Strawberry Ice Cream Soap

Yep, that is what it smells like. That strawberry Ice cream you used to get in those cups with the wooden spoons. This one is not a hemp oil. So it is good for all skin types. We will see if the FO holds.

So, what is the difference between and FO (fragrance oil) and an EO (essential oil)?

Well first there is the process by which they are made Essential oils are always extracted directly from the plant. So if you are using say a soap with Mint EO it was distilled from mint. This is important to know if you have allergies. Also be aware that many plants will irritate the skin in a concentrated form. That is what an EO is.

Next is an FO Or fragrance oil. There are a few ways to make these. but all of them involve a using a carrier oil. Most common is to mix EOs and synthetic fragrances. Some FO's are as much as 80% EO's most are not. The big difference is that an EO will remain the same over time. An FO's scent can go off. What smelled like chocolate might now smell like vanilla or worse rancid oil.

Also not all oils are created equally. There is what is called the flash point of an oil. In soap making it is the temperature at which a scent burns off. Orange is has a very low flash point. Most orange soaps as a result are hand milled.

I had a horrible time with almond scents until i found that almond oil is high in acid. Even in a scent it would halt or even reverse the saponification. It puzzled me because Almond oil is used in some soap bases. Many almond scented soaps as a result are also hand milled.

Usually I use essential oils in soap so we shall see how this scent holds. If it holds - good. If not, I can always hand mill it or sell it as pink lightly scented.

Chamomile/peppermint

Ok, here is an experiement Touch of Hemp Chamomile/peppermint soap.

Chamomile is soothing to the skin and hemp is rejuvenating. Peppermint is an astringent and has been use as an antiseptic, hopefully this will produce a soap that is good for oily skin types. Peppermint oil can be an irritant for some people - I am one of them so once the soap has cured we will see how it performs. If it turns out alright, it should be ready in 4- 6 weeks. tomorrow I shall try another batch if soap, but I am almost out of hemp oil.

For people who may have allergic reactions to oils here are the base oils in the touch of hemp they may contain any combination of the following oils depending on the scent. Be aware most oils are made from nuts or kernals, although they can be made from roots, flowers leaves, fruitskin even the bark of trees. IF you haver an allergy to anything ask before you try it. And as always if you react to something stop using it.


Allspice (Pimenta dioica)
Almond oil
Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)
Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Anise Star (Illicium verum)
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Bay (Pimento racemosa)
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
Bergamot calabrian (Citrus bergamia)
Bergamot mint (Mentha citrata)
Birch (sweet)(Betula lenta)
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Blood Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum)
Calamus (Acorus calamus)
Caraway (Carum Carvi)
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Carrot (Daucus carota)
Castor Oil
Cedar (Juniperus virginiana),(Cedrus atlantica) or (Cedarus deodora)
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis),(Matricaria recutica) or (Matricaria chamomilla)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)or (Cinnamomum cassia)
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)
Coconut Oil
Coffee (Coffea arabica)
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Blue Cypress (Callitris Introtropica)
Davana (Artemisia pallens)
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus),(Eucalyptus polybractea), (Eucalyptus citriodora), or (Eucalyptus radiata)
Hemp oil
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Palm Oil
Palm Kernal Oil
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
Shea Butter
Soybean Oil
Tangerine (Citrus nobilis)

Guitar Straps Coming

I found a Market for the straps, so now I am researching the best way to create straps that will not stretch too much. It seems I will have to use leather. Anyone hve any ieas for prefabs that are ugly but could take some decoration?

Starting to Keep track

Alright, we are back from ACEN. I saw tons of great costumes, some not so great. Many were bought, as I discovered speaking to the cosplayers. So, for those of you interested. I am CONSIDERING starting to sell Gi and Hakama combinations. Here is the thing. They are fast, cheap and easy to make IF I use broadcloth and there is no decoration added. These are for costume purposes only. Ok well maybe you could wear them around the house. They are by no means meant for martial arts practice.

Now, if I get enough interest I might add a silk line. BUT and it is a big one. Silk costs. Even by the bolt and raw silk is not cheap. So I need to know I can get enough orders to cover the cost of the silk.