Cuppa Jo Sunrise Challenge

I have been neglecting the challenges for WAY TOO LONG.  I have to offer my sincere apology for the major delay in fun.  Mad Oils has exploded and not only are we understaffed, but between seasonal colds and unforeseen employee childcare issues, we have had quite a time keeping up with the floods of orders (which we love!  Thanks to all our loyal customers!)  So having been a bit overwhelmed at work and tirelessly navigating my personal life and continuing to improve on myself....I have been a very bad blogger, and I am sorry.... :(

So I challenge you up, baby!

Since I've moved into my new place, I often wake up before sunset, take my fresh coffee and walk, in my pajamas and slippers, to the Intercoastal Waterway/Lake Worth Lagoon, which is only one block from my new place.  I love the salty breeze that wafts into my face and through my short hair..... while I listen to the small waves slapping against the concrete ledge I sit on.  Within minutes, the black sky turns twilight blue and from the horizon, emerges orange and pink colors.

It has been a new experience living near the water and enjoying the sunrises I get to witness when I sit out there and ponder life's curves, dips and surprises.

This one may be hard because I'd really like you to tap into your creative mind and try not to be too literal in your interpretations  (if you CAN).

I want all of you to design and interpret in your own way, my morning cup of coffee at the Lagoon.

If I were to participate in this challenge, I'd start of with a layer of soap mixed with sea clay or mud with superfine coffee grounds (this would represent the concrete ledge I sit on). I'd then make an orange to pink ombre technique.  Ombre is a gradual GRADIENT change from one color to the next.....

{You can see the tutorial that was posted here on The Soap Bar Blog in 2012.  The tutorial was written by Emily Shieh of Shieh Design Studios.}

I think I would take  some dark mica and mix into a cup of soap batter and pour it in blips and plops from high up, so it reaches close to the bottom of the first layer.  One of those bloops would represent me, a figure.  In the photo below shows some designs from the soap I "blooped".

So I suppose even if I did a tutorial, everyone's soap design would end up being unique because of the haphazard way of the plop/bloop "technique".

So there you go.  Challenge has been assigned.  Please post your final creations on our Facebook Group, Soap Challenge Gallery.  PLEASE tag your post with #cuppajosunrise

Challenge starts now and all soap entries (entries are posted photos) are due by April 9th!  The grand prize winner will receive Mad Oils Micas ~ FOUR Mad Oils mica samples of your choice!

Good luck and soap on!

xoxo

jo

Origins

Peridot is the birthstone of August and green is one of my very favorite colors. It has many symbolic meanings:  It has been said that its owner, when worn would have the power of invisibility.  Some people believes it can bring peace and protection. It has also been worn to calm anger by soothing ones nerves, expelling negative energy. My favorite symbolism and the one I found inspriation from was that it promises growth for the future and gives strength to individuals.  GIVES STRENGTH.
Onward and upward.  We shall gain strength this month from the process of this challenge.

August is a transitional month for many of us who are effected by school.  Summer winds down, vacations come to an end and nerves arise because of going to a new school and the weather will be changing.  It's a time where we may need to find love and strength from a new source.  Focus on something bright green and go with it.

This challenge has a few challenges to meet.

I want you to make a soap with a food product that, after some cure time, you can photograph next to or on food product's place of origin.  For instance:  incorporate cherries into your soap recipe and when it's ready, photograph your soap at the base of a cherry tree next to the fallen berries.  Or use milk in your soap and take pictures of a cow alongside the soap maybe on a fence, or stump. I have to insist you take photographs by natural light.

In short, find a food product that you will be able to access its source at a later time, then use the food in your soap and once that is complete, you must then photograph the soap at the place of the food ingredient's origin. I will accept ONLY those photographed by natural light. Be creative.  Be you: unique.  Think outside the box and don't be afraid of trying new things.  Remember, I do this so you can grow as an artist and expand your thought process. We all think so differently from each other that it's fun to see all of the interpretations of these challenges!

Please post your photos in my Facebook group:  Soap Challenge Gallery with the hashtag: #origins to be considered for this challenge.  Ends:  August 25th.  You can take on this challenge multiple times if you wish.  Please do not post photos of previous soaps.  That is cheating. You have to MAKE the soap for this.  That is the point of these challenges.

Good luck!  There is a tiny prize for the winner of something meaningful. Thank you again, for all your wonderful participation. 

 

Digging In The Dirt

"Something in me, dark and sticky
All the time it's getting strong...

The more I look, the more I find
As I close on in, I get so blind ..."

- Peter Gabriel

All weekend I spent my time digging in the dirt and planting new plants into my front walkway. My husband and I ripped out a line of very "vanilla" hedge-like bushes along each side of the walkway.  It was boring and cold and didn't feel like home.  It was really hard work and took a number of sessions to complete.

Yesterday we finished one side and we're really tickled with how it looks now.  It's way more "US"; it has different heights, textures, colors, styles....with scattered potted plants taking up some of the nooks and crannies.  Digging in the dirt felt so good.  In fact, I was thinking to myself how much of a release it is to use my bare hands in the fresh dirt just as my husband asked me if the dirt on my hands made me crazy.  No, I love it.  There is something almost primal in getting down deep into the earth... an element of connection and reflection.

Cat Motor, stalking wild animals.  Picture's blurry, but colorful :)

I know not everyone experiences gardening in such a zen-like, philosophical way, and believe me, it doesn't always happen for me every time, but often, gardening brings a sense of peace.  Until I overheat and sweat so much I start attracting mosquitoes.  Then I'm done.  The spiritual side of me shuts down because I hate mosquitoes.

Bare hands in the cool, rich dirt.  Where does it bring you?  Does it bring emotions up or does it make you forget everything?  Or both at the same time?  Is your ultimate goal to make colors or textures or a place called home?  Creating something you may not have felt since you were a young child?

So you are probably wondering how all this dirt and gardening junk relates to the Soap Challenge.  As always, my words to you FOR YEARS has been:  Dig Deep.   Now it is literal.

If you are in a temperate climate, get into the dirt and plant something new that you have been wanting.  Even if it is small.  Really experience the planting.  If you currently live in a frozen tundra, use your IMAGINATION.....DIG!  Then let your dug up feelings and colors of your garden blend or co-exist and make your soap reflect those two things together. 

You may have to really think about this one.

It is April 6th.  I blew the April 1st target date for starting this new challenge, so I know I messed you up.  I will give you only until May 7th to complete this task.  Once you've completed your soap, please post in the Soap Challenge Gallery on Facebook.  I expect there won't be photos for awhile because the work here is in your head, BEFORE the challenge.

This soap challenge is called Digging In The Dirt.  Use the hashtag #digginginthedirt with your photo or I won't find it.  You also must explain your soap with your entry.  Describe your experience and description of what you did.  I can't judge just the soap.  It has to come with an explanation.

I occasionally will offer a small gift for the winner.  This time, it will be a secret surprise for just the winner of the challenge, sponsored by Mad Oils (my company).   Thank you all for the support and love.

xoxo Joanna

.....  dig deep .......


;)

Soap Porn January 2014

I love handmade soap.  I make it myself, but I love to see and use soaps from around the world as well.  I have not been too good about posting Soap Porn on here for a while so here is a little eye candy I know I NEEDED.....maybe a little sexy.....  watch out.  ;)

Monica Vickers

Mianra Soaps

Gayle Butler

Gordana Micic

Amouri Amof

Stefanie Alsup

That's it for today.....

Get dirty..... Get clean.  Be good.

xo Jo

Morning Cuppa + Our Soaps

We had a challenge over at Soaper's Retreat Facebook group:  Photograph your favorite morning drink and pair it with a soap. 

We had some nice entries so I'll share a few.

Chris Erskine of Wax and Soapy Water

Amy Warden of Great Cakes Soapworks

Randi Hymers

Robin Duncan Hasty of Bird Bath Essentials

Morning drink, crack tea and going home salt bar:  made by Crystal Decker of Dirty Water Soapworks

Dr K's Irish breakfast:  by Dr. K

Vickie Robinson of Udder Indulgence

Clara Lindberg

Oh!  And mine:

Joanna Schmidt of Absolute Soap

Thank you everyone for keeping the challenges interesting.  You are all so talented and I am honored to be a part of this group.

Beautiful soap porn!

xo jo

The Soap Conference Part Deux

I feel pretty lucky to have been at the conference this year.  I met some wonderful people and left with lifetime friends and family, if you can even believe it.  Well I have decided to be part of the staff next year at the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild's conference in Tucson, Arizona.  I encourage you all to save up now and sign up for the conference.  It's not only a great learning experience, but a chance in a lifetime to meet people you may really connect with.  For now or for life.  It was an experience to say the least.  

Here are some photos that I cherish:

Tricia Samundsen and Me - last day of conference

Amanda Griffin, Charlene Simon and Me - Party Night

Charlene Simon and Tanya Rasley - Winning Duo

Photo Challenge - Fave Smelling Soap

We had another Soap Photo Challenge in our facebook group, Soaper's Retreat over the weekend.  I like to challenge all of you to spread a little beyond your comfort zone and use natural light to take pictures instead of a flash or straight up blinding sunshine which can be very contrasty.

This challenge, I asked all of you to choose your favorite smelling soap and tell us why you named it what you did.  I'm not sure everybody read the entire challenge because a lot of entries didn't have an explanation of their soap's name.  That's okay.  I will be more clear next time. 

Here are the entries that I loved the most this week.

 

RED NIGHT

"Patchouli grapefruit.  First of all, the smell I associate with the color. Patchouli for me it's something deep, rich and sexy - dark red, black. Love that rich scent :)"

by Lina Vilniskyte

SANDALWOOD VANILLA

 "I am horrid at naming soaps and tend to use just the scent but this is one of my favorite scents.... 

It's deep, it's sexy, its sensual, it's slightly sweet, its just plain delish and the two scents are made for each other."

by Sacha Staffanson

Nature's Alchemy "Petals -n-Pods". 

"I named it this hence the organic,fair-trade chamomile infused soap with madagascan vanilla seeds in the top layer. Then the soap is topped with both organic chamomile & vanilla beans. 

I love the warm, grounding essential oil blend of this soap which consists of: Peru balsam,clove,&orange.Yum! The herbs are more in focus than the soap but that's okay, they can have center stage-they are deserving!"

by Kira Johnston

The next challenge shall be posted this week for next week's blog post.  Let us know if you like these challenges!  Leave a comment!!  Tell us what you'd like to see more of. :)

xo Jo

Heavenly Shampoo Bars

Rosemary Nettle Hair Shampoo Soap by Elegant Rose

Lemon Chamomile Shampoo "pucks" by Bee Rogue

Botanical Shampoo Bar by Mossy Creek

Tea Tree and Green Tea Shampoo Bar by Scum Soaps

Sea Salt Apricot Lavender Shampoo Bar by Makana Art

Into The Future With Tiggy

Tiggy Fiander of Future Primitive Soaps is not only a beautiful human being but she makes awesome soap!  I have been the bearer of great soaps of hers that I've reviewed here and here.  They are just a luxury that I will have to keep in my life.  :)

I noticed recently that Tiggy's come out with a number of soaps have changed in size and shape and I am loving her new and unique style.  Busy Bee.  But let me say, that when I had my shop, I was so very productive and it looks like she has her work cut out for her, e specially now that she has her own dedicated space.  It sure does make a difference.  Working from home makes it harder to focus when there are everyday distractions that cannot be avoided.

Can we get to the soap porn already??  Here goes....and don't forget to visit her shop!

Roman Bath House

Tea Rooms

The Olde Embankment

Market Square

Festival

Cavendish Banana  (OOS?! Waaaaah)

I must get the Banana when it gets back in stock. Banana, oatmeal, buttermilk and coconut?!  Count me right in.  Must go back to my Banana Buttermilk soap I used to make.  I'll make it even better than before, darn it!

Tiggy, you are awesome and I love you!

xxoo Jo

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Yellow So Mellow

So today in South Florida, it is hot, sunny and all the trees, flowers and sky are piercingly bright and cheery.  Today I give you yellow soap to cheer you up, hopefully.

wild raspberry by raintree botanicals

lemon vanilla pie by AlaiynaBSoaps

sweet lemon cream soap by blushie

yuzu hot process soap by DelicateByNature

coco mango by SV Soap

coconut poppy carrot soap by daily repose

So that is enough sunshine for one day, yes?

Enjoy your Saturday!

Sand Bars Here We Come!

 Sand and sun....just was summer calls for right??  Baby steps to a fabulous one, folks!

*

Sand Soap by Soap Mystic on Flickr 

and can I just say, "wow" on their soap packaging?  Take a look!

Soap Mystic packaging.... so gorgeous

Loveland Organics

"..juicy ripe peaches and fresh coconut with hints of sweet milk with beach sand.." 

 Blue Pearl Jam by Soaptopa

Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Nam Champa Essential Oils with Florida Gulf Coast Sand (exfoliant)

A Little Inspiration For The Uninspired

Blueberry Bunny and Strawberry Oatmeal Soap by Bubble Bones

H. Hao-Cheng

Peppermint Pine Bar and Cinnamon Clove by luckyloulou Soap Co.

Laurel and Olive oil soap and wooden soap dish by Pabadoo

I found some beautiful soaps today, didn't I?  All of these look so genuine, pure and honest.

I found some inspiration in my morning post.  Hope you do too!

-Jo