The Natural Beauty Workshop

Energizing Facial Mask

This fresh mask recipe combines highly moisturizing Green Coffee Oil, antioxidant rich Acai Oil, with detoxifying Sea Clay to help revitalize and refresh tired skin.  The mask is further enhanced by the inclusion of Lemon Balm Hydrosol, a natural anti-inflammatory, cooling Aloe Vera Gel, and cleansing Honey Powder.  This mask is suitable for most skin types.  However, if you have sensitive skin you should consider performing a patch test before using the mask as usual.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon Green Coffee Oil
1 teaspoon Acai Oil
3 tablespoons Sea Clay
2 tablespoons Honey Powder
1 tablesoon Coconut Milk Powder
1 tablespoon Parlsey Powder
1 teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel
1 teaspoon Lemon Balm Hydrosol

Directions
In a small mixing bowl combine Sea Clay, Coconut Milk Powder, Parsley Powder, and Honey Powder.  Stir well, then add the Aloe Vera Gel and Lemon Balm Hydrosol.  Next, add the Acai and Green Coffee Oil and mix thoroughly, breaking up any clumps.

Usage and Packaging
This fresh mask should be used immediately.  Any unused portion can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to one week.  Apply the mask directly to moistened skin, and allow it to dry for around 10 - 15 minutes before rinsing.  Follow the mask with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

Rainforest Flower Body Cream

This fresh cream recipe has a rich, thick texture that is perfect for intensive moisturizing.  Just dab a very small amount on dry knuckles, elbows, heels, or anywhere else that needs some extra attention.  Made with skin nourishing Amazonian Oils, Maracuja and Andiroba, this thick, buttery cream packs a lot of moisturizing power into a very small package.  We've added Carrot and Arnica CO2 Extracts for extra healing power, and a touch of Bergamot Essential Oil to enhance its aroma. 

Rainforest Flower Body Cream
Makes about 1 1/2 ounces (By Volume)

Ingredients

Oil Phase
7 grams Illipe Butter
7 grams Andiroba Oil
7 grams Maracuja Oil
7 grams Jojoba
5 grams Beeswax

Water Phase
30 grams Neroli Hydrosol
8 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract
1 gram Borax (Cosmetic Grade)

Additives
1/2 teaspoon Dry-Flo
10 drops Arnica Flower Total CO2 Extract
10 drops Carrot Seed Select CO2 Extract
10 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

Directions
Fresh creams are very fragile, so before you begin, make sure that all of your equipment is totally clean and sanitized.  In a double boiler, gently melt the Illipe Butter and Beeswax.  After these ingredients have melted, add the Jojoba, Maracuja, and Andiroba Oils.  Leave the mixture in the double boiler to stay warm, but turn the burner off.  In a small heatproof container, combine the Neroli Hydrosol, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Borax.  Mix the liquid well, then heat it gently in a hot water bath, or a second double boiler.  When both phases have been mixed and warmed, combine them in one mixing bowl.  Begin whipping the mixture immediately, and continue to whip until the mixture has cooled and emulsified completely.  Depending on the heat of the mixture, and the room temperature, this may take between 5 and 10 minutes.  After the mixture has cooled and emulsified, add the Dry-Flo and mix well to disperse it fully.  Next, add the Essential Oils and CO2 Extracts, and mix again.  The cream can now be spooned into small, sterilized jars.

A Note on Usage and Preservation
Unlike commercial creams, fresh emulsions can be very unstable without the addition of strong preservatives.  While this recipe does contain some Grapefruit Seed Extract to help it resist bacteria, it will still be prone to contamination.  The easiest way to deal with this problem is to create small batches, use your product quickly, and to handle the products with extra care.  Try to avoid handling the creams directly.  For example, instead of scooping the cream from the jar with your fingers, try using a clean spoon or spatula.  Unfortunately, most bacteria contamination will not be visible to the naked eye, so if you think that a batch of cream may have become contaminated, it is best to error on the side of caution.  When in doubt, throw it out!  This is another reason to make small batches.  If you do think something has been contaminated, it is easy to whip up a fresh batch instead of taking chances. 

If you'd like more information on adding preservatives to your fresh cream and lotions, or would like information on Product Challenge Testing, please visit our Informational Library at FromNatureWithLove.com.

Andiroba Oil

Andiroba Oil is pressed from the nuts of the Andiroba or Carapa Tree, a native of South American Rainforests.  This rich nut oil is deeply emollient, and moisturizing.  It contains a wealth of essential fatty acids, making it an excellent ingredient for use in dry skin formulations.  Andiroba Oil is often used to combat eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.  It also contains natural anti-inflammatory properties.  Andiroba Oil can help to reduce redness, swelling, and the appearance of acne.  When used in massage and physical therapy formulations, Andiroba Oil can help to soothe stiff joints or sore muscles.  One of Andiroba Oil's most unique attributes is its propensity for insect repellence.  Due to containing notable levels of Limonoids and Triterpenes, Andiroba Oil can act as a natural insect repellent, and makes an excellent addition to natural bug sprays, and balms.
*Photo by Nara Vieira da Silva Osga

Happy Holidays

On behalf of the entire staff, here at FromNatureWithLove.com, I'd like to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season. 

Holiday Projects: Upcycled Gift Wrap

Today we are sharing our final Holiday Project of the season.  I hope you've enjoyed this series.  If you've made projects from this series, I would love to hear your stories.  If you took pictures of your creations, you can share them on The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool.

Beautifully decorated paper is a huge part of many holiday traditions.  Countless rolls of wrapping paper are sold worldwide each year to make the holidays a little extra special.  Taking a greener approach to holiday gift wrap can be challenging, but with a little creativity you can create your own unique holiday gift wrap by re-using household materials that would normally go to waste!

Fusing Plastic BagsPlastic shopping bags can be fused together using an iron and two sheets of paper.  The fused material is sturdy enough to be sewn, and makes great gift bags or reusable shopping bags!  In this tutorial, Etsy Labs shows you the process step by step.  We've found that thick plastic bags work best.  Thin shopping bags, such as your run of the mill grocery bags are a little trickier to work with.

Upcycled Wrapping Paper
Paper shopping bags are perfect for making upcycled gift wrap.  In this video tutorial, Etsy Labs shows you how to cut and iron your paper shopping bags to create a blank canvas that is perfect for gift wrap.  In this tutorial the paper is screen printed, but you can also decorate it with paint or stamps.  This also makea a great family project as kids will have lots of fun decorating this upcycled gift wrap with crayons.

Ways to Re-Use Wrapping Paper
No matter how creative you may get with your own wrapping, you are bound to encounter plenty of gift wrap during the holidays.  While most of it will probably wind up in the garbage can, here are some creative ways to re-use wrapping paper:

• Salvage the largest pieces, and save them. Many types of wrapping paper can be ironed on a low setting and used again.
• Wrapping paper and old newsprint is great for washing windows.  After wetting your windows with a mix of vinegar and water, wipe them dry using crumpled gift wrap or newspaper.  You'll be surprised with the sparkling, streak free shine.
• Use the crumpled paper as packing material for shipping.  Crushed paper makes great cushioning for shipping fragile items.  This would be especially fun for shipping out late holiday gifts.
• Small scraps of wrapping paper can be used to decoupage ornaments, boxes, and other small objects, making adorable handmade decorations.
• Large pieces can be used as covers for school books.
• If you have a knack for folding, wrapping paper can be used to make lucky stars or other small origami projects.
• Wrapping paper scraps are excellent for creating paper beads.  A similar technique can be used to create household objects like coasters, frames, or ironically, waste paper baskets.

Holiday Projects: Herbal Sachets

Sachets are a small luxury that can make a special handmade gift.  Whether you create a simple drawstring sachet, or a more detailed flower shaped sachet, your handmade project will make a wonderful gift for family and friends.  In this tutorial, I'll show you how to create two different sachets.  Both projects can be made with almost any fabric, but thinner, more breathable fabrics are best. 

Herbal Sachets make great last minute holiday gifts because you can create them from scrap fabric, and leftover herbs or teas.  They are surprisingly quick and easy to make, and so pretty!  Stuff them in stockings, give them as small gifts, or as complimentary gifts to clothing, bath baskets, or linens!

Herbal Sachet Filling
For my sachets, I used the same filling that I used to create the Sweet Dreams Bedtime Sachets in April.  The great thing about this project is that you can use pretty much any leftover herbs, potpourri, or even loose herbal tea to fill sachets with.  To liven up their aroma, add a few drops of Essential Oil to the mixture.  Lavender, Rose, or Grapefruit are all popular aromas for sachets.  You can also use a few drops of your favorite Candle Fragrance Oil to add extra aroma to your sachets.

Drawstring Sachet
Creating a Drawstring Sachet is very easy.  You'll need one 5" by 6" rectangle of fabric, a 6" - 12" Ribbon, and matching thread.  Fold the fabric in half (lengthwise), and stitch one short side, and one long side closed, leaving one short side open.  Fold the open side down by 3/4" and stitch a hem.  Make sure to stitch the hem deep enough to allow room for the ribbon to be threaded inside.  After the hem is stitched, cut a small opening in the hem somewhere inconspicuous, then turn the bag out.  Thread the ribbon through the small hole in the bag's hem.  To make this easier, try attaching a small safety pin to the ribbon first.  Once the ribbon has been threaded all the way through, you can fill the sachet with its Herbal Filling, and tie the bag shut with its ribbon.

Flower Shaped Sachet
The directions for this sachet are a little more complicated, but it is still surprisingly easy to make.  Start out with two matching circles of fabric.  You can use any round household object to trace your circles with.  The larger the circle, the easier the sachet will be to work with, so if you are a beginner, I would recommend making your circles at least 6 inches wide.  Stitch your two circles together following the round outer edges, giving yourself at least a 1/2" seam allowance.  Stitch almost the whole way around, leaving a good sized opening for you to fill the sachet with.  To make this as easy as possible, I would recommend leaving an opening that is large enough for a spoon to fit through. 

Once you are finished stitching, turn the circle out and fill it with your Herbal Sachet Filling.   Fill the sachet about 3/4 - 7/8 of the way up, then use a slip stitch to close the opening.  Now that the sachet's body is finished, you'll need to embellish it using embroidery floss, and a matching button.  Thread a large embroidery needle with a long length of floss.  You'll need about 6 times the width of the flower.  For example, if your flower is six inches across, you'll need about 36 inches of floss.  Secure the floss with an anchor stitch, or by tying a large knot at the end of your thread. 

Stitch through the middle of the sachet several times, pulling each stitch tightly.  Next, form the petals by passing the thread over the outer side of the sachet and pulling the thread through the middle.  Repeat this step eight times to create six even petals.  (You can see an illustration of this technique being used to create a pin cushion here.) Once the petals have been formed, stitch through the middle several times in the same spot to secure the stitching.  Use the remaining thread to attach the matching button and you are done!

Maracuja (Passion Flower) Oil

Also known as Passionfruit Oil, this exotic Oil is a treat for the hair and skin.  Rich in Essential Fatty Acids, and high in vitamin C, Maracuja Oil can be very beneficial when added to dry skin and hair formulations.  Maracuja Oil also contains a significant amount of the nutritive minerals, calcium and phosphorus.  Stable sources of Vitamin C are rarely found in skin care ingredients, making Maracuja Oil very special.  These beneficial properties combined with its light, easily absorbed texture, make Maracuja Oil an excellent Body or Hair Oil.  It can also be combined with other ingredients to create facial serums, hair conditioners, creams, lotions, and moisturizing masks. 

Chocolate Peppermint Bath Bombs

Bath Bombs are fun to make, delightful to use, and always impress when given as gifts.  Bath Bombs can be made very simply, from a scant selection of ingredients, but I find them to be a lot more enjoyable when they are packed with loads of skin loving goodies.  Skin softening Buttermilk makes a great additive for Bath Bombs.  Silky Cornstarch, and a touch of sweet Honey Powder can add even more layers of love to your recipe.  To hold all of this bathing booty together, you'll need a blend of moisturizing Cocoa Butter and Fractionated Coconut Oil.  These all natural Bath Bombs are scented with Peppermint Essential Oil. When combined with the natural aroma of Cocoa Butter, Peppermint Essential Oil creates a delicious, minty chocolate aroma. 

Ingredients
1/2 cup Epsom Salt
1 cup Baking Soda
1/2 cup Citric Acid
3/4 cup Cornstarch
1/4 cup Buttermilk Powder
1/4 cup Honey Powder
1 ounce Cocoa Butter
1 ounce Vegetable Glycerin
1 ounce Fractionated Coconut Oil
3 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
3 tablespoons Oatstraw Powder or Parsley Powder
1 teaspoon Peppermint Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil*

Directions
Gently melt the Cocoa Butter in a double boiler.  When the Butter has melted completely, add the Fractionated Coconut Oil and Glycerin to the mixture, then set the liquids aside.  Add the Epsom Salt and Baking Soda to a large mixing bowl and stir well, breaking up any clumps.  Add the Peppermint Essential Oil and mix thoroughly.  Next, add the Cornstarch, Citric Acid, Buttermilk Powder, and Honey Powder and stir well.  Split the mixture evenly into two bowls.  Add Cocoa Powder to one bowl, and Parsley Powder to the other.  Stir the liquids that had been set aside well, then pour half of the mixture into the first bowl.  Use your hands to knead the liquids into the mixture.  Using a mini or large, scissor style meat baller, scoop and mold   individual bath bombs.  This step takes a little practice.  It can take several tries to get a feel for using the baller, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't go well.  The trick to making bath bombs with this tool is to scoop just the right amount of mixture, and apply just the right amount of pressure.  When you've finished with the first bowl, add the remaining liquids to the second bowl and knead to mix.  Use the baller again to make bath bombs from your second bowl of mixture.  After the bombs are shaped, you'll need to allow them to dry and harden for about 24 hours.  Use a baking sheet, or another flat, non-porous surface to dry your bath bombs on.  Avoid using cardboard or un-waxed paper, as it can absorb moisture from the bombs and harm the final product.  Once the bombs have hardened completely they can be packaged in airtight bags or containers.

*Peppermint Essential Oil can be dangerous to babies and small children.  If children are likely to use these Bath Bombs leave them unscented or use Peppermint Fragrance Oil instead.

Holiday Projects: Milk Bath

Milk Bath is one of those luxuries that I simply cannot live without.  I tend to whip up this bath tub essential on the fly by combining some of my must have ingredients, Oatmeal, Milk Powder, and Honey Powder.  While this haphazard formulation works for my personal tub time, I prefer using a more specific recipe when creating gifts.  FromNatureWithLove.com carries a fabulous Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Powder Base that can be used as your main ingredient when creating a batch of Milk Bath.  This Base contains a powdered blend of Oatmeal, Milk, Honey, and silky Cornstarch.  It is perfect for making a batch of Holiday gifts because it saves you from the cost of ordering these ingredients separately.  When creating Milk Baths, I also like to add some Epsom Salt.  This simple bath salt helps to distribute any added Fragrance or Essential Oil, and can even be used to add color to your Milk Bath.

Basic Milk Bath Recipe
1 pound Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Powder Base
1/2 cup Epsom Salt
1/4 ounce Fragrance Oil or 1/8 ounce Essential Oil
Optional Liquid FD&C Dye

Scenting Milk Bath
Milk Bath can be scented with natural ingredients such as Essential Oils or Absolutes, or they can be scented using synthetic Fragrance Oils.  Which ingredient you choose depends on your personal preference.

Essential Oils - Since Essential Oils and Absolutes contain active ingredients, they have the ability to add beneficial properties to your Milk Bath.  However, these same active ingredients can also be dangerous if used incorrectly, or by people with certain health conditions.  Most skin safe Essential Oils can be used in Milk Baths. However, it is very important that you research any Essential Oil thoroughly before adding it to any bath and body formula. Many Essential Oils will have usage rates particular to that oil. Heed the expert advice that you find during your research and never take a guess when it comes to using these potent natural ingredients.

Here are some Essential Oils that would work well in Milk Baths:

• Bergamot
• Lavender
• Geranium
• Spearmint
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Ylang Ylang

Fragrance Oils - While Fragrance Oils are not natural, they have been specifically designed for use in skin care products, such as Milk Baths.  They are easy to use and come in a very wide range of scents.  Add less Fragrance Oil when working with spicy scents such as Cinnamon. Fragrance Oils can still contain components that may irritate the skin.

Here are some great Fragrances that would work well in Milk Baths:

• Apricot Creme
• Banana
• Coconut Cream
• Egg Nog
• Lavender Vanilla
• Oatmeal, Milk & Honey
• Orange Sherbet
• Peaches & Cream
• Rice Flower & Shea
• Vanilla Frappuccino
• Vanilla Pumpkin
• White Chocolate

How to Make Milk Bath
Pour the Epsom Salt into a medium or large sized mixing bowl.  Add the Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil and stir well to fully disperse the oil.  If you'd like to speckle your Milk Bath with color, you can add FD&C Liquid Dye one drop at a time until you reach your desired color.  Next, add the Oatmeal Milk & Honey Powder Base to the mixing bowl and stir well.  Once the powder has been thoroughly mixed it can be spooned into Cello Bags or Tin Tie Bags.  Milk Baths look great when packaged with one of our Wooden Scoops or Wooden Beveled Scoops.  Try tying one onto the package with a colored ribbon.

Each batch of Milk Bath can be split into small cello bags to make generous gifts!  We were able to make them for around $2.48 each by making a large batch with the following recipe:

• 2 lbs. Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey Powder Base ($13.00)
• 1 cup Epsom Salt (about $2.50)
• 1/2 ounce Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Fragrance Oil (about $2.77)
• 8 Small Cello Bags (about $1.58)

Total cost: about $19.85 (about $2.48 each)

Don't forget to use discount code: NBWS4277 during online checkout to save an additional 5% off qualifying items.

Branching Out on Twitter and Facebook

Social networks are a great way to help increase public awareness of your business.  It can also be a great opportunity to meet fellow crafters, artists, or small business owners.  By befriending other people in the online community you not only build your brand, you gain access to support, knowledge and friendship that can be hard to find locally.  I've recently made an effort to branch out into the world of Facebook by creating a personal profile, as well as a company page for FromNatureWithLove.com, and a blog network for The Natural Beauty Workshop.  If you have a Facebook account, I would be delighted if you would join me there by becoming my Facebook friend, becoming a fan of FromNatureWithLove.com, or becoming part of The Natural Beauty Workshop Blog Network.

I'm also having a blast following new friends on Twitter.  Twitter is a very unique social network, where users update their status in short blurbs, letting friends know what they are up to.  This network can be used to share news, links, chat, and make friends.  You can find my Twitter page here.  I would love for you to follow my Tweets, and I look forward to getting to know new friends by following theirs.

Another great way to branch out online is by participating on Flickr.com.  The Natural Beauty Workshop hosts a wonderful Flickr Photo Pool where our readers share their beautiful handmade skin care creations.  Last week, I shared a small sampling of the many wonderful photos in the pool.  In addition to The Natural Beauty Workshop Flickr Photo Pool, there are countless other Flickr groups available for you to share your work through and make new friends.  To find  groups that you can benefit from, visit the Flickr Groups Page, and search for a keyword that relates to you.  Keywords like: "soap", "handmade", "craft", "natural", or "organic" are great ones to start with.  While you are on Flickr, please feel free to stop by my photo stream and add me as your friend!

For more tips on using Social Networking to help promote your small business, check out this article from Etsy's Blog, The Storque.  The tips and links in this article can be useful to both Etsy sellers and independant sellers alike!