Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines

::making to use and to give

 

 

We have used some pockets of time over the last few weeks to do some making, both for use in our home and for holiday giving.

New this year:  bath bombs!  We made one experimental batch, which was fun and easy - and another for gifting.

I have also been doing a little more experimenting with my soap making.  I have made four batches this year:  peppermint , calendula, lemongrass and oatmeal & honey.  I have been trying out some layering techniques and experimenting with colorants, exfoliants and textures.  I am pretty happy with the results.

We also made a large batch of homemade fire starters for our own wood-stove fires and more to give (a very practical gift in our north woods).

We have had fun so far - and I do have a couple more projects on my list for the upcoming weekend - stay tuned!

::with gratitude to the bees - an unexpected honey harvest::

 

A couple of weeks ago I checked in on my bees and determined one of the two hives that I tried to overwinter was still buzzing.  Yesterday, checked in with intentions of adding a pollen patty (protein source) and I found that the small cluster of bees that made it through the winter had since perished.   

This hive was strong going into the winter and even now had quite a surplus of honey.  I decided to take three frames of honey for an early spring harvest, saving a couple of full frames for the for the new bees that I will be starting over with later this spring.  

This was a fun learning experience that resulted in a yield of wonderful raw honey from my very own hives…and a very sticky kitchen.

I used the "crush and strain" method to harvest my honey, using materials and supplies I had on hand - learning as I was going along.

I also rendered the wax to use for lip balm and lotion bar recipes.

Even though I will be starting over this spring, I am happy with my unexpected harvest, and I am eager to embark on another season of beekeeping.

 

::morning making

School is canceled today due to icy road conditions, so this turned into a perfect morning for some making!  A relaxed morning with my kiddos, making some Rosemary Peppermint Lip Balm and some Beeswax Lotion Bars....a welcome change of pace.

Have a great weekend!

 

::beeswax lotion bars

We are in the process of making for the holiday season!

Into the mix this year........beeswax lotion bars!!

The process of making lotion bars is so easy!

Think:  I could do this on a Wednesday evening with my kiddos while the daddy was away at a meeting.  Easy.

The key is just having the materials on hand.  I have been purchasing most of my soap-crafting supplies through amazon & Brambleberry.

The internet is full of recipes.  I created this one by adapting the recipe I found here, to create a more solid bar:

Beeswax Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup beeswax
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup almond oil
• essential oils (optional)

Simply melt the ingredients on the stove-top over low heat, pour and/or syringe into a mold, and let cool.

Store in a tin or plastic bag.  Use as you would lotion.  Enjoy & give!