New Soap Mold Designs

Mold Market has introduced eight new soap mold designs for spring 2014. GoPlanetEarth will carry them all. We expect to have them in stock by the end of April. An ADD TO CART button will appear next to the mold once we have them in stock.



 

From t-shirts to cupcakes, moustache products are the new rage. This moustache mold is fun and can be embellished in a variety of ways. Each mold sheet produces 4 soaps that measure 4-inches in width x 3/4 inches deep x 1.72" in length.

What big or little boy doesn't have an affection for tractors? I live in a small farming community where tractor races are a form of entertainment. I can't wait to see what Sophie Soap Chick does with this mold design. The multi-layer depths are ideal for using assorted colors when using our soap injector tool. Each mold sheet produces three soaps.

Melt & Pour Soap: Make a Minion Soap

We are back with soaping ideas.

Last week I asked Sophie Soap Chick to come up with a Minion soap based on a project I did with my grandkids. She ran with the idea and all I can say is WOW!

My grandkids are on spring break this week but this will be a soaping project for us to do once they return. What's not to love about this soap?

Place this soap on the ledge of the bath tub  and I guarantee they be excited to clean up after a day of playing at the school playground or park.

I'm thinking we need to make a few girly minions in pinks and purples. How about braided hair?

There are so many variations you can do with this design. Supplies needed and how-to instructions are given below.




SUPPLIES FOR BODY

Start with the main body

• 2 inch Tube Mold

• White Soap Base

• 1 drop of Orange Oxide Colorant

• 2 drops of Yellow Oxide Colorant

• 1 drop of Neon Yellow Colorant

• Peach Fragrance

1. Melt down white soap base (see instructions here)
2. Mix together the Orange Oxide, Yellow Oxide, and Neon Yellow to create the perfect “Minion” yellow color 
3. Add fragrance and mix until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
4. Spray inside the 2-inch Tube Mold with rubbing alcohol to make sure the soap will come out easily when set. 
5. Place the black rubber cap on the base of the tube, then pour soap into tube mold. Do not pour all the way to the top.

While the body is setting up in the tube, move on to making the round heads. Use the Large Bath Bomb Mold from Mold Market and used the same yellow “Minion” color as above. Only fill the mold cavities half way to make sure the head is not too large for the 2-inch diameter tube.

While the body and heads contain to set up, begin to make colors for the goggles, eyes, hands, feet, hair, mouth, pupils, and overalls. To make these, use an 8-inch Silicone Jelly Roll Tray. Make sure to spray rubbing alcohol between each poured layer.

 

 



To create hands, feet, hair, mouth, and pupils:

1. Use Clear Soap Base (around 2.5 oz.)
2. Mix with Black Colorant (TINY drop, a little goes a long way)
3. Add Fragrance
4. Spray Alcohol spray in the tray
5. Pour a thin layer
6. Spray alcohol spray on the layer (Will make bubbles go away)
7. Allow to set until dry

To create goggles:

1. Use White Soap Base (Around 2.5 oz.)
2.  Mix with Black Colorant, again small drop
3. Add Fragrance
4. Spray Alcohol spray in the tray
5. Pour a thin layer
6. Spray Alcohol on the layer
7. Allow to set until dry
   

To create the overalls:

1. Use White Soap Base (Around 2.5 oz.)
2. Mix in Neon Blue (2 drops)
3. Add Fragrance
4. Spray alcohol spray in the tray
5. Pour a thin layer
6. Spray Alcohol on the layer
7. Allow to set until dry

All of these items were carved by hand with the Recessed Smoother Soap Tool. This item is CRUCIAL for the Minion. It helped me put a twist on how I wanted my “Perfect Minion” to turn out like I wanted.

I did a couple different mouths and there are so many options to make them show different feelings. Just make sure to ALWAYS smooth out the edges with the Recessed Smoother Soap Tool to make him look real and not so much like a box.

To attach all the parts in the end, I used the same tool to scoop some melted clear soap base and then stuck the pieces on. I found it easy to work from the bottom up starting with attaching the overalls and feet first, rather than the eyes and goggles.

Overall, to complete my perfect minion it took me a few hours due to drying time and carving all kinds of different faces and options to make my perfect one.

Hope you enjoy!

Sophie

 

 

 

I SPY BOTTLE

As the grandkids bound through the door last night, they could hardly contain their excitement. They were headed to Tennessee to spend a week with their ‘other’ grandparents, Nena and Poppa.

“Do you have are bags ready?”

“Sure do,” I said. “They are right there with your names on them.”

Whenever the grandkids take a road trip South, I prepare them bags filled with food snacks, games, and coloring sheets. Their mommy limits the amount of time they can spend on electronic devices; so the goodie bags come in handy and keep them occupied then they travel.

As I helped my daughter load up her Jeep, she picked up a 2-gallon container filled with cereal, rice, and uncooked pasta shapes.
“What the heck is this?”

“Oh, that’s an I Spy bottle; I showed the kids how to play it last night.”

“Mother, where do you come up with these ideas? Please tell me they don’t unscrew the cap.”

“No, the cap is glued on and can’t be removed.” My daughter breathed out a sigh of relief as she carefully surveyed the container.

I Spy in a Bottle uses picture cards that show various small objects hidden inside the container. The rice, dried pasta, cereal and assorted beans prevent the player from seeing them without shifting and moving the contents around to reveal the hidden items. The game starts over when all the pictured items have been revealed to the player.

Gather the items that you want to hide in the bottle. They should be small enough to fit through the opening of a plastic juice container. I added about 50 items to my I Spy bottle.

Group 5-7 items together and snap a photo. Print the photo and trim off excess edges. It's best to keep all the photos the same. I found 4 x 6" worked well.

I mixed all of the filling contents and the hidden items in a large bowl and then filled the container. It allowed the hidden objects to fully incorporate into the contents I used for the filling.

You can use any type of filling you want. It might be all rice, colored rice, all dried cereal; you decide. Or, mix a combination of ingredients as I did.

Use your imagination when collection the objects to hidden. The assortment should be colorful.

Half the fun for the kids is helping to collect the objects.

Melt and Pour Soapmaking: Minion Craft

My five year old grandson had a friend over this weekend for a play date. Both boys are obsessed with Minions, so I planned a special Minion craft using discarded toilet paper rolls.

As we folded, tucked, glued and cut, I soon realized this would make a great soap.

Ideas raced around in my head and when I mentioned it to my grandson and his friend, they shouted, "That would be cool!"

It's on the to-do list for Sophie soap chick and I'll let you know the final results.







Mold Market will release a Mini-Man soap mold in April 2014 along with seven other designs. Stay posted for updates.

Soap Making: Employee Training Session

It's been a while since I've been in the soaping room. It felt good to get my hands dirty, or is that clean, again. My assistant, Jenni, wanted to learn more about the process of melt and pour soap making. I love when workers show an interest in learning the techniques we promote on our web site.

This loaf soap was made with Mold Market's Square Loaf mold. Both white and clear soap was used in the training process of pouring in layers. Jenni choose a mango scent to complement the tropical colors of orange, red and yellow.

Here are a few key points Jenni learned about pouring a layered loaf soap:

• Let the first layer cool until a somewhat thick skin forms on the surface of the soap. This is especially true when pouring a white/colored layer of soap over a clear layer.
• If the soap is too hot when poured, it will penetrate the previous layer. You won't get defined color lines when that happens.
• Time and temperature are the key factors to successfully pouring layered soap.
• When using clear soap base, it is imperative to also use a clear fragrance oil. Some fragrance oils are tinged yellow, green or orange and will discolor your clear soap base.
• Spritzing each layer with rubbing alcohol removes any air bubble and helps the next poured layer to adhere to the previous layer.
• Add 1 teaspoon of fragrance per 8 ounces of soap base (if using GoPlanetEarth products).
• Pouring temperature of soap should be 140 degrees or less.

I must say Jenni's first attempt at a semi-advanced soap making project was a success. She is excited about moving on to more advanced projects.

 

 

The Pause Button

 

So much has been happening over the last few months. You have probably noted I haven't made any blog posts for several months. I thought it was time to share the reason.

Normally my efforts are focused on soap making, how-to tutorials and pictorial inspiration. As much as I love the soaping world, I needed to step away to focus on a lifelong dream; to write a children's book for my grandkids.

The manuscript is complete and the book is in the design assessment stage with the publisher. If all continues to move on track, the book will be published early April 2014 and available for purchase on Amazon.com. It is called 'Remember the Rainbow'.

My illustrator, who lives in Japan, did a fantastic job in bringing the story to life. She has agreed to work with me on my next children's book for preschoolers to be published in November 2014.

 

 

I was recently notified a story I had written about dealing and caring for someone with Alzheimer's is being included in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book scheduled for release November 2014. It is my second published story with the Chicken Soup series.

 

In fall 2013 another writing publication was released when my monthly Bunco group published a collection of favorite appetizers to raise money for our local community's Christmas Express and food bank. It was a great success but another time consuming project that once again pushed the pause button on my soaping adventures.

With a number of articles published in various trade magazines (about the business of soap making), I set my sights on writing about something entirely different. It's a blog called Devotionals for the Imperfect Person and offers hope to those trying to make sense of their imperfect life. The writings are in the process of being compiled into a book that will include devotionals written by my daddy and baby sister.

 

I assure you I haven't forsaken the world of soaping and will continue to post new projects and ideas in the near future. For now, however, I remain focused on writing and planning a July 2014 trip to Italy with my honey-man.

 

So continue to hang with GoPlanetEarth, we have plenty of new and exciting things going on in the background with our sister company MoldMarket.com.



UPC Codes for Mold Market Molds

Mold Market has notified us that they will be displaying UPC codes on their molds starting January 2014. This is great news for anyone selling their molds in a retail store setting. Mold Market offers over 250 plus quality plastic molds for soap making and chocolates.

If you own a retail store or online company and have an interest in Mold Market's reseller program, please complete the following application.

A complete catalog of molds available from Mold Market can be viewed here.

Melt and Pour Soap Making: Severed Fingers

These are the severed finger cookies I made with the grand kids tonight. They had a blast helping shape the fingers and applying the almond fingernails. We embellished the fingers with a dusting of cocoa and red food gel.
I couldn't help thinking what cool soaps these would make. Guess what I'll be doing next week?

Powdered Color Fun for Hair!

 

 

If you thought powdered colorants were just for soaps, think again! It was crazy hair day at my grandkids' school for homecoming week. And guess who was elected (by the grand kids) to give them something crazy looking; ME! Their mommy (my daughter) just wanted to plop a Halloween wig on their head, but they would have nothing to do with that.

"NeeNee (that would be me) will do something fun for us." And so, these pictures give you my idea of fun with a few added touches by the kids.

 

Pictured above is my granddaughter, Olivia. She was thrilled with the Monster High look. She picked out the colors and I applied with a small paintbrush. Thankfully, she won't be showering at my house tonight. It's going to take more than one shampoo to get those colors out, but she wanted to go for the WOW factor. To my daughter I say, "Your mom colored, you can shampoo!"

 

The boys opted to make their own crazy hats to wear, but we colored their hair just in case they removed the hats. Carson's crazy hair hat is made from a nylon stuffed with tissue paper and sprayed pink (colored hair spray). I glued green paper shred to the cap with a hot glue gun. Ribbon bows were tied at the end of the pigtails.




My little buddy, Fischer was the most excited about this school event. He just started kindergarten this year, so all of this is new for him and he loves being included in the fun. He decided on a pair of stripped tights from one of NeeNee's old costumes. And yes, those are socks hanging from the cap; his idea.

A word of advice when using powdered pigments to color hair.... IT CAN BE MESSY! Hair chalk can also be used, but I didn't have time to make it. It is best done outside with a towel wrapped around the neck and shoulders. The dry powder does come out of clothing in the wash, so if a small amount colors a shirt or collar, don't get too stressed.

I used GoPlanetEarth's Neon Bright Colors for this hair project. Colors can be purchased here. With Halloween just around the corner, consider a creative hair project using powdered pigments.

Yes, All is Well... Thank You for Asking

Just wanted to give a shout out that I'm still alive and kicking. I appreciate the emails asking if everything is OK; and those wondering why there have been no recent blog posts.

Life! That's what is happening. 2013 has been a year of reflection, a year that reminds me there is more to my life than running a business. When my dear friend, Renae, was diagnosed with breast cancer in early August, it was a wake-up call. She had a double mastectomy and is currently undergoing chemo and radiation therapy. She is 43 years old, a mom, wife and fighting for her life. Posting on my business blog and Facebook held little importance as I spent time giving, helping, supporting, and being there for my friend.

This summer I lost several family members. That, too, has given pause to running a 24/7 business. No, I'm not closing the doors; but I am slowing down with an awareness that life is short. I have three grand kids and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. I don't want their memories to be, "NeeNee never had time for us, she was always working and typing on her computer."

I have an 82-year old mom who also needs me. My daddy passed away five years ago and my mom is alone. She won't always be here and she will always come before my business. That's not to say GoPlanetEarth is not here to service your soaping needs, but when push comes to shove, my mommy will win every time.

Recent travel has also taken up a big chunk of my time. I have had limited time to devote to tutorials and special soaping projects. But, since these are offered for free, I find it hard to apologize. I recently returned from a California wine trip with my husband, daughter and son-in-law. That trip was followed by another California trip my husband earned through work. We also traveled to Florida and Northern Michigan; and, hosted a family reunion.

My husband and I purchased lakefront property this summer with plans to build our retirement home within the next five years. I finished my first children's book which I hope to have published next year. I am currently working on a devotional book that will include some of my daddy's writings as well. He was a very gifted writer.

Then there is the Bunco Bites recipe book I am compiling as a community fundraiser. I belong to a Bunco group of sixteen women. We meet monthly and host a sold-out Bunco event every November to raise money for our community Angel Tree program. Proceeds from the recipe book will be donated to those in need.

And finally, I am working on obtaining UPC codes for all our Mold Market molds. This will allow us to sell these molds in retail store settings. It's a huge undertaking. I'm not sure everyone knows, but I own both GoPlanetEarth.com and MoldMarket.com. Maintaining two web sites, designing new molds, marketing and keeping up with social media is more than a full time job, even with the incredible help of my staff.

So....when you wonder what I've been doing, why I haven't been posting, why there have been no newsletters...there you have it! Quite honestly, I've been enjoying life, just like most of you are doing. I'm still here for you, my friends;, but enjoying family, close friends, good health, and living is tops on my bucket list. When I die, none of you (my customers) will be at my funeral. Unless you need a mold or product you can't find elsewhere (heh-heh!); I won't be remembered. Poignant, but very true; so please don't take offense.

At this time in my life, I am creating lasting memories with my daughter, husband, grand kids, sister, mother; and every other family member and friend I hold dear. Yes, all is well; and I sincerely thank you for asking.

Purchase Your 'Bracelets for Breast Cancer'

I haven't made many blog posts in the last month. A close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has underwent a double mastectomy and the pathology report was not positive. Chemo and radiation treatments will begin to control cancer cells that have migrated to the underarm lymph nodes.

My friend is a young, otherwise healthy 42 year old mom. She has a daughter who is eight. I can't begin to imagine the fear and anger she is feeling (and not necessarily expressing), or the courage she will need to fight this disease. However, one thing I know for certain. My friend is a fighter. Her last text message to me read, "I'm not going anywhere!"

The bracelet shown was made by my assistant, Jenni. They are made from recycled aluminum pop can tops threaded with your choice of satin ribbon.

GoPlanetEarth is selling these bracelets as part of a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness. We are donating 40% of the profits to breast cancer research in the name of my friend (who wishes to remain anonymous).

Bracelets measures 6, 6.5, 7 and 7.5 inches in length.

Cost per bracelet:

$8.25 (6" and 6.5") includes first class USPS shipping



$9.00 (7" and 7.5") includes first class USPS shipping




Select from the following ribbon colors:

Dark pink, light pink, yellow, blue, green, red and purple

Jenni also makes neck chokers and headbands using the pop can tops. Please email her for pricing and reference this post.

My Food Blog

For the last few years, I have tried to eat healthier and maintain my weight loss (24 pounds); but my struggle with high cholesterol is ongoing. At my last follow-up appointment with my MD, we set some exercise goals. I won't try and fool you, it's not going to be easy to start an exercise routine, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

Some of you may remember my published story in the Chicken Soup book about my weight loss.
Say Hello to a Better Body

Since that publication, I have been working to maintain my weight loss and live healthier. My Blimpy Girl web site offers great recipes for those wishing to modify their eating habits. It's not a diet plan, it's an eating lifestyle. A lifestyle where moderation rules.

Here are three of my favorite recipes from the Blimpy Girl web site:

Roasted Pork Chops in a Fig Reduction Sauce



Roasted Veggies on Baguette Slices

 

Shakshuka Blimpy Girl Style

 

 

 

Hope you take a moment to visit the Blimpy Girl website. There are plenty of great recipes for you to try.

The Dr. Seuss Birthday Party

Yes, that would be me, the owner of GoPlanetEarth getting ready to great guests at my grandson's birthday party. He turned five and all he could talk about was his Cat in the Hat party. It was a huge success and all twelve guests had a great time collecting tickets to cash in at the candy bar and prize tables.

The birthday boy, Fischer, is pictured (center) along with his brother and sister.

There were truffula trees, a photo station, candy bar, games, coloring, lunch and most important, gifts! Fischer was the perfect host greeting his guests as they arrived to Seussville.




(And, yes, I know I spelled Seussville wrong on the entry sign.) Thankfully, none of the kids noticed and most can't read yet.



Seuss Lunch Station



The lunch station (pictured right) was set up on the wood floor. It included PBJ sandwiches from Costco, GoGo Squeez applesauce, Gogurt, cupcakes and Dr. Seuss coloring pages.



The Birthday Boy



 





 

The coloring pages entertained the guests while waiting for everyone to arrive.

 

Photo Station

Games included a blindfold/seek duck pond, spin the Seuss wheel and a ring toss. Each game gave the kids an opportunity to win tickets to cash in at the candy bar and prize table.

 

 

 

 

The party was originally planned outdoors but the weather was somewhat "iffy"; I opted for plan B, an indoor celebration.

 

The thank you cards were handed out at the end of the party. Each guest received a photo card from the photo shoot.

 

 





So many things to buy with my tickets.
 

Candy Bar



Cashing in tickets was the best part. It was so hard to decide on what to pick. The kids drew numbers to determine the line order. Of course, the birthday boy went first.



 

Melt & Pour Soap Making: Splatter Loaf

Check out Sophie Soap Chick's splatter soap slices. I'm quoting Sophie, "So many different color options and I had a blast!"

 

This is a really easy soap to do with kids on a rainy day or at a children's birthday party. I personally think it is less mess than finger painting. Roll out a big sheet of Kraft paper onto a table and let the kids do their magic. 

 

Make a soap loaf using Mold Market's square loaf mold and white melt and pour soap base. Fill the loaf mold to the very top (about 2- 2 1/2 pounds of soap base. Once the soap is set up, remove from mold and slice with our miter box and wavy soap cutter.

Set the soap slices to the side while you prepare the different colors of soap for splattering. Use a straw or plastic spoon, flick the colors onto the soap slices. Flip the soap over and do the same to the other side.

You can also spread the colors onto the sides of the soap slices to add more color.

Clear soap base was used for all of the splatter colors. Here is a list of the colorants Sophie used:

• Neon Blue
• Neon Green
• Neon Orange
• Neon Red

You will find all of the above colors here.