bath and shower treats and Industrial Jewelry

What is Vegan???

2008-03-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

First a Vegan is rarely ever a enviromentalist term, though many do believe by not eating animals you are helping the enviroment, because food animals do require more land, water and energy to produce then vegetables, Veganism is more about animal rights. Vegans do not eat any product that comes from an animal, this includes byproducts that come from the death of an animal such as gelatin, and byproducts that do not result from the death of an animal such as eggs, dairy or honey.

Vegans are different in the fact that they also on the whole do not use any unedible products that come from animals even one's that do not result in the animals death such as wool and feathers. This includes animal products in clothing, bath and body and in other areas of their lives.

Though this is a sticking point you will sometimes find Vegans who will wear or use recycled animal products such as animal fibers and leather. Many do this as a way to be more enviromentally friendly. Also because they have pieces from before they became Vegan and think its disrepectful to throw away. This is not common but does occur amoung some Vegans.

What is NOT Vegan;

Meat (soild pieces, stocks, bone etc)
Lard
Gelatin (Jello)
Tallow (Tallowate- Animal Fat in Soap)
Red #4 (from crushed beatles)
Eggs
Dairy (the straight milk or products that include any types of animal milks)
Honey (includes Beeswax)
Processed Sugar -(most White Sugar and some Brown Sugars are processed with Bone Carr. Beet Root Sugars, Raw Sugar, Organic Sugar and some White Sugars are differently processed so are Vegan)
Beer (some beers are clarified with Islinglass, which comes from a Fishes Swim Bladder)
Wine- (Some wines are clarified with eggs or gelatin)
Chocolate- (Since most chocolates are processed with milk or white sugars most Vegans only work with pure Chocolates or from certain companies who use Vegan Sugars)
Leather
Wool or any other types of animal fiber
Emu Oil
Fur or any sort
Feathers

This is a basic list to give you some idea of what products are not exceptable.

I also wanted to take a moment to say that KOSHER does not always mean Vegan and vice versus. Kosher is a term for a product that has been made in a way that is safe for consumption by a Rabbi for someone of the Jewish faith. Jews eat meat, though they have strict rules about food this does not mean that animal products are not in the item because it is Kosher. In fact Kosher Gelatin is just standard gelatin that has been prepared by the Jewish Kosher laws. It is still from an animal. Also because of the lack of a Rabbi at the foods production, unless marked Vegan foods are not all Kosher either.

Organic also does not mean Vegan. As I wrote much earlier the laws are very strict about what organic is and that is that the food must be produced in a way without pesticides or other chemicals, any grower must prove their standing to use the term organic and have a certain rate of Organic foods in a product to claim Organic. Because meat, honey/beeswax and other products can be Organic this does not mean that they are Vegan. This term is regarding the way a product is grown and produced not if it contains animal products.

This is just a small bit about Veganism and I hope it helps you to understand what they stand for, as well as to be able to understand them as a Market. As I see more people turning towards the terms I really hope that people understand that for these people this is more then a lifestyle it is a belief system and hope that with this knowledge you will be better able to understand their choices.

What is Vegetarian???

2008-03-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

I became a vegetarian over 13 years ago and what a different time it was.

That may sound silly but it is true the internet was still a little geek thing, windows95 was just being released in BETA and there was definetly no tofurkey or morningstar available at every neighborhood grocery store. Being vegetarian was very different then now.

With the growth of the internet and changing food trends being vegetarian has become easier but in some ways become much more difficult to explain since what it means to be a vegetarian is ever changing. The basics are this the dietary terms are

Pesco-Vegetarian- This type of vegetarian is not excepted as a vegetarian by many groups but dietarily the term is excepted as anyone who eats no land animals, possibly eats eggs and or dairy, but does eat fish and shellfish.

Ovo-Vegetarian- Is some one who eats no animals (sea or land) or the byproducts that come from their killing such as gelatin, eats no diary but does consume eggs.

Lacto-Vegetarian- Is some one who eats no animals (sea or land) or the byproducts that come from their killing such as gelatin, eats no eggs but does consume dairy.

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian- Is probably the most common type of vegetarian in America, they are some one who eats no animals (sea or land) or the byproducts that come from their killing such as gelatin, but who eats eggs and dairy.

Now all of the above types of vegetarians also have the choice to include or disclude things like Honey from their diets as it comes from animals but does not require the animal to die for the product. The same goes for animal fibers that come from non-kill sources (wool, feathers etc) as well as leather and products that include the death of an animal.

These are gray areas that often depend on the individuals beliefs as well as the reasons why they are a vegetarian. If they chose to be vegetarian for health reasons they are going to tend to be more open to wearing items such as leather. Were as some peoples beliefs are if the materials can be taken humanely from the animal in some way, such as family farm raised sheep wool that they will use those products.

Other vegetarians will not use new source materials but will wear animal fibers and leather from recycled sources. Many believe that this is an enviromentally friendly way to avoid petroluem products while not participating in a system that is killing new animals for goods. Many also hate throwing away leather or fiber pieces they had before they became vegetarian as disrespectful to the animal.

There are many different thinkings behind these different issue and points, and for vegetarians they can chose what best fits their lifestyle. Since being vegetarian by the terms only reflects on what you eat, vegetarianism is more open to individual interpetation.

Next I will discuss Vegans

Etsy News!!

2008-03-18T14:32:00.001-07:00

I have big news for my Etsy stores!

First I am going to begin selling pendants of my photos VERY soon in my ImagesbyAileen Shop. I also have some ideas that are running through my head regarding special collage pieces in both wall sized as well as ACEO's. These should be really unique and special, if they work out like I see them in my head haha!!!

CyberIndustries is going to be moving in a slightly different direction with even more great dance and faire pieces and hopefully if all goes well the return of more Computer Belt Buckles!!! It looks like I might also be taking my pieces to one of the local Renaissance Faires starting in May!

Fairycat and all my lovely bath treats is also making some changes I am going to be offering magickal bath salts, changing the formula of the Tat Cream to an all vegan blend and offering more wine soap!! Fairycat also might be showing up in some new places for sale in the real world so I am very excited about all that!

I also wanted to remind everyone that as soon as the Renaissance Faire in Southern California starts I will be unavailable on weekends for six weekends. Its an exciting and busy time for me once faire seasons starts but its so thrilling I can't wait.

I hope everyone enjoys the new changes I am so excited!!!

Tattoo Sessions

2008-03-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to start my newest tattoo a few weeks back and I used it as a great photography session. I won't lie it's very weird bending and taking pictures as some one is working on you but I really enjoyed it so much! Some of these may or may not be offered for sale since I am bit protective of my piece, especially since it is so unique and something I have been working on so long.

Then I found out a good friend was getting her back done so I decided to bring out the camera for her piece and again it was a lot of fun, but at the same time more difficult to photograph. The room was small and lots of people came to see the process. Sadly I didn't get all the shots I would have liked, but that is the interesting part of this process, like I can't tell the flowers not to move in the wind, I can't tell the tattoo artist to pose for a second cause I want to line up a great shot. It's just part of doing the photojournalistic style.

I thought it would be a while before I got another chance to shot a tattoo session and then on the drive home from watching my friend get her tattoo, my husband decided it was his turn. So off to the tattoo shop we went one week after I started my piece, 4 days after my friends, my husband started his piece.

This one was the most fun, since I had a small window on the other side of the chair to get my macro lens in and was able to get some really cool pictures. I found the process so interesting from behind the lens and was able to get some needle shots.

Sadly though I am not going to get photos of the next sessions on either tattoo. My husbands is already finished and stunning I am going to get some healing shots today. My friend is getting her next session this weekend sadly while I will be off dancing.

You can see them here and I will be posting more from the sessions soon

Where some of your donations go

2008-02-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

I was raised to support charities, my mother has been giving to Guide Dogs of American and several other charities as long as I can remember. I was told to find a way to help by way of the things you love and enjoy.

Many years ago when my husband was only my boyfriend we had the chance to rescue a Basset Hound named Samantha (aka Sam). My husband grew up with Basset Hounds and was thrilled to have Sam come into our lives. She was funny, cute, stubborn, and all the wonderful things that come from being a Basset Hound. Though she was not a breed I would have originally chosen she quickly worked her way into both our hearts and became the very best friend to my Great Dane Harly Quinn. They were quite a pair walking down the streets. And no matter what anyone guessed Sam was the boss. She showed me just how great Basset Hounds could be!

We had came across this rescue BARNI at one point and decided for my husbands birthday we should go and visit. We took Harly and Sam and what fun was that! It was just feet and ears and this one giant beanpole in the middle (Harly). They had the best time and after talking to those in charge we just knew this was a group we wanted to support!

Over the years we have had to say goodbye to our dearest Sam and then Harly, but in their memory and honor we still try to get out and visit these cuties at least once a year and send donations often. These are wonderful dogs who come from so many places and in the end just need love and care. The people who help them are wonderful and do such a great job with these guys.

We went out this past Sunday for our annual trip and I was thrilled to get some wonderful pictures of some of the dogs. I am going to try and get some information about each one too from BARNI. I have already had a few listings on my ETSY and through EFA (Etsy for Animals) supporting this Rescue, but I am thrilled to now be offering prints of the very dogs you will be helping! All of my EFA/BARNI listings will have 100% of the listing price going to this amazing charity!! Also feel free to send a direct donation to the charity and I will offer you 20% your purchase at any of my etsy shops.

Even if you are not a Basset Hound Fan (and why aren't you?) this is such a great rescue that deserve lots of attention and donations. Go visit the Bassets give them a belly rub and always help where you can!

Basset Rescue

See more photos on my flickr

Dancers Dancing

2008-02-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

Well I am so thrilled I just spent two days with some of the most amazing dancers.

My day started actually as a performer so dance with "Sirens of the Scimitar" and then I moved out to the audience and started taking photos of some of the amazing Dancers. I am still new to performance photography but I just love taking pictures this way.

The day with filled with Caberet, Tribal Fusion, ATS and more. I got a little of each style I believe throughout the day. I also got some shots in the vending area as well that were really fun.

A Back Bend into a Turkish Drop

Faizeh Posed as always

Desert Lotus Tribal Group

Galaxy in a very Unusual and Fun performace

So that was Saturday, Sunday I was off to the amazing Gothla, an event dedicated to Gothic Belly Dancing. I sadly missed the amazing performances the night before being at Day of the Dance and taking a friend to get her piercing. So Sunday I was out to take two classes with some awesome teachers. Then it was off to the club. When taking shots of some of the Dancers I decided to play with some settings and got a few amazing shots.

Vamp

Hands

So that was a little of the weekend for me, I am tired, I am sore and don't regret one second! Thanks Dancers for an amazing weekend!

My Puppies Over Hair Falls

2008-01-20T01:01:00.000-08:00

I was going to be doing a blog about all the new Hair Falls I have been making and listing, but decided to wait until I get a hold of my model, she is so cute wait till you see her in my hair falls. I also have a cute kid to model for me too. I am thrilled to get the chance to show off all the new work I have been doing in that area, but today instead I am going to be sharing puppies!!

This was an interesting photo shoot, I was at a friend's house were on top of her three dogs, she was babysitting 2 dogs, and another friend brought over his for a total of 6 very active dogs!! This was not a full shoot as we had a birthday to celebrate but I am thrilled to have gotten some great shots of these very cute and very different pups!

First we have Alex, he is a gorgeous Yellow Lab mix, with the best personality as is the nature of his main breed

Tara is a pit bull, lab, and probably more, American Mutt, she is a doll, and such a character

Next we have Fiona she is a Chihuahua, and a little toughy, she is all boss

Buddy is one of the Pomeranians not helpful when it comes to sitting still for photos, but a big sweetie

Marshmellow who was the most photogenic of the day,

And Roxy, the Dachshund mix, who is a mile a minute, toe licker, crazy sweet pup

This is just a taste of what I took, I can't wait to share more here and on Flickr. I will also be selling some of these images on Etsy, some will be used to raised money for animal charities. I hope you enjoy these!

Le Chat Noir Studios

2008-01-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

I decided that while I don't want to be your standard shop blog featuring artists regularly, I do want to share some of those shops that make me have total Fan Girl moments. I am starting with one of my most favorite shops on Etsy and am thrilled!!

I came across this shop on Etsy early on and her style, attention to detail and the character she gives her pieces is just AMAZING! I have seen other sculpture artists but too many of them seemed to work from the same sets of book patterns but Chat Noir has pieces unlike I have ever seen before.

I check her shop often to get a peek at what Lovecraftian inspired creatures she has brought to her "Pet Shop of the Old One's". My list of favorite's is very long, but I tend to love her sweet and unusual Cats the very best. Some are trim and smooth and some are little hair sweets like this one.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5343272

I like that she has many unique pieces but her prices also fit so many budgets. Which is nice when adding to a new collection. This little wonder comes in at only $20,

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=225603

While this piece is $120

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5681619

Besides the stunning Art Dolls this shop also offers, hand cast Resin Eyes for other artists, cool jewelry, and these really funky Skull Keychains and magnets,

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5148496

I also love the new addition of a Coloring Book! It has great looking pages with perfect to color designs that would be great for kids or adults, and you can frame them after your done!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8394434

But in the end the main reason I go back to her shop is her dolls. I must have been very good this year since my sister spoiled me with "Luna Blue" she is even more stunning in person and I could go on and on about how cool she is but until you touch one of these pieces you really can't appreciate it fully. Her little necklace with a moon is probably my favorite little detail!

I really hope that everyone who appreciates stunning work and a unique eye with check out Le Chat Noir on their

Etsy Shop http://chatnoirstudios.etsy.com/ or

their blog http://chatnoirstudios2.blogspot.com/

And last but not least if you love their stuff or my blog please send me $1 or $2 or just buy me this because I think this really would make an awesome shop Mascot! :)

My newest photo shots

2008-01-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

I thought besides sharing information about bath and body as I expand my blog and focus I would also give you updates on some of the shoots I have gone out on.

My recent trip was right after the new year, out to the desert. Living in Lancaster I am right on the edge between full blown Suburia and the open desert. It is so great having the ability to go out into this underappreciated enviroment.

My favorite time to visit the desert is in the Winter there is a strange feel to the desert this time of year with its solitude and gray tones. The sky has a deep blue tone that contrasts with the monotone colors of the desert floor.

I went out to a "hidden" location, it's a long abandoned stone building that might have been a house at one time, that sits off a well traveled road but because of its stone build it blends right in with the butte it sits in front of.

The sky was blue and the weather was good while I was out. I wandered and took pictures of the building the Joshua Trees and then came across trash piles. This makes me so sad. I hate to see the dumping out in such otherwise untouched nature.

I also took a few Macro shots mostly focusing on the dead Joshua Trees and the Cactus I saw. Most people think Joshua Trees are Cactus but they are not. They are really beautful and amazing trees. I have heard them called the Sentinels of the Desert and I love that thought. May favorite pair look like a couple dancing. This shot is of a natural heart in the bark.

I also went out to photograph a film location. One day when I was back in school I saw this building built so quickly that I thought it would be torn down after they used it, but over 15 years later it is still there and has grown to include a "gas station", "motel" and a small building up the road that is not a "real" structure more of a moveable shed type building.

These building have been used for Music Videos including R.E.M's Man in the Moon, Commercials, Movies including a Rob Zombie film, and TV including X-Files (they "blew" up this gas station). I love that these structures look old and get changed up every so often depending on how they are being used.

I love the desert and love to share its unique beauty with everyone, I hope you enjoy these shots, if you would like to see more please check out my Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairycatbath/

I will have more soon, including a bit on my new Roadside Memorials series.

Great Facts Site for Etsy Sellers

2008-01-09T17:50:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share this amazing site with you! One of the sellers on Etsy created this site to process your views, hearts and item hearts all

http://www.majaba.org/ultracow.php?userid=&submit=Submit

Featured in Blog

2008-01-06T22:33:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce that one of my prints is being featured on this great new blog!!
http://thebrasshussy.blogspot.com/
Make sure you check herout she did a great job!

Bad Monkey!

2008-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

I have been a very bad blogger!

But expect news very soon!

Shea Butter

2007-06-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Shea is a wonderful natural butter that has been used for ages in Africa to help with exzema, dry skin, for soap making, cooking and much more. Its traditional uses and extraction are very much apart of the African Culture.

Shea Butter comes from trees in the West Savannah of Africa, these trees are wild and not propagated, irrigated or fertilized. In fact in Africa these trees do not propagate well. These trees are a highly substainable crop because of this, and a very enviromentally positive crop.Traditionally when it comes time to gather the crop many people will walk miles to where the trees grow wild to collect the nuts. They then remove the butter in a cooking and stirring process over hours and days. This process is done by the women as it has been done for ages.

More recently the times have changed and after the nuts are gathered they are sold off to European Middlemen for much lower prices. These nuts are taken to have the butter chemically extracted. Then the butter is sold for a profit for the middleman.

The Traditional method makes sure that the people of Africa (typically poor women) get fair prices for their product while creating a higher quality product. It is more time consuming and expensive, but it is worth it for the positive effect it has on the enviroment and the local people. This Type of Shea Butter is sold as Fair Trade.

Shea Butter is wonderful for many skin conditions and can be used in place of a lotion or as an additive to many bath and beauty products, including soap.

Lets not Lye

2007-05-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

While I know that I touched on this in what is soap I continue to find false statements being made by so many soap makers about lye, so I felt it needed it's own seperate blog.

What is Lye? Lye is a a caustic alkaline also know as sodium hydroxide or potassium Hydroxide. It is a true base which makes it caustic to the skin in its natural state. But don't let this scare you, as it is a common ingredient in many products you use every day from soap, to glass making and even food preparation.

The most common way to get Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) is from the chlorakali process, a form of desalanization of sea water. But in the past it was created by using wood ash this created a slightly different version of Lye but it was still the same strong base, this Potassium Hydroxide can still be made at home today http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lye.

The difference between Sodium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide is the salt in each mixture that helps to create two unique forms of soap, Sodium Hydroxide is used to make bar soap while Potassium Hydroxide is used to make soft soaps.

Lye because of its alkalinity when mixed with a fat causes the chemical structure to break up and change the properties of the ingredients. The by-product is glycerin and soap.

Since glycerin is a very sought after byproduct some large companies remove it from their bar soaps and re-sell it as a single product or in the form of glycerin soap.

Lye might sound scary and while it does require extra care in it's natural form it is not dangerous or bad in a high quality soap, in fact, because of the process of saponication (the term for the chemical reaction between the fats and lye) if done correctly the Lye no longer chemically remains in the final soap.

Don't let some people scare you -- Lye is a great ingredient that has gotten a bum wrap. Also know that without it you can not have soap, instead you only have a detergent bar. Now enjoy some homemade, well crafted soap in the knowledge that this great product is a part of our history.

What is Soap? Part Two

2007-03-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

In my first part, I described the history of soap and some of the processes by which soap is made. In this second part, I will go into further details in the soap making process by explaining three (3) different types of soap making processes: cold process, hot process and “melt and pour” (commonly called glycerin soap).

Cold process and hot process are both traditional ways of making soap. These two types of soap making are very similar in how the ingredients are used and mixed, but the curing process is much different. Both of these types of soap making would be recognizable to people from the past as they have changed little.

To begin, you need to choose your fats. These days, most fats are from some form of plant oils, such as olive, soybean or coconut oils. Each kind of fat has a “saponifiable rating” -- how much of the fat will turn to soap in the process. Some oils have what are called “unsaponifiables” – some parts of that fat will not change to soap in the process. You would typically use oils with unsaponifiables to superfat the recipe. Superfatting, as you will recall from my prior article, means that these oils will stay behind to moisturize the skin. Most soap makers work between 5%-10% superfatting when making modern soap.

After you have designed the oil balance of your soap, to create the desired, hardness, conditioning, foaming and more, a calculator is used to determine the amount of Lye needed for the mixture. Again soap makers work from either a mixture of 100% soap (a even balance of fats to lye) or a superfatted soap that would put the soap as lower then 100% to the fats, to add to the moisturizing properties of the soap.

A liquid is added to help start the processing of the lye and this liquid can be just about anything. Some liquids require extra preparation before being ready to use, such as alcohols (wine and beer, etc.). Most commonly used liquids are water, tea, or various milk products.

After the ingredients are gathered, they are mixed together. At this point, cold and hot processing begin to diverge. Lye, when mixed with liquid, produces a large amount of heat. In hot process, the soap maker mixes and works with the lye in this superhot state and cold process makers let the mixture sit out and cool to a more reasonable temperature. The mixture is blended by hand (or with a stick blender) until it reaches a stage called “trace”. This is the point in the process when the lye and fats start to change into soap.

A hot process maker puts the mixture into the oven to begin the curing process. Curing in an oven (which is why it is known as hot process) can be finished in as little as 45 minutes. The soap can be heated in the mold or placed in molds after the process is finished. Typically scents and additives are added as the soap is molded. The great part of Hot Process soap is that it is ready to us as soon as it is removed from the oven, it also typically requires less fragrance then cold process, but is not usually as “pretty” as cold process soaps. Crock Pot soap making is done in a very similar manner.

Once the trace stage happens for a cold process maker, the mixture is placed into the molds directly. This is when cold process makers add their additives and fragrances (and many soap makers also like to add color additives and do a process called swirling that leaves colored streaks throughout the soap). The soap is left to process in the covered mold for several weeks. The hot process uses heat to accelerate the curing process – the cold process maker lets the natural heat build over time to finish the curing process. During this stage for cold makers, the soap is not safe to handle without protection. Once it is done curing, the soap is safe and ready to cut and use. Cold Process is tough for those who are impatient as it takes time to have a finished product, but when finished it is a very attractive, well scented, bar of homemade soap.

Melt and Pour also know as Glycerin soap is a completely different process than hot and cold process. It is typically done to create a certain look, quickly and easily. It is called melt and pour because the soap is designed to be heated and poured into molds after any additives, colors, and fragrances are added to the base.

It is called Glycerin soap since the most common additive is Glycerin, which helps to add to the texture, melt-ability and to help add conditioning properties to the soap base. An interesting fact is that most mass-produced soaps have their natural glycerin squeezed out of it and then the large soap makers sell the resulting glycerin to make melt and pour soap.

The base typically is a mixture of soap, most common Coconut oil or Palm Oil which are known for their hardness and nice lather they add to a bar of soap. In some bases additives are added such as Glycerin, Sodium Stearate, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, and Sodium Chloride most of these ingredients are added to preserve, add longer lasting lather, to make the soap clear and to help it re-melt in the beautiful way only melt and pour can. These ingredients vary depending on who makes the base.

Some bases are also called detergent bars as they contain no “soap”, instead detergents such as Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), are mixed with other ingredients for a product that works just like soap but contains no naturally occurring Glycerin, just the Glycerin typically added to the base.

How to tell if the base you are using is “soap” or “detergent” is simple -- look for the word saponificated oils, the saponified names of oils such as Sodium Palmate (Palm Oil), Sodium Cocoate (coconut oil) or Sodium Tallowate (Tallow or Animal Fat) and or sodium hydroxide/potassium hydroxide. If you see any of these terms you are using a soap based product. If you do not, it is a detergent bar.

Melt and Pour has become very popular recently as it is very simple to work with and so attractive to use. Unlike standard soaps, it is easy to create very bright colors, wild designs and to imbed items such as ducks, balls, toys and more, since you can see through the soaps. This makes it a fun soap for kids. The downside is some blends can be very harsh to dry skin and people with some skin conditions, users should research the ingredients in each bar to make sure they will work for you, each blend is different so not all work for everyone and this type of soap dissolves much faster then Hot or Cold Processed soaps.

What is Soap? Part One

2007-03-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

In my two part article, I will give some details as to the history of soap, the soap making process and how soap is made today.

The first part will be what it takes to make soap, the different types of soap and how soap is being made today. The second part will be discussing the differences between melt and pour, hot process and cold process soap making.

The history of soap, and soap making, goes back as early as pre-historic times. It is believed that soap was originally discovered when animal fats were cooked in pots over large fires. Ash from the fire would get into the cooking pots as the contents were cooked and stirred. Then, when water was used to rinse the pots, strange foam would appear that left the pots cleaner. Records of soap used to clean wool and cotton for textile making can be found with the Babylonians around 2800 BCE and the Phoenicians around 600 BCE. Personal washing with soap did not become popular until the Roman Era.

Early soaps were made of animal fats and wood ash. Many plants and wood, when burned, naturally create a form of potassium hydroxide (KOH). This, when mixed with fats, creates a very soft soap in comparison to what we use today. This was the standard recipe for years in most areas of the world. The Egyptians and Spanish used a local sodium alkali from deposits of soda or burned seaweed. Nicolas Leblanc changed the soap making process drastically in the first part of the 19th by implementing the procedure for creating sodium hydroxide from a brine solution in factories. This process was so important that it still bears his name – the Leblanc process.

Bar soap is still made to this day with this solution of Sodium Hydroxide. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a strong base created from electrolysis of brine sea water as a co-product of chlorine. Sodium Hydroxide can be dangerous as it is a strong caustic material in its base state; however, when mixed with fats in the proper proportions, its chemical properties are changed and soap is the result.

Soap is created when there a reaction occurs between triglycerides (fats), water and a base (lye, with its high pH, works well). In a process known as saponification, the fats break down (hydrolyzed) and, among other things, glycerin is left behind.

A balanced mixture will chemically change all the fats and lye to soap and glycerin with neither fat nor lye left behind. It is more common with today’s homemade soap makers to do what is called superfatting. Superfatting is when more fats are mixed with the lye in order to leave part of the fats behind. Correctly made soap never has lye left behind and is, therefore, completely safe for the skin.

Soft or Liquid soaps of today are created much the same way but use the earlier mixture of Potassium Hydroxide as it creates a much softer soap. Other ingredients can also be added for texture, foaming, and clarity.

Many products purchased in the grocery store today are actually not soap, most are what is called a detergent bar. They may or may not contain actual soap but most of the ingredients are actually a mix of detergents, foaming agents and other ingredients.

True soap always includes the same basic ingredients, fats from some animal or plant source, sodium hydroxide/potassium hydroxide and liquid. Though many, many combinations of fats, liquids, additives and scents exist, the basic recipe will always be the same. In the next article we will discuss the differences that make soap unique and how different soaps are made.

Grapeseed Oil

2007-03-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

We are proud to introduce our guest writer program great articles on bath and body written by my fellow B&B makers.

This week we have Stephanie from Spoiled Rotten http://BathAndBodyBoutique.etsy.com

Why do I love Natural Plant Oils? Let me count the ways…

Grape Seed Oil is called a vegetable oil, but it is actually oil that comes from the seeds of grapes; a byproduct of wine making. It has many uses and benefits, but my favorites are those related to skin health.

Grape Seed Oil contains antioxidants, which are known for protecting healthy skin cells from free radicals, (molecules that cause cell damage); vitamins c, e, d, beta-carotene, and fatty acids, (all of which benefit our skin).

Grape Seed Oil is said to reduce stretch marks, repair sun damage and heal wounds. It is very easily absorbed by our skin and is therefore incredibly hydrating and moisturizing without leaving any greasy residue behind.

Grape Seed Oil is considered a mild astringent, which means it tightens and tones the skin. It reduces bacteria, viruses, and inflammation of the skin. It is noncomedogenic, which means that it will not clog skin pores. For these reasons grape seed oil is acceptable for the acne prone.

Look for Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera) in your bath and body products and let your skin drink it up.

Check out this great lotion with Grapeseed Oil from Natural Body Spa
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5636841

Terminology of Bath and Body

2007-03-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

There are so many words just thrown around in bath and body and many people are confused about what they mean. This is a look at what some of those terms mean and what effect they have on what you are buying.

Natural-
One of the most misunderstood and misused words in the market. When you go into any store from the grocery store to high-end specialty stores you will see this tagline on many, many products. What does it mean? Nothing. Natural is a word that has no regulation whatsoever and can mean whatever the seller deems it to mean.

Organic-
Organic is a term that, unlike “natural,” has set regulations. In order to call any product in the US Organic the USDA and AMS has to approve the grower and producer.

“Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.”

In order to be labeled “Organic” a product must contain 95% organic ingredients (not including water or salt which can not be labeled Organic). No added sulfites and no more then 5% of:

a. Non-organically produced agricultural ingredients which are not commercially available in organic form; and/or

b. other substances allowed by 7 CFR 205.605.

To be labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients” (or similar) a product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients (not including water or salt), no added sulfites and may contain up to 30% of:

a. non-organically produced agricultural ingredients; and/or

b. other substances, including yeast (this is mostly for wine production), allowed by 7 CFR 205.605.

To claim your product has “Some Organic Ingredients” it can contain less the 70% of organic ingredients and 30% or more of

a. non-organically produced agricultural ingredients; and/or

b. other substances, including yeast (this is mostly for wine production), allowed by 7 CFR 205.605.

Information provided from the USDA and AMS:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/ProdHandlers/LabelTable.html
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/Consumerhome.html

Wild Harvested-
Is another term that does not have set regulations but tends to apply to any and all herbs, plants or barks harvested from plants that are growing wild. Very often these plants are raised naturally with out synthetics or chemicals, but only the quality of the source can prove this.

Fair Trade-
Is a movement based on treating people from other countries in a fair and equal manner by paying a fair and standard price for products.

Definition from PBS (www.pbs.com)-
“ A term used to describe a social-responsibility movement demanding that farmers receive fair prices for their products; also describes products that are produced by these farmers.”

Because this is a movement and not based on laws you must trust your supplier to make sure that ingredients are from true fair trade sources.

Vegan-
Is a term for a type of vegetarian who does not use or consume products that come from a animal source, this also includes byproducts such as gelatin (from cartilage and bone), beeswax, honey, wool, leather, dairy, and, in many cases, white sugar, which is processed using bone. Raw Sugar is ok as the process is done without bone.

Essential Oils-
Is the process of removing natural essence from plants, flowers, fruits, herbs, spices and some resin. The natural oils and scent are removed in several different processes. Some naturals like citrus can create large amounts of oils for use cheaply, others like rose take large amounts of flowers in order to create just a small portion of essential. This is why essential oil costs vary so much.

Essential oils are great for their natural aromatherapy, healing properties, clean fragrance and predictability for those with allergies and sensitivities.

The downside of Essentials is the cost of some oils and the limit to scents as not all naturals can be made into essentials. Certain oils also have allergens and side effects for some people such as diabetics and pregnant women.

Fragrance Oils-
Are synthetics created with man made ingredients to create a cheaper and more consistent product, in many scents that are unable to be made from naturals. The downside to Fragrance Oils is the lack of Aromatherapy and healing properties and allergies for some with sensitivities.

These are just some of the terms you might just see on the labels of your bath and body products. My next piece is going to be on Soap.

My new series!

2007-03-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ok I decided that when talking to friends that so many people really don't understand why we use certain products in bath and body. I also see some confusion in the market about what does what. This series is going to discuss the traditional and modern ways some ingredients are used, how they come about and information about the effect of the ingredient on the worlds people and environment.

The posts will be from me as well as outside shops. I hope to get as close to everyday for these posts as I can, so please check them out, and if there is any ingredient you are curious about please let me know.

The first part of the series will be completely on what do the terms mean on your bath and body labels and what is soap.

Sometimes I swear I just walked on to the internet

2007-03-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ok I think this shows my inexperience with Blogs, I never can figure out were the keys are to do stuff I want to do. I mean I am not stupid or new to the internet, heck I have even had blogs before, but admitedly I start them and they tend to dwindle in content rather quickly. I hate to say I think this blog has the most posts of any previous blog.

But back to the point, how the heck do I make some one my friend?? Will you be my friend and explain it too me??? No this is not a ploy to get you to visit me, I really hate to admit this in public as it is, but I can't figure this feature out!

But I am proud of my pretty links and pictures though:)

Getting a few things tidyed up before I go

2007-03-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Yup this weekend we will be out of town celebrating our belated Valentine's Day weekend. Sadly between my car accident and getting sick we had to put everything off, then when Johnny found out about the big Food and Wine festival in Solvang we decided to go this weekend. I am very happy I love good wine and food.

So before the weekend I am trying to get some more jewelry made up and possibly some buckles. I also hope to get some of the listed as well, but we will have to see how that all works out hahaha!

I also plan on taking my cameras this weekend, Solvang is so pretty and we will be driving up the Santa Barbara coast which I just adore. I hope to be adding some more pictures here and on Etsy.

So keep an eye out for new goodies and I am now off to pack, Later!

Working on a few things

2007-03-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Wow there is so much going on! We have CyberIndustries up and running one Etsy and will be adding some new pieces over the next couple days. Some of the new pieces will be made of memory, scsi ports, hard drives and more. Most are pendants and bracelets but we have plans for earrings and belt buckles as well, in the very near future.

Our baby Fairycat proudly has 50 sales over at Etsy and we couldn't be happier! I have officially introduced our new Tat. Cream for healing and reviving tattoos, something I have been working on and testing for a while now. I might be biased but I have to say I love it! I also am listing our fabulous lip balms on line for a short time (we won't do online sales of it during to the summer due to the heat) so check them out now!

I have plans to do the Renaissance faire circuit again this year our third year and will have a co-show with CyberIndustries at Bat's Day Pre-Event again this year. We hope to see you guys out there. If you aren't in our area don't worry we still will keep our Etsy shop full so you won't miss out on any of the fun!

Hello and Welcome!

2007-03-13T01:57:00.000-07:00

Ok I decided that I am not up to hosting two seperate blogs so I hope you guys like to see both of my worlds!

First "fairycat", this is a business that I have been working with for some time, we do all natural bath and shower treats, with a special focus on those with sensitivities and allergies liek myself. This will be our third season doing small renaissance faires in Southern California as well as Bat's Day Pre-event.

CyberIndustries is also a name that came from a earlier project that my husband started some time ago. One Day my husband came out with a piece of old memory and after I looked at it I just realized that would make some great jewelry! I love having the chance to help the enviroment by recycling these old parts, instead of turning into trash they are turned into fun wearable art!

Thanks for checking us out!