Completely Natural or not?

I have had some queries over the flavours in my lip balms. I have in the past used essential oils but with so many people having different reactions to different essential oils this time I have used flavours. I contact the manufacturer of the oils and this is their response. I use Stevia to sweeten my lip balms.
Hi Sue,
Thank you for emailing Bramble Berry!
Great question! Some of the lip flavoring oils could not be considered natural, as they are sweetened with a synthetic sweetener. Those would be the three flavor oils in the "pre-sweetened" category. The "unsweetened" oils are also synthetic fragrance oils, but to add a sweetness to those to make the flavor really pop, we like using stevia:

And stevia is a natural sweetener derived from a leaf. So if you were to use the Flavoring Oils with stevia, the fragrance would be synthetic, but the sweet flavor would be natural.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions! :)

Molly
Bramble Berry Soap Making Supplies
Phone 360.734.8278
Fax 360.752.0992

I DO NOT use cheap inferior oils, fragrant oils or essential oils in my products.  I purchase from the best companies in Australia for quality products. 

Also I am very passionate about what does go into my products. I only have 1 product that contains a preservative which is my Salt Scrubs. I only use 1% of preservative in this product. Using over 5% can cause skin irratations but I use well under this amount. Preservative is needed in this product to stop bacteria growing because of the mix of salt and sugar. If this preservative was not added the shelf life would be very short and the product would need to stay in the fridge.  The presersative I use is a paraben free preservative.  I always list my ingredients on my products.

I hope this has cleared up any questions people have.  I do have very sensitive skin these days and unfortuneatly I can not use most of the body products you find in the supermarkets that are mass produced.  This is why I started creating and making my own.  If I couldn't use a product on myself and my family I would not make it.

Sue x

New place to buy my products

It has been a busy couple of weeks at Grannies house.  After returning from a fantastic holiday in Tasmania to find some inspiration I certainly have been non stop.

Family photo over in Strahn about to head out to cruise.

If you have never been to Tasmania GO!  The food, people, scenery, history and shopping is amazing.  And no smog.

Anyway Green Me Up Granny has been busy creating and now a range of products can be purchased from this amazing shop at West End called The Tat Pile.  The Tat Pile is a Eco friendly place which supports local, ethical, handmade etc. products.  This place you need to visit.  This is where you will be able to purchase my products if you are unable to atttend any BrisStyle Events that I am at. 

Heading over to visit Paisley with loads of goodies.  Recycled Papers, Handmade gift papers, Body Products.

Our range has been growing.  So do keep an eye out.

Have a wonderful day.  Oh and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY everyone.

Sue x

Busy, busy Busy!

It really has been a week of creating some beautiful products. From soaps to shower gels, coasters to handbags and paper to trivets.  My house is full of activity of late.

There is NEVER a dull moment in my house.  Do you reuse, recycle or upcycle products.  I love creating.


Sue x

Welcome 2012

Hi everyone first blog of the year and my god has it been a busy couple of weeks.  As some of you were aware my hubby and son and myself spent 16 days travelling around Tasmania.  What an amazing place and met so many wonderful crafty people.  This year is going to be huge, filled with new products including recycled stationary paper, wrapping papers, household items, our famous soaps, shower gels, lip balms, some handmade clothing made from recycled items, vintage ware and loads more to come. 

While I was away in Tassie I managed to fit in a Workshop on making paper from recycled products.  If you are ever down there and in the Burnie region you need to visit The Makers Workshop.  Here you will be able to attend the workshop and also meet other artisans that create the most amazing products plus you will be able to purchase many handmade items.

The last couple of days I have been busy creating some new soaps.  This year I have decided to introduced French Handmilled Soaps.  What are the benefits of French Milled Soaps?  The refined soap flakes in French milled soap produce a smoother, richer lather than cold-processed glycerin soap. This lather may not contribute to more effective cleansing, but it does give the soap a luxurious feel.
Plus during the process more oils and butters are added to really give you that nourishing soap.

Romantic Bliss is a blend of Rose Petal, Lavender and Patchouli. 

Lavender & Lemon soap has the balanced aroma of freshly-peeled Lemon and lavender. This citrus/flora blend will refresh, tone, cleanse, and purify your skin. I have also added poppyseeds for a gentle scrub.

 Neem and Lavender soap contains neem extract well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties which has been used medicinally for centuries.  Added bonus of Lavender Buds from Tasmania.

Icecream Sundae Pack.  Mango Mania, Lots of Berries and Lime Cupcake Soaps.  These smell so amazing and will make a perfect gift. 

Keep an eye out for new products thoughout the year.  These soaps above will be ready for sale towards the end of February at BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market and The Handmade Expo in March.

Sue x

Merry Christmas to you and your family

Only a couple more days until Christmas.  One of my favourite times of the year.  Not for the presents etc but spending time with beautiful family.  My wish for this christmas is for everyone who reads my blog to have a wonderful christmas and of course a safe one as well.  It has been busy here this week.  I am still at work and don't finish up until Friday.  I have not wrapped any presents but at least they are all bought except a Konnect Game Box which hubby is picking up in the morning.

Busy weekend ahead plus we are flying out to Tasmania next Tuesday morning for a few weeks.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my previous business and as well as in my new one.

Have a merry christmas and a Happy New Year.  I hope to do a couple of blogs while I am away so you can see what we are doing.

Love to you and your family.

Sue x

Giveaway time

I have reached over 100 fans on my facebook page.  Now to have a couple of giveaways.  All you need to do is go through the previous comments on Green-Me-Up-Granny facebook page and tell me the 6 different incense fragrances I have.  Leave the answer below with your email address so I can contact you.  The first correct will win some incense.  Simple and easy competition.

Thank you all for supporting me in my new venture.

Sue

Washing Detergent

Below is 2 recipes for washing powder.  I can't lay claim to the recipes.  These recipes are from Down to Earth     Check out Rhonda's blog she really has some great money saving tips and ideas.

CONCENTRATED LAUNDRY POWDER
4 cups grated laundry soap
2 cups borax (bunnings)
2 cups washing soda
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and store in a plastic container with a lid. Use 2 tablespoons per wash. This powder will not make suds and this is perfectly okay.





LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Makes 10 litres
You may add any essential oil of your choice to these homemade cleaners. Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender or rose are ideal. They are not necessary to the recipe but do not detract from the effectiveness by adding them. Use essential oil and not a fragrant oil.



Ingredients
1½ litres water
1 bar Sunlight or generic laundry soap or any similar pure laundry soap, grated on a cheese grater
½ cup washing soda – NOT baking or bicarb soda
½ cup borax



Tools
Saucepan
10 litre bucket
Slotted spoon or wooden spoon for mixing

Method
Into a medium sized saucepan add 1½ litres of water and the soap. Over a medium heat, stir this until it is completely dissolved. Make sure the soap dissolves properly or the mixture will separate when cold.Add the washing soda and borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Pour this mixture into your 9-10 litre bucket then fill the bucket with hot water from the tap. Stir to combine all the ingredients.



The laundry liquid will thicken up more as it cools. When cool, store in a plastic container. I use one of those 10 litre flat plastic box containers with a lid. Use 1/4 cup of mixture per load or monitor to see what works well for you. I keep a quarter cup measuring scoop in the box to measure the mixture into the washing machine.


Sue