Soapsmith's Blog

Soapsmith's Blog
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Soapsmith's studio Part 2

Published: 11-18-2011 05:31pm
Posted In: About Allegheny Hearth Soaps
Hello Friends, In response to requests about my soap making studio, equipment and supplies, here is part 2 of some photos of my workspace:  These are some of my six storage closets with some base oils and butters used in my cold process soapmaking        This closet houses my labeling supplies, recipe library, file notes etc.       This is my sewing area with dried herbs, some from my garden & cherry pit warmer supplies:       Packaging supplies, bottles, jars etc.     I hope you enjoyed ... » Read More

Lavender Dream Pillow

Published: 11-16-2011 05:22pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Product Information
Hello friends,This charming little poem was found in an ancient Scottish Traveler's Inn. I like to place a beautifully printed copy on the pillow when guests come to visit my home:Oiche Mhaith(Good Night)Sleep sweet within this roomwho ere thou artand let not dreams of yesterdaydisturb thy heart,Nor let tomorrow, with its fear of coming ill.Thy maker is thy changeless friend,His love surrounds thee still.The stars are watching overheadPut out each earthborne light. Sleep sweet,my friend, good night.Good night. The herbal aroma therapy fragrance of lavender is renowned for its relaxing properties.  Allow this delightful scent to lull you and yo... » Read More

Soapsmith's Homemade Fudge

Published: 11-12-2011 07:55pm
Posted In: Recipes
Hello friends, To continue with my homemade Christmas cookies posts, today -  instructions and recipes for homemade fudge.  I always include homemade fudge with my cookie deliveries.  I make the classic Chocolate Walnut Fudge,  my own formulated Peanut Butter Fudge and Peanutbutter Meltaway Fudge. To make fudge from scratch, there are techniques that I use for that perfect creamy delicious fudge.  These procedures can be used with any fudge recipe you want to use.  The results will always yield success. Tips for perfect fudge: -Always use a candy thermometer.  You cook the fudge to soft ball stage, which is 234 degrees.... » Read More

Soapsmith's Homemade Pierogi

Published: 11-09-2011 09:16pm
Posted In: Recipes
Hello friends, We make these traditional delights without a formal recipe.  I have estimated the amounts to give you a good starting point.  As with most ethnic foods, the recipe is very forgiving.  Feel free to substitute to meet your own tastes.  Makes 4 to 5 dozen. Dough: 4 cups flour – plus extra for rolling 1 teaspoon salt ¼ cup sour cream 2 tablespoons melted butter 2 eggs plus 2 yolks 3/4 cup milk or water Combine all ingredients.  You can work the dough with your hands or start in a mixer wi... » Read More

Preservatives vs all natural

Published: 11-09-2011 02:07pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Product Information
  Preservative vs All Natural     Hello, Friends     The great debate in skin care products seems to center around preservatives and all natural.  All natural is a hot button item.  What constitutes "natural"?  As a long time soapmaker, I have many times heard things like:  "I want all natural." "I don't use chemicals."  "I want a preservative free lotion."       Today's subject will deal with the truth about the various bath and body products I offer for sale. You can refer to my other blog posts about handmade soap and glycerin soaps and the great natural preservative free debate.  In... » Read More

Shea Butter

Published: 11-09-2011 02:06pm
Posted In: Handmade Soap Information and Tutorials
Hello friends,              I will be creating a series of blog posts about the soap, bath and body care items I offer for sale.  These articles will be educational in nature to offer my customers an insight as to why I choose certain ingredients and their benefits, as well as more detailed directions and suggestions for use of my products. Today's entry is about my pure natual shea butter.    Shea Butter Information    Unrefined Shea Butter is 100% natural and absolutely no chemicals are used in the processing. This shea butter is processed by a fair trade women’s co-op in Ghana Africa and is shipped fresh, ready ... » Read More

Soapsmith's Christmas Cookies

Published: 11-09-2011 02:05pm
Posted In: Recipes
Hello friends, This week is cookie baking week at Soapsmith's.  I gift homemade cookies to many friends, family and co workers each year at Christmas.   This tradition began decades ago.  As a single Mom of 3 boys with limited income, I was blessed by a large group of benefactors who came to my aid that first Christmas until I was able to secure a strong financial status. During the holidays, I wanted to thank those who were so generous. I used to bake cookies for weddings so I have a great spacious kitchen and professional equipment.  I put that to good use returning the favor to my extended family, especially my fantastic in-... » Read More

Soapsmith's Polish Easter Celebration

Published: 11-09-2011 02:05pm
Posted In: Holidays
Hello Friends,         I received such positive feedback from my traditional Polish Christmas blog that I decided to share with you our Polish Easter traditions.         Much of our Easter celebration centers on the Holy Week services of the Catholic Church.  Beginning with the gloriously triumphant Palm Sunday mass, through the Holy Thursday commemoration of the Last Supper, institution of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, recalling Christ’s perfect example of humility and service in the washing of the feet, the solemnity of Good Friday with the recollection of Our Lord’s horrific passion and even... » Read More

How to wrap handmade soap

Published: 11-09-2011 02:05pm
Posted In: Handmade Soap Information and Tutorials
Hello friends, When I teach soapmaking, I am often asked about wrapping handmade soap.  Here is a tutorial on how I wrap my soap. My cold process soaps are simply packaged in cotton muslin bags with a hang tag. The folded business card size tags allow plenty of room for all the ingredients and details required for proper soap labeling as well as giving me space to tell the story of my quality formulated soap.  I cure my soap between two and three months because I prefer the results I get from a long cure time.  Handmade soap continues to lose moisture throughout its shelf life so I like to use cotton muslin because it allows the soap t... » Read More

Cookie Delivery Day!

Published: 11-09-2011 02:04pm
Posted In: Recipes
Hello friends, Today was cookie delivery day.  This is a busy day with stops to all the local recipients of my cookies.  The mailed cookies were sent out on Monday.  While it takes all day, I truly enjoy visiting friends and family and bringing a little Christmas cheer along with the goodies.  My sons deliver the cookies to their places of employment as well. Todays recipes are Classic Sand Tarts, Tassies and Chocolate Crinkle   Pecan Tassies Dough: 6 ounces of cream cheese 1 cup of butter 2 cups of flour 1/2 teaspoon of salt Combine together to form dough, similar to pie crust. Filling: 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1... » Read More

Soapsmith's Homemade Cheese Balls

Published: 11-09-2011 02:04pm
Posted In: Recipes
Hello friends, Homemade cheese balls are a real treat.  These delicious savory delicacies are wonderful for holiday gatherings, drop in guests or a welcome hostess gift when you visit friends and family. The simple recipe is easily adaptable to your tastes by mixing up a big batch of the base and adding a wide variety of flavorings to create many variations.   Soapsmith's Cheeseball Recipe All ingredients should be room temperature.  If you have a larger mixer, you can easily double this for a very large batch. 1 8 oz brick of cream cheese 1 stick of butter 24 oz of very sharp soft cheese spread - I use Black Diamond... » Read More

Hydrangeas

Published: 11-09-2011 02:03pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Garden Journal
Hello Friends, The hydrangeas in my garden are in full bloom.  They do wilt in this current heat wave, but their glorious flower heads return to their proud stance each evening with a refreshing drink. This spectacular blue was started 10 years ago from an Easter potted flower gift from my sons. This variety, Endless Summer, was a Mother's Day gift and graces the bed near the front deck, it blooms all season with assorted colors.  It has only been established for two summers so it is just a baby but it blooms wonderfully.   The flower heads are smaller than my traditional plants, still showy. The hydrangea originat... » Read More

Soapsmith's DOS Experiment

Published: 11-09-2011 02:03pm
Posted In: Handmade Soap Information and Tutorials
Hello friends, Soap makers face a problem called Dreaded Orange Spots, often referred to as DOS.  These spots have been widely discussed for decades.  As the soap ages, sometimes it developes areas of rusty colored spots.  Most people consider them to be a sign of rancidy of the oils.  The spots start off as small round dots and will spread throughout the entire bar over time. Dr. Kevin Dunn, known as the caveman chemist, is a professor and a soap maker.  He has conducted scientific testing with his students on a number of soap making issues including the study of DOS.  I attended a presentation by Dr.... » Read More

Sacred Amber by Allegheny Hearth

Published: 11-09-2011 02:03pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Product Information
Hello friends,         This edition to my series of blog posts about the soap, bath and body care items I offer for sale features my Sacred Amber products.  These articles will be educational in nature to offer my customers an insight as to why I choose certain ingredients and their benefits, as well as more detailed directions and suggestions for use of my products. Sacred Amber            Sacred Amber is a deep mysterious fragrance.  Originally developed in ancient times by a physician as a mood enhancing formula, amber is a blend of pure essential oil and powders.  This amber sh... » Read More

Haiti soap relief efforts

Published: 11-09-2011 02:03pm
Posted In: About Allegheny Hearth Soaps
Hello friends,I recently participated in a Haiti relief project.  Here is the article from our local newspaper covering the details.This unique organization does great work.  As a soap maker, it was a privilege to be a part of this effort. I want to give a special thanks to my fellow guild and Artfire artisans who also contributed, job well done! There is still great need for those suffering from the earthquake.  Please help any way you can.Thanks for visiting,Bonnie... » Read More

Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

Published: 11-09-2011 02:03pm
Posted In: Soapsmith's Product Information
Hello friends,The affordable luxury of a long, fragrant soak in the tub enhanced with soothing music, soft lighting and relaxation at the end of a long day provides the muse for my all natural tub salts.My traditional bath soaks are offered unrefined, unscented or augmented with naturally distilled pure essential oils to provide a rejuvenating indulgence for your aching body. The inclusion of dried rose petals,lavender buds and herbs from my own garden are the final touch of rustic elegance. Pink Himalayan Sea Salt My pure all natural Himalayan salt is harvested by hand deep within the heart of the stunningly majestic Himalayan... » Read More
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