Bonnie Bartley, Soapsmith, The Allegheny Hearth, conducted a year long experiment using the additives recommended by HSMG Conference Speaker, Dr. Kevin Dunn, Caveman chemistry, for the prevention of DOS. Here are Bonnie’s results: One year ago, July 2008, I began an unscientific test using Dr. Dunn’s recommended additives for the prevention of DOS. On the [...]
Archive of posts filed under the Spotlight category.
Member Spotlight – Little Bitty Soap Company, Gillian DeConto
Gillian had her first encounter with a bar of handcrafted soap at her sister’s house over a decade ago. Well, that was it. It was love at first smell. It was a peppermint goat’s milk bar and it was fabulous. Being a thrifty do-it-yourselfer, Gillian figured if other people could make soap, then surely she [...]
Member Spotlight – Kitty Kat Kreations, Arcana Shanks
She has been a tough little nut with a whole lot of personality since day one. When she was born she was little, jaundiced, and allergic to a lot of things – soap being one of them. She was the reason why a company was built and now she provides inspiration for it to continue. [...]
Member Spotlight – Jim Gregory, Grandma Gee’s Soap
Jim started making soap his sophomore year in college shortly after his great grandmother fell ill. Up to then, Jim was looking to start a small business. Interested in alternative energy to make a positive impact on the world, Jim’s motto is to leave this planet in a little better shape than when entered. Investigating [...]
Spotlight – herbaria
“Our soap making business began when I tried to find a mild natural soap that would moisturize my skin rather than dry it out,” said LaRee DeFreece. I was looking for a soap made with one hundred percent natural plant-based ingredients and enriched with emollients.” In late 2000, she decided to make her own soap. [...]
Volunteer Member Spotlight – Chamomile Cottage
Donna Pixton-Hacker became interested in soapmaking for her infant son’s sensitive skin. Familiar with plant remedies and essential oils, she tried a recipe for soap featured by Sandy Maine of SunFeather Natural Soap Co. Finding the soap gentle enough for her son, she told everyone about this natural herbal soap. Once they tried this amazing [...]
HSMG Experts Panel – Aromatherapy Day with Kayla Fioravanti!
It is with great respect that the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild, Inc. presents our next Experts Panel, “Aromatherapy 101″ Day at the Forum venue, hosted by the most impressive, Kayla Fioravanti, Chief Formulator and Registered Aromatherapist at Essential Wholesale. Kayla will be available Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 10 am to 2 pm Pacific Standard [...]
Lebermuth Waives Minimum for HSMG Members!
Since 1908, The Lebermuth Company, Inc. has been your family owned wholesale direct source for custom fragrances, pure essential oils and decorative botanicals. Their customer focused dedication and service along with their high quality ingredients allow you to create quality products and successfully build your brand. Please visit them at their booth during the upcoming [...]
Member Spotlight – Abbey’s Handcrafted Soaps
Soapmaking with a Cause – A Passionate Soapmaker’s Story We are all familiar with the New Orleans flood but Kay Rose and her daughter, Abbey, have taken it personally. Still rebuilding and tearing down many homes, Abbey’s mission group was there right after Katrina hit. Experience came from their mission team helping build houses in [...]
Volunteer Member Spotlight – Goddess Blends
A Canadian member, Betty Jane Ware is an herbalist, soapmaker, and owner of Goddess Blends. Starting with melt and pour, then on to find Hot Process, she has been making soap for a number of years. Her journey into soapmaking began from a rather different perspective than most of us: she is a practicing witch. [...]
