Annabella and Company Blog

Things are moving out in the new studio

alicia — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 00:26:56 +0000

I’ve been spending some quality time in the studio. I’ve been getting some requests and need to get set up to make some soap. During the winter holidays I did some work in the fiber corner, bringing some things inside and putting others on shelves out there.

It’s a great space, but lacking electricity and water services. I’ve been running a weatherproof cable out there and have the radiator space heater going while I work. I’ve set up a soaping area and have been digging through boxes to find the necessary equipment and ingredients. Oils? Check! Fragrance materials? Check? Colorants, plasticware, molds, cutters, tools, stick blenders, et al? Check check check. It’s enough to be getting on with.

Now for a snack and some hot coffee to take out there. Still getting dark early, so it won’t be for long, but I’ve been finding that taking one bite at a time is a sensible way to go.

A New Edition of the Everything Soapmaking Book!

alicia — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:05:07 +0000

I’m very happy to announce that there is going to be a new edition of The Everything Soapmaking Book.

I’m going through the text to update techniques and methods, and add a chapter on natural and organic soaping.

There will also be a 16-image color photo section showing finished projects from the book. So the Soap Cellar will be humming with projects to photograph.

I don’t know publishing details yet, but I think we can look for the new edition this fall. I’ll post more information here and on Magical Soap as it comes in.

Cute Easter project

alicia — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 23:47:11 +0000

Micro test batches

alicia — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:23:53 +0000

Two old favorites I’ve not made in a long time. Western Shore and Lavender Peach. Testing new method and new colorants. Smells great down here!

Pretty Swirls

alicia — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:11:35 +0000

Cut bar from the workshop.

Soap Lesson at Spinning Guild

alicia — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:17:27 +0000

We made hot process in a slow cooker, while it was cooking we did cold process. With a very nice three-color in-the-pot swirl. Then we had lunch, then we sculpted the neutral slow cooker soap. Lots of fun.

From the Soap Cellar

alicia — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:21:43 +0000

Some new ideas for packaging special editions…

Some lovely layers!

Lavender Bundles

alicia — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:15:41 +0000

A fiber friend gave me a bale of lavender. It smells so wonderful and will be put to good use in the Soap Cellar where the bundles are currently hanging to dry.

Grail Maiden in the Mold

alicia — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 22:49:44 +0000

Grail Maiden topped with Frankincense and Sandalwood powder.

In my new soapmaking apron.

The Soap Cellar

alicia — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:30:14 +0000

with bunny lights!