One of the great things about the espresso machine is that the used coffee came out in little pucks, easy to toss into the compost, garden or what have you. I found they also dried out a lot faster if you wanted to use them in other ways, which I did.
I wanted to make a coffee soap. I liked the idea of re-using ingredients (and the coffee really doesn't taste so good being used a second time, but it does make for a nice, gentle exfoliant) and would also get rid of any fishy or other noxious smells on your hands.
I started by making a big bar for my own use, just to see how it'd turn out. I followed (sort of) the recipe from About.com on how to make coffee soap. The soap turned out great, nothing fancy, but I scented it with hot cocoa fudge, so it smells fantastic and the coffee does give a very gentle scrub. It's working great in the kitchen.
MakeItVancouver, one of the craft shows I'm attending this year, is a sponsor of #dinnerpartyYVR. MakeIt asked for giveaways to give to the house chefs, so I thought, what would be better for foodies than something food related? This time though, I thought I'd go small and cute. Making these coffee soaps with a clear base gave it a darker, richer colour. The ones with a white base soap allowed the coffee to show through. This time, I scented the soaps with peppermint cocoa FO and it smells fabulous! There are 3 hearts per set, I hope the cooks will like them.
Do you like exfoliants in your soap, if so, what's the best type of exfoliant for you?
Your coffee soaps look great, Monica! Who would not fall in love with your adorable glossy hearts?
ReplyDeleteI like mild to medium scrubby soaps and I've noticed men especially like them. Most older people don't like them because their skin is thinner and more sensitive, according to my mother-in-law.
Espresso and finely ground oats are some of my favorite exfoliants. :-)
Thanks Silvia! I like the darker, glossier ones as well, they just look more polished, pardon the pun.
DeleteI didn't realize men were into scrubby soaps, thanks for the head's up. I'll have to gear some more towards that group.
Your exfoliants sound yummy, I'll have to try that some time.
What a fantastic idea! The little hearts look great! I wish I could smell them. I love the idea of reuse too. And what a perfect use in the soap as an exfoliant!
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace! Oh you'll have to come over and have a sniff, my craft room smells very nicely of the soaps right now.
DeleteYour coffee soaps look great, and I'll bet they smell amazing, too! The little hearts are so cute - I'm sure the house chefs will love them. I like finely ground oats or salt as exfoliants. I haven't tried coffee grounds, though. I should give them a go someday!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny! I do love the smell and I really have to warn people not to take a bite. I think coffee's supposed to help get rid of fishy smells on your hands, so hopefully the chefs will appreciate that.
DeleteOats seem to be a popular exfoliant, I think I'll try that next.
O-ho-ho, just make sure nobody eats them! Giving those to chefs is quite dangerous! I'm telling you, they will look at them, smell and go for a bite! At least, that is what I would do!
ReplyDeleteThey seriously look edible and delicious and even smell yum-yum!
Have a good fun there!
LOL Maja! Yes, when I handed them over to be given away, the gal thought they were truffles. I had to tell her to warn people not to take a bite. :)
DeleteAre those ever cute..I love those little chocolate heart soaps, like perfect little truffles, they'll love them! I find most exfoliants too rough for me, but I would love to give coffee a try!
ReplyDeleteIt's the lazy in me Cee, that loved this recipe. Didn't have to do much of anything to make them look good. Have you tried oatmeal, like others here have suggested?
DeleteMonica, let me tell you how beautiful your scrub soap is! I don't have a coffee machine, but I have already made a coffee soap, which was far from being as gorgeour as yours! And those little soap: so cute, I will be thinking twice before using them :)
ReplyDeleteWish you a lovely we!
Thank you Nat! You don't drink coffee? I admire people who can get away from it. I only have it on weekends now, but boy do I enjoy it when I do.
DeleteI'm sure yours was much more gorgeous and way more authentic too.
Yes, of course I like coffee too, but I try not to drink it... so I don't drink it, but the smell of coffee... this is something I do really love!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have coffee as an indulgence and really have the time to savour it instead. You're right, coffee smells so delicious, even if it doesn't taste nearly as good, depending on the coffee.
DeleteAs someone who has held and smelled these little heart soaps, I give the 10 thumbs up! ;) Seriously, they're fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI could use a few more recommendations like that Teresa! :) I should've sent some home with you.
Delete