafting process, allowing you to focus on the creativity and joy of making your blueberry body butter. 9.9 oz (280 g) Mango Butter (70%) 1.4 oz (40 g) Shea Olein OR Jojoba Oil (10%) 2.5 oz (72 g) Apricot Kernel Oil (18%) 0.28 oz (8 g/about 8mL) Blueberry Lemon Verbena Fragrance Oil or Fragrance Oil of Your Choice (2%) This carefully curated blend of ingredients is designed to nourish your skin deeply. The mango butter provides a thick, rich base, while the apricot kernel oil and shea olein (or jojoba oil) offer a lightweight, silky texture, creating the perfect balance for a whipped body butter recipe non greasy feel. The blueberry lemon verbena fragrance oil adds a delightful aroma, transforming your skincare routine into a sensory experience. Before diving into this whipped body butter recipe, it's essential to carefully read through all the instructions to ensure a smooth and successful DIY experience. Prepare your work surface, utensils, and mixing bowl by sanitizing them with 70% isopropyl alcohol, ensuring everything is clean before you begin. When handling heated oils, proceed with caution to avoid any accidents, and use disposable pipettes for precise dispensing of essential oils. Remember, undiluted essential oils should never come into contact with plastic ware to maintain the integrity of the oils.Start by filling a saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer on the stovetop, setting the stage for the first step of your homemade whipped body butter. Step 1 – Melt the Butters and OilsIn this initial step, you'll be creating the base for your non-greasy whipped body butter. Combine mango butter, shea olein, and apricot kernel oil in a heatproof bowl, suitable for a stand mixer. This mixture is the foundation for both our lemon body butter and blueberry body butter variations.Position the bowl over the saucepan with simmering water, allowing the butters and oils to melt together completely. Stir occasionally with a spatula, letting the ingredients blend over about 15 minutes. Once melted, remove from heat and place in the freezer until a crust forms, approximately 20 minutes, preparing it for the next phase.Step 2 – Whip the ButterAfter chilling, it's time to whip the base into a fluffy, cloud-like consistency, transforming it into a luxurious DIY whipped body butter. Whip the body butter at a high speed until it thickens and cools, which should take around 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it forms slightly stiff peaks, indicative of the perfect texture for body butter.Now, enhance your whipped body butter with fragrance oil to create your desired scent. For a refreshing twist, add lemon essential oil for a vibrant lemon body butter, or opt for blueberry fragrance oil for a sweet, fruity blueberry body butter. Whip or stir briefly to incorporate the fragrance evenly throughout the butter.Step 3 – Pipe the ButterTo package your body butter, choose a spoon or a disposable piping bag for a more refined presentation. If using a piping bag, cut the tip and place the nozzle at the bottom before filling. Use a tall glass or mason jar to support the bag as you fill it with your whipped body butter, ensuring a mess-free process.Once filled, pipe the body butter into jars, tapping them down to remove any air pockets and ensure a smooth finish. Seal each jar with a label, marking your homemade, non-greasy whipped body butter, ready for use or gifting.Enjoy your custom-made body butter, and remember to clean up using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher cycle with the appropriate detergent, leaving your kitchen spotless and ready for your next DIY project.

It's party time! Cupcake candles look good enough to eat, smell delicious, and add just the right fun and festive touch to any occasion. Customize your cupcake candles with various scent and color combinations, or coordinate colors for holidays, seasons, events, and parties. Show your crafty side by making a sweet celebration candle! Before starting your cupcake candle making project, gather the following supplies:Materials List: Pillar/Votive WaxSuggestions: Ky 133 Versatile Paraffin Wax Blend Ky 143 Paraffin Pillar Wax (used in this tutorial) Ky Para-Soy Tart & Votive Blend Digital Scale Fragrance Oil (if desired) Candle Colorant Whipped Wax (refer to Whipped Wax Tutorial) Foil Cupcake/Muffin Liners Cupcake/Muffin Pan Zip Lock Baggie(s) Pour Pitcher Thermometer 44-24-18 Zinc Wick Presto Pot or double boiler to melt wax Metal Spoon to stir wax Safety goggles Apron to protect clothing Wax paper, old newspapers, or aluminum foil Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own diy cupcake candles:Step 1:Cover your counter with wax paper, old newspapers, or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Prepare the cupcake foil liner molds by placing pre-tabbed wicks in the center of each liner. Use a wick sticker to keep the wick centered. The wick sticker can be peeled off later. Place the wicked liners in the muffin/cupcake pan and set them aside.Step 2:Melt the candle wax using your chosen method – either a presto pot or double boiler. Follow the wax manufacturer's melting and pouring guidelines for correct temperatures. For this tutorial, KY 143 Paraffin Pillar Wax is being used, so it will need to be heated to approximately 180°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.Step 3:Set the pour pot on the digital scale and tare. Transfer the needed amount of wax to the pour pot – in this tutorial, 4 cupcake candles will be created, so 8 oz of wax will be needed. Transfer 8 oz of wax, and add 0.64 oz of Rustic Escentuals Fudge Brownie Fragrance Oil. Stir well for about 2 minutes. Then add approximately 4 drops of Rustic Escentuals Brown Premium Liquid Colorant candle dye. (More dye can be added if a darker color is desired.)Tip: To test the color, add a few drops of the colored wax onto a white surface, like a paper plate, and let it cool. This will give you a better idea of what the candle will look like when cooled. If the wax is not dark enough, add a bit more color, mix, and test again. Dyed candle wax appears darker when melted.Step 4:When the wax has cooled to approximately 175°F, pour it into the cupcake liners. Do not overfill – leave about 1/8 inch in the cupcake liner to make it easier to remove the liner from the wax later.Step 5:Once the wax has completely cooled, remove the foil liner and the wick sticker from the bottom. If the tops of the candles are wavy in appearance, this is fine because the wax frosting will cover any imperfections.Step 6:Refer to the Whipped Wax Tutorial to prepare the cupcake frosting.Step 7:When the whipped wax reaches a consistency similar to cake frosting, spoon it into a Ziploc baggie. Push the warm wax toward one corner and snip off the corner. Pipe the wax frosting onto the cupcake while keeping the wick straight. Start from the outer edge of the cupcake and work towards the center in a circular motion. Move quickly, as the wax will begin to cool and harden.Note: If the wax hardens too much during the process, simply re-melt, whip, and begin again.Step 8:Let the candles cool completely. Once completely cool, trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch, place the candle on an appropriate pillar holder, light, and enjoy! Cover the counter with wax paper, old newspapers, or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Wear safety goggles for eye protection. Hot wax splashes can cause serious eye injuries. Waxes used in making candles are similar to cooking oils – they are flammable and poured at high temperatures. With certain precautions, accidents can be avoided. NEVER HEAT WAX ABOVE 210°F. For safety, wax should be melted in a double boiler. Wax should NEVER be heated directly over an open flame or burner. Direct heating can cause wax to explode and result in serious injury. Use a thermometer to ensure proper wax pouring temperature. Never leave hot wax unattended. Keep children and pets away from the area where wax is being melted and poured. Never pour water on a wax fire. Water will cause the fire to spread. To extinguish a fire in a pan, cover the pan with its lid. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Never pour melted wax into the sink or other drains.

Are you new to soapmaking? This helpful guide will show you 'How To Make' Shower Gel using simple steps for beginners. 

This helpful guide will show you 'How To Make' Foaming Bath Whip Creations using simple steps for beginners. 

Foaming Bath Whip is used by artisans around the world to make sugar scrubs, shaving cream, soap frosting and much more. This video gives you a behind the scenes look at how the Crafter's Choice Foaming Bath Whip is made from scratch.

Are you new to making perfume? This helpful guide will show you 'How To Make' Perfume using simple steps for beginners. 

In honor of our recent National Watermelon Day, celebrate by making some luscious, summery Watermelon Soap! This is a great soap tutorial to help you honor the end of summer and also have ease of use by utilizing a silicone soap mold. So, let's have some soapy fun!Supplies and equipment needed:Microwave safe glass containersSharp knife to cut soapSpray bottle with rubbing alcoholButter knivesRubber glovesOval, Circle, or Fruit-Shaped MoldDisposable pipettesThermometer18 ounces of Ultra Clear Melt & Pour soap base3 oz of White Melt and Pour soap baseGel Soap colorants in Emerald Green and Melon RedBlack MicaWatermelon Sorbet Fragrance Oil.15 scoop If you don't have any black soap in your stash to use it's a good idea to make these well ahead of time and store for later use. These will be made using Black Mica. Note: There is no need to add fragrance oil because it is not a lot of soap.Step 1:Take 3 ounces of cubed Ultra Clear Melt and Pour soap base and place in a microwave safe glass container. Melt in the microwave in 10 — 15 second bursts until melted. This is not a lot of soap so be careful that you don't boil the soap.Step 2: Using a .15 scoop, add 1.5 scoops of Black Mica to the melted soap base and mix slowly with a butter knife until fully incorporated.Step 3: Pour into any readily available mold and let set for approximate 1 hour.Step 4: Once set, take out of mold and cut into small seed-shaped pieces and set aside. 3 watermelon wedges will be made in this soap tutorial. If you want to make more, adjust the amount of soap base accordingly. Each bar of soap will weigh 6 ounces and will need the following amounts:Red layer: 3 ouncesWhite layer: 1 ounceGreen layer: 2 ouncesStep 1: Melt 9 oz Ultra Clear melt and pour soap in a microwave in 30 – second bursts until melted. Do not burn or boil, this will result in a poor quality rubbery soap. If there are any small chunks of soap left, stir slowly; the heat of the soap will melt these small chunks. ?Step 2: Add 6 drops of Melon Red Gel Colorant to the melted soap base and stir slowly.Step 3: Using a disposable pipette add 5 ml of soap scent. For this soap tutorial, we chose Watermelon Sorbet fragrance oil. Stir in slowly until fully incorporated. Always stir the soap base slowly to avoid forming bubbles in the soap.Step 4: Set the silicone soap mold on an even surface.Step 5: Taking the melon red soap, pour a small amount in each cavity and let set. This will create a smooth top on the soap. Remember – the bottom of the soap mold will be the top of the finished soap.Step 6: Once set (approximately 5 minutes), spritz this layer and some of the previously made seeds with alcohol and place 2 – 3 seeds randomly in each cavity.Step 7: Once the seeds are placed in the mold, spritz with alcohol and then pour more red melted soap to cover them.Step 8: Repeat steps 6 – 7 using more seeds until you've poured 3 ounces of red soap into each cavity. Use about 7 to 10 seeds for each soap. Let this layer set for approximately 15 minutes.Step 9: While the melon layer is hardening, prepare the second layer using 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour soap base and 1 ml of soap fragrance oil. Do not color this layer.Step 10: Use a thermometer to monitor the white soap temperature – it should be about 140° to prevent the soap from melting between the layers.Step 11: Make sure the melon layer has hardened enough. If you are able to dent in the soap with your finger, wait a minute or two more because you want the second layer supported enough without bowing in. Spritz the melon layer liberally with alcohol (don't forget the edges). This will help the layers adhere to each other. There's nothing worse than layers separating after all your hard work!Step 12: When the temperature is right, pour the white soap in each cavity using one ounce each. Spritz with alcohol to remove any bubbles.Step 13: Let soap sit for 10 — 12 minutes to form a hardened layer.Step 14: While white layer is setting, prepare the green layer by melting 6 ounces of Clear Melt and Pour soap base, using 6 drops of Emerald Green Gel Colorant and 3 ml fragrance oil.Step 15: Monitor the temperature of the green soap and when it reaches about 140 degrees, spritz the hardened white layer liberally with alcohol and pour the green soap all the way to the top of the mold. Follow this with a final spritz of alcohol to remove any bubbles.Step 16: Let the soaps set completely, approximately 2 to 3 hours or even overnight if possible.Step 17: Turn mold over and slowly press on the corners of the mold to release the soap. Enjoy! Creating DIY watermelon soap is a fun and creative way to make delightful soap bars that are perfect for summer or as gifts. Here are some tips to help you craft the perfect watermelon soap bars:Embedding Seeds: To mimic watermelon seeds, you can also embed poppy seeds into the red layer. Pour the red soap layer halfway, sprinkle the seeds, and then fill the rest of the mold– make sure to leave room for your green layer!Using Alcohol Spray: To ensure that each soap layer adheres well to the previous one, lightly spritz the surface of the set soap with rubbing alcohol before pouring the next layer. This helps to prevent the layers from separating.Soap Mold Selection: Choose a mold that complements the shape and size you envision for your watermelon soap, from slices to circles and more. Silicone molds are flexible and make it easier to remove the finished soap without damaging the design.Curing Time: Allow the soap to cure for 12-24 hours before unmolding if possible. This ensures the soap is fully set and firm, making it easier to handle and use. Can I use natural colorants for watermelon soap?Yes, you can use natural colorants, but they may not be as vibrant as synthetic soap dyes. For green, you could use spirulina powder, for white, titanium dioxide, and for red or pink, beetroot powder or rose clay. Experiment to find the best results for your desired look.Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils in my watermelon soap?Yes, you can use essential oils instead of fragrance oils. However, essential oils may not provide as strong or lasting a scent as fragrance oils. Ensure the essential oils you choose are safe for use in soap making.Can I add exfoliants to my watermelon soap?Yes, you can add exfoliants like poppy seeds, ground walnut shells, or sugar to your watermelon soap. Add the exfoliants to the red or pink layer for a textured soap that gently exfoliates the skin. Ensure the exfoliants are evenly distributed throughout the soap layer.

Learn how to embed melt and pour soap made from a column mold into a loaf of cold process soap in this video. Soap makers love using this technique to bring the vibrant colors possible with MP soap into their CP soap designs. Also, making the embed from MP soap saves time when achieving this embedded look.

Learn how to make body mist with fragrance oil. Step-by-step body spray recipe perfect for selling. Master DIY body spray making today with our expert tips.

Creating gemstone soap rocks is not only a fun and creative process but also surprisingly easy! Even if you're new to soap making, your first attempts are likely to come out beautifully. Follow these steps to make your own dazzling DIY gemstone soaps that are sure to impress. Before you begin, gather the following supplies: Transparent Glycerin Soap Base: Ideal for creating the clear and vibrant parts of your gemstone soap rocks. White Glycerin Soap Base (optional): Use this for creating opaque gemstones like turquoise or jade. Colorants (micas, oxides, or liquid colorants): Micas are preferred for their wide range of hues and gem-like effects. Essential or Fragrance Oils: Add your favorite skin-safe scents. Rubbing Alcohol in a Spray Bottle: Essential for removing bubbles and helping layers adhere. Melting Vessels: Microwaveable plastic or Pyrex pitchers work well. Variety of Molds: You can use containers like margarine tubs, Cool Whip bowls, or Ziplock containers. Tools: Toothpicks, silicone or rubber spatula, knives, peelers, scrapers, and other similar utensils. You can use any brand of melt & pour (MP) soap base, depending on your preference. For most gemstones, a clear glycerin soap base works best, while opaque stones like turquoise and jade are made using a white soap base.Tip: It's important to use a high-quality soap base. Adding extra oils, butters, or glycerin to MP soap isn't recommended as it won't improve the soap's properties and might negatively affect its hardness or lather. If you find yourself wanting to enhance the base, it might be time to explore other soap-making methods, such as cold process soaps, where these ingredients can be more beneficial. Micas: These are ideal for creating gemstone soaps, offering a variety of effects including pearlized, solid, metallic, and glittering finishes. Micas work best with transparent soap bases, allowing the colors to truly shine.Oxides: While oxides like ultramarine blue can be used (e.g., for creating lapis), they don't blend as smoothly as micas. Still, they can add deep, rich colors to your soaps.Liquid Colorants: These are useful when you want colors that migrate or blend, like in real gemstones. They're particularly effective for creating gradient effects in stones like watermelon tourmaline. However, be cautious with liquid colorants as they can bleed into surrounding areas, which may or may not be the effect you're aiming for. You can use any skin-safe essential or fragrance oils in your DIY gemstone soap. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe usage, especially regarding the percentage of fragrance to add. Be aware that some fragrances, particularly those with vanilla, can cause your soap to discolor (usually browning). Vanilla stabilizers are available to help mitigate this effect, but results can vary.Step 1: Prepare Your Soap ComponentsStart by creating components for your gemstone soap rocks. This involves making carved chunks of soap in various shades, sheets for veining, and base rocks. Coloring the Soap: Begin by melting your MP soap base and coloring it with the lightest shade. Pour a portion into a mold, then darken the remaining soap with additional colorant and pour another portion. Continue this process to create various shades of the same color. Creating the Base Rock: Use browns, bronzes, blacks, and other earthy tones to create the base rock for your gemstones. These colors add contrast and realism to the final product. Carving and Preparing Chunks: Once the soap has cooled, remove it from the mold and use tools like knives, peelers, and scrapers to carve out natural-looking chunks. For smaller pieces, especially those used for the rock base, you can use a food processor (dedicated to soap-making) to achieve the desired texture. Making Soap Sheets for Veining: Pour thin layers of colored MP onto a silicone sheet or a cookie sheet lined with saran wrap. Once cooled, tear the sheets by hand to create natural edges. These will be used to add veins to your gemstone soaps. Step 2: Create the "Master" BlockFor your first attempt, it's recommended to start with a basic gemstone rather than a complex design. Prepare the Mold: Use flexible containers like Cool Whip tubs or Ziplock bowls as molds. Start by placing a thin layer of black or brown base rock at the bottom of the mold. Pouring the Layers: Melt some clear MP soap, add a bit of sparkle if desired, and pour it over the base rock. Spritz the soap chunks with alcohol before pouring to help them adhere. Add More Chunks and Layers: Continue layering different colored soap chunks, pressing them down firmly. You can add clear or colored soap between layers to create depth and a more natural appearance. Enhancing with Veins and Shards: Add pieces of soap sheets or shards between layers for veining. You can also dust layers with metallic mica or add small exfoliants like poppy seeds to mimic imperfections found in real gemstones. Step 3: Carving the Soap RocksOnce your master block has fully cooled, unmold it and begin carving. Initial Cuts: Use a large knife to cut the block into smaller stones, cutting at angles to add visual interest. Shape the Stones: Use a paring knife or vegetable peeler to carve away any signs of the original mold. For a rough cut, make random angled cuts. For a crystal-like finish, bevel the edges and create facets. Final Touches: Spritz the carved soap with alcohol to restore its sheen. If you notice any small holes or imperfections, highlight them by brushing in metallic mica. You can also create crevices with a knife or peeler, then accent them with mica for a more dramatic effect. Advanced Techniques – Creating Museum-Quality GemstonesFor those looking to create more complex and visually striking gemstone soaps, you can replicate crystal formations like amethyst, emerald, or ruby. Crystal Formation: Pour thin layers of colored MP soap, then cut into strips to form the "crystals." Fill a mold with these strips and pour slightly cooled MP over them to hold the shape. Quartz Base: Use clear MP soap colored with mica to create quartz-like shards. Arrange these shards in a mold and pour hot MP to glue them together. Once cooled, carve the quartz base to remove any bowl-like shapes. Geodes: Utilize leftover soap scraps to create geodes. Form a center with clear quartz-like shreds, then dip it in melted MP repeatedly, smoothing with your hands until you achieve the desired effect. Dust the outside with metallic mica and carve the geode into halves or quarters. Creating gemstone soap rocks is a highly rewarding process that allows you to explore your creativity while producing stunning, one-of-a-kind soaps. Whether you're making simple soap rocks or intricate crystal formations, the key is to embrace the natural randomness that mimics real gemstones. With a little practice and experimentation, you'll be able to craft beautiful DIY gemstone soaps that are perfect for gifts or personal use.Remember to include the keywords "gemstone soap," "gemstone soap rocks," "how to make gemstone soap rocks," and "diy gemstone soap" throughout your content to ensure it's optimized for search engines and reaches the widest possible audience. Happy soap making!

This lesson will walk you through the basic process of creating a simple bar of melt and pour soap.  

This lesson will walk you through the process of using scent in your MP Soap Base.