Felted Soaps

I have always had a draw towards natural fabric, so mixing the two soap and wool seemed a natural. Our local farmer provides us with all natural soft wool. Hand washing the wools allows it to retain all natural lanolin.
My first try at felting soaps I use a regular needle compared to a felt needle, lol as I can say that truly did not work out. As I began experimenting with the felting process and of course purchasing felt needles I came to love the experience.
Why spend hours felting soaps. One has to know the property of wool.
 Gentle on the skin
 Mildly exfoliates
 anti-microbial
 after showering use makes a great scrubby
use as a coaster
the uses are endless

The more I felt, the more I learn the process. Eliminating a few mistakes, I have been taking orders for felted soaps. Not that my artistic quality is so great but I am improving.

Ramp Festival April 23,24

The Ramp Festival is getting closer.  All we need is a little weather cooperation. Check out their website at www.masondixonpart. net . We hope to see you all there.

Live musical performances throughout the weekend, and a plethora of local crafters, we'll have numerous exhibitors.  For a real spiritual lift, Sunday begins with an open air church service bright and early at 9AM, so pack the kids in the car, worship amidst our lovely surroundings, and spend the day.

Admission and parking is always free.

We Honor Our Military

If you're an active duty servicemember, or a U. S. military veteran, visit the Park booth and get a free Mason Dixon Dog. All you can eat. A whole meal on a bun. It's the least we can do.

When

Ramp festivals always last two days. Two whole days of fun and food, April 23th and 24th, from 10AM until 5PM each day. Arrive an hour early for the Sunday church service in the great out-of-doors. Come and shake off the winter doldrums and cabin fever with us!

Listen

For your listening and viewing pleasure, we present "Give Me Some," a music video by The Loose Change Band recorded in Erie, Pennsylvania. It's a song about spring and the edible goodness that are ramps. Click here.

Making Castile Soap

Trouble Shooting Castile Soap. I find making liquid soap to be a challenge, like baking I have noticed that the weather plays a part in how fast or slow the liquid soap gets the clear vaseline like stage.
Of course the oils used do make a difference in the finished product. Because I like to use argon and shea butter, I don't always ended up with the clearest soap. But never the less I do get a soap that is wonderful for the body as well as other household chores. I have also experiment with goats milk soap . It is a nice way of adding a little extra to moisturize the skin.
Not one for following recipes, I find that the experimenting with different ingredient is part of the fun of exploring soap making. In an almost magical way you see that Potassium sulfate can take a variety of oils and morph into a liquid soap that is amazing.
1. Potassium Sulfate is caustic. Safety and precautions should be taken.
2. Patience ...soap making is not always by the book so it may take  less or more time for soap to get to trace.
3. Thickening of soap has been an issue at times. Though there are various ways to thicken soap. I find that even a thin layer of soap has a thickening effect when used. I would rather keep to a natural base than begin to add to many chemicals or ingredients
4. I do love the feel of glycerin and so I do superfat with glycern as well various oils high in vitmanins and minerals.

Happy Easter!!

Castille Soap

Welcome Everyone! We are working on great Castille soap. It should be ready for the farmers market in May of 2016. There are so many reasons that natural liquid soap is a must have. From great for the environment to wonderful for the skin. We super fat ours with Extra Olive oil and Argon oil to protect your skin and encourage a healthy complexion.
Liquid Soap in theory sounds easy, oil and potassium sulfate create a process in which the potassium turns oil into soap. After the process we add some of the finest oils that will soothe and compliment the skin. But as all of our products are made, hand mixed and blended to bring you a quality skin care that we hope you will add to your skin care regimen.
We are on working great essential oils and fragrance for our soap. If you have a favorite email us at sales@autumnsboutique.com and we will see what we can do to bring you your favorite fragrance.

We have new pump bottles this year in a great large 16 oz bottles. Don't forget Autumn for all the seasons of your life.

2016 at www.autumsnboutique.com

Do we have some exciting projects going on for you. I want to again welcome Audrey Miller as she is now the graphic designer and sales rep for Autumn's Boutique at www.autumnsboutique.com . We are are planning on a sensational re-grand opening for spring. Where you will find great new products and a fine line of Autumn's boutique cosmetics.
With Audrey's fine expertise and new  ideas she brings her youthful maturity to Autumn's  Autumn's Boutique has always been about all the seasons of a women's life. I hope you check out the hard work she is doing to make Autumn's better than ever.

Autumn's Boutique

We are booking some of favorite events for the year. We will be at Boalsburg for Memorial Day. It has been a tradition and we look forward to see the Queen of Memorial Day.
Working on some really cool soaps and facial and lotions well... all kinds of quality products with great ingredients.
We will also be at the " think pink event" pgh largest Pajama party in March.
Of course what would a year be with out the GFWC event. I look so forward to the state events, the women are some of the best I have ever met.
I want to thank everyone for making 2011 a great year. I am looking forward to a wonderful 2010.
Working on the Calendar and will post it as soon as possible.

The season beautiful season of Autumn for all the seasons of your life.

Sincerely
Rachel
autumn's boutique LLC

Natural Treatments for Rosacea

I found that the best thing for Rosacea a skin condition that affects both men and women with an awful red irritation can be calmed by watching our diet. Plenty of water and , fruit and vegetables, will contribute to healthy skin inside and out. 

The best treatments I believe are quality oils such as emu with the addition of Aloe vera. Which is really good at calming down irritated skin.  Lavender in the combination with chamomile or other various essential oils such as  tea tree oil; eucalyptus; frankincense; sandalwood and cedar wood all seem to contribute to healthier skin. Green Tea has been known to help in aggravated cases of Rosacea

Natural food sources of vitamin B2 include nuts, green leafy vegetables, fish, legumes, whole grains and probiotic yogurt. As with any diet making sure you are getting adequate vitamin intake is important. What we put in our body is what we sweat out of it, important to read labels. Rosehip Oil: Strengthens broken and damaged capillaries and acts as an astringent to heal and reduce redness. We use Rose hip oil in which we grow in our toner to help clear skin.

Finding the right regimen for your skin type can at times be trying. But remember this putting good things in the body, brings good things out of the body.

Autumn

Witch Doctor - Ooh Eeh Ooh Ah Aah Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing

Put The Lime In The Coconut - Harry Nilsson

Dragons Blood Goats Milk Soap

Handcrafted soap is not the only product we make at Autumns, but surely one of the most rewarding skin care products. As enjoyable as it is to make all natural salves and lotions, the soap leaves for a little more creativity. Not known for fluff but for quality ingredients, I believe we at Autumns set ourselves a part by promising a true all natural soap.

  Our Dragons blood soap is a recipe unique to us, we add many fine oils and enhance it with European clay for a silky smoothness to the skin, goats milk to moisturize and a blend of herbs and essentials that create the finest of soaps.

We make many products with dragons blood and they are all enjoyed by our customers. Enjoy the pictures as we introduce to you our own recipe of Dragons blood goats milk soap. Dragons blood magical in a all natural way.
Limited Supply Order now 724-883-3080 www.autumnsboutique.com or email at sales@autumnsboutique.com  We are to make your shopping experience and education as well an enjoyable experience.

Plumeria and Pumkin Soap

I have worked with many herbs and plants to create awesome all natural soaps. No two are alike but each one is and awesome work of art and a treat to the skin. Made with the finest ingredients, goats milk, European clays and herb that make them not only gentle to the skin, moisturizing but also great for an all natural bubbly lather when shaving. 

It is very season but this is the time of year our pumkin soap is curing. Why use pumkin? Well because we have allot of fresh pumkin!  No, No that is the not the answer. We use fresh pumpkin because is high in Vitamin A and C and we all know that vitamin A is the source of retinal. Well yell retinal is a more concentrated ingredient, but never the less Vitamin is a plus for all skin types including young and old a like. 

I have worked with various oils and some do make a harder or softer bar. I think it is a matter of preference. But unlike the many who use pre measured bases and ingredients and melt pours I prefer to except the challenge of homemade soap. I think the magic of home made soap and experimenting with your own recipes is what I find most fascinating.

Commercialism has spent billions on fulling the senses, creating better packaging and bars that appear to be perfect. Ahhh but who can perfect soap making better than mother nature herself, she has given us all the ingredients we need, why mess with perfection. 

I challenge you to think outside the box in finding your own creativity. Each product that I make is a unique look into my personality. Never perfect in size, some a little bigger or a little smaller but each contains the most wonderful ingredients that are safe for the skin. 

If you are interested in our all natural Plumeria and Pumkin soap order while a limited supply last. 427-0883-3080 or email us at rachel@autumnsboutique.com or check the website, seasonal soaps may not be listed. 

HSM

Rachel 

Waynesburg Farmers Market

We seem to have a great combination of vendors, volunteers, location and enough great weather for a wonderful Market this year. Like all good lessons our new location allows us to live and learn in a convenient location. We are on church street, right beside the court house on Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm .
The characters that cross our path bring color and joy into our lives. Each person unique in their own right comes with a lesson that expands on our own human needs.

Remember to take the time to dance in the street and
give thanks four the opportunities granted us. The sun
may hide from view but it remains like the warmth
of love shared amongst friends.


Stop by and say hello and visit great vendors in our wonderful new location.

Say yes to Autumn skin care and no to....

No matter how you view the Commercial ads. I find that it shows the insensitive  nature of large manufacturers to the consumer. Just like their products and the ingredients they use. It is never about what is best for the the people at large.. Large Commercial companies have one thing on their minds that is cost effectiveness, how can they make the most amount of money.
With Autumn we care about people, skincare and providing an all natural alternative to commercialized products. Looking for quality skincare look no further.

Ph Toner

There are many all natural ingredients that make great astringents. We can use lemons, yarrow, vinegar and witch hazel. Which one you choose for your base is up to the individual. I have enjoyed making them with apple cider vinegar and Witch Hazel and have also tried with rose hips.

Here is a few recipes that you might enjoy making yourself

1/3 apple cider to 1/3 of distilled water
or tested spring water and 1/3 witch hazel.

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative cosmetics container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

Cedar or Pine Toner
2 cups fresh pine needles or cedar
2 cup distilled water
1 cup witch hazel
1.4 cup vinegar

Place the evergreens pine or cedar in a pan with spring water or distilled water. Allow to boil and then set aside to cool . Add with ingredients and stir , pour into clean bottles and cap.

One of my favorite recipes is Yarrow astringent

Yarrow Rose Skin Toner

1 cups fresh Yarrow Flowers
1 cup of distilled or tested spring water
1 cup of freshly made Witch Hazel
2 tbsp. cedar or white vinegar
1/4 cup of strained rose water


Place Yarrow and water in pan and bring to boiling. Cover with tight fitting lid and remove from heat.set aside to cool and strain yarrow flowers. Place in clean bottle and cap. Shake well before using. Apply Toner with cotton balls.




Lithuanian Toner
This recipe was passed down from my grandmother. It can be used in so many ways, toner, astringent, facial splash for men and medicinally to calm and relax and soothe such as in stress headaches.

Essential oils can be used or it can be made from infused herbs to your liking . The recipe is using infusion, essential oils are much stronger and much less would be needed.
Infused herbals

1/4 cup of rose water, made from organic rose petals.
1/4 cup of lavender infused from lavender flowers and needles.
1/4 cup of sweet orange or lemon
1/4 cup rosemary and sage
1/2 of mints, peppermint, spearmint
add to a cup and a half of witch hazel which has been brewed and set aside to cool.

 Rugosa roses are my favorite petals to use. They produce a nice smelling oil that is wonderful for the skin.

Witch Hazel

Autumn's uses Witch Hazel in many of its skin care products. The native Americans were well aware of the wide uses of Witch Hazel from medicinal as well as for its use as an astringent. It was document in the United States Herbal Association listings as early as the late 1800's but as been use much further back in time. Whether as a rub or a antiseptic, foraging for your own Witch hazel and creating a product comes with its own rewards. In doing so we keep alive customs of our forefathers and keep the recipe fresh in our minds.
Identifying Witch Hazel is relatively easy as it blooms from early fall to spring. It's rounded lace shaped leaves make it an easier herb to identify. In the fall the leaves stand out as a golden yellow. The leaves and young branches are best used for their astringent properties.

Choose healthy clean leaves and fresh twigs from the Witch hazel shrub as soon as it has begun to flower. You can either hand chop the twigs or send them through a mulch machine. Depending on how much you would like to make 1 gallon, 2 gallon or larger pot will be needed. Cover the plants with enough water, I use spring water that has been tested but if you have no access to tested spring water you can purchase distilled water. Make sure all of the branches have been covered and bring to a boil. Lower the temperature and cook for a minimum of six hours on low heat, added water as needed to keep the branches covered. Strain the liquid through a cheese cloth and allow to cool. This method of infusion without alcohol has a short shelf life. To extend the shelf life approximately ten ounces of grain alcohol to 24 ounces of witch hazel. Vodka can be used but is a rather expensive way of preserving your tonic.
If you don't have access to natural herbs and would like to try our all natural skin care products, you can call 724-883-3080 or order on line seasonal, so keep checking for the newest products at www.autumnsboutique.com

It is important to identify your witch hazel shrub with visual images. I look to upload some of our own witch hazel soon.


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We have been making a variety of soaps and skin care products. I'll try listing the news ones for 2010 as we work on them.. check back soon.

Homemade Handcrafted Soaps

Each soap maker is unique to their craft and so that allows for the individuality of character to be developed in each bar of soap. Experimenting with the various oils, fragrances and herbs have help to retain the old world craft that was so replaced long ago by commercial companies and their synthetic products. Why replace mother nature in one of the oldest skills known to man?If you have a major company that makes detergents etc, they will tell you first hand about" cost effective" .

When I set out to make a product, I wanted it to be safe for my children as well as the elders in my family, so it was no surprise that we chose to use the herbs we grow, quality oils and the old time methods of producing a product that not only moisturizes but improves the over all look and feel of the skin.

We incorporate our neighbors skils into our products from Tracy's goats milk to the local honey gathered and retained in its natural raw honey state. We offer you a product free of pesticides and herbicides. Plants are hand picked and naturally infused.

To all those who enjoy useing the soaps and skin care products we appreciate that you have given us the opportunity to make a product that we believe is superior in quality.

With Sincere Thanks

Rachel

Autumn's Skin care for the seasons of your life

When I first saw the hills of Greene County Pa, I was charmed by the natural beauty of the hills and streams as they weaved their way creating a majestic view of nature. There were the obvious changes when making a move from the city to a rural lifestyle. There was the lack of transportation, the peace and quiet of the spacious lands and the lack of communication with neighbors. In many ways it was a perfect place to raise children and chickens, dogs and cats, rabbits and whatever else the children dragged in. It was almost like a step back in time, my love for gardening became the focal point of my life. I became knowledgeable on both the wild herbs and plants that naturally grew along the hills and also took joy in seeding my own floral and vegetable gardens. I hadn't realized until recently how big a part of my life it all had become.

Like stepping stones I was growing and the world outside the hollow seem to have an interest in this quaint little world we had become a part of. It was the needs of my own children that had me looking for the best oils , ingredients and herbs to help soothe and heal skin that was damaged from the likes of psoriasis and eczema. Educating through the many books and on hands learning I found that products were not necessary developed with the best interest of the customer. I wanted to do something about that, I didn't want high concentrates of alcohol and preservatives that only benefited the manufacture. I wanted a soothing quality hand and body lotion. This is where Autumn began as she developed Dancing on clouds and Devotion lotion, from their we branched out to bring a greater supply of quality products for all kinds of skin needs. Harvesting the herbs was not only a pleasure to be able to develop an all natural product it was a joy to be able to help creat soft and silky skin in an all natural way.

With all the companies offering all natural products what makes ours different? We use the finest ingredients, we farm our own herbs and we create products unique to us. What makes us different? No sprays, herbicides, pesticides or chemicals of any sort are used on our herbs. From autumns green house to the hills of Greene County we bring you quality skin care. We work with our neighbors to harvest fresh raw honey, goats milk and mother natures miracle plants.