The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Tuesday 10 January 2017

The Christmas Challenge. Off to a happy start!

My first week back to the challenge I made soap. I thought if I make it early in the year it has time to cure for gifts later and for Christmas.  Also I have found that doing things in batches gets you ahead with gift making.
Last year I was really inspired by some gorgeous soap Mimi made and I love the shop Lush but not the prices so much! However if you like body and bath products go into their store or look online as the ideas are lovely. I went in there this week and I am way off in my soap prices. A medium bar of soap was $14.



Last year I wrote about the types of soaps I tried as I made about five types and this gave me a lot of gifts including laundry soap and wool wash.  In the end it is personal preference but my own favourite recipe is from Cath and you can find the recipe here.
This is easy and you don't have to worry about caustic soda.  I times the recipe by 6.  It was a lot to handle. If it is your first time I think make the recipe as it is. I would love to try this in the crockpot too but I haven't done that yet so I cant report on that!
In it I use goats milk and power, both from powder.
It qualified in my use it up challenge as I had most of the soap flakes, the powdered milk and all the rose buds that I dried last year.

The Lux soap flakes are something Australian readers will know but overseas this may not be known. It is pure white soap flakes. They look like this:


You need a very low heat and keep stirring and milk is added. It begins to melt and look like mashed potatoes.


Eventually it melts and you keep going until it is runny and looks like potato soup!  When I say eventually I mean for this amount I would say this took close to two hours, on a low heat and stirred most of that time. This was my own doing making such a big batch. I think the single batch still took about an hour to go from flakes to beautiful liquid. Patience.


Follow Cath's directions. Mine are just added observations. 
Once it is runny I then use my stick blender and blend it until it is smooth and glossy. It becomes quite shiny and gorgeous.  At this point I added a big spoon of vanilla bean paste. This gave it a lovely colour and the seeds gave it little flecks. And a yummy scent!

I had been looking for a good container for a mould. Then I noticed my caterers size glad wrap box was just right! I filled it with baking paper to line it. 


The weight of the soap made the box sag so I wedged something heavy on each side to hold it straight! 

When the soap is liquid you have to move quite fast as it re sets pretty quickly.
Then I dotted on my rose buds. I did this in rows so when I cut it into slices I wouldn't make a mess of them.

Also I had a bit left over so I filled two little bread loaf tins as well. They were lined with baking paper.


At this point it was so much fun!  The melting part took forever and I was thinking why oh why do I always multiply things? And will I ever get this stick blender to not smell like soap? etc.
But once it is melted and gorgeous it is all worth it! 

Then it took all my strength to leave it alone to set. Late at night, long after I went to bed,  I got up and decided it was set enough to slice up.  This was also so much fun! 
I made pretty giant chunky slices.


It is sitting like this drying out.  I really like it!

I am planning to make bath soak, wash cloths and bubble bars. Then I would have individual gifts and the makings of bath and body gift baskets or kits.  Plus I will have lots to use myself as I love anything bath related. A soak in the bath is heavenly to me.  
So this week I am making the bath soak and maybe some muslin bags full of oatmeal, milk power and scent. 

Jane mentioned one of her resources is shells. I am thinking how shells would be lovely in a bath themed gift to decorate a basket or jar and how the right shaped shell could be used as a scoop for bath salts or soaks.  

I just realised I have two baskets of rose petals so they can go into what I make next and maybe a body scrub...

So that was my week one!  Have you started making something to build up your gift supply? 
As the year goes on I notice I end up with a mix of things.... projects that take ages, batches of things that are quick and easy.... works in progress. They just all add up over the year. Come December you have a lot to choose from.  And with things you love you also have luxuries that would cost a fortune in the shops!  It is lovely! 

Today I am going back to my cupboard to see what I have that I can use. I have jars, bottles, muslin, scoops, little boxes, milk powder, rose petals....    Think of what you have that you can use up and turn into lovely gifts!

I hope you are having a good week! 

Thank you so much to everyone for comments and helping me to reply and help where needed.xxx



Picture for Lorraine (see below!) 








51 comments:

  1. Hi Annabel,

    Ha! Getting up after going to bed to slice the soap because you're excited to see how it turns out is delightful! It is absolutely gorgeous!!!!

    I haven't started on my next years' presents, yet...though I have been planning! I love how you do batches at a time and really get themes going. Such inspiration.

    xx Jen in NS

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    1. Thanks Jen, you know its exciting when you have to mess around with stuff in the middle of the night! Or you are thinking of it in bed and plotting your next move! I know you can relate craft wise! xxx

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  2. Dear Annabel,

    Who knew your soap was so easy to make? It looks very professional.

    I have been putting it off because of the caustic soda, but then you reminded me about Cath's simple recipe. I think I have all the ingredients to make it too, so guess what I will be doing very soon?

    I had to laugh about you getting up early hours to see how the soap was going. Funny how we get impatient when we create something special :)

    xTania

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    1. Good luck Tania I hope you like this. It takes patience to get to that soupy silky stage but it is worth it! xxx

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  3. I love the soaps. That is something I would like to try this year. So far I have completed 3 dish cloths. They are something I can take to work and work on during breaks and lunch hour. I still have several to make before I put them away and start something g else. Paula in Kansas

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  4. This week has seen me making things for Tilly and for my sourdough. Yep I made things for my sourdough. I made myself a set of three double layered fabric bowl covers. These are like oversized shower caps. They give the dough room to expand and save on the use of plastic wrap. These are also part of my used it up challenge. The fabric and elastic all came out of my stash.
    We have been taking Tilly down to the beach for a swim. She is one little mermaid in the making. Her little hats get wet and slip over her face. I made her an old fashioned little sunbonnet that stays in place and lets her enjoy her time in the Bay all the more.
    To keep Tilly entertained whilst they travel, our son has some movies on an iPad that they play for her. This means one of them has to sit in the back and hold it for her. I am using an old plastic dooner bag, from my cupboard, to make Tilly an iPad pocket that can hang over the headrest on the seat. I've been on Pinterest and have a few ideas for this, Now I need to turn the ideas into a reality.
    The DIL bought me up a Kombucha Scoby and I have begun brewing this delicious fermented tea. My first batch tastes lovely. I also have a new scoby growing. I will park these in a 'Scoby Motel' in the fridge and these will also become part of my Christmas gifting.
    Annabel the ideas of using shells as scoops sounds like a great idea. When I go for my next low tide walk I will have a good look for shells that might do the job. Can see some of these making their way down to you.
    I made soap just before Christmas. I made it purple in colour, added lavender essential oil and lavender flowers. Bluey's comment was that the soap looks like it's full of mouse droppings. Hmm might leave lavender flowers out from now on.
    I love the idea of the vanilla paste in soap. Sounds divine. The dried rose petals are just that added touch of Luxe.

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    1. Tilly sounds just gorgeous. Such a beautiful name too. Bet it suits her. Love, Bridge

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    2. Jane,
      I really got a kick out of Bluey's comment. It's definitely something my husband would say. Warm weather and the beach sound absolutely wonderful. It was 2 degrees here the other night. Brrr. Blessings, Cookie

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  5. Thanks for the how-to. Your soaps are lovely! I love your idea of the muslin bags full of oatmeal and powdered milk. I might try that one. It would be esp. good for a hostess gift or a thank you.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    1. Yes, muslin bath bags jump out at me, too, Leslie! Practical and effective items can be simply beautiful!

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  6. Dear Annabel
    I love the look of your soap and it seems so easy to make. Could you post the recipes for the laundry soap and the bubble bars please? I presume that the laundry soap is meant for dirty collars and cuffs etc?

    I picked up a copy of last weeks English Women's Weekly this morning, only because they have some home made cleaning recipes in it - will have to have a look and see what they are then let everyone know. I also have a recipe for the oil diffusers that people pay loads of money for - I'll see if I can find that too.

    I grew up using rolled oats as a face pack and oatmeal soap featured in the bathroom quite a bit. Haven't looked on the supermarket shelves for it so it may be one of those products that have disappeared off the shelves.

    Lynette
    XXXXX

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    1. Lynette a great soap recipe that's good for everything, laundry and personal use is on Wendy's blog, My Abundant Life, http://myabundantlife07.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Soap%20Making
      Hope the link works. The first soap I made was on Rhonds's, Down to Earth blog. It's a bit more fiddly but makes lovely soap.

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  7. Hello Annabel, I love the look of your soap. I have been making soap for about ten years and when I am going to make soap, I buy a two litre tetra pack of orange juice (apparently it should not be milk). We drink the juice, wash it out and then I pour my soap into that. With the left overs, I drop them into moulds or other tins. HTH.

    I've got out of bed in the middle of night many times to finish something too, and understand that. Jane lol about mouse droppings in your soap.

    My next batch will have a spoonful of vanilla paste also, never thought of that. I know someone who breaks open earl grey teabags and adds tealeaves for texture and scent.

    Fi xx

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    1. I love the idea of the orange juice container! That's clever. Love, Bridget

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    2. Dear Fiona, Thanks for the suggestion of the container. I love that we don't have to buy moulds and such good results can be from some humble container! With love Annabel.xxx

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  8. Annabel your soap is absolutely beautiful, sure to be a smash hit for gifts. When you use it do you take the rosebuds off- are they only for decoration? I have finally seen the light and am beginning to stockpile. One question about about my pantry- when you fill your containers up say with flour etc and their is a bit left in the bag, where do you put this until there is room to put it in the container? I am also starting to make wash and dish cloths - knitted with cotton yarn. So excited to try something new. Also do you use your handmade soap for yourself and family or only as gifts? Just wondering the difference in cost between homemade and bought soap. I am so looking forward to crafting more of my gifts this year.
    Another question Annabel, my best friend is having her first grandchild soon. I was going to make her daughter a couple of burp clothes from some lovely white terry towelling I have. Do you think they are still relevant for young Mums these days to use? I was thinking of doing some grub roses to decorate but would you have any other suggestions as she is a very modern young Mum. I don't know if grub roses would be her cup of tea. Also would you have an idea of what size to make. Thanks for always being there to help Annabel.
    Love the inspiration from everyone as well, best wishes Lorraine.xx
    PS Did you do any burpcloths for your gorgeous granddaughter Annabel?

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    1. Dear Lorraine,
      We also use the soap and I give it to the girls too. Yes really these rosebuds are decorative and I would take them off once they go into use.
      With the young Mum I do think burp cloths are so useful. If they don't understand it before the baby is born they soon will afterwards! You could write a little note explaining them. They sure save your clothes too.
      Otherwise the bandana style bibs are really popular. They are shaped like a little triangle. If I can find one of Harper wearing one I will post it in the post above for you. They seem a bit trendy but still work really well and are pretty good for using up scraps. Give me a minute and I will find a pic I think... but I cant post pics in comments so will do it up above. With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Annabel Harper is so darn cute!!!!!!!

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    3. I had to come on here and post! Annabel, Harper is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! Love, Bridge

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  9. Hi Annabel. I made some of this soap last year and left it to cure for months. Then I wrapped it in tissue paper and placed in the bathroom. Not a good move as 6 months later it developed a mould due to the milk and obviously the humidity.So the moral of my story is don't store it somewhere humid! But I did love the softness of the soap.I love Lux soap.

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    1. Barb, thanks for the info re soap in humidity. I wonder how it would go in Northern Qld? I will have to experiment. Love, Bridge

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    2. Dear Barb, I have had soap go funky in the steamy bathroom. I have kept it all dry in places like the linen cupboard and unwrapped. I wonder if you have more humidity than me however.
      I hope you are having a good week! It is going by too quickly! With love Annabel.xxx

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  10. Hi Annabel

    I was so amazed when I saw how good this soap looked. At first glance I thought you have photographed it in a shop and then I read your post. It is so much better than shop purchased soap. You have done a fantastic job.

    At the moment I am too busy building Lego and playing board games to keep DD6 entertained to be getting any crafting or anything else done. Hmmm possibly when school returns.

    I have so much I want to achieve.....

    Rearrange the pantry
    Tidy the back room to do crafting in
    Sort through kitchen cupboards
    Sort through DD6 cupboards
    Sort through my cupboards

    With the sorting of cupboards I may find some materials to use in crafting.

    Harper is looking such a cutie

    Have a great week and take care

    Aly xxx

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    1. Dear Aly, It is lovely to just enjoy the school holidays! We used to do back to school cooking for a couple of days at the end and lots of activities and crafts. I loved it. Although I had a big organise and cleaning session when school went back!
      Your plans sound great! I think sorting through cupboards finds a lot of potential resources for sure! Thanks so much! Enjoy the rest of the holidays, Love Annabel.xxx

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  11. Hi Annabel your soap looks amazing, you've certainly given me some inspiration. I've made Rhonda's soap before, but this recipe seems easier. How long does it store for? The soap I've made before went a bit funny after a couple of months.

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    1. Dear Cheryl, As far as I know it lasts forever. I made the first lot a year ago this month and it is lovely and hasn't changed. Just got harder. However Barb mentioned storing in a humid bathroom and it went funny. But also I think humidity and moisture are not good for soaps generally. Maybe climate is a factor as normally we are a fairly dry climate not the tropics. Thank you for the comment on it! Soap making is dangerously addictive! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. I lived in the rural area of Darwin for 20 years. For about 6 of those years I made Rhonda's soap and never had a batch that went funny or mouldy. The soap made in the Wet Season did take a long time to harden off.

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    3. I made the Down to Earth soap too last year. I liked it and its not too hard to make. Caustic soda sounds scary but it is really ok if you follow the directions. I think it is probably the most economical way to make soap too.xx

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    4. Thanks Jane re the info on the soap. We live in a climate similar to Darwin, so I really appreciate your advice. I'm excited to give it a go. Love, Bridget

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  12. Annabel, your soap is magnificent. You explain it so well (you are so good in how you explain things) that even I'm thinking I could give it a go lol. I don't know how it will go here in Northern Qld, but it is worth a shot. Your soap just looks absolutely beautiful, just like out of a designer boutique, but only better. Love, Bridge

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  13. Dear Annabel,
    The soap is gorgeous. I was glad to learn I'm not the only one who gets up in the middle of the night to finish something or even get started on something new as ideas keep me awake. (lol). And what beautiful little doll Harper is.

    We don't get the Luxe flakes here so I was wondering if anyone has tried using Ivory flakes, since it's pure and a not a deterrgent? It was just a thought as it would certainly save time grating up Ivory soap. After seeing online what Lush is charging for lotion bars and how simple they are to make I'm planning to make more. I dug out my silicone heart shaped cupcake pan and will probably make some up for Valentine's Day.

    Right now I'm quilting and crocheting and writing down ideas so they're not forgotten. Blessings, Cookie

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    1. Greetings from the USA! I can't get Luxe flakes, either, so I tried it with grated up bars of Ivory soap. I'm planning another batch shortly.
      Blessings, Leigh

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  14. Hi Annabel and Co.!

    It's really nice to see the comments and replies between you all! I am especially appreciating Bridget's replies all the way from North Queensland.

    Annabel, your soap looks lovely, and I reckon it must smell special, too! Vanilla!! Are you sure it's not edible?!

    I'm a long way behind all you soapmakers; I am not yet a soapmaker, but I have hope!!

    I have a few little craft projects on the go. I have a 'you know what' started on my needles, and the thick, Australian wool from a jumper kit is beautiful to work with! I am barely starting my crochet project, so it's too early to say anything about that yet!!

    With warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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  15. Great minds think alike, Annabel! I've been saving cream cartons to use as soap molds. Since I don't have any dried roses to use I'll probably go more rustic and do oatmeal & honey in mine.
    I've been working on my knitting and really like bamboo stitch. It's enough of a pattern to be interesting but not enough to stress me out with counting. I'm about 3/4 of the way through something that I hope will be a Valentine's Day gift for my daughter.
    I'm also working on other Valentine's Day ideas for kids, some with candy and some without.
    Blessings, Leigh

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    1. Hi Leigh,
      I made my last batch of soap with Ivory that I grated up and it turned out great. I was just thinking their might be an easier way if Ivory Flakes were used. It would certainly save time. Oatmeal and honey sounds lovely. How much of each did you use? Blessings, Cookie

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    2. Leigh, this bamboo stitch looks good to me! Thank you for the introduction!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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    3. Thank you, ladies. Cookie, I've not tried the flakes and haven't even priced it out, but I'm sure you're right that it would be easier and it might even be cheaper. I haven't tried the oatmeal and honey yet, I just found another soap recipe that called for those ingredients and thought I'd try a little alchemy of that plus Cath's recipe. If it works I'll be sure to share it. And Rachel, I'm pleased to have been of help.
      Blessings, Leigh

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  16. Dear Annabel and bluebird crew,
    Wow Annabel, your soaps are absolutely beautiful. They would make a lovely gifts and such luxurious ones too.
    I am ready to start creating, my craft area has been pretty much de cluttered, I have some drawers to sort out but the table is done!.. I have my thinking cap on and will be researching easy gifts to make using the resources I have. I saw a vintage hanky sachet project on a blog and it looks pretty simple, I have committed to a use up my craft stash challenge on a forum I belong to , I am going to allow myself to buy a few materials out of my gift budget if it means I can make a gift rather than spending lots of money on one. I will see what gifts I can make with what I have first.
    Harper is just beautiful Annabel!.
    Thank you for a lovely post Annabel, I might even be encouraged to try this easy method of soap making later in the year .
    Love Barb W.

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  17. Annabel, Your soap looks beautiful and matches anything you can buy at Lush, their products are gorgeous but their price isn't. I have made a round soap and used a empty pringles box, they turned out good and looked pretty.
    Harper is gorgeous and has grown so much, I am going to make of those bandana bibs for the new baby this year. I have also seen them with a longer bit on the end that holds a dummy(pacifier) so it doesn't get lost. I think they would be lovely made out of vintage material with soft towelling backs or even flannelette sheeting.
    Debbie xx

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  18. Annabel, your soap is so lovely, it looks like it's from an expensive boutique! I haven't really begun to make Christmas gifts for 2017, but I have been crocheting "messy bun" hats which had a hole in the top for a pony tail or messy bun to poke through. I just finished my fourth one, but I've been giving them away as I make them! I also have plans to make some hats for a friend who is battling cancer. I've been looking online for patterns and have found several I plan to try this weekend.

    I'm thinking I need to try to find some soap flakes to try soapmaking. Do any of the U.S. ladies know of a store where I might be able to purchase some?

    Jeanette

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    1. Dear Jeanette,
      You are still making gifts so that is what counts! Of everything I made some of it will make it to Christmas but much of it is given long before as well. Now I found what Patsy (in the US) did and she used pure castile soap bars grated.... here is a link you can see how they turned out...
      http://aworkingpantry.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/pantry-challenge-7-2016.html
      I also used more liquid than the recipe stated. I am not sure on the costing that is the only thing. If it works out expensively then use another soap method to get the same kind of look. Also maybe search pure soap flakes... I hope this helps! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Thanks, Jeanette, I know someone who could manage a 'messy bun' hat! What a workable idea!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  19. Just gorgeous! My question is about the powdered milk. The recipe said that cream worked best. I've only seen nonfat dry powdered milk. Is there a special name for it or can anyone help me out here? Thanks.

    I'm getting ready to start some new flour sack towels. I'm feeling better, but still lose my energy quickly. Darn cold & asthma!

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    1. Dear Debby, Go along slowly until you are properly better.
      Yes in soaps full fat milk is better. If you cannot find it then I would make the one you have a little bit stronger and add some extra power and I think that will work. It just makes it richer.
      I love flour sack towels! Gorgeous. And useful! With love Annabel.xxx

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  20. Annabel,
    your soaps are so pretty! I can't wait to see your other bath items as well. I am going to work on a cook book for my DIL of all of the recipes she has asked me for and all of my son's favorites as a gift to her this year. I want to make more dust rags and dish rags too and I will be trying my hand at something new, but I'm not telling you yet in case I flub it all up and it looks dumb! I hope everyone is having a great week!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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  21. I just love how easy the recipe is for the soaps, iam going to make some over the weekend,just wondering if you can use coconut milk instead of goats milk the reason i have some coconut milk here, its just a thought.
    little harper is cute as buttons :)

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    1. Dear Melissa, I cant see why not. I would try it but just do the single batch in case but I think it will be ok. The key to this is patience and getting it to that soup consistency and blended until silky. It took ages for such a big batch. But I love the result! Good luck! Love Annabel.xxx

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  22. Hello Annabel and the Bluebird Nation ! I am finally getting to posting its been a busy week. Love love love the soap! How beautiful! Its great seeing all the posts and how busy everyone has been. I had a call from my Mom and she had gotten a Super buy on some fleece blankets $.69 each! She wanted to know how many I wanted...then she says too late she bought me 15 if them! Immediately my mind was popping out ideas on how to use them. From pillows to embellishing...my Christmas list is shaping up! Thank you ladies for all the inspiration �� Gala in Washington

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    1. Dear Gala,
      Thank you! What a great buy your Mum got! Depending on the designs and colours I am thinking of so many possibilities! Picnic rug, cut one up into scarves, for making heat packs and hand warmers, cut smaller for child sized or knee sized... gifts just as they are too of course! What a bargain! Love that! Tell your Mum she is a great shopper! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Thank you Annabel for the fabulous ideas some of them didn't even occur to me! You are so clever as are all the ladies in the Bluebird Nation. No wonder we love coming here to your blog community. You are right my Mom is a great bargain shopper! She just seems to be in the right place at the right time . Fortunately she thinks of everyone she knows to bless with her bargain finds. We all appreciate her doing that and gladly pay our tab for the items. God bless and have a wonderful weekend! Oh and good job on your savings for the Vickie Challenge I happen to read your most recent post first love Gaila in Washington

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