Rainbow In My Kitchen

My natural colourant infused oils have finally been removed from the water baths after 6 hours.  Yes that's right, 2 hours later than I had planned thanks to me forgetting to turn the hob on and not realizing for 2 hours that the water baths were not getting any warmer!

Anyway, here are the results which my husband think are pretty cool

Infused Oils left to right:
Spirulina, Australian Bush Tomato, Alkanet,
Madder Root, Indigo & Turmeric 

Infusing Natural Colourants

I love using natural colourants in my soap making, not only can you get a gorgeous Symphony of colour variations, you also have the added bonus of knowing that they have been derived from nature.

So what's on the soapmaking menu today?

Clockwise from the top.
Spirulina, Paprika, Alkanet, Madder Root
Indigo, Turmeric, Australian Bush Tomato
Centre: Chlorophyll

I am infusing these colourants in light olive oil. As it is winter and I don't have alot of shelving space alongside windows, I'm opting for the warm infusing method.  This involves gently warming the oils slowly over 3-4 hours in simmering water using a double boiler.  It is important when using this method to not "cook" the oil.

What colours might I expect the infused oils to produce?

Spirulina - blue-green colour

Paprika - Salmon to orange colour

Alkanet - Pinkish red through to purplish blue

Madder Root - Light pink to earthy red

Indigo - Blue

Turmeric  - Lemony yellow to earthy gold.

Australian Bush Tomato - I'm not sure what to expect.  Perhaps an orange to red colour.

Chlorophyll - Pale green

Colourants waiting to be infused. Left to Right:
Spirulina, Australian Bush Tomato, Alkanet,
Madder Root, Indigo & Turmeric

You can see in this image that some of the colourants started to infuse themselves without the need of the water bath.

Relaxing by MacKenzie Falls

There is something quite theraputic sitting by a water fall, taking the time to appreciate the surrounding area.

This is truly a wonderful way to spend a winter afternoon, the aroma is simply captivating. From the mossy damp leaf litter smell as it slowly crumbles back into the earth, to the healing fragrances of eucalyptus and tea tree.  The water babbling over rocks as it makes its way to the waterfall is imbued by the tea tree and eucalyptus  tannin /oils that has washed into the water system.  I find myself wanting to go for a swim.  Perhaps not.  It is winter after all.

You Never Know What You Will Find

We spent New Years Day this year in Tasmania at Bridestowe Lavender Estate followed by exploring the countryside looking for an old rail line.  The lavender estate for me and the old rail line adventure for my hubby. 

Whilst my hubby was exploring an old rail tunnel, I was mesmerised by the beauty surrounding me.  This photo is a throwback to a magical start to the year.

Goodies In The Post

I'm so excited, that I have to share this pic.  Some new silicone moulds I ordered arrived via post today.  I can't wait to try them out.  I'm sure tonight I will go to bed with thoughts of soap embeds drifting  in my head 😆😆

Happy soaping everyone 😄😄

Funnel Pour Design

With the left over batter from my 2nd attempt at creating a drop swirl design, I made a small batch of soap using the funnel pour technique.

Wowser!! I really love the end result. Cut into small cubes I think they look stunning.  It is amazing the results you can achieve using natural colourants and botanicals.

Drop Swirl Design - 2nd Attempt

Drop Swirl Design - Thin Trace

Here are the results of my second attempt at creating a drop swirl design.  This time I poured my batter at a thinner trace.

Colourants: Activated charcoal & paprika

Essential oil blend: Valencia Orange, Sweet Orange, Litsea Cuba (Maychang) and Patchouli