Tricks & Info
Testing Vanilla Stabilizer in CP Soap
We recently received a shipment of a new product which I’ve been very curious to test out to see if it does actually work – Vanilla Stabilizer for cold process soap. I finally had the chance to make a soap last week so now I can finally share my results with you! If you’ve been in the soap making world for a little while, you would have come across the term “discolouration” or “browns soap”. This means the fragrance oil you’ve scented your soap with likely contains something called vanillin (this is what gives the vanilla aroma) it is also…
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Important Holiday Dates
The Christmas season is well and truly upon us! We’ve been in the throes of our busiest time of year these last few weeks and I’d just like to say a big THANK YOU to all our customers for being patient and sticking with us throughout some of our more challenging times! I hope you all have a wonderfully Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year! – Kirsty, Yasmin and the Zen Designs Team 🙂 IMPORTANT DATES In order to receive your parcels before Christmas, please order no later than – South Island – Monday 18th December North…
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Reward Points
How do I earn Reward Points? Easy! Simply make sure you have a registered account with us. Every time you complete an order, the reward points will automatically be added to your points balance. You can also earn points by writing reviews of our products. For every $1 you spend on qualifying purchases, you earn 1 point. How can I check my Reward Points balance? When you sign into your account, your current points balance will be under the ‘My Account’ screen. There will also be a listing of every qualifying points purchases you have made. Do my Reward Points…
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Coffee Candle… mmm Coffee!
I was browsing around the Salvation Army op shop last weekend, and came across this cute little coffee cup so I snapped it up for the grand old sum of $0.50. Seriously, if you have any op shops in your area they are a treasure trove for cheap old cups and bowls which make perfect candle vessels! I try and stay away from thin glass, such as wine glasses, and pick the more solid looking items like tea cups or glass tumblers just to be on the safe side. I also nabbed a set of tea cups and saucers for…
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Glass to Plastic
As much as we love using glass bottles for our oils and fragrances, unfortunately this busy season has highlighted the fact that they are very breakable! I’ve had one too many courier claims to deal with lately, which isn’t fun for me, and it especially isn’t fun for you with the delays that it causes, waiting for the courier to inform me of the breakage, then waiting some more for me to send a replacement! Over the coming few weeks we’ll be switching our 300ml glass bottles to 250ml plastic bottles. Don’t worry, all the smaller 25, 50 and 100ml sizes…
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Saturday Morning Hours
With Christmas fast approaching, we’ve extending our shop opening hours so those of you who can’t make it in during the week can have a chance to pop into the store. We will be open on Saturdays from 9am – 12pm from now until the 17th of December. I hope to see you here! was last modified: October 27th, 2016 by Kirsty
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Wild Musk Bath Salts
I’m not sure what the weather is like around the rest of the country, but here in Tauranga it’s horrible! It is definitely the kind of weather that is perfect for soaking in the tub. I’m usually a bubble bath kinda girl, but lately I’ve been using bath salts instead. The benefits of epsom salts are many. They can help to relieve muscle pain and inflammation, and can improve circulation. Himalayan salts are also excellent for aches and pains so adding both salts to your bath is like having a super charged soak! The addition of baking soda helps to…
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Avocado Lip Shine
This lip shine not only gives your lips a nice shimmer, it also provides some beneficial moisturising which can be sorely needed during these winter months. Avocado oil contains a lot of Vitamin B which can help with skin damage, skin protection, and cell generation. It also contains Vitamin A and Vitamin E which are both great for your skin too! This recipe doesn’t contain enough mica to make a lip tint, but you can definitely add more if you want a lip colour as well as lip shine. Ingredients (makes eight (8) lip balm tubes) 8 Lip Balm Tubes…
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Wax Comparison Chart
One of the most common questions I get regarding candle making is “what wax should I use?” The wax that you should use is entirely dependent on the type of candle you want to make. Are you using a container, or making a free standing candle? Or perhaps you’d like to make a votive candle or wax melts? Pillar Candles (Moulded Candles) These are the candles which you make by pouring into a mould, usually made from aluminium or polycarbonate. Pillar candles need to be hard since they don’t go into a container. They need to stand on their own without becoming…
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Franken Polish!
What is Franken Polish? I hear you say! “Frankening” is the process of mixing existing nail polishes together to create a new and unique colour, or adding glitter to an existing polish to give it a sparkle. The name comes from Frankenstein, who was created using bits and pieces of other things. We are super excited to be able to bring our very own range of DIY nail polish supplies to you all. We’re the only supplier in New Zealand that sells un-tinted nail polish base. So if you’re looking for a new hobby, or to start a new nail polish…
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