Handmade Christmas Gifts



These handmade gifts are just the thing for the guy who has everything, the guy who appreciates handmade gifts, and the family who wants to wrap up a handmade Christmas this year. All of these "recipes" WORK. I've tried them and I like them.


Shaving Cream



You will need:
1/4 c. stearic acid (available at craft stores in the candle making section)
1 to 2 tsp. light oil(optional, I used almond oil)
1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. borax(the "twenty mule team" stuff)
2 Tablespoons grated bar soap
1 to 2 drops essential oil(optional)
container with tight fitting lid

1. To mix: In a double boiler, melt stearic acid powder until it dissolves into a clear liquid. Set aside. For a moisturizing shaving cream, add light oil to stearic acid powder before melting.

Combine boiling water, borax, and soap, stirring until borax and soap are completely dissolved.

Pour soap solution into blender and blend at low speed for approximately 1 minute. Mixture will become white and frothy. With blender on, slowly pour stearic acid liquid into soap mixture. To make scented shaving cream, add essential oil to mixture in blender. Blend at high speed until smooth and creamy. Pour into clean bowl and stir well. Let cool completely. Mixture will become thicker as it cools.


When cool, spoon cream into a clean jar with tight fitting lid.

To to use, wet face with warm water, smooth cream over face. (Note:If cream is not used every day, it may have to be stirred before using.)



Pumice Stone Hand Scrub




You will need:
small pumice stone ( I used two 3x2x1/2" ones)
1 c. grated bar soap,br> 1/2 c. borax
container with lid

1. To mix: place pumice stone in a heavy plastic bag or in a cloth bag and secure the opening. With a hammer on a hard surface, smash the stone to a fine powder. You should have approximately 1/4 c. of "pumice powder".

Combine pumice powder, soap and borax. Mix well. Pour into clean, dry container.


2. To use: Pour small amount of mixture into hand, and mix with warm water to form lather; then rinse hands thoroughly with water. YEILD: 12 ozs.




Woodland Aftershave




You will need:

1 cup vodka (for sensitive skin, use withch hazel, instead)
1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon dried pine needles, still green.
1 Tablespoon dried lavender blossoms(optional)
container with a tight fitting lid



1. To mix: Combine all ingredients and pour into a clean jar with a tight fitting lid. Place in a cool dark spot for two weeks.

After 2 weeks, pour liquid through paper coffee filter-lined strainer to remove all solids. Pour into clean bottle with a tight fitting lid.

2.To use: Splash on face after shaving. YEILD:8 ozs.

I used small bottles with cork lids, then dripped beeswax around the cork and bottle opening. Add a small tag or label and a sprig of holly if desired.




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