I know that I have posted several masks before, but here are some different ones.
Mint Mask
1/4 cup soy powder
1/4 cup plain yogurt (unflavored)
2 drops peppermint EO
This is a make and use immediately product. Mix the soy powder and the unflavored yogurt together, creating a paste. Then add in the EO and mix well. Put it on your face and neck and allow it to set for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with tepid water and pat the skin dry. After drying, don't forget to moisturize as you normally would. This mask is for all skin types, but especially benefits dry skin, as it won't over-dry the skin. The peppermint EO serves to clarify the skin. You should use this treatment once a week for great skin care.
Mean Green Mask
This next mask is a variation on two others that I have previously posted. This one mixes cucumber and clay, for one refreshing and moisturizing mask. It is another one that needs to be used once it is made. You will need;
1/4 cup French Green Clay
1 large cucumber, peeled and mashed
9 ml sweet almond oil (you may sub apricot kernel oil)
*distilled water may also be needed, depending upon the moisture level in the cucumber
After you have peeled and mashed the cucumber, place it in a bowl with the French Green clay and mix well. If the cucumber doesn't give enough moisture, add in enough distilled water to make the paste easy to apply. You want a soft, but not runny mixture. Once you have the correct consistency, apply it to your face and neck, and allow it to dry thoroughly. Stay still while the liquid evaporates from the recipe, which should take about 15 minutes. It will feel like it is pulling and this is the action that tightens your pores. Once dried, wash it off your skin with tepid water, pat dry, and moisturize as normal.
**I have a correction from last Friday's post as well. The Citrus Lavender soap does not have cocoa powder in it, but instead has vanilla powder. I have added a note to that post to correct the error.
Showing posts with label clay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clay. Show all posts
Teaching Tuesday-What Type of Clay for What?
When you are buying a clay mask, or clay to put into one of your creations, what type of clay should you be buying? Does the color make a difference? Is there really any difference in clay, isn't clay just clay?
Well, the short answers are; the kind best suited for your needs, yes, yes and no. LOL. Okay, I am writing this at four am, and I am a bit punchy, so while I thought that was funny, I am sure it really isn't. Please forgive me, and read on for a more detailed explanation.
While there are many colors of clay, many countries that harvest clay, and many different names of clay, there are basically just a few types of clay, and some of these types of clay have several different subsets that belong in that group, kind of like a "genus" in relation to a "'species". So let's look at the broad types of clay available. There is Bentonite, Multani Mitti,
Montmorillonite, Illite, and Kaolinite clay.
Kaolin clay comes in several colors, all of which are Kaolinite clay. They are generally called by their color; yellow, pink, red, rose, and white.
Kaolin clay consists of kaolinite, and is the mildest of all clay.
The White, Yellow, and Pink Kaolin clay are suitable for all skin types, even for sensitive skin. They help to stimulate circulation to the skin, while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. Unlike most other clay, these Kaolin do not draw the skin's oils, which is why they can be used on all skin types, even on dry skin. These types are perfect in sensitive skin formulations.
The White kaolin clay is also sometimes called China clay, China white clay, or simply, White Clay. The Pink can be used in body powders to keep the skin dry.
The Rose clay is tinted with iron oxides and gives a beautiful pink color to soaps and powders.
The Red kaolin, however, is mildly absorbent, and is used for drawing oils and toxins from the skin. It is suitable for inclusion in facials and body wraps for those with normal skin. It too can be used as a natural colorant in soap making.
French Green clay, often used in high end spa products and cosmetics, is primarily consists of Montmorillonite clay. This clay is highly efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin.Similar to many other clays, montmorillonite swells with the addition of water. However, some montmorillonites expand considerably more than other clay, due to water penetrating the interlayer molecular spaces and concomitant adsorption. The amount of expansion is due largely to the type of exchangeable cation contained in the sample. French Green Clay is rich in important minerals and phyto-nutrients, and is the most commonly used therapeutic clay, most often for facials and body wraps. It can also be used in soaps and body/foot powders. But you should limit face applications to once a week on normal skin, and up to two times a week on oily skin complexions. This clay should not be used for those with sensitive or dry skin types.
Illite clay is very similar in structure to Montmorillonite, and it does not expand with the addition of water. Green Illite clay is used for the detoxification and exfoliation of the skin. It is efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin, and is frequently mistaken for French Green Clay. Of course it can be used in soaps and body/foot powders, but like the French green, it should only be used once a week on normal skin, and up to two times a week on oily skin complexions. This clay should not be used on sensitive or dry skin types either.
The Yellow and the Red Illite clay are also efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin, are suitable for oily skin, have structure similar to Montmorillonite, and do not expand with water either. They too are used for detoxifying and exfoliating the skin, and their pretty coloring makes them great natural color additives for soaps, balms, powders and thick emulsions.
Another red clay is Rhassoul, a Moroccan lava clay, it is a Kaolinite clay.
Rhassoul is a super fine, ancient clay, found deep below the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Although it is difficult to obtain from the deep clay beds, it has been used for centuries. It is rich in minerals such as silica, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and sodium. This clay is a strong cleansing clay. It will draw excess oils from the skin, stimulate the circulation, and act as a powerful astringent for oily skin and hair. It is used in many spas around the world, mainly for facials and body wraps. This pretty red clay also makes a nice, natural colorant for soaps and powders. Like the other strong cleansers, this should not be used on sensitive or dry skin, and applications should be limited to either once or twice a week on very oily skin. Those with normal skin may be able to utilize this clay once a week, but I usually suggest either a blend with a milder clay, or only using once a month.
Bentonite Clay is a highly absorbent clay. It is actually a combination of montmorillonite and volcanic ash, and is considered one of the best choices for making a (clay) poultice. Like other clay, it pulls oils and toxins from the skin, and is best suited for oily skin types. Bentonite clay is great for making a shaving soap, and for use in oily scalp and hair treatments.
Multani Mitti clay is better known as Fullers Earth clay, but is also sometimes called, Indian Fullers Earth. It is formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, and is very similar in its nature to kaolin clay. Back in the day, Fullers used this clay to clean sheep's wool, prior to its being spun. That is how it came to be named Fuller's Earth. This clay is highly absorbent, and is good for drawing excess oils from the skin, while stimulating circulation to the skin. It is suitable for oily skin and hair treatments, but should not be used on sensitive or dry skin at all. Large area treatments should be limited to no more than once weekly, although spot treatments are usually well tolerated two to three times weekly. This clay is often used in making a "mechanics soap", as it works well combatting grease and dirt, and is a great hand cleaner.
Sea clay is a kaolinite as well. It is a grayish green color, and has high concentrations of minerals present. While the clay draws the skin's oils, it also remineralizes the skin. It is suitable for all skin types.
Dead Sea Mud is also a kaolinite, one that is rich in the minerals found (only) at the bottom of the Dead Sea. Whether used alone, or in combination with other cosmetic grade clays, Dead Sea clay is suitable for facial, body wrap, hair wrap and soap formulations. It is suitable for all skin and hair types. I have done a couple of posts on Dead Sea Mud and Salts that go into great depth. So, if you missed them, please take a look!
Just a few notes/tips:
-When making a face mask with clay, use purified/distilled water to moisten your clay, you will only need a small amount.
-Always pour the clay out into another container [or your palm] before adding the water. Never mix the water into the clay container. Never put wet utensils or your fingers into the clay container. As long as the powder stays moisture free, it will last indefinitely. Moisture means the introduction of bacteria and contamination.
-When you add the liquid to the clay, do so slowly. You don't need a lot, only mix until you have a nice, paste consistency. If you desire, this is when you should add skin safe essential oil(s).
-The thicker the clay paste is when applied to the skin, the more drawing power it will have. So, when you need to boost the "power", alter the paste thickness, so not extend the time you leave the mask on.
-You can substitute infusions, hydrosols, yogurt, juice, cream or milk for the distilled water if you'd like. Each has properties that may be beneficial to your skin, so research and experiment until you find the perfect blend for you!
-Always error on the side of caution. Begin with a thin or moderate paste, at the lower time frame, with the mildest clay and liquid that you have. See what it does to your skin, then make alterations based upon those results.
Well, the short answers are; the kind best suited for your needs, yes, yes and no. LOL. Okay, I am writing this at four am, and I am a bit punchy, so while I thought that was funny, I am sure it really isn't. Please forgive me, and read on for a more detailed explanation.
While there are many colors of clay, many countries that harvest clay, and many different names of clay, there are basically just a few types of clay, and some of these types of clay have several different subsets that belong in that group, kind of like a "genus" in relation to a "'species". So let's look at the broad types of clay available. There is Bentonite, Multani Mitti,
Montmorillonite, Illite, and Kaolinite clay.
Kaolin clay comes in several colors, all of which are Kaolinite clay. They are generally called by their color; yellow, pink, red, rose, and white.
Kaolin clay consists of kaolinite, and is the mildest of all clay.
The White, Yellow, and Pink Kaolin clay are suitable for all skin types, even for sensitive skin. They help to stimulate circulation to the skin, while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. Unlike most other clay, these Kaolin do not draw the skin's oils, which is why they can be used on all skin types, even on dry skin. These types are perfect in sensitive skin formulations.
The White kaolin clay is also sometimes called China clay, China white clay, or simply, White Clay. The Pink can be used in body powders to keep the skin dry.
The Rose clay is tinted with iron oxides and gives a beautiful pink color to soaps and powders.
The Red kaolin, however, is mildly absorbent, and is used for drawing oils and toxins from the skin. It is suitable for inclusion in facials and body wraps for those with normal skin. It too can be used as a natural colorant in soap making.
French Green clay, often used in high end spa products and cosmetics, is primarily consists of Montmorillonite clay. This clay is highly efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin.Similar to many other clays, montmorillonite swells with the addition of water. However, some montmorillonites expand considerably more than other clay, due to water penetrating the interlayer molecular spaces and concomitant adsorption. The amount of expansion is due largely to the type of exchangeable cation contained in the sample. French Green Clay is rich in important minerals and phyto-nutrients, and is the most commonly used therapeutic clay, most often for facials and body wraps. It can also be used in soaps and body/foot powders. But you should limit face applications to once a week on normal skin, and up to two times a week on oily skin complexions. This clay should not be used for those with sensitive or dry skin types.
Illite clay is very similar in structure to Montmorillonite, and it does not expand with the addition of water. Green Illite clay is used for the detoxification and exfoliation of the skin. It is efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin, and is frequently mistaken for French Green Clay. Of course it can be used in soaps and body/foot powders, but like the French green, it should only be used once a week on normal skin, and up to two times a week on oily skin complexions. This clay should not be used on sensitive or dry skin types either.
The Yellow and the Red Illite clay are also efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin, are suitable for oily skin, have structure similar to Montmorillonite, and do not expand with water either. They too are used for detoxifying and exfoliating the skin, and their pretty coloring makes them great natural color additives for soaps, balms, powders and thick emulsions.
Another red clay is Rhassoul, a Moroccan lava clay, it is a Kaolinite clay.
Rhassoul is a super fine, ancient clay, found deep below the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Although it is difficult to obtain from the deep clay beds, it has been used for centuries. It is rich in minerals such as silica, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and sodium. This clay is a strong cleansing clay. It will draw excess oils from the skin, stimulate the circulation, and act as a powerful astringent for oily skin and hair. It is used in many spas around the world, mainly for facials and body wraps. This pretty red clay also makes a nice, natural colorant for soaps and powders. Like the other strong cleansers, this should not be used on sensitive or dry skin, and applications should be limited to either once or twice a week on very oily skin. Those with normal skin may be able to utilize this clay once a week, but I usually suggest either a blend with a milder clay, or only using once a month.
Bentonite Clay is a highly absorbent clay. It is actually a combination of montmorillonite and volcanic ash, and is considered one of the best choices for making a (clay) poultice. Like other clay, it pulls oils and toxins from the skin, and is best suited for oily skin types. Bentonite clay is great for making a shaving soap, and for use in oily scalp and hair treatments.
Multani Mitti clay is better known as Fullers Earth clay, but is also sometimes called, Indian Fullers Earth. It is formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, and is very similar in its nature to kaolin clay. Back in the day, Fullers used this clay to clean sheep's wool, prior to its being spun. That is how it came to be named Fuller's Earth. This clay is highly absorbent, and is good for drawing excess oils from the skin, while stimulating circulation to the skin. It is suitable for oily skin and hair treatments, but should not be used on sensitive or dry skin at all. Large area treatments should be limited to no more than once weekly, although spot treatments are usually well tolerated two to three times weekly. This clay is often used in making a "mechanics soap", as it works well combatting grease and dirt, and is a great hand cleaner.
Sea clay is a kaolinite as well. It is a grayish green color, and has high concentrations of minerals present. While the clay draws the skin's oils, it also remineralizes the skin. It is suitable for all skin types.
Dead Sea Mud is also a kaolinite, one that is rich in the minerals found (only) at the bottom of the Dead Sea. Whether used alone, or in combination with other cosmetic grade clays, Dead Sea clay is suitable for facial, body wrap, hair wrap and soap formulations. It is suitable for all skin and hair types. I have done a couple of posts on Dead Sea Mud and Salts that go into great depth. So, if you missed them, please take a look!
Just a few notes/tips:
-When making a face mask with clay, use purified/distilled water to moisten your clay, you will only need a small amount.
-Always pour the clay out into another container [or your palm] before adding the water. Never mix the water into the clay container. Never put wet utensils or your fingers into the clay container. As long as the powder stays moisture free, it will last indefinitely. Moisture means the introduction of bacteria and contamination.
-When you add the liquid to the clay, do so slowly. You don't need a lot, only mix until you have a nice, paste consistency. If you desire, this is when you should add skin safe essential oil(s).
-The thicker the clay paste is when applied to the skin, the more drawing power it will have. So, when you need to boost the "power", alter the paste thickness, so not extend the time you leave the mask on.
-You can substitute infusions, hydrosols, yogurt, juice, cream or milk for the distilled water if you'd like. Each has properties that may be beneficial to your skin, so research and experiment until you find the perfect blend for you!
-Always error on the side of caution. Begin with a thin or moderate paste, at the lower time frame, with the mildest clay and liquid that you have. See what it does to your skin, then make alterations based upon those results.
-When making cp soap and adding clay, generally you add 1 tablespoon per pound of oils (when using mild clay) and 1 teaspoon per pound of oil when using the stronger clay. Since clay likes to clump when it's added to the soap pot, try removing about a 1/2 cup of batter adn mixing all of your clay into that. Use a frother to mix well, then add the half cup back into the whole pot and mix well.
Make it Yourself Monday- Facial Masks
Now that we are coming into Fall, it is really important to pay attention to your skin and take some time to prepare it for the harsh winter weather that we all hope we don't have! And, if you are blessed enough to live in the warmth, then you still need to care for your skin, because the sun is just as harsh as the cold, if not more so.
So here are a couple of easy to make face masks. The first one will mainly serve to detoxify and remineralize, while the second will be heavily nourishing. So one one week and one another would be perfect!
Seaweed Mask
You will need;
4 tablespoons of kelp powder-[*See the 1st note below the recipes] (check your local health food store for this).
1/2 cup of aloe vera gel (you can get this in your local big box store or pharmacy)
3 tablespoons of distilled water
Mix the kelp powder and gel in a small bowl, then slowly add in the water until the mixture becomes a the consistency of a thick paste. You may use slightly less or maybe even slightly more water than the amount stated. That is ok. Just get a nice pasty consistency, one that you can easily spread. Then apply it to the face and neck, and leave sit for 15 to 20 minutes while you try to relax. When time is up, rinse with warm water and pat dry, then moisturize as normal.
This mask is gentle enough to be used routinely, so once a week is great, or alternate this one with others that have benefits you may need.
Vegetable Mask
You will need;
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 cooked and mashed medium sized carrot
1 peeled, pitted and mashed avocado
3 tablespoons honey
Combine all the ingredients into a bowl, mix well, and spread over the face and neck. Relax for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water and pat dry. Moisturize as normal.
Clay Masks
You can take all manner of clay and add any type of liquid to it to make a mask. You can use milk or other dairy products (such as cream, yogurt, or milk), water or various juices.
Just a few notes-
-There is more than one type of seaweed available. You need to make sure that you purchase one that is face safe. Some types are only for use as a body wrap, and those are too harsh for facial use. So make sure that you get one that is safe for the facial area.
-There is more than one type of clay available. Generally speaking, certain colored clay is better for certain skin types. Do not buy a certain clay because your friend has that clay. You need the type that is best for your skin!
Want to know what is best for what? Tune back in tomorrow for Teaching Tuesday- Clay!
- Remember to keep the avocado pit because it is a great natural massage tool.
-If you use clay in a mask, the thicker the clay is, the more intense the drawing action will be, so keep this in mind as you prepare it.
-Masks are designed with ingredients that are intended to pull impurities from the skin, then other ingredients are intended to either restore and/or put some specific properties back into the skin.
-What your skin type is, and what it needs to restore balance, are the key factors that should determine the type of mask that you use. When in doubt, study and ask questions!
So here are a couple of easy to make face masks. The first one will mainly serve to detoxify and remineralize, while the second will be heavily nourishing. So one one week and one another would be perfect!
Seaweed Mask
You will need;
4 tablespoons of kelp powder-[*See the 1st note below the recipes] (check your local health food store for this).
1/2 cup of aloe vera gel (you can get this in your local big box store or pharmacy)
3 tablespoons of distilled water
Mix the kelp powder and gel in a small bowl, then slowly add in the water until the mixture becomes a the consistency of a thick paste. You may use slightly less or maybe even slightly more water than the amount stated. That is ok. Just get a nice pasty consistency, one that you can easily spread. Then apply it to the face and neck, and leave sit for 15 to 20 minutes while you try to relax. When time is up, rinse with warm water and pat dry, then moisturize as normal.
This mask is gentle enough to be used routinely, so once a week is great, or alternate this one with others that have benefits you may need.
Vegetable Mask
You will need;
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 cooked and mashed medium sized carrot
1 peeled, pitted and mashed avocado
3 tablespoons honey
Combine all the ingredients into a bowl, mix well, and spread over the face and neck. Relax for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water and pat dry. Moisturize as normal.
Clay Masks
You can take all manner of clay and add any type of liquid to it to make a mask. You can use milk or other dairy products (such as cream, yogurt, or milk), water or various juices.
Just a few notes-
-There is more than one type of seaweed available. You need to make sure that you purchase one that is face safe. Some types are only for use as a body wrap, and those are too harsh for facial use. So make sure that you get one that is safe for the facial area.
-There is more than one type of clay available. Generally speaking, certain colored clay is better for certain skin types. Do not buy a certain clay because your friend has that clay. You need the type that is best for your skin!
Want to know what is best for what? Tune back in tomorrow for Teaching Tuesday- Clay!
- Remember to keep the avocado pit because it is a great natural massage tool.
-If you use clay in a mask, the thicker the clay is, the more intense the drawing action will be, so keep this in mind as you prepare it.
-Masks are designed with ingredients that are intended to pull impurities from the skin, then other ingredients are intended to either restore and/or put some specific properties back into the skin.
-What your skin type is, and what it needs to restore balance, are the key factors that should determine the type of mask that you use. When in doubt, study and ask questions!
Make it Yourself Monday- Foot Soaks
My eldest Son came to visit this weekend (bringing my sweetie pie Grandson!) and, while out in the barn hunting through boxes of stored stuffed animals and such, found a practically new foot soak basin. Since he stands on his feet at work all day, he thought that the basin looked like a pain management plan waiting to be implemented. While he may not know what goodies Mom has in her craft room, he for sure knows that Mom has GOOD STUFF. So first thing he did after asking if he could have the basin, was ask if I would whip him up something to put into it that would add to its heat and vibrating pleasure. Of course I couldn't turn him down, so I grabbed a mixing bowl and headed to the ingredient cabinets. I ended up making a nice blend that you can easily whip up for yourself or for your hard working Son.
I mixed some epsom salts with clay and spirulina. Then, to that I added some eucalyptus, wintergreen and lime essential oils. While he may have wondered about the ingredients, he immediately said that he like the smell and was going to try it as soon as he got home.
While this mixture would also be great for a full body bath tub soak, the particular mixture of essential oils that I used are not. So if you want to use it as a bath soak, I suggest switching the EO's. You could try lavender, orange, eucalyptus, chamomile, or a mixture of these.
As for a recipe, try mixing two tablespoons of spirulina, with one half to one cup of kaolin or French green clay, with two to three cups of Epsom salts. As a general rule of thumb you should use no more than 10 drops (total) of essential oils. But if you would like to change it up some, you could take one ounce of your choice of carrier oil (I like sweet almond or olive oil the best), and add 15 drops (total) of your choice of essential oils. Then add a small amount of the oil mixture to either your foot soak or your bathing water. If you decide to add the oil, mix and store the oil mixture separately from the salt and powder portion. This will keep your soak fresh and extend its shelf life.
Of course there are several ways to utilize foot soaks. You can easily utilize whatever you have growing or dried. Just take two cups of your choice of fresh herbs, or one cup of dried herbs and add to two gallons of near boiling water. Steep the herbs for twenty minutes then strain the liquid and pour it into the foot basin. Make sure that it is not too hot, and soak your feet for twenty minutes, then pat dry and moisturize.
I mixed some epsom salts with clay and spirulina. Then, to that I added some eucalyptus, wintergreen and lime essential oils. While he may have wondered about the ingredients, he immediately said that he like the smell and was going to try it as soon as he got home.
While this mixture would also be great for a full body bath tub soak, the particular mixture of essential oils that I used are not. So if you want to use it as a bath soak, I suggest switching the EO's. You could try lavender, orange, eucalyptus, chamomile, or a mixture of these.
As for a recipe, try mixing two tablespoons of spirulina, with one half to one cup of kaolin or French green clay, with two to three cups of Epsom salts. As a general rule of thumb you should use no more than 10 drops (total) of essential oils. But if you would like to change it up some, you could take one ounce of your choice of carrier oil (I like sweet almond or olive oil the best), and add 15 drops (total) of your choice of essential oils. Then add a small amount of the oil mixture to either your foot soak or your bathing water. If you decide to add the oil, mix and store the oil mixture separately from the salt and powder portion. This will keep your soak fresh and extend its shelf life.
Of course there are several ways to utilize foot soaks. You can easily utilize whatever you have growing or dried. Just take two cups of your choice of fresh herbs, or one cup of dried herbs and add to two gallons of near boiling water. Steep the herbs for twenty minutes then strain the liquid and pour it into the foot basin. Make sure that it is not too hot, and soak your feet for twenty minutes, then pat dry and moisturize.
Crafting with Clay
Over the last day and a half, I was stuck on the interstate, broken down on the side of the road, and traveled about 900 miles to get back home to animals that think holding a grudge will make me stay home in the future, so I hope that you will forgive me for not getting the Monday post up in a timely manner.
I want to thank my guest blogger, Alyssa of Complex Beauty, for the great posts last week (Wednesday-Friday), and hope that she has a wonderful time on her vacation [in Texas] this week! I also hope that I can talk her into coming back and posting once in a while, as I really enjoyed her writing, and hope that you all did too!
So let me back up and provide you all with a project, and then I will get some much needed sleep and try a more interesting subject tomorrow!
For a quick and easy craft project, one that will provide you with a few different finishing opportunities, try purchasing some modeling clay to make various animal decorations. Make sure to get the kind of clay that you bake to finish. You can find the white clay at a very reasonable price, in your local walley world, but if you want/need any colored blocks, you will need to shop your local hobby stores, but expect to pay a tad more, for a whole lot smaller block of clay.
Try making a cute little sheep. It is easy and oh so adorable! To begin with, break off a small amount of the white and knead it until it is fairly pliable. Press it out until you have a nice oval shape for a body. Add a head, ears, nose and four legs in much the same way. Then make many small (very tiny works best) balls and press them into the body to create some "wool". Before you bake it, make sure to decide how you want to finish the piece off. You can put a hole in it to allow for hanging (ornaments with an "ewes special" tag are always cute!) or you can glue a magnet strip on the back for a fridge magnet. Then bake according to the package directions and finish by painting appropriately.
Or a cow? This one's details are easily painted after its baked. I used white for all of these, and just painted the various colors needed. This made them less expensive to create and very easy to get the designs as I wanted.
I want to thank my guest blogger, Alyssa of Complex Beauty, for the great posts last week (Wednesday-Friday), and hope that she has a wonderful time on her vacation [in Texas] this week! I also hope that I can talk her into coming back and posting once in a while, as I really enjoyed her writing, and hope that you all did too!
So let me back up and provide you all with a project, and then I will get some much needed sleep and try a more interesting subject tomorrow!
For a quick and easy craft project, one that will provide you with a few different finishing opportunities, try purchasing some modeling clay to make various animal decorations. Make sure to get the kind of clay that you bake to finish. You can find the white clay at a very reasonable price, in your local walley world, but if you want/need any colored blocks, you will need to shop your local hobby stores, but expect to pay a tad more, for a whole lot smaller block of clay.
Try making a cute little sheep. It is easy and oh so adorable! To begin with, break off a small amount of the white and knead it until it is fairly pliable. Press it out until you have a nice oval shape for a body. Add a head, ears, nose and four legs in much the same way. Then make many small (very tiny works best) balls and press them into the body to create some "wool". Before you bake it, make sure to decide how you want to finish the piece off. You can put a hole in it to allow for hanging (ornaments with an "ewes special" tag are always cute!) or you can glue a magnet strip on the back for a fridge magnet. Then bake according to the package directions and finish by painting appropriately.
How about a cute pig? Use a toothpick to sort of give the hooves that cloven look.
Or a cow? This one's details are easily painted after its baked. I used white for all of these, and just painted the various colors needed. This made them less expensive to create and very easy to get the designs as I wanted.So get busy creating, just let your imagination be your guide. You can create the whole barnyard if you want!
Face Mask for Mature and/or Dry Skin
Yesterday my Mother had a very bad day. After several misshapes she ended her day by splashing a swimming pool chemical in her eye. Needless to say, after the necessary flushing, hours in the ER, and the medicine to save her eye, she ended up with a red, swollen eye. Additionally she was extremely worn out and it really showed on her face, so I decided
that I would treat her to a face mask. Specifically, a new clay based mask that I just created a recipe for. I figured that this would give me a guinea pig and I would also be doing something nice for her. I love two birds with one stone deals, but I made a huge mistake. My mistake? I didn't take a before, during, and after picture! I really was just thinking she would either say that it felt bad, good, or great, and that afte
rwords her skin felt okay, good, or great. I watched as she rinsed off the mask, after only 10 minutes and I was completely taken aback when her skin showed marked and visible signs of improvement. Her under and supra orbital swelling was decreased, the redness of the skin, and even facial wrinkles were decreased. We immediately could SEE a big difference her skin tone. We were really both blown away as we examined her skin. The first thing she said was, "you should have taken a before and after picture!" Of course the second thing she said was, "when can I do another one?" lol.
I always love it when a recipe comes together, but it amazes me to know that these small wonders still amaze me!
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