Another Awesome Winter Accessories in Bright Colour

I've been waiting to knit with this yarn. This is Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 8 ply Pink Fire. Isn't it the most awesome shade?

This winter accessories will be gorgeous. Can't wait to release them on my Etsy store.

Aloe Rose Calendula Dishwashing Soap Finally Cured and Ready for Use

The curing time for the dishwashing soap bars had finally completed.

They were packed and ready to use.

Sneak Peek Another New Winter Sweater for GentleSoulCraft Store.

Just a quick sneak peek on this new winter stock for the GentleSoulCraft store. It's my absolute favourite shade of purple. 

I can't wait to release it in store soon. Just need to knit a few more winter items.

Two Batches of Cocoa Butter Soap - Rose Petals and Violet Leaves, Lavender and Violet Leaves

The time had finally come to make more soap bars. My first attempt at soap making in October last year was successful. It looks like the two batches of soap bars can last around 5 months.

There was still some infused oils of Rose petals, Lavender and Violet leaves. So, I used them this time around to make the soap bars.

I also decided to use the cocoa butter recipe this time for both batches, as I have lots of them.

The first batch is the Rose petals and Violet leaves cocoa butter soap.

First, I prepared the lye/caustic soda solution, because it takes time for the temperature to go down. I prepare the remaining ingredients while waiting for the temperature to go down.

Once I get that out of the way, I combined cocoa butter, coconut oil and the infused olive oil.

Olive oil infused with dried rose petals:

Olive oil infused with Violet leaves (awesome for eczema by the way):

The oil and butter needs to be melted together on Bain Marie until the become liquid:

Once both the oil and lye solution reached 37 degree Celsius, I carefully poured the lye solution into the oil and mix using the handheld mixer:

After reaching the right consistency, I pour them into the mould, which was lined with cling wrap:

I wrapped it in two layers of tea towels to preserve the warmth and to allow the soap to set in 24 hours.

The second batch is also cocoa butter and coconut oil based but I used Lavender infused olive oil and Violet leaves infused. I also added some dried Lavender flowers.

Lavender infused olive oil:

Dried Lavender flower from the garden:

Melted oil and butter:

The soap batch with speckles of Lavender flowers:

I also wrapped this in two layers of tea towels and let them set for 24 hours.

I decided that it's time to buy proper silicon soap mould to use going forward, as I want to avoid using plastic cling wrap. So, I ordered 2 online and hopefully they will arrive soon.

The next day!!! Both batches set beautifully.

I opened the Rose and Violet Leaves soap bar:

And cut them into small manageable size:

The same goes with the Lavender and Violet leaves soap:

This batch has cute little speckles of the Lavender flower that makes them look so rustic. I love them.

They need to cure for a month before I can use them:

So, here they are on my tiered drying rack. The bottom soap bars have been curing since 19th Feb, so they are ready to be used soon. They are the Aloe Vera, Rose and Calendula Petals soap that I will be using for dishwashing. 

There are some bay leaves drying as well in the third tier for cooking. And, lemon rinds are drying as well, to be made into tea and herbal drink.

Collection of Handcrafted Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Collection of handcrafted Mother's Day gift ideas in Etsy store.

Lovely, practical and meaningful gift ideas for Mother's Day.

Collection of Handcrafted Children Accessories for Easter

Handcrafted Easter children accessories that are eco-friendly, reusable and repurposed.

Available at www.etsy.com/au/shop/GentleSoulCraft

Collection of Handcrafted Easter Home Accessories

Handcrafted home accessories to celebrate Easter festive season and awesome simple gift gift ideas for family and friends.

All available at www.etsy.com/au/shop/GentleSoulCraft

Handcrafted Crochet Coasters Set

This set of coasters were handcrafted using leftover yarn. The colour combination happened to work despite not my usual colour pallette. 

I really like them as they are functional and I reduced waste by using a short length leftover yarn.

Available at www.etsy.com/au/shop/GentleSoulCraft

Handcrafted Crochet Bread Basket and Matching Pot Holders

This Samer of bread basket and matching pot holders are awesome gift ideas for any occasion. The bright and cheerful colour make anthem a perfect dining table decoration for family gathering.

Handcrafted Easter Eggs Children Hair Clips

This pair of cute mismatched little hair clips is an awesome gift idea to celebrate Easter. I can't help not to use a few sparkly yarn.