Fortune Cookie Wedding Favor

The last few weeks, I've been brainstorming about wedding favors. GoPlanetEarth is gifting wedding favors to one of  our long time workers, Kaylee. She been with us for seven years and is tying the knot in August. Her wedding colors are turquoise and coral. I love the bright color combo.

The final (Kaylee approved) favor is pictured. The coral ribbon was shipped from Hong Kong. Yes, that's correct... Hong Kong! I needed just the right coral color, so I jumped on Ebay and found the perfect match.  Bulk chopsticks and turquoise take-out boxes are enroute.

I designed the round monogram seal and seating placement card in MS Publisher. A personalized fortune cookie is tucked inside each box. Kaylee is foregoing seating assignments, so I will be revising the favor card. In place of the guest name and table, there will be a message for each guest to do a "fill in the blank" fortune for the wedding couple. Guests slide the card from the chopsticks, fill in a message and drop card in a fortune cookie shaped box. How fun!

This same favor concept will work with Mold Market's fortune cookie soap mold or our tutorial on how to make your own fortune cookie soaps.

Place 2-3  fortune soaps in each box (heat-seal them in a poly type bag before placing in the box). Consider dipping cookie soaps in colored soap base and embellishing with sprinkles. The packaging design pictured might include coral colored soaps dipped in a turquoise color and dressed with white sprinkles, or vice versa.

Let your imagination run wild! There are so many color combinations you can use.

Checkout GoPlanet's printable fortune cookie sayings.





40 Melt & Pour Soap Making Projects

Every week, numerous emails are received requesting help with melt and pour soap making. We decided to take action and create a CD featureing 40 of our most popular soaping projects.

This collection of projects provide step-by-step demonstrations of the 'melt and pour' method of making soaps. Learn tricks and techniques that will result in impressive hand-crafted soaps. These same projects videos are offered on our website, only now, they are in one collection.

We are giving away 5 CD's as a promo on our FB page in July. Be sure to LIKE our FB page to receive notification of the FREE offer. Retail price of the CD is $11.99. That's just 30 cents per project!



The CD will be listed on our website mid-July.

Once released, you will find it at this link.

Scratch Off Savings

I don't know about you, but I love surprise savings. When a Kohl's scratch off promotional flyer arrives in my mailbox, I scramble to find a coin to see what I can save on my next purchase. There's no need to scout out a coin with GoPlanet's new "Scratch and Save" cards. We include the coin!

For a limited time we are randomly including a scratch-off card inside your order shipment. The scratch off reveals a discount or FREE product when placing a future order. Enter the discount code at checkout and we will make sure you receive the appropriate gift or discount.

The scratch off card and coin will be attached to the receipt that is included in your shipment. Good luck!

Scratch off tickets expire 9-18-2012. Don't miss out.

Melt & Pour: Golf Ball & Tee Soap

Surprise that golfer on Father's Day with this golf ball & tee soap. Mold Market mold #050 readily accepts multiple color pours. Brown oxide, Kelly green and snow white colors were used in the above soap. It is scented with Bamboo & Citrus.

Melt & Pour Soap Molds: The Moose Hunt is On

Father's Day is rapidly approaching. Consider these Mold Market Moose molds for the hunter in your life. My personal assistant, Kristy, is leaving GoPlanet after four years of service. She is heading to the Northern part of Michigan where hunting is a BIG event. Kristy poured these soaps in tribute to her departure.

Thank you Kristy for all you have done to make GoPlanet a successful online soaping company. You have always remained committed to providing outstanding customer service.

How fortunate to have such wonderful staff through the years. They continue to embrace friendships even after parting ways as they move into long-term career paths.

Melt & Pour Soap: Asian Twist

The Goplanet staff had fun pairing soap colors for Mold Market's #214 Eternal Love mold.  My favorite is the pink and black, though each soap turned out equally well. Email for the colors used in this photo shoot. They are all colors from the GoPlanetEarth liquid gel line.

These make awesome wedding shower favors. Pair with bamboo chopsticks and a gift tag that reads,

Love is like a pair of chopsticks.
One cannot function without the other.
Both must be willing to handle all kinds of tastes:

sweet, sour, bitter, spicy...

These soaps fit GoPlanet's  4 x 2 x 9 cello bags. Just be sure to wrap each soap before placing inside the bag. Close the bag with a colorful fabric ribbon and a set of chopsticks (you can cut the chopsticks to size if you want). 

Melt & Pour Soap: Fries with your Burger?

I'm preparing for my grandson's 4th birthday party. These soaps are going to be part of the favors. We are cooking out burgers on the grill, so this theme will certainly tie into the "picnic party" theme.

I'll have a how-to posted soon. This is such an easy project and perfect for those starting out in melt and pour soap and looking for fun, creative projects. I rate this an A+ soaping project to do with 6-10 year olds at a birthday party.

Melt & Pour Soap: How to Use Leftover Soap Base

What's not to love about these multi-stripe loaf slices? These soaps were made from leftover soap base using Mold Market's square loaf mold. Some of the loaf cuts were made using a wavy soap cutter. Other cuts were made with a straight soap cutter.

GoPlanet's custom made miter box is ideal for cutting loaf soaps. If you're looking for a way to use up leftover melt and pour soap, this is an option. I would love to tell you what scent was used, but it was a blend of fragrances from all the leftover soap. It actually smelled quite nice.

You can always override the original scent by adding additional fragrance to each layered batch.

The key to successfully creating a layered loaf soap is timing. Each layer must set up until a soap skin has formed. Then, generously spray the soap skin layer with rubbing alcohol. Pour the next layer at a 130 degree F temp. You don't want to break the soap skin of the previously poured layer. If you pour to hot, the pour will penetrate the previous layer and you won't have nice clean edges to your colored layers.

NEVER, never dispose of your soap scraps. They can always be recycled into new soaps. Keep all leftover soap in a plastic bag and securely tied with a twist tie. Heat sealing the bag is even better as it keeps out any residual moisture and prevents condensation from forming on the surface of the soap scraps.

Summer is in the air in Michigan (finally!) and USA Independence Day is just around the corner. If you're a soap nut, it's time to get in the spirit  for summer holiday craft shows. These star soaps are easy to do and a perfect Fourth of July craft for the kiddos. If you run a summer camp, this is a project for all ages.

The following molds were used:

Mold Market Mold #219
Celestial Freedom Stars Economy Mold
Mini Embed Stars Economy Mold
Lollipop Sticks 

Melt & Pour Soap: It's Graduation Time

These graduation cap soaps are made using two Mold Market molds. The base is #276 cupcake mold and the cap top is  #256 s'more mold. The graham cracker portion of the s'more mold was flipped over and secured to the cupcake with melted soap. The round button in the center of the cap was made using a mini circle cutter.

Gold and silver cording was attached to the cap with melted soap. How fun to make these soaps in a graduate's school colors.

Have fun with this idea and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. It's going to be hot, humid and sunny here in Michigan, 91 degrees!

Finally...the Wheatgrass Soap

Finally had a moment to work with the wheatgrass I grew at Easter. I cut back the grass last week and new sprouts are already popping up. Yippee, I am going to have a whole new crop. I dried the cut grass in the microwave on a defrost setting. If you have a "Melt" setting, use the one for butter, that will also work. Spread a handful of the cut grass onto paper towel and place in microwave. Use short bursts of heat (which is why I recommend the defrost of melt settings. You're not trying to cook the grass, just dry it.

I experimented with three different designs. The soap pictured (R) was made by pouring a small layer of clear soap into the mold. Let the layer set up for about 30-45 seconds and then place strands of the wheatgrass on top of the clear soap. Pour another very thin layer of clear soap to seal the grass in place. A second layer of white soap was then poured, followed by a layer of grass green. Chopped grass was added to the grass green pour. A final layer of white completed the bar of soap.

The soap pictured center was poured in clear layers. Random strands of wheatgrass were added to each layer. The final soap (left) started with a clear pour. I let the soap set up slightly and added chopped grass and did a thin overpour of clear soap. The balance of the mold was filled with white soap. Bamboo & Hemp fragrance was used for all the soaps. The fragrance was a perfect fit.

I leave for a short retreat in the sun at week's end. When I return, I will post a brief tutorial with pictures on how to make these soaps. I'm also working on a packaging idea to complement the grass theme.

Camouflauge Fun

My grand son, Carson, is celebrating his ninth birthday in May. He opted to have his party at my house because..."NeeNee always plans fun stuff". I was flattered, but the event involves a camp out in the back yard along with a scavenger hunt, sack race, marshmallow toss and camp fire with popcorn. My OCD personality always makes it over the top, and I didn't disappoint. Hmmm... wonder why laundry is never done. I'm a confirmed nut case, but harmless and fun loving!

There are imprinted dog tags for each soldier. Goodie bags include binoculars, head lamps, canteens, camouflage bandannas, face paint, survival whistles..... you know, everything you need for a back yard camp out (NOT!). Geez, I even created a scavenger map that matches the layout of our backyard. It's pretty neat, in my opinion. My grandson has no concept of how much time, energy and funds have gone into planning this event, but his excitement makes it all worthwhile.

The invite is a twine lanyard with party info and camping admittance tickets secured with loose leaf book ring binders. Dinner and breakfast "Camp Grub" menus are also attached to the invite. The invitees will bring their invite/tickets to the party to cash in for prizes throughout the evening. Thankfully, there are only 4-5 boys coming to the party, otherwise, I might have to forfeit a paycheck to cover the cost.

In preparing for the party, my mind raced with soaping ideas (as usual). Next week, I will be showcasing camouflage soaps along with packaging tips. If all goes well, those soaps will be included in the goodie bags for the birthday camp out.


The Scavenger Hunt Map

 I leave for a mini-trip to Florida the first part of May (hello sunshine). Once I return, I will put together a complete birthday party packet for this Camouflage Fun party including soap instructions. I have plenty of packaging ideas racing around in my head.

The Spin to Win Camouflauge wheel will be used for dollar store prizes. Hoping for nice weather. One never knows in Michigan.

Oops, I Overheated the Soap

Here's a sampling of some of the soaps being displayed at the 2012 Soap Guild Conference. Mold Market has two vendor table at the event and my assistant, Kristy, has been pouring soap samples for their table display.

There was one soap mold in particular I wanted her to use. It's our best seller Tray Mold #079. Her intent was to use small chunks of colored soap and then over pour with clear soap. She got a little anxious (bet you've never done that :) and the over pour was too hot and melted the embeds. Her final soap looked like this:

Instead of colorful embedded soap chunks, she ended up with a melted tye-dye look. The extreme heat caused three things to happen.

1. The intense heat scorched the soap and affected the opacity. Overheating melt and pour soap (especially clear) will cause the soap to have a yellowish tint.
2. Overheating soap will also burn off the fragrance. The intensity and aroma of the scent dissipates under extreme heat.
3. Pouring hot soap will warp a plastic mold. That's what happened in this case. The mold was discarded because it bowed under the extreme heat.

I point out this faux pas because those new to soap making often overheat MP soap. The excessive heat warps the mold and they believe the mold to be defective (or question why the soap is no longer clear).

It was a lesson learned for Kristy. Unfortunately, it cost us 2 pounds of soap, fragrance, colorant and a mold. A new or small business can't afford these costly errors. I know because I've been there. The soap is usable, but certainly not saleable quality.

Melt and pour soap should be heated to no more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If doing an over pour, I recommend 132 to 135 degrees. No thermometer? Then do a pinkie test. Dip your pinkie finger in the melted soap. If it's too hot to keep your finger in the soap, then it's too hot to pour.

We've Got Grass Baby!! Day 7

Look at those awesome looking containers of wheat grass. I'm so excited that the seedlings have grown to a reasonable size. Will post pics of the final table setting for the Sunday Easter dinner.

Chole's Easter Gift

Chloe loved her gift. The sweet voice of an eight year old expressing her thanks was a reminder that there are plenty of kids that appreciate the small things you do for them.

This is a follow up to a prior post!

Celebrating Easter: My Take

I gave one of my workers the templates to make this gift wrap bunny project for a special child. Tucked inside the box are all kinds of Easter goodies. I added some finishing touches to the wrapped box (but failed to take pictures). I have a call out to the honey-man hoping he can snap a few phone shots before delivering.

Oh yah! The Easter eggs are ready to hide. That will happen on Friday. We have 180 eggs and each child will receive a orange bucket to collect their finds. The Golden Eggs (there are 12 of them) are worth $5 or $3. Some colored eggs are worth coins, others can be cashed in for candy. The grand kids nanny will be scouting out the hiding places and make sure we are good to go.

Easter baskets are stuffed and ready for delivery by Peter Cottontail. Hoping it doesn't rain as our Easter event is an outdoor event. The Bunny Hop bags housing the yellow tubs will be used for a relay obstacle course race.

 

The wheel is ready for spinning. Once eggs are collected (kids have 20 minutes to collect eggs), they spin the wheel and cash in for candy or money. Each child gets 8 spins.We are going to put a bunny face on the center of the wheel.

Face painting and canvas painting is also on the Easter Brunch agenda. But, the biggest celebration is my faith. The Easter celebration at our church is so large (we normally host 3 Sunday services), we gather in the gym at a local high school.

Wheat Grass (Day Five)

Cha Ching!! I do believe I will have wheat grass for my soaps. Look at those sprouts shooting up from the soil. Unfortunately, my honey-man was not impressed and showed no interest in my green thumb project. No wheat grass soap for him.

Business Shout Out

I was delighted to find a tutorial posted on SisterStuff.blogspot on how to use GoPlanet's popsicle mold. Carrie from greenbeans craftterole was a special guest on the SisterStuff blog. A big thank you to sisters Alish and Whitney for sharing the how-to. And an even bigger thanks to Carrie for the great tutorial filled with wonderful pictures that are easy to follow.

Here is a list of ingredients needed for this project:

• Clear melt and pour soap base
• Crinkle cutter
• Small soap bags
• Popsicle mold with sticks
• Soap fragrance (Carrie used Fruit Punch, Mango, Lemonade, Apple and Grape). We sell them all.
• Soap colorant (make sure it's non-fading colors). I suggest our Neon Bright Liquid gel colors. These are extremely concentrated. Start with a drop and add additional until desired color is achieved.

Back in 2008, I posted a video tutorial on making these soaps. It demonstrates   fudgesicle and raspberry drizzle soaps. The raspberry drizzle soap is poured in layers which is helpful if you want to learn how to pour in varying colors.

The link for the tutorial video is found here. I sure hope you take a moment to visit the two blog sites mentioned above. They have some really awesome craft ideas that are inspiring and unique.

Growing Wheat Grass (Day Four)

I'm doing a happy dance this morning. Sprouts have appeared and I do believe I'm going to have Easter wheat grass. I just have to remember to spray the seedling every with water. That's one of the reason I've never had house plants. The poor things died from thirst. Keeping my fingers crossed these little guys live at least through Easter, so I can make my wheat grass soaps.

The big empty spot is where I will place a glass vase filled with decorative eggs and fresh daffodils (I hope!)

Yay, Wheat Grass is Sprouting!

At 5:30 AM I checked on my little wheat grass seedlings to see if they were making progress. Low and behold, there were root sprouts popping out from each little guy. The dirt and seeds had conceived and the birthing process had begun. Now, let's see if the conception produces some healthy green babies (and lots of them!).

I'm a goofy chick, for sure, but things like this excite me so bear with me through my wheat grass evolution of growth. Unfortunatelyy, my husband had to share that they were selling flats of wheat grass at the grocery store that were 4-5 inches in height. Leave it to a man to point out the obvious. I'm not letting it burst my bubble about green thumbing it.

I will remain positive and assume my wheat grass will outshine that of my local grocery store. Hoping to see some green by Wednesday. Stay tuned (and in my cheering section).