Scents-Ability | Bath Body & Home Delights

Buying Handmade

2012-01-18T04:38:00.001Z

It's been a while since my last post so I thought I would update the blog on the go. Yes I have a new Android done LOL.
Did you no that many crafters who make and sell handmade go through a long process of training or obtaining certificates? Majority have insurance too and will be registered as a business. Depending on the craft it is often necessary.
For those of us who make products for the skin it is law, just the same as shops who display labels on products we also have to with ingredients, manufacturer, weight and batch no. All our products have to be tested and certified as safe by a qualified chemist. Records are kept and filed also.
It is hard to believe but you do find some people who don't follow these basic rules, which is part of the cosmetic regulations act. So why worry you ask? If you don't no what is in something, or if its make correctly or been tested, how do you no it is safe? The answer is simple. You don't!
So next time you see a soap seller without labels selling at a craft fair, or someone selling bath bombs at a boot sale, just check to be safe.
There are lots of wonderful handmade products out there to try and people who are serious and love what they do will be doing it safely, they will tell you about legality or how they are certified, they will have labelled products and even expain it to you. why? Because we love what we do and want you to enjoy our products as much as we do making them.
Stop illegal manufacturing and support local small businesses. Buy with confidence. Support handmade. Everybody's happy :)

Happy crafting.

And The Trials Begin.

2011-03-21T00:28:00.000Z

With handmade products it doesn't stop with the product itself, but carries on with the packaging too.
That's where I just wasn't happy with my Wax Melts. I wanted something a bit more but still had that handmade stamp to it, and preferably by me.
The hardest part was deciding how it was going to look, the only way to decide was to research until i knew. So I did!
I scoured Google, You Tubed and Blog Searched for months until I saw an idea and thought, Mmm I like that! I may need to do some tweaking though.

After many attempts .......

My handmade Wax Melts in the new packaging.

I hope you like them :)

Time for something new

2011-02-26T01:29:00.000Z

I has been a while since my last post as I have been venturing into the unknown, well for me anyway, in an attempt to be able to display my products more in the handmade way I always wanted.
Not being one for the fancy labels and packaging so much, I still wanted good packaging but still with my personal touch, only time will tell what I have decided on or indeed achieved.

In the meantime I decided to get stuck in with changing the size of the Bath Fizzers, and I was so pleased with the result that I decided to keep them this way. :)

Anyone for Green Tea - Naturally of course

2010-11-27T00:21:00.000Z

At last my latest creation is complete. With all the different types, colours and fragrances to choose from I just felt the need to create without them all. I love my "Traditional Soaps" and certainly have my favourites, what can I say, just can't help myself, English Rose, Sandalwood and Naturally Nettle are my personal choice to use.
Armed with botanicals, nourishing butters, and skin loving oils I got creating.

I chose "Green Tea" due to it's positive properties concerning she skin.

I really am chuffed at the natural colour and effect, glad I decided on "Natural" :-)

Winter Warmers

2010-10-11T21:42:00.001+01:00

October already and there is a noticeable change in the evening temperature. Time will seem fly by now and it will be woolly hats and cosy gloves before we know it.
With that though in mind and a chill through my spine with the thought of the cold to come i decided it was time to break out a new soap. I have been pondering for a week or two what type to make and decided it just had to be a traditionally made soap, the moisturising and skin nourishing butters and oils will be needed to help combat the cold attack on our skin too.

I decided it would be great to have it in a nice warming fragrance, psychological therapy in mind :-)

For that warm cosy feeling reach for a slice - Traditionally made Winter Spice.

Summer Sun and Soft Skin.

2010-07-03T18:13:00.000+01:00

How many body butters are actually butters? well I went into town several times last month to find out. The answer is very few....
From the big high street shops to the bargain hunters specials most have some type of body butter. Look at the label! One specific local shop in town had 2 that on first glance looked a good bargain....Until I read the label and found not 1 butter or even oil for that matter in the ingredients list. There a few out there that are good but look first at the ingredients label.
With hot sunny days and nights your skin needs extra pampering to prevent drying out in the heat. Scents-Ability has available in store now Body Whip!
An intense moisturising body butter, that contains butters and oils without the extras.. with natural or aromatic available.

Little Luxuries

2010-06-03T23:04:00.001+01:00

With the stresses of everyday life it is lovely to have a treat now and again.
Even better if it is calorie free.
Here are a few of the new Bath Bomb Cupcakes that will be available in store shortly.
Fragranced in delightful aromas and topped off with the luxury of a skin loving butter topping.

These are currently available at craft events I attend.

Revamped.

2010-05-24T00:18:00.000+01:00

I am a lover of Lavender but felt my Lavender slice just didn't convey it, Revamped and a new name!

Lavender Fields Soap Slice by Scents-Ability.

Now this I thought said a lot more!

Time for some Fizzers.

2010-04-20T02:00:00.000+01:00

I just love bombs and fizzers for my bath, I have really sensitive skin but all my products are fine for me to use, for some people that are more sensitive than me to colours and fragrances there is less choice.
It started with "Naturally Nettle", the new Traditional Soap, with no artificial colours or fragrances just the goodness from botanicals I was compelled to expand the range.
So for those who love Natural or are sensitive, here is the first of many in the Scents-Ability "Naturally Range" of Bath & Body products.

Naturally Rosemary and Lavender
Handmade Bath Fizzers
Relax in the Natural fragrance from botanicals of Rosemary and Lavender.

And for those who just love all bath goodies......

Rose and Lavender
Handmade Bath Fizzers
Relaxing florals of Rose and Lavender.

Lookout for more new products being added to the website store.

Time to Revive Exfoliate and Refresh!

2010-03-07T01:02:00.000Z

With the change in the weather and the official word that spring has now sprung why not give yourself a change too?
So whether your looking for good old traditional and natural, or funky colourful aromatic, here it is!

Yes I have been busy again concocting more bath & body delights for a good refresh and pamper. My newest addition is my Body Scrubs, with just a few on the website but lots more to be added, and a bonus in the new " Naturally Range" with lots more to come.

Traditionally Made Nettle Soap.

2010-01-24T18:08:00.000Z

As many of you know I have been making a new soap, I decided I wanted it as natural as possible but with some added natural benefits. The decision was to use botanical's which are know to help in many medical conditions.
With the said Nettle Soap made, cut and dried the next step was to show you all.

Here is my Naturally Nettle Soap.

Fragrance free with natural exfoliants :o)

Winter Warmers

2010-01-09T11:38:00.000Z

With just a few more pictures to do and the new packaging firmly decided i thought it was time to pop up a picture.

One of my favourite home fragrancing options is simmering granules, they are convenient, easy to use and a cleaner option than many other mass produced products. These are not bought in and repackaged but are made by myself as with the other products on the website.

On last count there was 240 fragrances available that i have in stock which is rather alot, so i think i will rotate the ones instore now and again for variety.

I must admit, i do have my favourites which i chose for my main picture. Blueberry, Apples & Berries, Vienese Black Latte and top of my list is Rose & Lavender. Now to update the website with the new pics and fragrances.

New Designs And Events

2009-12-08T22:58:00.000Z

Sunday was another Event day with a downpour of rain for a large part.

Good thing my new Raspberry Ripple Bath Bomb was ready in time, with a whole batch full loaded with lots of my other goodies we set off.

We pulled up at Plants That Grow hoping the rain would stop, off loaded into the empy greenhouse which was filling up with other sellers and set up.

Well the rain stayed with us and only let up now and again, but with some good music played by the local group Kegs and some new friends made, if you like olives or chutneys then watch out for the posting of their links in a day or so, the day was ok but exhausting.

The end of this week is the last of the events before Christmas. That doesn't mean no work mind! ohhh no!

Lots of paperwork still to do and some new packaging designs i have been working on to finalize, not forgetting some more new items and designs i have too.. Ahhh you will have to wait to find out about those :o)

Happy Crafting.

Tis the season!

2009-10-29T14:34:00.001Z

With Christmas creeping closer and closer i found myself once again in my apron and making a fragrant mess on the worktops. I have tried and tried but no matter what, i find it impossible to make Bath Bombs without making a mess.
So here is the latest, now available on the website and in true festive spirit!

Handmade Bath Bomb - Sweet Cranberry & Fig

It's That Time Of Year

2009-10-14T12:09:00.001+01:00

With Halloween not far away i have been creating some fun soaps just for the occassion. I have large skull soaps, one in blood red colour, and a set of mini soaps i created that have been getting attention, these and some other new soaps will be at the next Craft Fair in Brightlingsea.

Latest addition to Halloween Soaps - Little Monsters

With more Craft Fairs coming up before Christmas the time just seems to be flying by. It is nice to get out and about amongst everyone, its good to be there to get direct feedback and also be available to answere any questions too.

New Halloween Soap - Scary Skulls

Coming up craft fairs so far are Brightlingsea, Felixstowe, Grays and Chingford. Im spreading my wings :o)

Handmade Cold Process Soap - Lavender

2009-09-15T09:41:00.000+01:00

My latest creation is my Lavender Soap
I wanted a very mild fragrance but nice and natural, so my choice was Cold Process using Essential Oil and Naturally Dried Lavender. I wasn't sure at first if i was going to colour it but i have been dying to use the Alkanet i have, so i just jumped in!

The Alkanet was infused in oil until it was a nice deep colour then it was strained and mixed in the soap mixture.
It is great having a totally natural Soap :o)

*If you use natural colours infused in oil, like Alkanet, you must account for the oil in your recipe*

The New Tropical Rum CP Soap

2009-09-04T22:41:00.008+01:00

When i made this it was with the intention of it being a men's soap, but after it had hardened nicely i realised that although its already popular with my male customers (thanks for the feedback guys), it is also popular with some of my female customers. When i tried the first slice, as i do with all the soaps and other goodies i make, i was pleasantly surprised to find it more unisex than i originally thought it would be. Its kinda like those fragrances that you get that are for him and her which are really similar, but this is just the 1 fragrance lol.

It could be due to it being a Cold Process Soap, as the fragrance would be very different if it was one of my glycerin soaps. Well either way I'm pleased with the result and can't wait til the others are ready. Hmm others? yes you will have to wait too, no sneaky peeks so be patient.

Cold Process English Rose Soap Slices

2009-08-31T15:10:00.006+01:00

My holiday is now over and with tomorrow being back to school day i can now get back to basics. I have my new English Rose CP Soap Sliced Wrapped and Tested, hmm may need to err test another hehe ;o)
Im somewhat old fashion in my favourite fragrances.

English Rose i adore and i total love Lavender. I find them both soothing and relaxing fragrances. I like most florals and fruity fragrances but i have my favourites.
I wasnt sure i was going to be happy with how this one turned out but i am. Halfway through a bar it smells just the same as when i first started it, yep! thats how i like it.It has a lovely soft silky feel to the lather and leaves the faint rose fragrance behind. ( Just perfect for me )
Well i have another to sort out and some new bath bombs so back to work i go.
Happy Crafting!!

Mondays

2009-08-10T15:10:00.003+01:00

I dont know why but i can't stand Mondays, normally the weather is yuck, yes today it is, and it either drags on or flies by and you don't seem to really get what done that you intend...
Well i have cheered myself up today, saw the new episode of The Dog Whisperer, and i found out he not only has his own website but also facebook, flikr, myspace and twitter. lol what a busy man aye! That guy is someone special, he connects, has an amazing understanding of dogs. Your 1 in a millian Mr Milan!

Right back into the swing of things and see what i get through today aye....

Happy Crafting!

Getting ready for the next event

2009-08-09T20:40:00.005+01:00

With the weekend almost over i have been planning my new design for some Lavender Bags for the website not sure if they will be ready in time for the next event though. On the 15th August im off to Walton to the colombine centre for another Craft Fair.
Looking forward to attending this as not only do i love Walton ( up on the Naze is my favourite ) but its one of Dorett Events, so i get to see my friend Clare Dorett again. She is such a lovely lady and my son really likes her too, he will be gutted he can't make her a cuppa this time ( not allowed ) so we will just have to bring a flask and he can make her one when we attend Clares next event in Matching...Aahhhhh...

With 3 fragrances for the roller perfumes and now the shea butter bath truffles also comes in Jasmine ( Mmmmm ) so thats 5 fragrances for those. I like the Tulip Bath Bombs and even if i say so myself the Grapefruit Sorbet is just Yummy :o)

Should be a good selection of crafter, it normally is, so im gonna be on the lookout for something for my eldest son. He was recently 19 and ive been looking for a bracelet for him but just not seen THE one. Well you never know aye.

I have been occupying the kitchen too so hopefully my new Cold Process Soap will be ready..Fingers crossed!

For those who have not experienced a Cold Process Soap, oftenly refered to Traditional Soap or CP/HP Soap ( Cold /Hot ) it is wonderful, and im not saying it because i make it either. I have problematic skin, Rheumatiod Arthritis doesnt help..
The first bar i tried was from a fellow soaper in wales, Anne-Marie, it was very different to what i was used to but helped my swollen legs, next was another fellow soaper in Kent and i add a good friend, Annya, she sent me down a bar of lavender, she knows i love lavender lol, it was sooooo silky, ahhhhh. Hmmm i was getting hooked. Too late!!
Yes thats when it all started, thats when i knew i wanted to make traditional soap!
I must of course add that my friends Annika ( Cornwall ) and Carol ( Devon ) didnt help to stop me, actually they incouraged me ;o) I do admit i have a weakness, its Carols fault.... I hope you see this Carol lol
Well as you guess i have a fair few friends who are also soapers, which is kinda handy as we can ginea pig.. err i mean be testers. Well Carol knows as the all do im old fashioned with my personal preference of fragrances, the top 2 are lavender and rose. I was sent a bar from Carol and that was "it" you know when you fing "THE" fragrance for you? well i found mine....
All trditional soap is different depending who makes it, as we all use different ingredients. But on the whole they are so soft and bubbly but still a hard bar, and conditioning. Its not for everybody, some people prefer more modern bars. Me i love both, but handmade of course.
Well with still so much to do its my time to sign off, hopefully there will be some pictures of my new creations soon. Until then you van see some of my creations on the slide show to the right.

Til next time.. Happy Crafting!

Made In The Uk | The Green Familia - The light green shopping blog

2009-07-11T03:49:00.006+01:00

I had to share with everyone, i found myself here whilst i was checking my google pics, as you do lol , and its so nice to be noticed. Thank you Green Familia.
Its is good feeling when you find yourself on a blog ( most of the time ) this is the 3rd one i found :o)
http://www.thegreenfamilia.co.uk/top-5-made-in-the-uk-toiletries/

What A Day!

2009-06-07T19:35:00.002+01:00

Well after an awful morning of non stop rain it finally let up. I was sitting at my table at the village craft fair ( Stapleford Abbotts ) looking around at some of the new crafters, i met 2 nice young ladies who live local to me, one does polymer clay jewelry and fab keyrings etc and the other makes beautiful crochet bags and purses etc ( must see her about a hat maybe ) it is good to see crafters of a young age doing traditional crafts.
I met a lovely man today who has retired and become an author, His name is Percy and his is local to Essex. His books are beautifully illustrated and full of information. He was lovely to talk to and i hope i meet him again. I will update with some of his details and books, in my opinion it is a must read. Thank you for a wonderful chat Percy!

There was a certain amount of commotion at the beginning, which is very unusual for a craft fair!
A crafter decided that he wasn't happy and after a *cough* chat shall we say, was asked to leave, that also doesn't normally happen. I have found that most crafters are mellow people, maybe because crafting is therapeutic i don't really know..... Anyway where was i....oh yes, so they pack up then are followed by another but i must say it is so disappointing when crafters vent themselves in a verbal manner without any thought to the fact that its not nice but also to who is around. Sadly my youngest son was outside being helpful ( as he does ) so to all those who tend to be a tad bit verbal, next time please look around...craft fairs are family events which means there are nearly always children about.

I must add a note to the event organiser ( Clare Dorett), after all she endured she was concerned that my son was there to hear such bad language. She is a lovely lady and i enjoy doing her events. Thank you Clare x

Well it was a so so day but considering the awful weather I'm not really disappointed. I met new people and made some more sales, got lots of compliments ( that is priceless ). I hope we will go back another day for another craft fair ( without the rain please ). We shall see :o)

Next event is in Felstead, i better get making.....hmm time for my new Body Misters & Roller Perfumes i think ;)

Craft Fairs

2009-06-06T15:04:00.000+01:00

Well i been pretty busy as of late, with one craft fair after another.
I like it because it keeps me busy and i get to meet the people who use my products. I also get to meet some fellow crafters like Ruby who also make scented wax melts but she makes tin candles and jar candles too.
I recently done a craft fair in Matching, Essex. I was really nice and had a really lovely atmosphere, the villagers are very friendly. I will soon be going back there to do another for there car show, different i know but im really looking forward to it.
Tomorrow im off to Stappleford Abbotts for another Craft Fair so today i have been doing the last of the making and labeling, and designing so new packaging. Will keep you posted on how it goes.

I have my little helper at hand, my son Kurtis, who is great as a go getter and weigher. He is really good and very acurate so i know i have trained him well lol.

Well i suppose its watch this space ;)

Traditional Cold Process Soaps

2009-05-06T02:00:00.000+01:00

Well here i am again. Its been a while but alot has been going on.

The latest venture has been the one and only "Traditional Soap" yes thats right i have jumped into the big pot of cold and hot process soaps. These are soaps that are made in the traditional way of blending butters and oils with specific nutrient factors with a lye solution ( sodium hydroxide ) and then adding your choice of fragrance or essential oil, colours or botanicals.

I always admired those who carried on this traditional way of soap making and it can actually be a little scary thinking about how it is made. So after a long debate with myself to decide if this is what i actually wanted to do i decide...... YES!

Now i have had so much research i gave myself migrains and alot of serious discussions with my supplier and a test run or 2 i made a rosemary & thyme essential oil cold process soap. I was overjoyed with the result in texture, fragrance and design, so much so that within a week i made another, i just couldnt help myself, this time it was cedarwood and lemongrass essential oil. I must say that although i love the soaps i make anyway ( else i wouldn't do it ) the traditional soap has a compelling nature that just draws me to want to smell it and feel it. I love its naturalness and sometimes almost rustic appearence.

The road is now being walked and there is no turning back!

Im looking forward to them being put on the website, for me it has been a moment of self achievement.

So really the next thing to do is see what else i come up with, so keep a look out in the soaps section of the website for the new traditional cp soaps and have a browse through at the other delights i have been keeping myself busy with. You can also find out where i will be attending craft fairs in the new events section, or if you would like me to attend an event you are organizing contact me through the website at www.scents-ability.co.uk

Until next time..Happy blogging :o)

Let it snow

2009-02-03T01:24:00.000Z

Well what can i say?.......

Everything seems to be at a stand still, here in the south east its totally covered in snow, my poor Jack Russell almost gets lost as its way past her tummy.

With the weather being so bad it gives me a chance to get stuck into a new project or 2. Will have to wait a while for the piccies though.

Why?

2009-01-06T00:38:00.000Z

With so much chaos everywhere Scents-Ability is my escape, my bit of me amongst all the madness.

Sometime i wonder why am i doing this? then i look at what i do and remember, its plain and simple really, it makes me happy, gives me purpose and a sense of being, gives me pride in what i do and sometimes it actually keeps me outta trouble.

So.... This is the start, it will probably take me a while to get this going but its worth a try right? sure, everything is always worth trying at least once or you wont know if its for you right? And thats how i got to be a soaper.