Happy New Year!

Kell Belle Studio wishes you and yours a safe and happy new year!

Peppermint oil and the Bath; What you Should Know

Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub. Sounds positively decadent, doesn't it? The product photo makes this sugar scrub look even sweeter than it sounds and what a tempting holiday idea too. I love everything about this . . . except (you knew that was coming) there are a few things you should know about using products in the bath that are made with peppermint essential oil.

Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub Recipe

Firstly, not all essential oils are created equally so when someone claims to be using an essential oil like peppermint in their bath products, I would definitely raise a skeptical eyebrow. Peppermint oil in its pure, unadulterated form can be very skin irritating. Couple that with warm water and you've got a recipe for redness and burning that can quickly turn your bath or shower from a relaxing and therapeutic experience to one of downright misery.

Secondly, there are generally two types of oils used in handmade beauty products. The first is a fragrance oil, which may or may not cause skin irritation in the shower but it contains artificial and a potentially lethal cocktail of carcinogenic ingredients. The second is a pure essential oil and anyone versed in the responsible and therapeutic use of essential oils would never include peppermint as an ingredient in a bath product, period.

That said, how does your seller stack up? I guess you have to ask yourself if peppermint is worth what you might sacrifice in the way of comfort and health or whether or not you are willing to risk the chance that your seller understands the difference. For this reason, this certified aromatherapist says to just say no to peppermint in the bath.

The Whipped Facial Butter Experience

Well, I did it. I made the most heavenly facial butter that mirrors the qualities of butter in nearly every way except the edible one. It's got a whipped frosting like consistency and literally melts the second it comes in contact with my fingers. The carrier oils used are very light, non greasy and absorb into the skin ever so nicely. If I do say so myself, this cream is nothing short of luxurious.

whipped facial butter wrinkle cream for mature skin

I learned a few things along the way. I only had about 75% of the shea butter needed to meet the requirements of my recipe so I substituted cocoa butter to make up the difference. My essential oil blend contains sweet orange and with the addition of the cocoa butter this cream smells like orange chocolate. The geranium essential oil gives this blend some slightly rosy undertones too. So pretty!

I used 4 ounces of carrier oils but after all the whipping and beating that went on, the recipe swelled up to yield about 6 ounces of cream, by volume of course. I will try this recipe again making sure I have enough of the ingredients first. Overall, I think this cream is a raging success. This is truly the most decadent body butter I've ever used and it doesn't contain all the chemicals found in commercially made products.

The next thing I'll do is test out my recipe to see how well it works. Reputable sources say not to expect noticeable results for at least 30 days. I'll take a before picture so I can see where I've come from in comparison to how I look at the end of 30 days. The facial butter wrinkle cream will be offered for sale in my Etsy shop.

Dimensional Collage Project

It's official! Dimensional collage is going to be my paper project for the year. As previously posted, I've got several paper outfits that need homes someplace besides stuffed in a drawer. Basically we will be making boxes but here's how I envision this working.

Dimension Collage Mixed Media Project 2013
©Kell Belle Studio

I'll create some tutorials or PDF files giving the dimensions and materials I've used that way all you DIY lovers can construct or customize your own boxes. Otherwise, I'll be assembling some kits for sale to help make things easier for those who are less constructively inclined.

Make your boxes into dimensional journals for chronicling a vacation or journey of some kind either physical or metaphorical or both! Turn it into a ladies diary or a boutique. There are so many delicious possibilities. I'll leave it up to you as far as what you want your box theme to be about so get ready to have some fun!

Free Tarot Readings

Kell Belle Studio is now able to offer free, one card readings via Etsy which I'm offering to you, my blog readers in exchange for your positive review. Call it bribery if you like but I think it's really a win win for everyone. You get a free reading and I get credibility.

free tarot readings on Etsy

So here's the deal. Simply visit the Kell Belle Imaginarium on Etsy and purchase the Psychic Tarot Reading In Depth One Card Spread. The tarot reading is priced at $20 however, by entering the coupon code TAROTJAN14 at checkout you will get an $18 discount on the reading which means you pay only $2 up front.

I will send you a PDF file that includes a write up of your reading and a scan of the card drawn. If you like my reading, tell me all about it by leaving a positive review for me on Etsy. Once your review is posted I will gladly refund the $2.00 you paid which will make your reading completely free.

The coupon expires at the end of January. You can use it as many times as you like. It is transferable which means you are welcome to share it with friends and family. Refund conditions as previously stated will also apply to whomever you share the coupon with. This is my holiday gift to you. Enjoy!