Author Archives: marie

ForSoapmakers sold, not closed!

Posted on February 8, 2012 by marie

In my last post I mentioned that I would be closing www.forsoapmakers.com. I’m really, really pleased to say that the business was purchased by Kevin Growns, from Star City, Arkansas!  The business will continue, and all the existing products will … Continue reading →

Posted in Soapmaking | 1 Comment

ForSoapmakers.com Closing December 31

Posted on December 2, 2011 by marie

After much thought and internal debate, I have decided to close down ForSoapmakers.com as of December 31, 2011. It was a hard decision, but having made it, I must admit somewhat of a sense of relief.  ForSoapmakers had gotten to … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous, Soapmaking | 2 Comments

Rural Oregon Timber Economy

Posted on October 30, 2011 by marie

I recently received a newsletter from Dennis Richardson, Oregon State Representative Fourth District.  He’s not the Representative from my district, but his point are so applicable to our area, I wanted to pass this along. For some background, the 1994 … Continue reading →

Posted in Ranch Life | Leave a comment

Life Unconnected and Offline

Posted on August 8, 2011 by marie

On June 28th our internet service provider shut down.  Since that time we’ve been essentially unconnected and offline (dial-up only).  It’s made life, well, “interesting”.  As I write this I am in my car, parked on the landing above my … Continue reading →

Posted in Ranch Life | Leave a comment

Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011

Posted on July 18, 2011 by marie

The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 was introduced June 24th. I’ve reviewed the bill and have been following all the discussions. Unfortunately, it seems to have somewhat polarized the handcrafted soap community – surprising since we all want essentially the … Continue reading →

Posted in Soap & Cosmetic Labeling | 5 Comments

Good Manufacturing Practices – Part 3

Posted on June 13, 2011 by marie

In this 3rd installment, we’ll take a look at the records required to meet the standards required in the Good Manufacturing Practices Guidelines/Inspection Checklist. Like I say about labeling, “It isn’t COMPLICATED, but it is DETAILED.”  If you have your … Continue reading →

Posted in Soap & Cosmetic Labeling | Leave a comment

Good Manufacturing Practices – Part 2

Posted on June 10, 2011 by marie

In this continuation of my series on Good Manufacturing Practices for small cosmetics manufacturers, we’ll look at the recommended practices for handling raw materials, production and laboratory controls.  (See Good Manufacturing Practices – Part 1 for the first of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Soap & Cosmetic Labeling | Leave a comment

Good Manufacturing Practices – Part 1

Posted on June 7, 2011 by marie

This is the first of a series of posts on the subject of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for cosmetics, especially as applicable to making handcrafted cosmetics in small batches. The Regulations Cosmetics are sort of the bastard-child when it comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Soap & Cosmetic Labeling | 3 Comments

Florida Cosmetic Regulations

Posted on June 1, 2011 by marie

At the 2011 HSMG Conference in Miami there was discussion amongst the many soapmakers from Florida who had concerns about a “new bill” that passed in the Florida 2010 Legislative Session. It piqued my interest and, knowing that Florida already … Continue reading →

Posted in Soap & Cosmetic Labeling | 23 Comments

Drug Claims and Lip Balm

Posted on May 31, 2011 by marie

I just returned from the 2011 Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Annual Conference in Miami. It was terrific! This year I went as a speaker and a vendor, and had time to enjoy some of the other speakers and presenters. I loved … Continue reading →

Posted in Soap & Cosmetic Labeling | 3 Comments