Blend #1
3 parts Grapefruit Lily
1 part Mango Mango
1 part Ginger Lime

Blend #2
2 parts Grapefruit Lily
1.5 parts Gardenia
1.5 parts Raspberry Violet

Blend#3
2.5 parts Grapefruit Lily
2.5 parts Apricot Freesia

Blend #4
3 parts Grapefruit Lily
1 part Lily of Valley, Cybilla
1 part Romance (Discontinued)

Blend #5
2 parts Grapefruit Lily
2 parts Coconut, Cybilla
1.5 parts Sandalwood Vanilla

Blend #6
2 parts Grapefruit Lily
2 parts Vanilla Select
1 part Spearmint Essential Oil

The post Grapefruit Lily Blends appeared first on Soap Queen.

This blog is staying up, so you can still refer back to it whenever you like. However, all new projects will be posted on the Bramble Berry website. If you have any questions you can contact our customer service team.

Make sure to bookmark In the Studio for new DIY bath and body recipes, helpful articles, and how-to videos!

The post The Blog Has Moved! appeared first on Soap Queen.

Find our 2018 highlights below and share yours using #BrambleOn. Thanks for being a part of our creative journey.

Collections
Nature and Scandinavian culture inspired our 2018 collections – Modern Floral, Farmers Market, Seascape, and Hygge. They included new oils, botanicals, and fragrances.

Top Tutorials
The new collections inspired tutorials like the Siren Soap, Pumpkin Bubbling Bath Truffles, Creamy Coffee Soap, and Cashmere Scrub. In this post, we list the top 10 in no particular order. They’re a mix of the most popular and a few of our favorites.

DIY Kit Redesign
Customer feedback was an essential part of 2018. You let us know our kits could be better, and we agreed. We took new photos, videos, and wrote new directions. Our DIY kits now come with printed instructions, supplies, and how-to videos. They also come in their own box, so they’re perfect for gifting. Learn more about the redesign process here.

Bees Soap Kit

Phthalate-Free Fragrances
Thanks to your suggestions, we started reformulating all our fragrances to remove phthalates. That required countless hours of testing. We’re so happy to announce Bramble Berry fragrances are phthalate free.

2019
We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2019! There will be exciting new changes, new collections, contests, and sales.

New Sample Program
Fragrances are tricky. One person may love a scent that another finds unpleasant. We asked what you wanted from Bramble Berry, and we heard loud and clear – more sample sizes of more fragrances so you can buy your favorites with confidence.

That’s why we’re launching a new sample program in January and ending the current one today. Instead of getting random samples, you’ll be able to buy sample sizes of new scents and old favorites.

We’re also expanding our sampler line so you can try a wider range of curated collections. Stay tuned for more information about our newly-expanded sample program, and for more exciting things happening in 2019. In the meantime, be sure to check out favorites like the Best of Bramble Berry Fragrance Oil Sampler and the exfoliant sampler.

The post 2018 Year in Review appeared first on Soap Queen.

Thanks for being a part of our creative journey. We can’t wait to try even more new things in 2019.

Siren Cold Process Soap (Seascape Collection)
We love monochromatic ombre designs because they’re simple and elegant. This soap has added mermaid scales on top. That technique involves dotting soap on with a squeeze bottle and smoothing it out with a spoon. To complement the design, it’s scented with Pacific Pearl Fragrance Oil. Give it a try if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge.

Pumpkin Bubbling Bath Truffles (Hygge Collection)
Pumpkin Spice Fragrance Oil is one of our most popular scents. In this tutorial, it’s blended with Cashmere Fragrance Oil. As you break the truffles up under the faucet, they’ll bubble and make the water smell just like fall. They’re also made with skin-loving ingredients like pumpkin extract, cocoa butter, and shea butter. The truffles are a treat to use and they make great gifts.

Orchid Lotion (Modern Floral Collection)
This recipe has an amazing consistency. It’s thick and hydrating, but it still absorbs quickly. The jojoba oil and orchid extract add a silky and lightweight feeling. It’s scented with Blushing Orchid Fragrance Oil, which has notes of tuberose, cucumber, clove, and balsam. It smells like a high-end perfume so it’s perfect for leave-on body products.

Cashmere Sugar Body Scrub (Hygge Collection)
Often our most popular recipes are easy to make and don’t have too many ingredients. This one definitely fits the bill. Granulated sugar exfoliates skin while the Foaming Bath Butter cleanses. Oat oil and liquid cashmere keep your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. The scrub only takes about 30 minutes to make and it’s ready to enjoy right away.

Creamy Coffee Melt and Pour Soap
This is another tutorial that’s simple yet effective. The base is Goat Milk Melt and Pour Soap and coffee seed oil, which feel creamy and moisturizing on the skin. Used coffee grounds are added to exfoliate the skin. Our favorite part is Espresso Fragrance Oil, which is an irresistible mix of chocolate, almond, roasted coffee beans, and caramel.

Birchwood Oud Cold Process Soap (Hygge Collection)
This tutorial is fun to make because it involves several advanced techniques. First, gray soap is poured in and dusted with activated charcoal. The next layer uses the Clyde Slide technique, which creates beautiful and unique swirls. They look like woodgrain, which is why the soap is scented with Birchwood Oud Fragrance Oil.

Painted Rose Bath Bombs (Modern Floral Collection)
All you need is mica, alcohol, and a fine-tipped paintbrush to create a beautiful bath bomb design. These have painted flowers to complement the Wild Rose Fragrance Oil, which is a non-traditional mix of orange peel, lily of the valley, and vanilla. The bath bombs also have a touch of lotus flower extract so they feel as good as they smell.

Floral Wax Bark Melts (Modern Floral Collection)
Wax melts are a great alternative to candles. This recipe is super easy to make and you don’t need a mold. Once the EcoSoya Q230 Wax is melted, add the Blushing Orchid and Baby’s Breath Fragrance Oil, pour the wax on a sheet pan lined with freezer paper, and top with dried flowers. You’ll love the fresh and floral scent.

Seascape Melt and Pour Soap
Melt and pour swirls can be tricky, so it’s no surprise that this tutorial was popular in 2018. It goes over how to get defined swirls – temperature, 99% isopropyl alcohol, and patience. It’s easy to master with a little practice. The blue, white, and sandy layers are scented with Midnight Waters Fragrance Oil. It’s a complex and sultry blend of bergamot, sea water, and patchouli.

Volcanic Sand and Charcoal Face Scrub (Seascape Collection)
Last but certainly not least is this scrub. It’s made with activated charcoal, seaweed extract, and Icelandic black sand. That combination exfoliates and absorbs excess oil, which leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Give it a try today – it’s a great natural alternative to store-bought scrubs.

The post Top Tutorials of 2018 appeared first on Soap Queen.

There have been kits on the Bramble Berry website for years. We wanted them to be an easy and fun introduction to the world of DIY bath and body products. However, we heard from customers that they could be better. We agreed and started planning a redesign.

The first step was bringing people in to test the kits and share their opinions on how they could be improved. From there, we started rewriting all the instructions, taking new photos, redesigning the instruction packets, and creating new videos. Our kits now come in carefully-packed boxes that include supplies and printed instructions with plenty of photos to guide you through the process. Find all our DIY kits here.

In this video, Bramble Berry Creative Director Amanda and Editorial Director Kelsey talk more about the redesign and how we’re always looking for ways to make the kits even better.

The post How We Redesigned Our Kits appeared first on Soap Queen.

We’re teaming up with Willow and Sage magazine for a special giveaway worth $450! Five lucky winners will get 3 issues of Willow and Sage and 1 Lingonberry Spice Candle Kit. The kit comes with the supplies you need to make 4 candles, including wax, fragrance, printed instructions, and printed labels. They make great gifts.

Enter to win here.

We just need your email for 1 entry. You can get additional entries by letting friends know about the giveaway, following us on social media, or sharing our gifting hub. Find those options here. The giveaway ends Friday, Nov. 30th and the 5 winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 7th.

Look out for our feature in the winter edition of Willow and Sage. We’re talking about ways to gift hygge this season. We love working with Willow and Sage because of their beautifully-designed magazines that support and highlight the maker community. Watch out for us in their special Candle Issue as well.

Now through Nov. 30th, enter for your chance to win 1 of 5 bath-and-body-inspired bundles! It’s the perfect way to kick off your handmade gift giving this season.

The post Bramble Berry + Willow and Sage Giveaway appeared first on Soap Queen.

Emma, soapwonderful
Other than soap of course – and as someone passionate about all things handmade – for the holidays I love to go all out! I love to sew friends and family coffee cup cozies, make my exclusive face cake and facial oil sets, bake all of my childhood favorite treats, make holiday-themed bath goodies, pot succulents, embroider personalized t-shirts, and bundle it all up in a gift basket for them to enjoy all through the holidays. Even though it is my busiest time of the year as a soapmaker, it is also my most joyful, so getting creative for those I love brings my heart back to why I started making soap in the first place.

Soapwonderful’s collection of products

Michelle, get naked soaps
Christmas is by far my favourite time of year! I love giving my family members handmade gifts and I’m pretty sure they love it too! Every Christmas I make a special variety of handmade soaps and knitted dish cloths just for my family and friends. Before everyone arrives at our home on Christmas day, I display all soaps and cloths in a beautiful handmade wooden box and surround it in lights and decorations. The setup is warm and inviting, and it’s the first thing they see and smell when they walk in the door! When it’s time to leave, each person gets a bag and they go through the soaps picking out their favourites to take home with them.

It’s a small, inexpensive gesture that tells them I care and I’m thinking about them – not to mention it’s so much fun for them! I’ve had my family and friends tell me they look forward to this every year!

Get naked soaps’ Lovely Lavender bars

Tamika, Silk Suds Shop
I’m into all things handmade and that also applies to gift giving. Next to soapmaking, cooking and baking is my second favorite thing to do, especially for family and friends. Fresh-baked bread or pastries are always a welcome gift for the holidays!

Silk Suds Shop’s Sultana Soap

Kaity, Barnes Soap
My love for soapmaking grew out of my desire to give handmade gifts. It’s a lovely way to show the recipient that you really care. It’s also a great way to hone your skills! It goes without saying that everyone gets soap for the holidays. Probably a candle, too. Last year I gave my mom and grandmother scarves that I knit. (I can only do rectangles.) They were a hit!

My family has a long holiday tradition of giving a mountain of cookies to just about everyone we see. It’s always a little party when we make them. It’s a super fun process that usually takes a whole weekend.

Handmade gifts are the perfect way to bring a little extra love to the gift-giving process.

Barnes Soap’s Harvest bars

Robyn, Maple & Mint
I love to make my friends and family handmade skincare gift boxes, I love to spoil them and make them feel pampered! Some of my favourite items to include are our artisan soaps (of course!), lip balms, and body scrubs. I like to plan ahead for the holiday season and make a fun Christmas-themed soap to include in my holiday gifts. Last year I made Applejack & Christmas Spice, which was a hit, and this year I have Frankincense & Myrrh on the curing rack just waiting for Christmas Day.

Maple & Mint’s soap tops

Shelby, Lavo Soap
Crafting gifts for the holidays is actually a bit of a tradition in our house. We try to come up with a new craft every year, but sometimes repeat because we have requests for certain items, or the kids are anxious to make something specific. This tradition started years ago when my husband and I had just bought our first house and funds were tight, but it continues because I enjoy gifting things that are made from the heart, and that the whole family can participate in. A few of our favorite things to make are:

• Homemade soap – Soap will always have a special place in my heart as a go-to Christmas gift because the very first batch of cold process soap I ever made was Lavender Oatmeal soap for Christmas gifts. It was a total mess, but every single person who got a bar loved it, and it started me down the crazy rabbit hole of soapmaking and business ownership that I wouldn’t trade for anything!
• Cookies in a jar – We’ve done this one several times actually. There are a ton of variations, but if you’re not familiar, you layer a Mason jar with all the dry ingredients, add a bow and printable baking instructions, and you’re done! These are perfect to do with kids because there is so much measuring, but nothing dangerous like hot ovens or lye, and they last forever so your recipients can use them whenever they want. They are always a huge hit, and you can prepare them well in advance of the holidays!
• Fudge – Who doesn’t love fudge? Seriously, who? Fudge is delicious and easier to make than you would think. It doesn’t have the shelf life of cookies in a jar, but you can, and should, make extra to stick in the freezer. Once you make a basic batch, you can start adding additional flavors – mint, peanut butter, pumpkin spice, mmmmm. Okay, fudge is going back into the rotation of gifts this year!

We make gifts for the holidays because there is something special about putting time, effort, and care into what we gift our friends and family. It’s a form of expression to show how much each person means to us, and anything homemade is the best – both to give and to receive.

Lavo Soap’s custom cupcakes

The post What Makers Gift for the Holidays appeared first on Soap Queen.

As temperatures start to drop, your skin will need some extra TLC. We have new oils and extracts that will keep it hydrated all fall and winter long.

They’re part of the Hygge Collection, which includes comforting scents and giftable packaging. It’s inspired by the Danish concept of hygge (hoo-gah), which is the everyday pursuit of happiness, comfort, and connection. Learn more about the oils below.

Lingonberry Seed Oil
Lingonberries are native to forests in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. They’re a staple in Scandinavian cuisine. They’re quite tart, so they’re often mixed into oatmeal or made into jam.

The oil extracted from the seeds feels amazing. It has a silky and lightweight texture that leaves the skin moisturized but not greasy. It’s also packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants. We love it in handmade soap, lotion, and balm.

Lingonberry seed oil has a light yellow color and an earthy scent. In the finished product, that scent won’t be as noticeable.

It has a shelf life of 2 years. The usage rates are:

• Cold process soap: 5-15%
• Lotions and creams: 1-15%
• Balms: 1-10%

Oat Oil
Oats are amazing for skincare. Hydrolyzed oats are a moisturizing addition to lotion, and colloidal oatmeal has a silky texture that feels amazing in face masks.

Oat oil is no exception. Once you try it in handmade soap, lotion, or scrub, you won’t be able to get enough of it. It has a lightweight and non-greasy consistency. It has more than 35% omega fatty acids, as well as high levels of antioxidants, ceramides, and vitamin E. Those nutrients keep the skin hydrated and smooth all day long.

This oil has an orange-yellow color and nutty scent. When used at 15% or less and with a strong fragrance, the scent won’t be as noticeable.

The shelf life is 1 year. The usage rates are:

• Cold process soap: 5-15%
• Lotions and creams: 1-15%
• Balms: 1-10%

Turmeric Shea Butter
In India, turmeric has been used in food and medicine for thousands of years. In the U.S., it has become increasingly popular in the past few years. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant. You can add turmeric powder to DIY bath products for a natural color and mild exfoliation.

This product is a skin-loving blend of turmeric root extract, shea butter, and jojoba oil. It has a slightly softer consistency than regular shea butter, but it has similar moisturizing properties. We love the non-greasy feeling in DIY lotion and body butter.

Turmeric shea butter has a light yellow color and an earthy, slightly spicy scent. In finished products, the scent won’t be as noticeable.

It has a shelf life of 1 year. The usage rates are:

• Cold process soap: 1-10%
• Lotions and creams: 1-10%
• Balms: up to 100%

Liquid Cashmere
We can’t wait for you to try this new product. It comes from the keratin fibers of cashmere wool through a process called hydrolysis, where water is used to break down the bonds of a substance. The result is a water-soluble liquid that’s perfect for DIY lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. Liquid cashmere adds a moisturizing and silky feeling, and it also helps prevent hair breakage and split ends.

The additive has a tan color and a distinct nutty odor that’s slightly sweet. When used at 5% or less and with a strong fragrance, the scent won’t be as noticeable.

The shelf life is 1 year. Use at 0.5-5% of the total weight in water-based products like lotion, shampoo, and conditioner.

Pumpkin Extract
You need this for all your fall projects. It’s made of pumpkin extract and fractionated coconut oil. That combination creates a lightweight and moisturizing feeling on the skin, and it also helps it easily mix into DIY soap, lotion, scrub, and bath bombs. You only need a little bit of pumpkin extract to add something special to your projects.

It’s clear and odorless and the shelf life is 1 year. Use up to 7% of the total weight in soap, lotion, conditioner, scrub, and bath bombs.

We’ll share tutorials that demonstrate all the ways you can get creative with the new products. Which one is inspiring you the most? Let us know using the tag #BrambleOn.

The post New Hygge Collection Oils and Extracts appeared first on Soap Queen.

If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen the term hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). It’s underneath photos of wool socks, hot chocolate, and flickering candles.

Simply put, it’s the everyday pursuit of happiness, comfort, and connection. It’s the inspiration for our Hygge Collection, which includes warm scents, moisturizing oils, and packaging that’s perfect for holiday gifts. Learn more about hygge below.

What is it
There are many components to hygge, including pursuing happiness and contentment every day. That can be tricky to do, especially because most people have busy schedules and stressors like work and school. Try to consciously take a break to do something that makes you feel at ease. That can be as simple as ordering an indulgent dessert at your favorite restaurant or cooking dinner with your family.

Connecting with people is an essential part of hygge. There’s nothing quite like relaxing while you’re surrounded by people who love you. To really enjoy it, put your phone down, turn the TV off, and be fully present in the moment.

We can’t forget about comfort. Creating a cozy and safe environment is a great way to unwind. Again, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Curl up with your favorite blanket, sip coffee with a friend, or light your favorite candle.

History
The term comes from a Norwegian word that means well-being. Hygge first appeared in Danish writing in the 19th century, and it’s been an essential part of their culture ever since. Danes try to appreciate the small things, make their well-being a priority, and do the best with what they have. 

It seems to be working – Denmark is consistently one of the happiest countries in the world. They recently lost the top spot, but still cracked the top three.

How to apply the concept
There are so many ways to incorporate hygge into your life. Whenever you do something that makes you feel content or cozy, stop and focus on that moment. Then, try to work it into your daily routine.

We think creating is a great way to embrace the concept. It’s so enjoyable and rewarding to make soap, lotion, bath bombs, and more. Not to mention every time you use your products, you’ll be experiencing hygge again. Make sure to give bars to your friends and family so they can experience it as well. Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing hygge-inspired recipes here that are perfect for gifting.

Kits are another great way to experience hygge. Ours come with supplies and step-by-step instructions so you can focus on the fun part. Invite a friend over, drink some coffee or spiced wine, and get creative. It’s the perfect night in.

The post What Is Hygge? appeared first on Soap Queen.

We have new items just in time for your fall and winter projects. The Hygge Collection includes comforting scents, moisturizing oils, and packaging that’s perfect for holiday gifts.

The collection is inspired by the Danish concept of hygge (hoo-gah), which is the everyday pursuit of happiness, comfort, and connection. For us, hygge is making products to treat ourselves and those around us. That’s why we chose these new items.

Lingonberry Spice Fragrance Oil
This fragrance is the perfect mix of fruit and spice. You’ll love the comforting notes of apple, cinnamon, and mountain air.

Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil
One sniff of this fragrance and you’ll be hooked. It’s a warm mix of coffee beans, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Cashmere Fragrance Oil
You need this fragrance in your collection. The notes of blueberry, magnolia, and violet are hard to beat.

Alpine Frost Fragrance Oil
Try this refreshing fragrance in DIY holiday gifts like soap, scrub, foot soak, and bath bombs.

Birchwood Oud Fragrance Oil
Pick up this scent today and enjoy the complex mix of kaffir lime, sea salt, and amber.

Hygge Fragrance Collection
Try all five new scents and find your favorite. Don’t wait, it’s only available while supplies last.

Lingonberry Seed Oil
You’ll love the way this oil feels on the skin – it has a silky and lightweight texture.

Oat Oil
This oil absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling hydrated all day long. It’s rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E.

Turmeric Shea Butter
You need this natural product in your collection. It’s a mix of moisturizing butters and turmeric root extract, which will leave your skin feeling smooth.

Pumpkin Extract
You only need a few drops of pumpkin extract to add something special to handmade soap, lotion, and bath bombs. It helps moisturize the skin.

Liquid Cashmere
This is a must-have product for DIY skin and hair care. It adds a silky feeling to DIY soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

Menthol Crystals
You only need a few crystals to add a minty scent and a cooling sensation to handmade soap, scrub, and lip balm.

Pumpkin Powder
Pick up this powder today. It adds a subtle yellow color and mild exfoliation to DIY soap and scrub.

White and Black Twist Tubes
These tubes are perfect for handmade lotion bars, deodorant, and solid perfume.

Narrow and Wide Wooden Wicks
These are a must-have for handmade candles. You’ll love the even burn and comforting crackling sound.

4 oz. and 8 oz. Lidded Glass Jars
You’ll love this sophisticated jar for handmade candles. Just pop the lid on and it’s ready to store, gift, or sell.

Cooling Foot Care Kit
This kit comes with the supplies you need to pamper yourself and your loved ones. That includes printed instructions and labels.

Cashmere Soap Kit
This kit comes with the supplies you need to make 12 luxurious bars of soap, including pumpkin powder, a reusable mold, and printed instructions.

Lingonberry Spice Candle Kit
Candles are the perfect holiday gift. This kit comes with the supplies you need to make them, including printed instructions.

Full Hygge Collection
Add all of the new items into your Bramble Berry cart. They can be used in handmade products like soap, lotion, and bath bombs.

We can’t wait to see all the designs you create with the new products. Share using #BrambleOn.

The post Introducing the Hygge Collection appeared first on Soap Queen.