What do they put in this?

Crack? Heroin? Seriously, Cherry Coke Zero is addictive. I LOVE regular Cherry Coke but it being summer and all I'd prefer not to be as big as a house, so I am trying to semi-diet and exercise. Walking with the dogs about an hour or so a day is my lazy person exercise plan, and my diet plan is not eating sugar. But I took a chance, bought a case of this magical stuff, and now I am hooked. Will the aspartame or whatever synthetic chemicals inside kill me? Eventually, but for now I will enjoy it. And sometimes with a splash of Vodka!

My swap package for the Viva Mexico Kitsch Swap is done and packed up. I really had a great time, I'm usually very reserved in my crafting, but not this time. The package includes:

1. Ikea mirror with saint images. I believe someone had to drink 72 beers in order to obtain all those beer caps. Thanks DH!(see earlier blog post)
2. Sr. Kitsch, an origami nun
3. Tiny shrine with magnets inside(see earlier blog post)
4. 4x6 picture frame(see earlier blog post)
5. 2 Sugar Skull Bowls(see earlier blog post)
6. Handmade skull soap

Here 'tis, in all its kitschy glory:



Isn't it purty?

As if I didn't have enough crafting endeavors, I decided to add soap making to the list. I found a great supplier on craftster, placed an order, and it arrived a few days ago. After looking at the packing list and the company address, I realized the store is DOWN THE STREET from me. For real, I could drive there in under 10 minutes. How I never knew is beyond me, but all the more reason to make soap. Their prices are by far the best I've seen:

http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/

I am starting slow, with just MP. I already am using the lingo, MP is short for melt-and-pour, I'm such a pro.(now I am just being silly) I decided at 1 am Saturday night to try it,and here are the results:

Skulls using rubber ice cube molds:


Standard Bars:


I even got fancy and tried double layer! I tested out one of the skulls, and not too shabby. My main goal is to make stoneware soap dishes with hand-made soap as Christmas presents. Never too early to start, I have a few soap dishes drying as I type. Photos to come!