Winter Lip Balm and rub

   I was looking at our small round tins wondering what I could do with them and I started googling recipes for lip balm. Well I found one, and then modified it a bit.  

If you've ever noticed how lovely coconut oil smells you'll see why I picked this one! Also, it is a solid at room temperature but melts at body temperature making this a prime candidate for lip balms and rubs. You can find unrefined virgin coconut oil at some ethnic cooking suppliers but you can also find it online. Here is the store I bought mine from. I wanted to be sure I got cosmetic grade and that it was pure. I melted mine in a double boiler, but I'm sure you could use the microwave on half power... I then added a few drops of mint extract to the melted coconut oil. I added in some beeswax to make it a little more resistant to melting on a warm day.

*tip  keep a spoon in the freezer to dip into the melted oil to test the consistency and see what the balm will be like once it has cooled.

I also added a 1/4 tsp of cocoa powder to my second one which was just divine!!! This colored it in the tin but it leaves no trace of color on your lips.

However, if you do want to add some sparkle or color to your balm then just take your favorite shade of lipstick and add some shavings from it to the blend! It's that simple!

 Once cooled place the lids on tightly.

I then got on a roll and decided to make a body butter/rub as well.  I melted down more coconut oil and then added an equal part of cocoa butter which I purchased from the same online store to make it a bit more creamy and also add that yummy smell. I infused it with vanilla bean and it was just scrumptious! I poured it into one of our round flat 8oz tins.

Here are some other lip balm/ rub flavors to consider:

- lavender mint (essential oils)
- lemongrass
- chocolate lavender
- cocoa butter rose (Valentine’s Day!)

be sure to try only a drop or two of essential oil the first time! You don't want to accidently cause a burn.

I then decided to decorate the packaging so that I could give them as Christmas gifts, (afterall, I made a whole batch!!) so here are some of the pictures.

I then decided to make a matching card to complete the ensemble! I wont go into detail today on how to make the card as you're probably getting frightened by the length of this post! I'll list the supplies at the end though :)

 And here is the whole ensemble!  I think it's a wonderful treat for anyone to recieve! It's especially nice in the dry winter months. The coconut oil is SO soothing, the natural vitamin E in the mixture is great both for dry skin but also for pregnant women and preventing or treating stretch marks (hint hint, are you thinking baby shower gifts!?) I love to use it as a bedside treat before going to bed.           ENJOY!!! 

Recipe:  Stamps: Snowflake Season, Polka Parts

Ribbon: Mineral Ice Satin dot ribbon

Ink: Soft sky, Palette Burnt Umber, new canvas

Cardstock: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Soft sky

Tins: 1 oz deep round, flat round 8oz tins from RBD

Comments

[Dana j]

WOW! What a great idea! Do you mind sharing your recipe for the lip balm? My girls are ALWAYS begging for "lip stuff" and this would be a great gift for them!
THanks for sharing your talent!

[Keri Lee Sereika]

These projects are super!!! I love lip balm as I seem to be cursed with forever dry lips and skin! :) Looking forward to playing with some of your great images! :)

K

[Devon]

You are too funny! THanks, they tase delicious!!

[Judy Rozema]

Wow!! I am so excited to have found your products and your blog today! I will be placing an order soon -- amazing stuff and the store site was so easy to navigate - looks great!!

Oh - and this lip balm stuff is "DA BALM"!! - Ok bad pun - but what a GREAT idea!