Essential Oil Lotion Hearts

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Roeshel

It’s the second month of the Embracing Wellness Series and giveaway – several blog friends sharing their favorite Young Living essential oils and hosting an awesome giveaway as our way of wanting to help spread the oily love. Woo hoo! More details below. *This post contains some affiliate links of what I purchased on Amazon, enough supplies for several different DIY/handmade recipes.

These essential oil lotion hearts are not only a great gift idea, they’re super handy for dry skin. Winter and extra-handwashing have made my hands super dry. I love having these on display/ready to grab near the soap on our bathroom sinks and in my purse for a quick grab. Not to mention a cute gift, great {essential oil} business incentive or prize at essential oil classes/events.

Ingredients I used:

1/2 cup of unrefined raw shea butter
1 cup of organic beeswax
1 cup of organic coconut oil
15 – 30 drops of Young Living essential oil – you choose your favorite!

*I chose Valor for the one I keep in my purse. I like the benefits for easing occasional feelings of anxiety on top of soothing dry skin on the go. I also like Joy, Peace & Calming, Lavender and Sacred Mountain. One of the bonuses to DIY! YOU choose the essential oil you prefer.

Valor: Valor® is an empowering combination of therapeutic-grade essential oils that works with both the physical and spiritual aspects of the body to increase feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem in the face of adversity. Renowned for its strengthening qualities, Valor enhances an individual’s internal resources. It has also been found to help energy alignment in the body.

What I did:

I simply added the shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil into a double boiler (I bought this double boiler) and melted it together over medium-high heat.

Once completely melted and blended, remove from heat and mix in essential oil. You’ll need to move through the next step rather quickly (but you can always reheat to liquify if needed).

I poured my mixture into a glass measuring cup to make pouring the mixture into silicone heart molds easier.

I let them cool. It doesn’t take long. I waited a few hours just to be sure they were completely cool and formed.

Then I removed the hearts from the silicone mold. They pop out easily! Wrap for gifts or display in small labeled dish on the bathroom sink.

Let’s get YOU started! Join the Oily Families team by simply visit Young Living HERE (using member#1836762 as sponsor & enroller), choose the wholesale membership to save 24% (no obligations) and choose the Premium Starter Kit. It’s the best way to start your essential oils experience and a great deal! Embrace wellness! What are you waiting for? Today’s the day!
Curious about more uses for essential oils? Follow the entire Healthy Living / Healthy Home series by checking out these sweet blog friends and what they’re sharing:

An InLinkz Link-up

Catch up on even more information by visiting the January edition of Embracing Wellness here where I shared an easy lavender pillow & linen spray recipe.

Felted Soap Tutorial

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Roeshel

It’s time for the monthly Michael’s Makers challenge! I’ve been wanting to/meaning to make felted soap for years and I can finally check it off my craft bucket list. But first, January is a great time of year for getting organized. I love these Recollections Memory Boxes with chalkboard labels for keeping crafting supplies organized in my craft room…

My craft project this month is felted soap. It’s something I usually purchase, handmade from boutiques…always for gifts but never for myself. I’ve always wanted to attempt to make my own but just never made the time to give it a try. Just one of those crafts that seemed time consuming or difficult. Boy, was I ever wrong! It’s so easy! No craft-talent required, although I bet it’s something we can acquire a skill at doing, to create some beautiful works of art maybe even too pretty to use. A fun craft to do with the kids as well.

What is felted soap? It’s like having your bar of soap wrapped in a felt washcloth. It lengthens the number of uses of a bar of soap and there’s lots of lather! It’s also pretty…you decide on colors or designs to coordinate with your bathroom decor, seasons or holidays, etc. You choose the soap brand or scent or even make your own.

Materials I used: Shop Michaels Online

bar of soap (I made 3 this time around: lavender, peppermint and even an activated charcoal soap.)
wool roving
nylon stocking (cut to fit over soap with room to tie opening)
water, paper towels, drying rack
optional: felt appliqué and felting needle tool

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Do a search for felted soap tutorials. There are a lot of different ways to go about this. This is what I did:

1. I wrapped the bar of soap with a piece of wool roving in the long direction around a bar of soap, as tight as I could get it to stay. I left a little overlap on the edges/corners. I used a thin sheet of roving and kept the overlapping the pieces on the back to a minimum.

2. I then wrapped wool roving the other direction. I tucked in the overlap on the corners from the first piece of wool roving placed.

3. Optional: add thin strands of different colors. Add an appliqué using a felting needle tool. Just place and punch. I didn’t really notice that it ‘stuck’ well (I could easily pull it back off) but it did seem to grab a few fibers and that seemed to be all that was needed to keep it sort of secure and in place. Maybe I did it wrong, I’m not a felting expert. lol!

4. I carefully placed the wrapped bar of soap into a piece of nylon stocking. If it was the toe piece, I tied a knot in one end. When I ran out of toe/foot stocking pieces, I used the leg parts of stocking and tied both ends. This just holds everything all together and in place.

5. In the kitchen sink, I prepared a bowl of hot water. I dipped the nylon covered soap into the hot water and started “washing my hands” with the soap. Rubbing each side of the soap, lathering. Repeating for 15 minutes. Yes, it feels like a long time standing there, but it’s not really a long time for a DIY craft project. It’s worth it. Pull up a stool or chair! Be aware of the appliqué so that it doesn’t slide around or change shape. And don’t forget to give attention to the corners and edges of the bar of soap.

6. Next I did a rinse in cold water, lathered one more time for a minute or so then a cold rinse and squeezed to remove some of the water.

7. I then cut away/removed the nylon stocking and patted with a dry paper towel. If it does look as if the felt is not adhered well, repeat steps 5 and 6…without the nylon.

8. Set aside to dry overnight (I put mine on a rack with paper towels underneath).

It’s addicting…

I want to make more, try more detailed designs! Maybe add a few drops of essential oil. Open my own shop! Okay, I wouldn’t go quite that far. But, I even made up a felted soap-on-a-rope by tying on wool yarn before felting (then simply decorated it by adding some wool yarn stripes).

What do you think? Something you want to try? Looking for more fun craft ideas? Check out these January projects from the Michael’s Makers team:

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An InLinkz Link-up

Haven’t decided what project you’re going to kick off 2015 with? Stop by Michaels’ blog The Glue String for inspiration from all 30 of the Michaels Makers.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to clean out your closet, your office or even your bedroom, but you’re sick of the typical containers and boxes – here are some cool and creative DIY storage ideas that might help!

For those of us that just need a place to store our craft materials and organize our scrapbook paper, paint, markers and yarn, you must check out these nifty craft storage systems.

DIYShowOff 2014 Recap

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Roeshel

We tend to look at all we didn’t accomplish, every thing still taking up space on the to-do list but this time of the year is a great time to count blessings and recap accomplishments.

Here’s a look back with links to my favorite DIY from 2014 BIG and small…

My first project of 2014 was an open pantry reveal with tips for making DIY pipe shelving. I still love this space. There’s also a tutorial for the easy painted accent wall that is often mistaken for pretty wallpaper.

This next space ties the open pantry as one of my most favorite in 2014. I just love the fresh new look (of course if you check out the ‘before’ photos, you know why!) bathroom before and after makeover…

DIY grouted vinyl floor tile tutorial

I plan on having more overnight guests in 2015. Check out the Guest Room/Nursery Reveal…

My craft room tour and DIY window shelves. I’m considering moving this space in 2015. Ambitious plan. lol We’ll see!

I gave my sister’s back door/entry area a fresh and fun new look for her birthday:

Drop Zone Makeover

There is still some work going on in the laundry room but loving the bold staggered striped laundry room wall and herringbone tile floor…

Aaro’s small apartment nursery nook reveal (my first grand child’s birth announcement).

This was so easy! A gold arrow accent wall…

Free Standing Galvanized Pipe Mobile Coat Rack

DIY organizer tutorial

scrap wood plank silhouette wall art and pipe fitting coat rack tutorials

wall mounted lantern hanger tutorial

DIY Book Ends

sisal rope planters and teacup succulents

Easter succulent garden

upcycled t-shirt tote bag

nursery wall art

DIY birdie garland

thrift store mirror makeover

mocha mint smoothie recipe and woodland centerpiece

iron on vinyl decal tutorial

decorate your rainboots

chalk finish paint recipe

I had the opportunity to participate in an Animal Rescue Center Makeover!

dresser makeover

cart / furniture rescue

a hospital bedside table / furniture makeover

And finally, my holiday home tour.

First project of 2015 will be putting away the Christmas decorations. I don’t like doing it but it sure feels good when everything is put away. So fresh and decluttered. Other plans for 2015: a master bedroom and bathroom makeover, a shower in the guest bathroom, the start of a basement makeover (huge project) and giving a helping hand to my mom’s new fixer upper. I suspect that because of this cutie (my new grandson, Aaro),

that you’ll be seeing lots of baby-related DIY projects as well as a handful of arrow-inspired ideas too!

How about you? Have any plans for the new year? Something new? Something fun? Something DIY?

I’m sharing in Rhoda’s Best Projects of 2014 Party at Southern Hospitality Blog and Best Posts of 2014 linky party.

New blog sponsor: Also new in 2014…Young Living essential oils at DIYShowOff! With what feels like a recent cancer epidemic in my family, I’m starting to make healthier, more natural choices for my family. I love creating a comfortable beautiful home … and now I’m working to provide a safe, poison/chemical-free environment for my family too. Young Living essential oils are the newest/main way I help boost our immune systems, alleviate a lot of our minor aches, pains, and injuries and promote a healthier lifestyle . Read more about them here. My Young Living essential oils are also my newest business venture and so popular/loved that they’re sponsoring my blog. Thank you, friends! What a blessing! Interested in joining me? Once you experience essential oils, you’ll also learn the amazing business opportunity that has the potential to create financial freedom! I’d love for you to join my team! You can enroll by clicking here or contact me to learn more.

I also want to take a moment to thank you all for your visits, your comments, your support and your friendship. I love that you’re here. I love that we have things in common. And I love getting to know you! Thank YOU so much from the bottom on my heart! Wishing you the BEST in the new year!

This post is sponsored by my Young Living business! Check out my essential oils page for more information on how you can get these amazing oils in your hands too along with helpful freebies, a gift from me, and tons of support:

Vinyl Decal Tutorial for Stainless Steel Tumbler {for essential oils}

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Roeshel

Once I started experiencing the benefits of using Young Living essential oils, I’ve been adding grapefruit, tangerine and sometimes lemon essential oils to my water. Love it! It’s definitely increased my daily water intake! However, because Young Living citrus essential oils are so potent, using a glass or stainless steel drinking vessel is recommended.

I found this awesome stainless steel tumbler (including lid and straw) on Amazon.

It works beautifully – keeps drinks SUPER cold with a double insulated wall. Design wise, it’s a little boring and plain so of course I couldn’t help but create some vinyl decals to dress it up a bit.

Materials:

Happy Crafters glossy adhesive vinyl (mint)
transfer paper
Stainless steel tumbler, lid and straw {affiliate link}

What I did:

I added my designs (shapes I already had on hand) to the Silhouette Designer Software template, making sure they were at a size that would fit my tumbler. Designs are previous purchases from the online Silhouette store accessible through the software.

I sent the design to cut.

I adjusted setting as needed for cutting vinyl (you may want to do a test cut).

I loaded my adhesive vinyl glossy color side up into the machine.

I clicked “cut” and removed vinyl from machine when cutting was complete.

Then, I peeled (weeded away) the vinyl that surrounded the design.

Next I added a piece of transfer paper to the decals and rubbed with a credit card to ‘transfer’ the design.

I peeled away the transfer paper, separating it from the wax papered backing (vinyl decal should now be on the sticky side of the transfer paper).

I placed the decal sticky side down onto the tumbler’s surface then rubbed a credit card.

When I peeled away the transfer paper, the decal transferred to the stainless steel surface. All done!

*Now stainless steel tumbler must be hand washed (do not run vinyl through dishwasher).

Much cuter! And since my mom, my daughter and I all use these tumblers, now I know which one is mine! It makes a great holiday gift idea for your essential oils team or oily friends and family.

*This post is sponsored by Happy Crafters. Tutorial, experience and opinion is my own. Check out all the supplies at Happy Crafters for inspiration for your next project.

DIY Nursery Wall Decor

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Roeshel

I’ve been giving our guest room a bit of a makeover to include a little nursery space for my very first grand child who is scheduled to arrive next month. I can’t wait! You guys, a sweet baby boy will be here soon! I’m so excited, I can’t stand it!

Materials: I found this old oval wall art at the thrift store for 3.99.

I had the wrapping paper and felted deer head (used in our stairwell/landing makeover originally. I looked and it’s no longer for sale…sorry but I did see awesome paper mache deer heads at Michaels that would work well too…plus you can paint/decoupage to coordinate with your room.). So this is a thrifty treasure for me…just $3.99 for the dusty framed print + shopping the house since I had the spray paint on hand already too.

What I did: Gave everything a good cleaning and removed the backing from the frame (set aside).

I spray painted the frame gold and let it dry.

I traced the oval backing onto chevron wrapping paper. I did glue the wrapping paper over the print on the front. However, it’s not required if you’d like to preserve the print.

Then just reattached the backing to the frame.

I hung it on the wall and hammered a nail in the center to hang the felted deer head and added a DIY banner…just card stock, Project Life cards (scrapbook section at Michaels) and twine. I added a string of mini LED fairy lights too.

See my guest room nursery space for more nursery ideas:

*This post is sponsored by Happy Crafters. Tutorial, experience and opinion is my own. Check out all the supplies at Happy Crafters for inspiration for your next project.

And yes…it’s crazy here. From Halloween to baby shower to some Christmas decorating, a guest room/nursery makeover, an entire home before/after in progress (family members), always Young Living recipes, events and sharing my story, and another small apartment nursery nook. There’s a LOT going on and DIYShowOff is ALL over the place! You may want to subscribe to get reminders to check back often! 😉

Have a great week!

How to Set Up at a Vendor Event

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Roeshel

It’s no secret that I’m passionate about not only DIY but Young Living essential oils too so when the opportunity came up to participate in a local women’s health fair, despite my introverted personality, I couldn’t wait to share my excitement, my story, my LOVE for essential oils with the public in the hopes of helping others. Pardon the cell phone pics…it was a busy day!

Because it’s my plan to participate in events as opportunities arise, I did invest some money into having materials I need to set up a table. Here’s what I did:

1. I’ve attended several vendor events in the past during my career in healthcare but never had to do so on my own dime. I found that most people pocket the freebies (pens, hand sanitizers, stress balls) but don’t really ‘use’ or even ‘look’ at the information on them. So, providing tchotchkes (small promotional items) isn’t necessary, especially when you’re a new business with a small budget with the potential to reach 100s of people. This event provided space and a table for free. Cost to participate was donation of a basket/prize for a Chinese auction to raise money for a local breast cancer support group. Easy enough and fun! I made up a basket using a fall centerpiece I created and a bottle of Nutmeg oil (great oil for fall!). I made up and printed a card about the benefits and uses of Nutmeg essential oil and tucked in a few Young Living brochures/handouts and my business card.

2. I purchased a promotional table cloth with the Young Living logo. Mine is eggplant with white lettering and a gold metallic leaf/oil drop. Not only does it give my table a professional edge at events but it’s been pretty for when I host essential oils classes/parties too.

3. Backdrop display. I covered a tri-fold cardboard table top display with wrapping paper and gold DuckTape and washitape. I enlarged one of the handouts/graphic for a poster as a central focus point (by uploading the image to Staples’ Copy & Print center). The others I printed and laminated myself. I attached them using adhesive velcro so that I have the option to move things around and swap things out in the future. I also used a few extra large clothespins to display informational cards. I topped it off with a DIY black/gold “essential oils” banner.

3. Product. I displayed everything that comes with the Premium Starter Kit: 11 essential oils, my diffuser and literature. I also had the boxes of a few of the kits I had also ordered – Essence of the Season for Christmas and the Golden Touch kit for cold/flu season. I diffused clove + orange for a pretty fall scent.

4. Scrapbook. I printed out several informational graphics and put them into a binder/scrapbook. (Great for referring to when answering questions! Good to have on hand for my own use too!)

5. Raffle. I doctored up a clearance sale wreath from Michaels, (see the Peppermint, Lavender and Thieves essential oils samples tucked in?), made up, printed and attached card about the benefits of those oils. I secured a brochure/business card to the back. I randomly chose a winner from the entries gathered from #6.

6. A few inexpensive chalkboard easels. Use chalkboard markers (that won’t rub away easily). I wrote “Join our email list and be entered to win.” In a word document, I created two columns with lines. One labeled “Name”. The other “Email”. I printed off a handful and attached them to a clipboard. I also let people entering know that I wouldn’t be giving out email addresses to third parties or flooding their inbox. I then sent the sign ups an email introducing more about myself, Young Living, my story, essential oils and information on my next class.

7. I also had a giveaway for those who signed up “today” however, things move along so fast that I recommend to sticking to gathering contact info for invitations to future classes or to discuss/meet one-on-one.

8. Engage. I stood in front of or to the side of my table, smiling. It took stepping outside of my comfort zone but I made eye contact with people passing by/browsing and asked “Are you familiar with essential oils?” It was a great opening for giving more information about Young Living, essential oils and sharing how my family uses them everyday (more info here).

What IS Young Living essential oil?

Good luck at your event!

*This post contains a few affiliate links.

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