About Teresa

Hello and welcome to my site!

“Happy New Year!

This morning I realized it’s been a few years since I started this website and I thought it is probably time to update my about me page…..this was written a few years ago.  I guess that makes  20+ years of experience.  I don’t do the markets so much anymore, have slowed down and am just doing a few shows each year and a couple of stores.

I’m here to pass on some of my knowledge and recipes to the younger soapers that are starting and want to learn and get recipes from me ”  Jan 2023 Continue reading

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Soap Making Safety

When making soap one of the most important things to think about is Soap Making Safety

Everything Soapmaking Book

When making soap and using lye (sodium hydroxide) safety is a very important part of the soap-making process. Continue reading

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Bar Soap Packaging Supplies

Soap Boxes

 

 

There are many ways to label your soap; having soap in boxes is another way to present your craft.  These soap boxes are perfect for most soap sizes.

I have used the cigar label for years and I like it because you can see the colors or additives in your soap bar and potential customers can pick it up and smell it, but picking up and smelling it can be another issue.  Most people are pretty good about it and I don’t have all the soap out to smell but……

In today’s times with the coronavirus and really the flu or colds I have decided to put my soap in boxes.  I don’t really want people at the market to be picking up and smelling all the bars displayed and potentially leaving germs for someone else to pick up.

So now if you see me at the markets you will find that I have cut up small pieces of soap placed out for people to smell, hold and take home with them.  There are soaps on display but in limited quantities.

A bonus to putting soap in a box is that it looks professional and the boxes can be labeled or even written on if you are better than I at handwriting lol.

Here are a few soapboxes that I found online.  The prices are reasonable and there is a great variety of sizes and shapes to choose from. Continue reading

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The Flash Point of Soap Oils

Flash Point of soap oils

What is the flashpoint of oils

Flashpoint is the temperature at which a combustible or flammable substance will burn when it is exposed to a spark.

  • Flashpoint can be used as a rough measure of how volatile a flammable/combustible substance is, but it’s good to also note that not all volatile substances are flammable or combustible. Some soapers use the flashpoint to safely add fragrance or essential oils at or below the flashpoint. I don’t really pay much attention to that because once mixed with the soap it won’t burn and you shouldn’t be handling your fragrances around an open flame. When adding fragrance or essential oils to my soap the temperature is at 100.  The soap oils I never heat above 120 I have never had a problem and don’t soap make around open flames.For your knowledge here are a few flashpoints.

    Coconut Oil Flash Point is 450 degrees
    Olive Oil Flash Point is 468 degrees
    Canola Oil Flash Point is 400 degrees
    Castor Oil Flash Point is 392 degrees
    Lard Flash Point is 390 degrees

    So you see the oil would have to be heated to such a high temperature that it would surely take all the benefits of the oils away as well.  When making soap the oils should never reach these temperatures making soap making oils safe from becoming flammable.

    Essential Oils Flash Point

Angelica Root113° F
Anise200° F
Balsam – 200° F
Basil164° F
Bergamot125° F
Calendula200° F
Carrot Seed117° F
Cedar Leaf135° F
Cedarwood – 200° F
Chamomile – 127° F
Cinnamon  -190° F
Cinnamon Leaf – 190° F
Citronella – 170° F
Clove Bud – 200° F
Eucalyptus 80 / 85 – 118° F
Eucalyptus Lemon – 118° F
Frankincense104° F
Geranium Leaf185° F
Grapefruit Pink  – 142° F
Lavender156° F
Lemon – 110° F
Lemongrass160° F
Orange  – 110° F
Oregano145° F
Peppermint – 151° F
Rosemary110° F
Sage – 125° F
Spearmint122° F
Tea Tree134° F
Thyme  – 131° F

Looking at all the flashpoints you can pretty much make soap without worrying about them.




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Posted in Making Soaps, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Favorite Natural Baby Powder Recipe

I made a few different batches of baby powder when my first grandchild arrived in 2000.  Since then I have tweaked the recipe and will share with you my favorite natural baby powder recipe.

First – What is in Baby Powder – it is a powder that is used to prevent and or treat diaper rash on baby bottoms.

For many years baby powder was made from talc which is a substance that is known to contain asbestos.  We all know that asbestos has been linked to cancer.  So we certainly don’t want to use Talc on our babies.


Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder was first introduced in 1893 and has since been one of the most used powders.

According to Wikipedia in 2016 more than 100 women in the US sued Johnson and Johnson for ignoring the possibility of cancer risks that were associated with its baby powder, then in May of 2020, they announced that they would no longer be using Talc in their baby powder. 

Also in 2020 Johnson and Johnson announced they would stop all talc sales worldwide by 2023 while at the same time maintaining that its talc-based baby powder is safe to use and does not contain asbestos.

Ingredients that are better for Baby Powder

Other safer powders can be used to make your baby powder, some of the ingredients found in natural baby powder can be:

Here are some great natural baby powders

Burts Bees is a Natural Baby Powder that is recommended by Pediatricians.

The ingredients found in this Natural Powder are: zea mays (corn) starch, sodium bicarbonate, montmorillonite, bentonite, Commiphora myrrha leaf cell extract, Ulmus fulva bark powder, rosa centifolia flower extract, parfum (fragrance), limonene

A key ingredient in Burt’s Bees Dusting Powder is Cornstarch also known as Zea Mays – it comes from the corn plant and is extremely versatile.  It acts as a natural moisture absorber and bulking agent.



Baby Powder Recipe

This recipe will make 7 cups of Baby Powder

What you will need to make this recipe:

You will need an 8 or larger cup mixing bowl or measuring cup – I use a 10-cup plastic one.  A wooden spoon or similar spoon to mix up the powder and a few shaker bottles.

This Baby Powder Recipe is simple to make.

  • Put 5 cups of Arrowroot Powder in the mixing bowl slowly add the Zinc Oxide, White Clay, and mix well.
  • Once that is mixed up well add the Aloe Vera Extract and continue to mix until it is blended well.
  • Put into a container to use for baby or put into shaker bottles.
  • I used to sell a lot of this baby powder at Farmer’s Markets and Craft fairs.  I always had extra after making it for the grandchildren so would package up the extra powder into nice aluminum white shaker bottles and put a cute label on them.

This recipe makes 7 cups of baby powder which will last a long time.  If you don’t want that much just simply cut the recipe in half or quarter for the required amount.

I’m sure your baby or baby grandchild will be happy with this homemade product.

If you are looking for natural baby powder and don’t want to make it yourself here are some more suggestions for Natural BABY Powder.

Natures Paradise is a Talc-free, all-natural baby powder.  It has high ratings and is one of Amazon’s choice powders.

Natures Paradise Natures Paradise Baby Organic Coconut Baby Powder, 5.5 Ounce, 5.5 ounces.

So Rad Vegan Baby Powder is 100 percent natural and tested by Babies and Moms.

It is made with Lavender flowers, Cucumber and MarshmallowTalc Free, Paraben Free, Phthalates Free, GMO-Free

Ingredients are Corn Starch, Arrowroot Powder, Tapioca Starch, Eco-Cert, White Clay, Lavender Flower Powder, Marshmallow Root Powder, Oat Powder, Cucumber Extract, Bamboo extract, Lavender and tea tree essential oils.


So Rad Natural Body Care Baby Powder, 5 Ounce (142gm), White

It’s great to see Johnson and Johnson going natural this product is made with cornstarch, Aloe, and Vitamin E which will surely keep a baby’s delicate skin soft and comfortable.

  • Formulated for baby’s delicate skin
  • Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic

Johnson’s Baby Powder with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Cornstarch, 623g

Any of the above powders are great and don’t contain any harsh chemicals or other ingredients that you would not want to put on your baby.

Not Just for Babies

Baby powder is not only for babies but can be used by adults for things like:

  • Chafe-Free – Baby powder dusted on the inner thighs helps to prevent chafing – it is often used by runners for this
  • Dusting legs with powder before having them waxed will help protect them against the burn that can come after waxing
  • It can be used as a deodorant as it absorbs sweat and will help to get rid of any odor
  • Add some tea tree and put in your running shoes or those hockey skates to keep them dry and odor-free
  • I have not tried this one but have heard that sprinkling baby powder on your sheets will help keep them cool on a summer night as well as absorb any sweat.
  • Use baby powder to help slip on rubber gloves
  • Keep your pets smelling nice by sprinkling and rubbing in some baby powder – it will work as a dry shampoo for your pet.

Baby Butz Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment – Original – Contains 30% Zinc Oxide – Recommended by Pediatricians, Nurses, and Pharmacists – 4 Ounce

Check out our Non-Petroleum Jelly Recipe here

#handmadesoap #naturalsoap #makingsoapnaturally #soapmaking #soapmaking #soaps #artisansoap #bathandbody #makingsoapnaturally #coldprocesssoap #etsy #soapbase #soapcrafter #soapmaker #soaping #soapcrafting #soaphandmade #soap  #barsoap #handmadesoap #naturalalternativebabypowder #babysoap
Posted in Baby Care, Recipes | 6 Comments

Non Petroleum Jelly Recipe

Is Vaseline Safe for you Baby or would you prefer a non-petroleum Jelly?


Vaseline Healing Jelly for dry, cracked skin Original 100% pure petroleum jelly 375 g

The ingredients in Vaseline are 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly – which is White Petrolatum, USP.  Petrolatum is used In industry, as a lubricant for machinery. Where we use it to relieve diaper rash, soothe chapped lips, and relieve dry skin.

The (EWG), which is a non-profit US organization doing environmental and safety studies, says that petrolatum is an ingredient in one of every 14 cosmetic products on the market, this includes some lipsticks and about 40 percent of baby lotions and oils. I wonder why I see products being listed as Petroleum Free?  Is it safe or not? Continue reading

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Excellent Benefits of Oregano Oil

Oregano Oil

The Oregano is growing like crazy and I’m ready to start harvesting it.

Oregano is one of my most used herbs, it is a very hardy plant that is easy to grow and has many uses. We live in a cold climate and my Oregano thrives here. The leaves can be dried, eaten raw, or soaked in oil for oregano benefits of health.

Oregano oil has been used for thousands of years for health benefits, traditionally it has been a great remedy for colds and flu, inflammation of the mouth and throat, upset stomachs, and respiratory problems.

Joy of the Mountains 100% Wild Organic Oregano Oil – 30 milliliter
The Chinese have used this herb to treat fever and itchy skin problems as well as diluting the oil for and using it externally for headaches, muscle, and joint pain as well as for stings and bites.

Oregano oil has become increasingly more known today as a natural remedy for colds and flu.

This herb has strong fungicidal, bactericidal, and antiseptic properties which are just a few of the health-improving properties this incredible herb has. Continue reading

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A Great Place to Buy Soap-Making Supplies

Buying Soap supplies online

All the changes going on in the world over the last few years have got me looking elsewhere for my soap-making supplies.

Some suppliers are being stretched with containers being stuck on ships or just not getting here and of course the lack of supplies to begin with.

Recently I have started doing some shopping on Amazon.  More and more soap supplies that can be bought through their site and the prices are not that bad at all!  Shop around though, but with Amazon Prime and free shipping in some cases the price is right.

Just starting out with soap making or are just wanting to make some soap for gifts, Amazon really has some fairly good prices on supplies.

Doing some of the research I have found some reasonably priced soap supplies.

The top 5 soap-making oils to be exact!

Soap Making Oils

The 5 top soap making oils

Continue reading

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Soap Kills Viruses

Soap kills viruses – yup that’s right!

Plain old ordinary soap kills viruses and actually works better than disinfectants because ordinary soap destroys the viruses’ structure.

Soap is the best thing to use in the fight against viruses but when it is not available use alcohol wipes.

The reason soap is better is that it dissolves the fat membrane and the virus just simply falls apart and becomes inactive. That is simply put because I’m not a scientist and don’t want to bore you with science and chemistry. If you want to know more about that you can follow this link Deadly Viruses are no match for soap Continue reading

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Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Hand Sanitizer

During the covid time, there was a shortage of hand sanitizer so I wanted to find something for our family to use.

After doing research and reading WHO Recommended Hand Rub Formulations  I found this recipe that you can easily make.

Hand Sanitizer Recipe

This recipe has been scaled down by Kevin Lee Jacobs – the prep time is about 5 minutes and it only required 3 ingredients plus water. Continue reading

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