You want soap- You've got soap

Its been awhile since I have had a chance to write something.  This is the businest time of the year for markets and of course my soap.  At one stage this year I was trying to get away from making soap but you ask any soap maker and it is an addiction.  So now I go with the flow and don't fight the addiction any more........

Enjoy the photo's

Bubblegum soap


 

Oranges and Lemons Soap
 

lavender fields cupcake soaps

 

Blueberry cupcake soaps

Cream Soda Cupcake Soaps.

 

Loads of wrapped cupcakes about to head to the markets this weekend.


 

If you are in the Hamilton Area this Saturday why not head to Racecourse Road for the BrisStyle Eco Markets. Some of these soaps are still curing and won't be available but I have lots of other beautiful soaps for sale.  I will also be conducting Kool Candle workshops throughout the day.  Any one will be able to make a candle with no heat for $5 and take it home with them.

Recycling Jars Tutorial

I always have so many jars around.  I either use them for preserving, jam making, storing items in.  Over the last few weeks I have decided to pretty them up.  This is a great way to spend an afternoon crafting with the children.

You will need clean dry  jars with the label removed.  It doesn't matter on the size or shape even though working with a smooth round jar is easier the hexagon jars.

 

 

You will also need to purchase a few items from the shop.  Some Epsom salts.  A box of this is about $6 at the supermarket.  Food colouring to colour the salts. Mod Podge and a clear sealant that you can pick up at any good craft supplier.  I have a Riot store at North Lakes Westfield which is fairly close by or Spotlight will have them.

 

 



If you have some disposable cups these are great to store your salts in.  To colour your salts all you need to do is put some salts in a cup and add a few drops of colour and then mix the colour in.  So simple.   

Pour some Mod Podge on a old plate.  Roll your jar in the glue making sure the surface is fully covered.  Don't worry about under the jar.  

Pour your coloured salts on another old plate in any pattern you choose.  You may only want one colour or you may do a rainbow effect.  Your choice.

Roll your jar into the salt making sure the jar is covered.

 

 

Set aside for it to dry.  Once dry spray with clear sealant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am turning my salt art jars into candle jars.   The painted jars are really easy as well.  Make sure you have acrylic paints.  Pour a colour inside the bottom of the jar and roll it around so the excess is covering the glass.  Slowly pour more paint inside and repeat the rolling of the jar.  Use as many colours as you like.  Set aside to dry.  This will take up to a couple of days.  Once dry spray the inside with the sealant.

 

 

All these jars will look beautiful on display.   Most of all have fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 





Brown, Brown, Brown

Joining in the fun again with Sister Sun with the colour Brown.  I never realised how many photo's I had of brown shades.  First attempt of Sour Dough Bread turned out so good.  I fed my sour dough bug for over a week.  

Yummy Christmas cake.  Every year at christmas hubby and I head over to a church at Sandgate to look at the christmas lights.  Every year I always purchase fudges and jams from the stall that is run by the parishers.  I was lucky last year to pick up this cake.   This year I will attempt to make my own.

Green Me Up Granny is all about recycling, upcycling and a back to basic way of life.  Homemade products.  The sign of Green Me Up Granny is made from recycled products that I purchased from Reverse Garbage on the southside of brisbane near the PA hospital.  It is like an Alladin's Cave.  You never know what treasures you will uncover.

Handmade beanie made from a couple of old cardigans that were starting to wear.  Also has a matching set of gloves and scarf.

Handmade Silk Soap.  Love the silk soap.  It lathers so good.  I haven''t bought shop soap for many years and why would I.

The old drawing of the Laidley Hotel.  My son was in an art exhibition awhile ago and this was done by one of his friends.

A couple of mushrooms hanging out in my garden.

Have a fantastic week everyone.  Don't forget to check out all the other bloggers that are linked to Evi Blog for their colour Brown.

Sue xx

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My favourite low cost recipes (Washing Detergent)

I have not purchased any commercial washing liquid in ages.  I prefer to make my own and at least then I know what  is actually cleaning my clothes.  There are so many on the market today and it is so confusing and honestly I just wanted something that cleaned my clothes and was gentle, not highly fragrant and something that was safe for septic and grey water.  I wanted a product that was safe enough to use on my garden.  Below is my recipe.  There are many different recipes on the internet.  I make mine without Borax.  Borax to me is still a chemical and cannot be used on the garden. 

1-2 cups of grated pure soap.  (Start saving soap scraps like our grandmothers did or sunlight is fine)

1.5 litres of water

1/2 cup washing soda (this is found in the washing powder isle.  It is about $3.50 a bag)


In a large saucepan on the stove melt the grated soap in the water.  I normally have it on a low setting until all the soap is dissolved.  Once it is dissolved turn the stove off.  Let cool.  When lukewarm add the washing soda and stir.  You will notice the liquid will start to thicken.  As it cools down keep stirring occassionally.  This will stop the lumps from forming.  Now if you like if you have any essential oils at home you can add some to the liquid.  Only a small amount is required.  This is not necessary but I normally have either lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree at home.  Now you need to add about 7 litres of cold water to the pot.  Once you have done this it is now ready to store.  I use old juice bottles for this.  Funnel into the bottles but don't fill to the top.  You will need to shake the bottle when you use as it will seperate.  You only need to use about a 1/4 of a cup for a full load of washing.  I wash only in cold water.  .   Now your washing liquid is ready to use.  You now have over 8 litres of washing powder which has cost you under $2.