Can you believe we are already a week in to 2026? Here we go in a New Year!
As I shared in an earlier post, with Larry’s retirement, I’m joining him in full-time crafting. As we step into this new season, we’re both choosing to simplify in many areas of our lives. Returning to traditional woodworking and soapmaking is part of that choice.
For many of you who shopped with me previously, you’ll remember how much I loved soapmaking. It’s especially exciting for me to return to it now, with a twist. Or, perhaps, a simpler focus.
My new core soap line is called Pure N’ Simple, which describes both the ingredients and the intent behind it. Many of you will remember my Pure N’ Simple oat bars. This line takes that bar as its core and extends it a bit.
Soap-making is one of the oldest domestic crafts. Early soaps were made thousands of years ago, often discovered when animal fats and wood ash combined near cooking fires. Over time, people learned how to control the process. Soap became a practical necessity, made at home, cured patiently, and used every day.
I work within that same tradition using the cold-process method of soapmaking. This method requires time. After the soap is poured, it must cure for four to six weeks. During that time, excess water evaporates and the bar becomes harder, milder, and longer lasting. The process can’t be hurried. Like most good things worth waiting for, the quality depends on patience.
Pure N’ Simple bars are made in small batches using a base recipe I’ve refined over many years. These are bars meant for daily use. They last a long time, create a rich, creamy lather, and rinse clean without leaving residue on the skin. Many people comment on how balanced the soap feels, effective without being harsh.
Each oil in the recipe is chosen for a specific reason. Olive oil forms the backbone of the bar and contributes to a gentle, conditioning feel. Coconut oil provides cleansing power and dependable lather, carefully balanced so it doesn’t dry the skin. Rice bran oil adds silkiness and supports a stable, long-lasting bar. Castor oil boosts lather, giving it that dense, creamy quality people notice right away. Small amounts of raw shea butter add firmness and additional conditioning.
I offer three variations within the Pure N’ Simple line, all rooted in traditional practices and made without artificial ingredients or fillers. Some bars are left completely unscented. Others are lightly scented using essential oils, present during use without overwhelming the senses.
Occassionally, the lightly scented bars will include natural clays, used in small amounts as colorants. This month’s bar features French green clay, a mineral-rich clay that has been used in skin care for centuries. In soap, it adds a soft, natural green tone and a subtle slip while gently absorbing excess oil without stripping the skin.
My previous most highly requested bars in the line is oatmeal. Oats have a long history in skin care because they are effective and gentle. In this bar, finely ground oatmeal is added in a measured amount to provide mild exfoliation while remaining comfortable for everyday use.
This kind of work fits naturally alongside Larry’s traditional woodworking. Both rely on understanding materials, respecting process, and allowing time to do its job. Returning to soapmaking in this way feels like a natural extension of where we are now.
That’s the spirit behind the Pure N’ Simple line. Can’t wait for you to experience them again.
Jan💕
P.S. Preorders for February’s Pure N’ Simple release are now open and can be found on the Shop page of Larry’s website. This batch will ship on February 4. Each bar is individually wrapped in its own burlap bag, and shipping is included in the price.
Leave a comment