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Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode
of "Soapmaking one oh one." I'm Anne-Marie,
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your host and soapmaking enthusiast.
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Today, we're diving into a topic that's quite a
mixed bag—Palm Oil.
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It's an ingredient that many of us in the
soapmaking world are familiar with, but it's
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not without its controversies.
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Let's explore the ins and outs of Palm Oil and
how it affects both our soapmaking and the
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environment.
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Palm Oil is one of my favorite oils to use in
soapmaking.
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It contributes significantly to a harder bar of
soap, which is something we all strive for.
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Plus, it works wonders in tandem with Coconut
Oil to help create those big, luxurious bubbles
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that everyone loves.
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However, despite its benefits in our soap
recipes, Palm Oil has some negative
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repercussions on the environment that we simply
cannot ignore.
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Now, you might be wondering, how can something
natural like Palm Oil be harmful to the
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environment?
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Well, the demand for Palm Oil is actually the
leading cause of rainforest deforestation in
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Malaysia and Indonesia.
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According to Friends of the Earth, the land
occupied by palm oil plantations has doubled in
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the last ten years in Indonesia alone.
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This expansion is endangering the habitats of
various species like the orangutan, Asian
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elephant, and the Sumatran tiger.
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Not to mention, these plantations often pollute
the soil and water with pesticides, which is
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another environmental concern.
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So, what can we do as soapmakers if we still
want to use Palm Oil in our creations?
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One approach is to incorporate oils like Olive,
Sunflower, and Canola in larger proportions in
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your recipes.
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This way, you can still achieve a great bar of
soap while reducing your reliance on Palm Oil.
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Another important step is to ensure that the
Palm Oil you do use is sustainably sourced.
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Look for Palm Oil that is grown in
rehabilitated agricultural areas or comes from
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smaller farms that do not harm animal habitats
or disrupt migration patterns.
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Supporting companies that are part of the
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Production
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is another excellent way to ensure that your
Palm Oil is sourced responsibly.
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This organization was co-founded by the World
Wildlife Fund, so you can trust their
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commitment to sustainability.
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Remember, small actions can lead to significant
change.
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By being mindful of how we source our
ingredients, we can all contribute to a more
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sustainable future.
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And, of course, if you're looking for the best
supplies on the internet, you can always visit
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Bramble Berry.
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We've got you covered with everything you need
for your soapmaking adventures.
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Let's talk about essential oil safety, an often
overlooked but crucial aspect of soapmaking and
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crafting.
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Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts
that can be extremely potent and, if not
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handled properly, potentially hazardous.
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So, here are some guidelines to ensure you're
using them safely and effectively.
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First and foremost, always keep essential oils
away from fire or any naked flames.
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They are volatile and flammable, so having a
fire extinguisher nearby is a wise precaution.
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Store your essential oils in a cool place, away
from sunlight, to maintain their efficacy and
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prevent them from deteriorating.
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It's also important to avoid using plastic
bottles for storing essential oils.
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Plastic can allow the oils to evaporate and
even absorb the smell of the plastic itself,
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which is not ideal.
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Instead, opt for glass containers, which are
more stable and do not interact with the oils.
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If you have expensive essential oils, consider
keeping them in the refrigerator to extend
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their shelf life.
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After handling essential oils, make sure to
wash your hands thoroughly.
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If you're mixing your essential oil with a
fixed oil to make it skin safe, remember that
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the fixed oil has a shorter shelf life and can
go rancid.
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Always mix in small batches to avoid waste and
ensure freshness.
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Essential oils can be quite stubborn when it
comes to stains.
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They can remove nail polish, furniture finish,
and even stain fabrics.
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Therefore, it's a good idea to have an eye
rinse station nearby in case of accidental
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splashes, especially in your eyes.
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In such cases, use milk or a carrier oil first
to help neutralize the oil before rinsing with
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water.
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It's worth noting that essential oils do not
dissolve in water.
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They also do not mix well with computers, pets,
children, furniture, carpets, and even indoor
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plants.
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Make sure your bottles are labeled correctly to
avoid any confusion or mishaps.
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Use caution when working with essential oils if
you have any open cuts or wounds, as they can
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be irritating.
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Additionally, some essential oils can negate
the effect of sensitive homeopathy remedies, so
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be mindful if you're using both.
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Certain essential oils, like bergamot and most
citrus oils, are photosensitizers.
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This means they can increase your skin's
sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to
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burns or irritation.
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Always buy your essential oils from a reputable
supplier.
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If a deal seems too good to be true, like
finding rose essential oil for five dollars,
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it's probably not authentic.
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If you're pregnant, exercise extra caution with
essential oils, particularly during the first
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trimester.
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When working with undiluted essential oils,
ensure good airflow in the room to avoid
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overwhelming scents that could cause discomfort
or dizziness.
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Anne-Marie: Alright, soapmakers, let's delve
into a topic that often causes confusion in our
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crafting world—weight versus volume.
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Understanding the difference between these two
measurements is crucial for achieving
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consistent and successful results in your
soapmaking projects.
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Anne-Marie: When it comes to crafting,
precision is key.
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Whether you're making soap, candles, or any
other handcrafted item, measuring by weight
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rather than volume is the most accurate method.
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Why?
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Well, because the density of materials can vary
greatly, and using volume can lead to
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inaccuracies.
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Anne-Marie: Take, for instance, Stearic Acid,
an ingredient derived from Palm Oil that I
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recently used to make a candle.
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In this project, I measured out 16 ounces by
volume for my candle, but when melted, the
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actual weight was quite different.
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This discrepancy illustrates why it's so
important to rely on weight measurements.
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Anne-Marie: Using weight allows you to cost
your projects better and ensures less batch
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variation.
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This is particularly important for those of you
who are selling your creations or are aiming
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for a consistent product every time.
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With weight, you have predictability, which is
a crafter's best friend.
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Anne-Marie: Let's talk about fragrance.
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I like my candles strong, so I use a full one
ounce of fragrance per pound of wax by weight.
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This ensures a consistent scent throw,
something that's much harder to achieve if
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you're working with volume measurements.
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Anne-Marie: When pouring the wax, I made sure
to carefully position the wick in the center
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and prop it up to keep it straight.
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Despite using a 100% Palm Stearic Acid candle,
which turned out harder than expected, the
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candle burned well.
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However, next time, I might experiment with a
softer wax or a different wick size for an
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easier burn.
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Anne-Marie: The takeaway here is that using
weight instead of volume can make a significant
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difference in the quality and consistency of
your projects.
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It's a small adjustment that can lead to big
improvements in your crafting outcomes.
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Today, I'm excited to share a personal favorite
of mine—a hot oil hair treatment recipe that's
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perfect for deep conditioning.
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I've been a fan of hot oil treatments since I
was about twelve years old.
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Back in the day, I'd warm up the oil, apply it
to my hair, and rinse it out using apple cider
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vinegar and baking soda.
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Looking back, I'm not sure if that last step
was the healthiest choice, but it certainly
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felt like it worked wonders at the time!
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As I've grown older, my love for hair oil
treatments has only intensified.
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I typically mix whatever the current 'oil of
the day' is with some jojoba oil and my go-to
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essential oils, Geranium and Lavender.
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But last night, I decided to take a more
serious approach and crafted a conditioning
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hair oil with a bit more intent.
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To start, I infused some sesame seed oil and
unrefined hemp seed oil with herbs like
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calendula and fenugreek.
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Fenugreek is a traditional ingredient in India,
often infused into yogurt to create a hair
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conditioner.
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I opted for a lukewarm infusion, simmering the
oil on low heat for an hour with the herbs.
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After this time-intensive process, I strained
the oil using a makeshift strainer—a coffee
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filter placed inside my pasta drainer.
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The result?
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A beautifully dark oil, thanks to the natural
dark green-brown hue of the unrefined hemp seed
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oil, which deepened with the infusion.
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Once the infusion was complete, the rest of the
process was a breeze.
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Here’s the recipe I used:
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- 2 ounces of Hemp and Sesame Infused Oil
- 2
ounces of Castor Oil
- 2 ounces of Fractionated
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Coconut Oil
- 1 ounce of Evening Primrose Oil
-
1 ounce of Avocado Oil
- 1 ounce of Soybean Oil
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For the essential oil blend, I included:
- 0.25
ounces of Carrot Seed Oil
- 0.10 ounces of
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Frankincense CO2 Extracted
- 0.25 ounces of
Basil Essential Oil
- 0.15 ounces of Cedarwood
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Essential Oil
- 0.15 ounces of Rosemary
Essential Oil
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After assembling all the oils, I poured them
into a bottle, and voila!
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I had a lovely, stimulating scalp and hair oil.
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The directions for use are simple: massage the
oil into your scalp and hair, leave it on for
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at least twenty minutes, and then wash and
condition your hair as usual to rinse out the
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oil.
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Anne-Marie: Before we wrap up today's episode,
let's talk about something that's equally
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important as making soap—capturing it
beautifully through photography.
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Whether you're just starting out or have been
crafting for years, good photography can make
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all the difference, especially if you're
looking to sell your creations online.
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Anne-Marie: When I first started making soaps,
I was always keen to photograph my projects.
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Even before selling them online, I wanted to
keep an album of what I made.
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Once I began selling on platforms like Etsy, I
realized how essential good photography was to
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success.
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Unfortunately, I had no experience with product
photography at the beginning, but over the
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years, I've picked up a few valuable tips that
I'm excited to share with you today.
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Anne-Marie: Let's start with lighting.
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Have you ever marveled at those photos with a
perfectly white background and no shadows?
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I certainly have.
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While I haven't mastered that technique
completely, I've found that natural light
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provides the most realistic colors.
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I never use my camera's flash.
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Instead, I set up a mini-studio using a
twelve-inch square piece of white foam core as
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my floor and a twelve-by-twenty-four-inch
piece, scored to fold, as my background.
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This setup reflects natural light from a window
to minimize shadows.
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You can use it as is or add colored sheets for
variety.
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Letting the paper curve up along the back wall
helps eliminate distracting corners and creates
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a seamless look.
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Anne-Marie: Next, let's talk about color and
composition.
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Remember learning about complementary colors in
elementary school art class?
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It turns out, this concept is incredibly useful
in photography.
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For example, if you're photographing an orange
soap, using a blue background can make it pop,
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as these colors are complementary.
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Keep a stack of colored and patterned papers on
hand to experiment with different combinations
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until you find a look you love.
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As for composition, try stacking your soaps,
angling them, or using props to create an
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engaging still life.
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Be creative!
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Anne-Marie: Once you've taken your photos, it's
time for cropping and touch-ups.
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Use photo editing software to crop your images
tightly, ensuring your soap is the focal point.
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If you're selling on platforms like Etsy,
cropping your photos into a square format is
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ideal.
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Adjust the brightness and contrast to bring out
the best in your photos, but be cautious not to
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overdo it and lose the natural look.
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Anne-Marie: As you continue taking pictures,
you'll develop your own style.
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Maybe you'll focus on vibrant colors and humor,
or perhaps you'll prefer a more earthy and
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natural vibe.
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You might even find that outdoor settings, like
placing your soaps on a tree branch, become
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your favorite backdrop.
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The key is to have fun and let your creativity
shine through your photography.
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Anne-Marie: That wraps up today's episode of
"Soapmaking one oh one." If you're keen to
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00:12:51,184 --> 00:12:54,784
learn more about soapmaking, head over to
BrambleBerry.com.
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00:12:54,865 --> 00:12:59,504
We have hundreds of free articles, recipes, and
all the supplies you need to make handmade
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soaps, lotions, candles, and more.
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Thanks for listening, and happy soaping!
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,839
Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode
of "Soapmaking one oh one." I'm Anne-Marie,
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your host and soapmaking enthusiast.
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Today, we're diving into a topic that's quite a
mixed bag—Palm Oil.
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It's an ingredient that many of us in the
soapmaking world are familiar with, but it's
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not without its controversies.
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Let's explore the ins and outs of Palm Oil and
how it affects both our soapmaking and the
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environment.
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Palm Oil is one of my favorite oils to use in
soapmaking.
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It contributes significantly to a harder bar of
soap, which is something we all strive for.
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Plus, it works wonders in tandem with Coconut
Oil to help create those big, luxurious bubbles
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that everyone loves.
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However, despite its benefits in our soap
recipes, Palm Oil has some negative
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repercussions on the environment that we simply
cannot ignore.
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Now, you might be wondering, how can something
natural like Palm Oil be harmful to the
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environment?
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00:00:57,880 --> 00:01:02,920
Well, the demand for Palm Oil is actually the
leading cause of rainforest deforestation in
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Malaysia and Indonesia.
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According to Friends of the Earth, the land
occupied by palm oil plantations has doubled in
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00:01:09,895 --> 00:01:12,295
the last ten years in Indonesia alone.
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This expansion is endangering the habitats of
various species like the orangutan, Asian
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elephant, and the Sumatran tiger.
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Not to mention, these plantations often pollute
the soil and water with pesticides, which is
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another environmental concern.
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So, what can we do as soapmakers if we still
want to use Palm Oil in our creations?
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One approach is to incorporate oils like Olive,
Sunflower, and Canola in larger proportions in
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your recipes.
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This way, you can still achieve a great bar of
soap while reducing your reliance on Palm Oil.
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Another important step is to ensure that the
Palm Oil you do use is sustainably sourced.
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Look for Palm Oil that is grown in
rehabilitated agricultural areas or comes from
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smaller farms that do not harm animal habitats
or disrupt migration patterns.
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Supporting companies that are part of the
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Production
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is another excellent way to ensure that your
Palm Oil is sourced responsibly.
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This organization was co-founded by the World
Wildlife Fund, so you can trust their
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commitment to sustainability.
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Remember, small actions can lead to significant
change.
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00:02:21,780 --> 00:02:26,419
By being mindful of how we source our
ingredients, we can all contribute to a more
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sustainable future.
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00:02:27,860 --> 00:02:32,125
And, of course, if you're looking for the best
supplies on the internet, you can always visit
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Bramble Berry.
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We've got you covered with everything you need
for your soapmaking adventures.
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Let's talk about essential oil safety, an often
overlooked but crucial aspect of soapmaking and
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crafting.
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Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts
that can be extremely potent and, if not
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00:02:49,659 --> 00:02:52,379
handled properly, potentially hazardous.
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00:02:52,699 --> 00:02:56,620
So, here are some guidelines to ensure you're
using them safely and effectively.
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00:02:58,174 --> 00:03:03,215
First and foremost, always keep essential oils
away from fire or any naked flames.
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00:03:03,294 --> 00:03:08,415
They are volatile and flammable, so having a
fire extinguisher nearby is a wise precaution.
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00:03:08,894 --> 00:03:14,129
Store your essential oils in a cool place, away
from sunlight, to maintain their efficacy and
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prevent them from deteriorating.
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00:03:17,009 --> 00:03:21,490
It's also important to avoid using plastic
bottles for storing essential oils.
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00:03:21,729 --> 00:03:26,930
Plastic can allow the oils to evaporate and
even absorb the smell of the plastic itself,
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00:03:26,930 --> 00:03:27,729
which is not ideal.
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Instead, opt for glass containers, which are
more stable and do not interact with the oils.
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00:03:34,025 --> 00:03:38,985
If you have expensive essential oils, consider
keeping them in the refrigerator to extend
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00:03:38,985 --> 00:03:39,865
their shelf life.
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00:03:41,379 --> 00:03:45,379
After handling essential oils, make sure to
wash your hands thoroughly.
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00:03:45,539 --> 00:03:50,099
If you're mixing your essential oil with a
fixed oil to make it skin safe, remember that
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00:03:50,099 --> 00:03:53,139
the fixed oil has a shorter shelf life and can
go rancid.
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00:03:53,514 --> 00:03:57,594
Always mix in small batches to avoid waste and
ensure freshness.
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00:03:58,955 --> 00:04:02,314
Essential oils can be quite stubborn when it
comes to stains.
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00:04:02,394 --> 00:04:05,754
They can remove nail polish, furniture finish,
and even stain fabrics.
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00:04:06,270 --> 00:04:10,430
Therefore, it's a good idea to have an eye
rinse station nearby in case of accidental
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00:04:10,430 --> 00:04:12,430
splashes, especially in your eyes.
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00:04:12,509 --> 00:04:17,470
In such cases, use milk or a carrier oil first
to help neutralize the oil before rinsing with
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00:04:17,470 --> 00:04:17,709
water.
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00:04:19,165 --> 00:04:22,685
It's worth noting that essential oils do not
dissolve in water.
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00:04:23,004 --> 00:04:27,965
They also do not mix well with computers, pets,
children, furniture, carpets, and even indoor
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00:04:27,965 --> 00:04:28,685
plants.
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00:04:29,165 --> 00:04:33,004
Make sure your bottles are labeled correctly to
avoid any confusion or mishaps.
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00:04:34,439 --> 00:04:39,560
Use caution when working with essential oils if
you have any open cuts or wounds, as they can
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00:04:39,560 --> 00:04:40,600
be irritating.
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00:04:40,839 --> 00:04:46,199
Additionally, some essential oils can negate
the effect of sensitive homeopathy remedies, so
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00:04:46,199 --> 00:04:47,720
be mindful if you're using both.
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00:04:49,375 --> 00:04:54,095
Certain essential oils, like bergamot and most
citrus oils, are photosensitizers.
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00:04:54,254 --> 00:04:58,574
This means they can increase your skin's
sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to
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00:04:58,574 --> 00:04:59,694
burns or irritation.
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00:05:00,539 --> 00:05:03,660
Always buy your essential oils from a reputable
supplier.
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00:05:03,819 --> 00:05:08,593
If a deal seems too good to be true, like
finding rose essential oil for five dollars,
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00:05:08,593 --> 00:05:10,459
it's probably not authentic.
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00:05:11,579 --> 00:05:16,764
If you're pregnant, exercise extra caution with
essential oils, particularly during the first
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00:05:16,764 --> 00:05:17,645
trimester.
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00:05:17,964 --> 00:05:22,925
When working with undiluted essential oils,
ensure good airflow in the room to avoid
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00:05:22,925 --> 00:05:26,204
overwhelming scents that could cause discomfort
or dizziness.
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00:05:26,204 --> 00:05:33,100
Anne-Marie: Alright, soapmakers, let's delve
into a topic that often causes confusion in our
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00:05:33,100 --> 00:05:35,580
crafting world—weight versus volume.
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00:05:35,580 --> 00:05:39,580
Understanding the difference between these two
measurements is crucial for achieving
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00:05:39,580 --> 00:05:42,939
consistent and successful results in your
soapmaking projects.
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00:05:44,584 --> 00:05:47,944
Anne-Marie: When it comes to crafting,
precision is key.
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Whether you're making soap, candles, or any
other handcrafted item, measuring by weight
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00:05:52,745 --> 00:05:55,305
rather than volume is the most accurate method.
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00:05:55,544 --> 00:05:56,024
Why?
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00:05:56,024 --> 00:06:00,649
Well, because the density of materials can vary
greatly, and using volume can lead to
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00:06:00,649 --> 00:06:01,610
inaccuracies.
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Anne-Marie: Take, for instance, Stearic Acid,
an ingredient derived from Palm Oil that I
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00:06:08,250 --> 00:06:09,930
recently used to make a candle.
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00:06:09,930 --> 00:06:15,705
In this project, I measured out 16 ounces by
volume for my candle, but when melted, the
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00:06:15,705 --> 00:06:17,625
actual weight was quite different.
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00:06:17,785 --> 00:06:22,264
This discrepancy illustrates why it's so
important to rely on weight measurements.
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Anne-Marie: Using weight allows you to cost
your projects better and ensures less batch
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00:06:29,839 --> 00:06:30,639
variation.
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This is particularly important for those of you
who are selling your creations or are aiming
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00:06:36,240 --> 00:06:38,560
for a consistent product every time.
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With weight, you have predictability, which is
a crafter's best friend.
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Anne-Marie: Let's talk about fragrance.
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I like my candles strong, so I use a full one
ounce of fragrance per pound of wax by weight.
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00:06:51,935 --> 00:06:56,095
This ensures a consistent scent throw,
something that's much harder to achieve if
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you're working with volume measurements.
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00:06:57,615 --> 00:07:03,449
Anne-Marie: When pouring the wax, I made sure
to carefully position the wick in the center
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and prop it up to keep it straight.
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00:07:05,449 --> 00:07:11,129
Despite using a 100% Palm Stearic Acid candle,
which turned out harder than expected, the
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00:07:11,129 --> 00:07:11,930
candle burned well.
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00:07:12,564 --> 00:07:17,444
However, next time, I might experiment with a
softer wax or a different wick size for an
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00:07:17,444 --> 00:07:18,324
easier burn.
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Anne-Marie: The takeaway here is that using
weight instead of volume can make a significant
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difference in the quality and consistency of
your projects.
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00:07:27,509 --> 00:07:31,669
It's a small adjustment that can lead to big
improvements in your crafting outcomes.
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00:07:32,789 --> 00:07:38,229
Today, I'm excited to share a personal favorite
of mine—a hot oil hair treatment recipe that's
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00:07:38,229 --> 00:07:39,509
perfect for deep conditioning.
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00:07:39,985 --> 00:07:43,504
I've been a fan of hot oil treatments since I
was about twelve years old.
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00:07:43,665 --> 00:07:49,105
Back in the day, I'd warm up the oil, apply it
to my hair, and rinse it out using apple cider
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00:07:49,105 --> 00:07:50,865
vinegar and baking soda.
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Looking back, I'm not sure if that last step
was the healthiest choice, but it certainly
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00:07:56,060 --> 00:07:58,540
felt like it worked wonders at the time!
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00:07:59,819 --> 00:08:04,060
As I've grown older, my love for hair oil
treatments has only intensified.
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00:08:04,379 --> 00:08:09,100
I typically mix whatever the current 'oil of
the day' is with some jojoba oil and my go-to
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00:08:09,100 --> 00:08:11,944
essential oils, Geranium and Lavender.
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00:08:12,425 --> 00:08:16,745
But last night, I decided to take a more
serious approach and crafted a conditioning
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00:08:16,745 --> 00:08:18,745
hair oil with a bit more intent.
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00:08:19,944 --> 00:08:24,584
To start, I infused some sesame seed oil and
unrefined hemp seed oil with herbs like
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00:08:24,584 --> 00:08:26,024
calendula and fenugreek.
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00:08:26,529 --> 00:08:31,730
Fenugreek is a traditional ingredient in India,
often infused into yogurt to create a hair
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00:08:31,730 --> 00:08:32,450
conditioner.
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00:08:32,610 --> 00:08:37,809
I opted for a lukewarm infusion, simmering the
oil on low heat for an hour with the herbs.
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After this time-intensive process, I strained
the oil using a makeshift strainer—a coffee
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00:08:44,414 --> 00:08:46,735
filter placed inside my pasta drainer.
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00:08:46,815 --> 00:08:47,615
The result?
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A beautifully dark oil, thanks to the natural
dark green-brown hue of the unrefined hemp seed
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oil, which deepened with the infusion.
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Once the infusion was complete, the rest of the
process was a breeze.
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Here’s the recipe I used:
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- 2 ounces of Hemp and Sesame Infused Oil
- 2
ounces of Castor Oil
- 2 ounces of Fractionated
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00:09:09,644 --> 00:09:16,125
Coconut Oil
- 1 ounce of Evening Primrose Oil
-
1 ounce of Avocado Oil
- 1 ounce of Soybean Oil
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For the essential oil blend, I included:
- 0.25
ounces of Carrot Seed Oil
- 0.10 ounces of
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00:09:25,580 --> 00:09:34,095
Frankincense CO2 Extracted
- 0.25 ounces of
Basil Essential Oil
- 0.15 ounces of Cedarwood
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00:09:34,095 --> 00:09:38,254
Essential Oil
- 0.15 ounces of Rosemary
Essential Oil
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00:09:39,215 --> 00:09:43,215
After assembling all the oils, I poured them
into a bottle, and voila!
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I had a lovely, stimulating scalp and hair oil.
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The directions for use are simple: massage the
oil into your scalp and hair, leave it on for
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00:09:51,019 --> 00:09:54,860
at least twenty minutes, and then wash and
condition your hair as usual to rinse out the
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oil.
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00:09:55,340 --> 00:10:01,100
Anne-Marie: Before we wrap up today's episode,
let's talk about something that's equally
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00:10:01,100 --> 00:10:05,075
important as making soap—capturing it
beautifully through photography.
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00:10:05,315 --> 00:10:09,875
Whether you're just starting out or have been
crafting for years, good photography can make
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00:10:09,875 --> 00:10:13,475
all the difference, especially if you're
looking to sell your creations online.
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00:10:13,475 --> 00:10:20,450
Anne-Marie: When I first started making soaps,
I was always keen to photograph my projects.
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00:10:20,769 --> 00:10:24,690
Even before selling them online, I wanted to
keep an album of what I made.
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00:10:24,769 --> 00:10:30,605
Once I began selling on platforms like Etsy, I
realized how essential good photography was to
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00:10:30,605 --> 00:10:31,325
success.
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00:10:31,965 --> 00:10:36,764
Unfortunately, I had no experience with product
photography at the beginning, but over the
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00:10:36,764 --> 00:10:40,764
years, I've picked up a few valuable tips that
I'm excited to share with you today.
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Anne-Marie: Let's start with lighting.
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Have you ever marveled at those photos with a
perfectly white background and no shadows?
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00:10:48,659 --> 00:10:49,860
I certainly have.
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00:10:50,019 --> 00:10:53,860
While I haven't mastered that technique
completely, I've found that natural light
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00:10:53,860 --> 00:10:55,539
provides the most realistic colors.
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00:10:56,034 --> 00:10:57,955
I never use my camera's flash.
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00:10:58,355 --> 00:11:03,554
Instead, I set up a mini-studio using a
twelve-inch square piece of white foam core as
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00:11:03,554 --> 00:11:07,554
my floor and a twelve-by-twenty-four-inch
piece, scored to fold, as my background.
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00:11:08,350 --> 00:11:12,029
This setup reflects natural light from a window
to minimize shadows.
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00:11:12,190 --> 00:11:15,710
You can use it as is or add colored sheets for
variety.
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00:11:16,110 --> 00:11:20,830
Letting the paper curve up along the back wall
helps eliminate distracting corners and creates
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00:11:20,830 --> 00:11:21,710
a seamless look.
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00:11:21,710 --> 00:11:27,164
Anne-Marie: Next, let's talk about color and
composition.
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Remember learning about complementary colors in
elementary school art class?
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00:11:31,804 --> 00:11:35,644
It turns out, this concept is incredibly useful
in photography.
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00:11:36,250 --> 00:11:41,049
For example, if you're photographing an orange
soap, using a blue background can make it pop,
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00:11:41,049 --> 00:11:42,889
as these colors are complementary.
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00:11:43,289 --> 00:11:47,769
Keep a stack of colored and patterned papers on
hand to experiment with different combinations
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00:11:47,769 --> 00:11:49,370
until you find a look you love.
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00:11:49,904 --> 00:11:54,464
As for composition, try stacking your soaps,
angling them, or using props to create an
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00:11:54,464 --> 00:11:55,985
engaging still life.
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00:11:56,225 --> 00:11:57,264
Be creative!
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00:11:57,264 --> 00:12:03,200
Anne-Marie: Once you've taken your photos, it's
time for cropping and touch-ups.
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00:12:03,200 --> 00:12:08,799
Use photo editing software to crop your images
tightly, ensuring your soap is the focal point.
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00:12:09,120 --> 00:12:13,840
If you're selling on platforms like Etsy,
cropping your photos into a square format is
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00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:14,559
ideal.
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00:12:14,639 --> 00:12:19,424
Adjust the brightness and contrast to bring out
the best in your photos, but be cautious not to
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00:12:19,424 --> 00:12:21,825
overdo it and lose the natural look.
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00:12:21,825 --> 00:12:27,424
Anne-Marie: As you continue taking pictures,
you'll develop your own style.
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00:12:27,825 --> 00:12:32,865
Maybe you'll focus on vibrant colors and humor,
or perhaps you'll prefer a more earthy and
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00:12:32,865 --> 00:12:33,584
natural vibe.
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00:12:34,089 --> 00:12:38,730
You might even find that outdoor settings, like
placing your soaps on a tree branch, become
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00:12:38,730 --> 00:12:40,090
your favorite backdrop.
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00:12:40,250 --> 00:12:44,409
The key is to have fun and let your creativity
shine through your photography.
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00:12:44,409 --> 00:12:51,184
Anne-Marie: That wraps up today's episode of
"Soapmaking one oh one." If you're keen to
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00:12:51,184 --> 00:12:54,784
learn more about soapmaking, head over to
BrambleBerry.com.
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00:12:54,865 --> 00:12:59,504
We have hundreds of free articles, recipes, and
all the supplies you need to make handmade
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00:12:59,504 --> 00:13:01,664
soaps, lotions, candles, and more.
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Thanks for listening, and happy soaping!
