Updates from the mobile workshop

We've really stopped posting things this year, haven't we?

I've been doing a lot of random, weird things in the craft world lately. Bleaching and then re-dyeing a pineapple sarong in my washing machine, helping a friend make her ikea light fixture less horrible looking with lace in Chicago, lost wax casting a sterling silver ring, making jewelry from shrinki-dinks, and raku pottery. Those last three new opportunities have come because of a class I'm teaching (Materials Science) - I'm learning right along with the kids, but what a fun experience to see the lost wax casting process! Wish I could get that setup going at home. I'm considering starting with PMC clay...

Before

After!

The two most successful and time-consuming hobbies this year so far have definitely been my first foray into soap making with Jenny (5 batches in - 3 really good ones, 2 mediocre) and attempting to pick up sewing again. I will write a post soon with our recipes for soap in more detail, but right now, I'll post some fun pictures! (I'm also attempting to make shampoo right now...I'll post when I get something remotely useful)

A (surprisingly) great nightgown (Jenny came to my rescue via gchat on this one)!

Some photos of the inaugural soap-making adventure over Thanksgiving weekend in Portland!
(Left) me with the lye, (Top Right) Jenny stirring the oils, (Bottom Right) Tada! Bergamot-Clove-Rosewood-Oatmeal Soap. My favorite batch yet.

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Jenny, you said you made some lotion? Can you tell us about it? What other projects have you ladies been working on? Share some pictures/stories!