Craft

Fashion, art, etc.

Solid Lotion Bars

Beauty, Craft, DIY

I found this recipe when looking for ways to use up my giant wad of shea butter that was most likely nearing the end of it’s recommended shelf life. These bars are great for when your skin is screaming for moisture. If made according to the recipe they can be used as a lotion or massage bar. They are a touch greasy but if that’s not your jam they can be easily modified by adding more shea butter and beeswax. They are also perfect to carry around in your bag since they won’t ooze out and ruin all of your precious stuff. I splurged and bought some metal tins to store the finished product but any resealable glass or plastic container will do.

Things you’ll need:

    • 1 cup Beeswax pellets or grated beeswax
    • 1 cup shea butter
    • 1 cup coconut oil
    • essential oil (optional. I used lavender, sweet orange and peppermint)
    • Silicon molds and/or metal tins

Instructions:

Step 1 – Melt beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil stirring occasionally until combined

Step 2 – Pour into molds or tins

Step 3 – Allow to cool fully until solidified

Step 4 – Pop out of molds and lotion yourself to your hearts content.

Soy Candles with Reused Containers

Craft, DIY, Home

I have been holding on to some fancy yogurt cups not sure why or how I would ever use them. Cute little glass containers with no lids; though I had no immediate use for them I thought they were too adorable to send out of my life forever. Then finally it came to me. I’ve never made candles before but I thought I would give it a try and I’m glad I did. They are easy, customizable and the perfect use for old glasses and jars that are just taking up space. I love how easy it is to personalize this recipe with different combinations of scents and reused or vintage containers!

What you need:

  • Soy wax flakes
  • Candle wicks
  • Hot glue gun
  • Clothes pins (can use pencils instead)
  • Fragrance or essential oils (I used combinations of Jasmine, Sage, Lavender and Grapefruit oils)
  • Glass or ceramic containers to hold wax (I reused some old yogurt cups)
  • Microwavable bowl or double boiler for stovetop (I used a microwavable measuring cup for easy pouring)

Tips:

  • Soy wax flakes really shrink down when melted. To measure the approximate amount to make your candles, fill each of your containers with flakes twice.
  • For easy clean up lay down some parchment paper on your work surface.

Instructions:

Step 1 – Using a hot glue gun fix wicks to the bottom of you containers. This really helps keep the wicks in place.

Step 2 – Thread your wicks through clothespins to keep them centered. If you’re using pencils, wrap your wick around the pencil so it is held in place.

Step 3 – Measure your soy wax flakes and place into microwavable bowl.

Step 4 –  Microwave wax for 1 minute and stir. Then continue to microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until wax is completely melted. (can alternately melt wax on stovetop with double boiler)

Step 5 – (optional) Once melted add your scented oils. I used 40-60 drops for 3 small candles but this is really about personal preference. It’s best to start with less and add more if you want a stronger fragrance.

Step 6 – Carefully pour scented wax into your prepared containers.

Step 7 – Let candles sit until the wax is completely hardened. Depending on the size of your candles this can take 2-4 hours. Enjoy!

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