| |
Soapmaking and gardening are two time-tested traditions
that have been passed down through the generations. Together they go
hand-in-hand. Today, soapmaking is gaining more popularity than ever as more
people realize the beneficial effects a smooth, natural bar of soap feels on
their skin. It can be a cleanser and moisturizer all in one. When I first
discovered the benefits of handmade soap I was hooked and immediately began
researching everything I could on the topic. It was then that I realized how
easy it could be to combine my love of gardening with my passion for
soapmaking. Could there be a better fit? This summer, consider growing
plants that you can use in handmade products such as soaps, massage oils,
crèmes, salves, and more. Even if you think you don’t have enough room where
you live, if there is an area where grass is growing, consider replacing
that grass with something useful. There’s nothing I enjoy more than removing
a patch of grass in the spring while the earth is still moist and replacing
it with seeds or seedlings of beneficial herbs, vegetables and flowers. My
favorite seed company is Seeds of Change with a wide selection of organic
seeds to choose. I also find seeds for free from organic produce that is
headed for the compost, and trading with my green-thumb neighbors is always
fun. Even if they aren’t green thumbs, you may be amazed by what they have
growing at their house. Some herbs that tend to be my favorite for growing
and using in the summer include: Basil Rosemary Chives Parsley Calendula
Rose Lavender – lots and lots of lavender Zinnias Mexican sunflowers
Echinacea Daisies Did I mention lavender? We have an area in our backyard
that is somewhat eroded and on the side of a hill. What better plants to
grow there than spreading, invasive plants? So I planted lemon balm,
peppermint, spearmint, and sage. It should fill in very nicely, prevent
future erosion, and smell great! It is now June but as the summer progresses
these plants will all thrive and grow. To harvest your herbs, always gather
them on a sunny day after the dew has evaporated off the plants, but before
the full heat of the day has filled the garden. Just before noon is usually
a good time. By then the oils have had a chance to reach the leaves, but
have not yet been drawn off by the day's heat. For herbs you are going to
use in the kitchen, harvest before the first bloom to insure the highest oil
content in the leaves. If you are a soapmaker than you probably have
experience with all kinds of colorants. For me the best colors are the most
natural and luckily nature provides us with many options. Think about adding
some of these natural ingredients into your next batch of soap: Oatmeal
Lavender petals Rose petals Calendula petals Poppy seeds Spearmint leaves
Peppermint leaves Lemon balm leaves Sage leaves Don’t stop with just adding
herbs to the final process of your soapmaking recipe. Try making an infusion
blend by covering a jar of herbs (such as rose petals, lavender, and
calendula) with organic olive oil and let it sit in a sunny spot for a few
weeks. For a stronger infusion, strain the oil and replace the herbs with
fresh ones and repeat. The oil produces a lovely fragrance and can be used
also in skin care or massage care products. The infusion is an easy way of
combining the beneficial properties of herbs with your bar of soap. Herbs
give a bar of soap more personality and a naturalness and purity not found
in conventional bars of soap. The more natural ingredients you experiment
with, the more surprised you will be at the quality of what nature has to
offer. I am continually experimenting and that is one of the joys of working
with both herbs and soap. There are more uncommon mixtures than you can
imagine and using your hands and your nose to craft such products creates a
sense of joy, love, and peace that inevitably ends up in your product as
well.
|
|
