Natural Bath & Body : Handmade Holidays

So have you started making your gifts yet? I'm all stashed and have started to complete my projects, but sometimes it can seem so daunting, especially when you have 6 pairs of eyes that could easily spy on what you're doing. Handmade holidays are fun! Actually, my gang doesn't want to see what I'm doing because they don't want to ruin their fun. It's so nice, but I still have to wake at the wee early hours of the morning to accomplish my gifts so as not to ruin it for them. Last week, I focused on handmade dolls from the book, Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love

Handmade Holidays: Gift Ideas & Resources - Dolls by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com

BATH TIME

It's all about natural bath & body gifts this week. Oh yeah, all homemade and full of goodness.

Handmade Holidays: Gift Ideas & Resources - Natural Bath & Body by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com

Homemade bath & body gifts are so fabulous because you can create it to suit the gift receiver, scent and all. There are dozens of recipes that can be used, but I am going to share the ones that we have found to work for us.

My oldest daughter decided to make a gift basket of bath/body products for her friends birthday and if my 9-year old can do it, so can you!

First, we made deodorant using basic household products and essential oils. I am a lady that can sweat like a man, and this deodorant works so well that is lasts for days...days! I will never use another as long as I can make my own. The best part is there are no yucky chemicals or aluminum to boot!

Deodorant Recipe

a small tin or recycled container to store it in (about 3 oz. size)
1/4 c. baking soda
1/4 c. arrowroot (you can use cornstarch, but it does not work as well)
4 T. coconut oil
15 - 20 drops of your choice of essential oils (mix it up, make it fun!)

*for ladies we like: geranium, rose, lavender, rose, lemon, orange, ylang ylang *for gents: patchouli, sandalwood, peppermint, orange, lemon

Just add your ingredients to a bowl and whisk until smooth.

*note: sometimes in cooler temps the oil will be more solid, so you may need to warm it slightly over a double boiler or pot of hot water. A microwave would probably work, but we don't own one of those things...how about a hair dryer?

NEXT STEPS

Pour the mixture into your container and let cool on the counter or stick it in the refrigerator to set quicker for a couple minutes. Once room temperature, check to see if the texture is to your liking. I like mine to be soft enough to spread easily, but not so runny that it would come out of the container if tipped.

If it's too solid, just dump it back out and add more oil and repeat the checking process. If it's too runny, just add a bit more arrowroot. Take notes of how you tweak it so you'll know for next time.

You can add a handmade label - my daughter using mailing labels and stamps to print her own. You can also just take a good 'ol sharpie to mark your container directly, or make a tag.

My daughter also made a body spray and lip balm using these recipes:

Body Spray

8-9 oz. spray bottle
8 oz. distilled water
1 T. witch hazel (I purchase through Vitacost - tons of items right to your door! )
20-30 drops essential oils (see above suggestions for scents)

Mix up and pour into bottle. Shake before use after a shower or bath.

Chocolate Mint Lip Balm

6 - .5 oz. tins or small container
1/3 t. cocoa powder
4 T. coconut oil
3 drops vitamin E drops (or use a pill)
3/4 T. honey
15 drops peppermint oil - food grade
1.5 T. beeswax

Place all ingredients in a double boiler (I use a thrifted pot for my bath & body products) and warm until all is melted. Place a small amount in a container and put in your refrigerator to see if you like the desired consistency. Fill containers and you're done!

She also made a beeswax candle using an thrifted punch cup, local beeswax and candle wicking. Just melt the beeswax in a crock pot (I found an extra one at a garage sale for $2), set your wicking and pour. You can even add scents, like cinnamon, orange, clove...you get the idea. No paraffins for us!

You can also make a natural bath & body gift for new parents with a homemade vapor rub or a healing salve (a favorite!).

For the vapor rub, just take some coconut oil and add some drops of eucalyptus, white camphor, and peppermint essential oils. I add a bit of beeswax to thicken it a bit, but it isn't always needed.

Here is how to make the healing salve for diaper rash, cuts, scrapes, and irritated skin (can be used on big people too!)

Natural Baby Salve

1 part comfrey root
1 part St. Johns Wort flower
1 part Calendula flower
1 pt. almond oil/olive oil
1 small jam jar

Steep 2 oz. mixture in 1 pint of oil for two weeks (set in a sunny windowsill). Then, after two weeks, place mixture in a double boiler and over VERY low heat, warm for 1 hour. Strain. To each cup of herbal oil, add 1/4 c. grated beeswax or beeswax pellets. Check consistency by placing a tablespoon portion in the refrigerator - add more wax or oil as necessary. Pour into container - small jam jars work perfect.

In addition, how about a solid scent for ladies and gents of all ages? (my guys love this!)

Solid Scent (for 1 oz. container)

1 oz. sweet almond oil
1 t. melted beeswax
20 drops of main essential oil (ex. ylang ylang) - 10 drops of complimentary (ex. orange) 5 drops of additional complimentary (ex. rose)

Mix together and pour into tin or small container. You can increase the amount by doubling, etc. to fit a larger container, but the 1 oz. size is perfect.

Likwise, I hope you have fun mixing up natural bath & body gifts for your loved ones and friends. Plus, I'd love to hear what you whip up!