Deep Summer Soaps

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I have been craving the scent of patchouly oil. Perhaps it is because summer is here and it seems to lend a woody, exotic, unmistakable fragrance to the house. Perhaps it is because I have always loved a good patchouly oil. In any event, the stinging critters do not seem to like it and that is A-OK with me!

Above is a loaf of soap that I concocted with patchouly oil - straight up. The soap recipe is lightened for summer with rice bran oil, coconut oil, palm oil, castor oil and (Yes!) hemp oil. 

I used mica for that pale lavender swirled top.

Next, I created  a soap batch entitled "Deep South Summer Soap".  This soap has one of my all-time favorites - vetivert.  Love Love Love Love Love it! 

I was first introduced to vetivert in New Orleans during my adolescence. The word is loosely translated into "root that is dug up". In New Orleans, I was taught that the dried roots are woven into fans, placed in drawers, closets and cupboards for freshening in the humid Louisiana climate.

Many soapmakers and aromatherapists use vetivert oil as an "anchor" (same with patchouly oil). It is deep, dark and resinous - you either love it or hate it. Me? I love mine straight, thank you. I also like it blended.....it  seems rather magickal!

For this Southern Summer batch, I sweetened the scent with touches of heliotrope (swoon), gardenia, magnolia and a smidge of jasmine. The soap recipe is the same as the Patchouly loaf, with the addition of French pink clays......one of my favorite ingredients for skin-friendliness.

These soaps will be ready in approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks.

May your June be sweetly scented and fragrant with possibility.....summer is just around the corner.

In Love, Truth and Beauty......