I need a clone!

Well, it's Thursday night, I've already gone to one farmer's market this week and I still have 2 to go. I have to say tho, it is starting to slow down, and sales are not quite what they were either

:( oh well.....probably just as well because I have some shows and some classes that I am teaching, all coming up in the next few weeks. I'm getting really excited about the hot soap class. The other two are jewelry and polymer clay beads and buttons. The buttons will be fun and exciting but Im a little concerned because I'm teaching quilters and I haven't quilted for years. I'm sure they can teach me something while I'm there! And this is why I need a clone because in addition to the shows and classes, I'm trying to prepare my house for company. My mom and AuntB are going to attend the soap class in October. I need to finish up some painting that somehow never got done from when we moved in here a year ago. I'm also hopeing to refurb my garden and get some of the summer stuff out of there. Out with the old, in the with new. Hoping to get some nice fall onions and lettuce. We'll see. The weather has been extremely strange here, cool nights and lots of rain.

Not much going on in the way of soap this week. How about a soap recipe?

Pumpkin Spice Bars

12 ounces canola oil

8 ounces olive oil

6 ounces coconut oil

3 ounces castor oil

10 ounces rainwater

4.5 ounces lye

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

cinnnamon leaf essential oil

cinnamon, 3/4 tsp

cloves, 1/2 tsp

Warm oils, add to crock pot. Turn crock pot to high. Carefully add lye to rainwater, stir to dissolve. Stir rainwater/lye mixture into oils. Stick blend to trace. At trace add pumpkin. Turn crockpot to low or warm. Watch soap, stir down as needed, cook for approximately 45 minutes. When soap looks like translucent apple sauce, it's done. To test, take small amount on spoon, let cool, rub between fingers. If it's smooth, you can taste it for Zap. When you know it's done, carefully stir in cinnamon, cloves, and essential oil. Spoon into mold, let cool.

Pumpkin is full of antioxidants and is very good for your skin. Happy Soaping!

Cinnamon Apple Soap...hmmm

Wow, does it smell good! Only trouble is, it's waaay too soft. I tried a new mix of oils and I think I'm going to have to rebatch. On the good side, the lemon verbena shaving soap came out awesome! It smells so good and lather's nice and slippery, good for shaving. I put it in these cute little pudding cups. That is also another passion of mine, recycling. I love to take things that I would normally throw out and repurpose them. Plus, they're really cute. I'm going to order some shaving brushes and tie them to the package with some nice ribbon. I also have plans for the little sunny d bottles that Tree takes in her lunch. Sample of laundry soap??? I think it will hold about 3 loads worth. I always sanitize and reseal everything with shrinkwrap so I know it's safe.

I also made lime and sage and peppermint shampoo bars. A good productive day!

I wanted to post pictures of the cars I painted on my grandson's wall. We went for a few days last week and I have to say that he is the cutest thing ever! Muscle cars in his bedroom...I think a crib set and curtains are next...maybe a few more cars on his walls.