Mini bars were previously cut as needed from fully cured bars. However, after the destruction of two cheese slicers, I have made the decision to only create mini bars when I initially cut the batch into full size bars. The soap is very soft when I initially cut it, but it becomes rock hard and difficult to cut as it cures.

I hope to have a scent catalog completed by Friday as well – listed here and on my Etsy Profile or Policies page. The catalog will hopefully make it easier to choose samples in the event the full size has sold or has not been listed yet in my shop. It is a work in progress, but will give you an idea of the new soaps that will make the scene over the next few weeks.

As soon as I’m finished packaging mini bars and writing the scent catalog, I will turn my attention to packaging and photographing the full size soaps. The first wave will include Chai Latte, Mango Tea, Blackstrap, Primeval, Beowulf, and Caribbean… The second will include Amber Crush, Carnival, Bee Charmer, Fable, Lovecraft, and Bamboo Pear. I’ll have availability dates in my next update.

On a personal note… I just started watching a new British show called Survivors on BBC America. I have a weakness for British television, and since Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Primeval are on hiatus… and Life on Mars is sadly over, I’ve been itching for something new.

Survivors fit the bill and reeled me in instantly. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but once a week I like to sit down and watch something that isn’t SpongeBob related.

I completely reformulated Botanika. All of the olive oil was replaced with rice bran oil. Instead of using aloe vera juice, I used pureed organic cucumber as the entire liquid portion of the soap – made them a gorgeous shade of green. No changes to the inclusion of French green clay and an infusion of organic chickweed, organic plantain, organic white willow bark and witch hazel bark.

Ambrosia is now called Nectar. In addition to blue agave nectar, pureed banana, coconut milk and other goodies, I used Neroli flower water as part of the liquid portion of the soap. An exciting new blend is the reason for the name change… it was begging for the name Ambrosia. I’ll reveal more about it (and others) in my next blog post.

Each soap dish has raised bars down the center making it perfect for keeping handmade soap dry between uses… so they don’t turn into a soft, gooey mess.

BPR Designs features hand crafted, unique fused glass creations in many color combinations to compliment your individual taste and décor. In addition to soap dishes, you will also find absolutely stunning home décor, pendants, and slumped glass bottles.

As soon as my flat rate boxes arrive (hopefully today), I am having a storewide clearance sale on all of my current inventory…

25% Off Original Price Of Regular Items
50% Off Original Price Of Sale Items

New packaging is in the works, and my soaps will be a bit larger. I’m also trying out a new round mold for my sublime skincare line, and working on new blends to introduce into my main line. I have a lot of new creations in the works, but it will be quite a while before they are ready.

The shop will re-open at midnight (EST) Friday, November 27th with a massive storewide sale!  I only have limited quantity available, so stock up on your favorites before they are gone until the beginning of next year! 

Production has stopped for the time being while I work on new packaging, designs, and products.

Candy Apple and Sugar Plum are great examples. I tried to create soaps of both of them, but once  I added the scent blends, the soap instantly seized and left me what is known in the soap making industry as “soap on a stick”… meaning it actually hardened around my stick blender. Not really a pleasant situation. As a result, I usually only use them in sugar polish.

However, I may have found a solution to these finicky fragrances. I’ve been playing with two different cleansing mediums to offer an alternative option. The first is a mild all-vegetable glycerin soap and the second is creamy whipped butter soap in a jar. Both are tweaked a bit to include the oils/butters I adore.

I’m curious to know if one of these would interest fans of my goodies, so I created a poll in the sidebar to your right. Also, please feel free to comment!

Unfortunately, the new design will take quite some time to complete. Once they are gone, they will not re-appear until well after the new year. I only have limited quantity available, so stock up on your favorites before they are gone!

A bright Asian citrus blend grounded in a light touch of Patchouli… I also added Tussah Noil silk to this soap for a truly Asian inspired experience.

The vibrant color was achieved with natural annatto seed extract.  I could not resist creating a Sugar Polish to compliment this soap.

The soaps destined for the gallows are Almond Cookie, Banana Orchid, and one of my specialty soaps – Mechanic. I still have not created the coconut soap I truly desire, so Almond Coconut and Delirium are also on the chopping block to make room for new coconut creations.

I haven’t decided on Gardener and Gourmet yet… they actually make great bath soaps (if you like them very scrubby). I’m also still back and forth on Pineapple Brulee. It seems better suited as a summer limited edition, as does Banana Orchid. I’m giving these a reprieve for now, but when the are gone, they might be gone for good.

I colored the polish a beautiful shade of green with natural mulberry leaf extract. Although, all of my polishes actually have a slight green hue due to the high amount of grapeseed oil.