Finally, Soap Dough Success

Well, dear reader, I am thrilled to share that I have finally made a successful batch of soap dough. This may not seem like a big deal to many, but it is an achievement for me. I have been dabbling at making soap dough for over a year. I have read articles, watched videos, created lists of do's and don'ts, and experimented with four recipes. At long last, I have made a soap dough that is soft, pliable, not sticky and hardens nicely. I believe this success will take my soap design to a new level.

So, what is soap dough, you may ask? Soap dough is moldable, pliable, clay-like soap. Remember sculpting clay from your childhood? That is soap dough. The dough remains soft and supple as long as it is not exposed to air. However, once exposed to air and allowed to cure, it hardens and retains its shape. Soap dough can be used to create three-dimensional shapes, extruded into embeds and placed inside the soap, or rolled flat and cut into shapes using cookie cutters or presses. The possibilities are endless.

The next question you may ask is, what do I intend to do with soap dough? Thus far, I haven't done anything very creative or exciting. I have made tiny pearls, rolled them in glitter, and called it good. It's been a week, and it's only Wednesday, but that is a story for another day. Sigh. Today, I intend to try my hand at sculpting tiny lilacs for our spring lilac-scented soap. Now, remember, dear reader, this is a learn-as-you-go process, and I make no promises for my success. If I have learned one thing about myself, it is that my expectations and vision far overreach my talent and capabilities. However, always the optimist, I look forward to creating something beautiful with successful results. Please cross your fingers, send out good juju, make a wish on an eyelash, etc., for good results. Don't pray for me. The Universe has far bigger fish to fry than my success with soap dough...insert a wink.

If I am being transparent, I am at a bit of a loss. I have had so many failed attempts that I am unsure what to do with my success. I have to sit down, look at our list of seasonal soaps, and really delve into the design aspect. I will also need a few new tools, but again, I need to assess my needs before I shop. Just know I am excited about the aspect of creating something truly beautiful and unique. I believe, dear reader, the soap dough will take holiday soaps in a new and unique direction. I can't wait.

With that, I am off to the soap studio earlier than usual because I can't wait to get started on the lilac project. On this blistering cold February day, stay safe, be smart, have fun with everything you do, and keep washing your hands.

Tuesday Spotlight: Pine Tar Soap

This week, the spotlight is on Pine Tar soap. This hard-working, super-exfoliating, richly moisturizing bar is excellent for hands that aren't afraid to get dirty, those who love the feel of a textured soap, and those with skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Pine tar has been used in soap for centuries because it is naturally high in vitamin E, which benefits the skin. It is also antifungal and antibacterial, reducing body odor. Those with skin issues may find relief from symptoms such as dry, flaking, itching skin.

We make our Pine Tar soap the old-fashioned way, using our fresh, raw goat's milk, natural pine tar, neatsfoot oil, oatmeal, and poppy seeds for gentle exfoliation. The soap has a woodsy scent with a lovely blend of pine, wintergreen, and patchouli essential oils. However, the neatsfoot oil steals the spotlight from the essential oil blend. The neatsfoot oil is ultra-moisturizing, leaving one's skin feeling soft, supple, and well-moisturized after use. Although it is not the most beautiful bar we make, it is a hard-working bar that leaves the skin feeling pampered. Pine Tar is the bar that sits at our handwashing station in the soap studio.

This week, save 25% on Pine Tar soap exclusively on the website. No promo code is needed to save; the savings will be applied at checkout—all orders of $50 or more after the discount ship for free. On this bitterly cold February day, stay safe, be smart, enjoy the savings, and keep washing your hands.

For The Love Of All That's Irish

Although it is merely mid-February, I am hopeful spring is on the way. Yes, I am looking out at the farm blanketed in a fluffy, glistening layer of fresh snow, BUT there is hope that this weather is on its way out. Today, we release our St. Patrick's Day-inspired soaps: Irish Heather and Irish Tweed. If we are releasing St. Patrick's Day soaps, that means March is near. If March is near, that means we are one step closer to spring. And that, dear reader, is how my little brain works. Do you follow my logic?

Many of you are fans of our Irish Heather and Irish Tweed soap. I considered creating something new, but I fear many of you would be unhappy with my decision, so I went with what I know you love. Irish Heather truly is a delightful scent. If you love florals, especially lilacs, you will adore it. It is a beautiful oil that I look forward to using each year. The colors are bright, happy, and mindful of spring.

For a more masculine vibe, we offer Irish Tweed. Irish Tweed has notes of Dublin ivy, violet, and verbena, with woody middle notes and warm sandalwood and amber dry down. It is very masculine, very upscale, and very fragrant. The colors remind me of an upscale Irish boutique in Dublin.

As with all our products, the Irish-inspired soaps begin with our fresh, raw goat's milk. We add skin-loving oils and Tussah silk fibers to elevate your bathing and skin-soothing experience. Like a rainbow, these beautiful soaps are fleeting. I gently encourage you to order while supplies are plentiful. The Irish Heather and Irish Tweed are two of our most popular seasonal scents.

In honor of President's Day, we are offering a sitewide savings of 20%. This discount includes Irish Heather and Irish Tweed. However, it excludes merch, subscriptions, and the weekly special. Use promo code PresDay25 at checkout to save 20% on your order.

On this snowy, blowy, bitterly cold day, stay safe, be smart, know that spring is coming, and keep washing your hands.