Canadian Puzzler, Author at Small Thoughts- Puzzles and Hobbies

Just Like Lush Bath Bombs DIY Recipe ? Make Your Own Bath Bomb Recipe

My Small Thoughts DIY Bath Bomb Recipe- Make your own Lush Bath Bombs.
Recipe makes 6-10 bath bombs

Making your own bath bombs at home is a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only do you get to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, but you also get to enjoy luxurious baths without breaking the bank. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Please maintain a ratio of 2:1:1 Baking Soda: Corn Starch: Citric Acid. You need at least a 2:1 ratio of baking soda and citric acid to fizz.

DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

2 cups Baking Soda
1 cup Citric Acid
1 cup Corn Starch
1/4 cup oat flour (optional) you can also try using powdered milk for milk bat effect!
1/2 cup Epsom Salts (optional) This makes for a rougher texture appearance on the bath bomb.

1-3 tsp oil (Sweet Almond Oil, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil, cocoa butter). I don’t put in too much!
1-2 tsp skin-safe Essential Oils or fragrance oil. I like lavender, lemongrass, ylang-ylang.
( approx 10=20 drops)
1-2 tsp rubbing alcohol (I put in tiny mister)

Use soap dye, food colouring, or mica powder.

Mix dry ingredients. Avoid getting wet with water.
Add oils and coloring to the dry mix and combine until even.
You will have a dry crumbly mixture.

Make Your Own Lush style Bath Bombs

Spray alcohol from a small mister or add a *small* amount of liquid at a time to the bath mob mixture. Pack into your mould (you can buy bath bomb moulds, use muffin tins, silicone mold, etc). And then release when formed. I put on parchment paper and cookie tin to dry/harden- wait at least 24+ hours to use, it may take a while for the bath bomb to dry.

Once dry, you can seal the finished bath bombs with shrink wrap or package them in clear glass jars or paper gift bags.
For added visual appeal, consider decorating the tops of your bath bombs with dried lavender or rose petals. However, keep in mind that this may create a mess in the bathtub, so you may prefer to keep them plain.

With a little creativity and experimentation with colors and scents, you can create beautiful homemade bath bombs that rival those from luxury brands like LUSH. Enjoy your relaxing baths!

DIY Candles | Make Your Own Candles – List for Candle Making Supplies and Fragrance Oils in Canada

4:17 pm By Canadian Puzzler

Making candles has been one of the easier or more cost-effective crafts I have done. You don’t need a lot of equipment to get started. You need wax, containers, wick, colourant and most important is the fragrance oil. You will need something to melt the wax in and aa thermometer for the melting wax. I have been making my own candles for over 20 years and they are one of the most satisfying crafts I have done. I recommend you start with container candles and wax as they are a bit easier.

It doesn’t cost much top start; I would invest any money you spend I would spend on fragrance oil. I made both container and pillar styles; the easiest to start with is container candles, which don’t need a mould.
You will need to make sure you have the correct wax, jars with a wide mouth and wicks. I like to use mason jars and decorate lids with bits of fabric and ribbon. You will also need candy or another thermometer.
I prefer to use IGI 4630 Paraffin Wax or a soy blend.

Here are some links that are helpful to make your own candles. These are my top suggestions on where to buy your candle-making supplies.

Candle Making Supplies and Instructions

Lone Star Candle Supply They have a great range of supplies and lots of candle-making resources.

Here are their instructions to get you started making your own container candles.
https://www.lonestarcandlesupply.com/candle-making/guides/how-to-make-container-candles
They make an excellent vanilla fragrance oil, “creamy vanilla”

Rustic Essentials They carry nice fragrance oils for candles and bath bombs, etc.

Village Candle and Craft (Canada) – excellent service and fast delivery if you are ni Canada. Shipping is a factor when ordering supplies because of the heavy weight of waxes.

Cajun Candles. They have outstanding fragrance oils. I really like ” Banana Nut Bread”. They also have an excellent tutorial to make your own container candles. here: https://cajuncandles.com/how-to-make-container-candles/
They have a nice holiday fragrance oil called ” Christmas Fantasy” I really like.

EASY Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles| Chocolate Cream Cheese Balls

6:03 pm By Canadian Puzzler

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles

1 8oz pkg. of cream cheese (softened)
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 cups chocolate, melted ( dark, milk, white, etc)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla (can substitute Irish cream, Grand Marnier, Khalua, etc)

To roll outside of cream cheese truffles:
1 cup finely chopped nuts ( almonds, walnuts, PECANS)
1/2 cup cocoa powder ( I use dark red or black)
1/2 sweetened coconut (shredded or desiccated)

Instructions to make Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles
In the mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese.
Cream in icing sugar.
Add vanilla or liqueur to melted chocolate. Add chocolate mixture slowly to cream cheese blend and stir until smooth.
Refrigerate covered for one hour.

Pick up chocolate truffle mix approx size of an acorn, roll into even one inch balls.
Roll each ball into cocoa or nuts.
Refrigerate up to 3 weeks.
Can freeze!

“Village Tree” Christmas Puzzle by Cobble Hill | Puzzle Reviews

11:48 am By Canadian Puzzler

This was an unexpectedly enjoyable Christmas puzzle to do!
“Village Tree” 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500, 1000
Completed size: 26.625 x 19.25 inches
Puzzle Artist: Persis Clayton Weirs
Puzzle Score: 7.5/10 puzzle pieces!
Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium
Notes: Portrait (vertical) orientation. High-quality, hi-resolution reference poster included random cut jigsaw pieces, matte linen finish on puzzle pieces.

Where to buy “Village Tree” Jigsaw puzzle

Purchase “Village Tree” puzzle in Canada
Purchase “Village Tree” jigsaw in USA

“Village Tree” Puzzle by Cobble: Review

At first glance, I thought this puzzle might be a bit “dull”. I wasn’t sure about the colour palette or the busy green pattern of the Christmas tree featured in the town square. I was so happy to be wrong! Coloured ornaments, twinkling lights and fun outdoor scenes to make this Christmas jigsaw puzzle “sparkle”.

There were so many design elements in this puzzle to keep it interesting! varying patterns in the rows of houses, the pretty gradient of yellow/ blue skyline and lots of fun textures throughout. Several village scenes, like warmly dressed, figure-skaters, happy carolers and a horse-drawn -sleigh brought me back to fond memories of childhood and snowy holidays.

I found this to be a medium difficultly level of a puzzle. The large area of the green Christmas trees made it a little challenging. I rated it at 7.5 because of the beautiful illustration by artist Persis Clayton Weirs and of course because of the outstanding quality of Cobble Hill puzzles. It rated a bit lower because I don’t normally enjoy “portrait” puzzles- they are sometimes hard with my terrible eyesight.
The pretty Christmas colours, the lovely artwork and the quality of the puzzle made for a great Christmas puzzling experience!
I give this puzzle a 7.5/10!

Have you done “Village Tree” puzzle? Do you have a favourite Christmas puzzle you like to do over the holidays?

Christmas Cherry Snowballs – Vintage Recipe

7:07 pm By Canadian Puzzler

Christmas Cherry Balls | Coconut Cherry Ball recipe

Ingredients to make Christmas Cherry Snowballs

1/2 cups butter (softened}
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1 Tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. Almond extract
Jar of maraschino cherries (approx. 24)

set aside:
1/2 graham cracker crumbs/chopped almonds or walnuts

How to make cherry snowballs

1. Cream butter and icing sugar.
2. Add milk, almond extract and coconut.
3. Cover a single or half cherry in the sugar blend.
4. Roll each cherry “ball” in crumbs or nuts.

Chill.
Enjoy!

I used to eat these up like potato chips at my sister-in-law’s house, one year my brother caught me and the GLARE he gave me when he realized! I found this in my mother’s recipe collection and started making these every year- they are a holiday tradition for us.
These cherry snowballs are great for cookie exchanges or potlucks, they keep well and you can freeze.
I have 4 things I make each holiday sesaon, these Christmas cherry snowballs. my great-grandmother’s Scottish shortbread recipe, my other grandmother’s peanut butter confetti squares and for dessert a fruit trifle, pumpkin or pecan pie.
Some years I make ginger snaps, walnut cookies and if extra adventurous will make Florentine cookies or Empire biscuits.

These Cherry snowballs are a great no-bake Christmas or holiday cookie!

Do you have a recipe you’d like to share? Have you ever had these cherry snowballs over the holidays?

Linda Nelson Stocks| Puzzle Artist Profile

5:12 pm By Canadian Puzzler

“Peddlar’s Cove” by Linda Nelson Stocks
Linda Nelson Stocks grew up on her family’s farm in Illinois, USA. Linda painted in oils in a folk-art style. She especially loved portraying children and dogs in scenic settings. . Her own dogs, Mary Rose and Lily, are often found in her delightful paintings. Linda Nelson Stocks’ artwork and talent were discovered by Bob Lang, founder of LANG Graphics, back in 1982. Her stunning illustrations can be found on calendars, cards, puzzles and other fine art gifts.

What do you think of puzzle artist Linda Nelson Stocks?

Are you familiar with her artwork? Have you ever done a puzzle featuring this artist’s illustrations?
I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts!

Upon her death in 2011, Linda Nelson Stocks left her art estate to Connecticut Community Foundation as a means of establishing a charitable fund. Linda believed in their mission of fostering creative partnerships to build rewarding lives.

Puzzles that feature the artwork of Linda Nelson Stocks:

“Best Snowman Ever” Puzzle from Bits and Pieces

“Cutters Covered Bridge” by Bits and Pieces

“Christmas Memories” Puzzle by LANG

“Sweet Meadowland” by Ceaco

Linda Nelson Stocks is known for her charming and intricate illustrations that often depict rural life and nostalgic scenes. Here are 20 puzzles featuring her artwork:

“Country Kitchen” Puzzle
“Main Street Memories” Puzzle
“Farmhouse Porch” Puzzle
“Harvest Time” Puzzle
“Village Square” Puzzle
“Family Reunion” Puzzle
“Homestead Haven” Puzzle
“Summer Festival” Puzzle
“County Fair” Puzzle
“Autumn Harvest” Puzzle
“Winter Wonderland” Puzzle
“Springtime Serenity” Puzzle
“Old Mill Stream” Puzzle
“Garden Party” Puzzle
“Barnyard Buddies” Puzzle
“Sunday Stroll” Puzzle
“Picnic in the Park” Puzzle
“Schoolhouse Memories” Puzzle
“The Quilting Bee” Puzzle
“Sunday Drive” Puzzle

These puzzles often capture the warmth and simplicity of rural life, making them both visually appealing and enjoyable to solve.

“Christmas Town” Puzzle Review | Cobble Hill

5:20 pm By Canadian Puzzler

“Christmas Town” Puzzle Description and Summary

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 275
Completed size: 24″x 18″ inches.
Puzzle Artist: Linda Nelson Stocks
Puzzle Score: 9/10 puzzle pieces!
Notes: Reference poster included, larger-sized pieces for easy handling, random cut jigsaw pieces.

Where to buy “Christmas Town” Jigsaw puzzle

Purchase “Christmas Town” puzzle in Canada
Purchase “Christmas Town” puzzle in USA

“Christmas Town” Puzzle Review

I loved everything about artist Linda Nelson Stocks’ illustration of “Christmas Town”. This is an absolutely charming scene of village life and was so pleasant to put together. Victorian-era neighbours and children gather together to play and laugh over the Christmas holidays. The artwork is painted in oils, which give it its rich lustre. The puzzle features a beautiful holiday colour palette of lush greens, cherry reds, yellows, soft blues and sparkling whites painted in a folk art style.

I normally don’t do 275 piece puzzles, however, I literally could not resist this image. I fell in love with the heartfelt and nostalgic illustration! It was even more gorgeous when it all came together as a completed puzzle. Cobble Hill uses high-quality inks in their puzzles and the image reproduction is excellent.

I sat down with a hot cup of cocoa and finished on a perfect snowy Saturday morning and felt one with the little sledding kids and running dogs in the “puzzle” snow.

This was easy-medium difficulty. I give “Christmas Town” a 9/10!!!!

Autumn Memories by Buffalo Games Puzzle Review

6:48 pm By Canadian Puzzler

Autumn Memories
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 21.25×15 inches
Puzzle Artist: George Kovach
George Kovach on Facebook
Note: Reference poster included

I was so happy with Autumn Memories, another puzzle from the “Days to Remember” puzzle series from Buffalo Games! This is one of several puzzles from the series I have completed over the past few weeks. This was a great transition puzzle to do from summer into fall. George Kovach did the beautiful images in this puzzle. It features an early evening scene by the water’s edge. There is a cozy inn, with a fire lit inside. People line the edge along the docks, looking at the night sky or hopeful fishermen by the row of red canoes. There is a full moon in the dark blue sky and cars park outside the local inn and bar. People gather here to spend time together one last time before heading home for the season.

Another amazing autumn puzzle to do!

Have you done Autumn Mmemories or another “Days to Remember” puzzle? What did you think?
I would love to hear your ideas about this puzzle and other fall puzzles- please leave a comment here on my Small Thoughts Puzzle channel on Youtube. Thank you!

Nancy Wernersbach: Puzzle Artist Profile

2:15 pm By Canadian Puzzler

Amazing puzzle illustrator Nancy Wernersbach

One one the best things about puzzles is that people do them for different reasons. Some peo[le like the challenge of solving a difficult image, others prefer easy large sizes. The most important part of the puzzle for me is the image! There are so many talented artists bringing their own style to our favourite puzzle brands! One of the most popular puzzle artists is Nancy Wernersbach . Mancy s one of the most well-known puzzle illustrators famous for her bright oil and watercolour paintings of cozy homes and pets. Nancy’s artwork has a distinctive look- primary colours of warm yellows, rich reds and deep blues. I hope you enjoy doing puzzles by Nancy Wernersbach as much as I do!
Do you have a favourite puzzle artist?
What is the most important part of the puzzle for you?

Artist website: www.nancywernersbach.com
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/nanwernartist/

Nancy Wernersbach currently lives in Long Island, New York where she teaches.

Popular Nancy Wernersbach puzzles:

“Harvest Festival” puzzle review

Fall and Halloween Puzzle Collection video now posted!

6:17 pm By Canadian Puzzler

WATCH NOW!

WATCH on Youtube NOW!

In this two-part puzzle video: Check out the two-part series of my fall and Halloween puzzle collection video!
I do a video walk-through of ALL (for now!) my fall-themed puzzles, including some adorable Halloween puzzles. Some of the jigsaw brands in the video: Bits and Pieces, Pomegranate Puzzles, Buffalo Games, Vermont Puzzle Company, Cobble Hill Puzzles and more!

🧩 Do you have a question about puzzle brands? Do you have suggestions for a new puzzle review? Please leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments section here on my Youtube puzzle channel:

🧩 Instagram: @smaller_thoughts

🧩 Buffalo Games – Country Store – 500 Piece Jigsaw
USA: https://amzn.to/3FNxVFn
Canada: https://amzn.to/3ALkySd

🧩 Buffalo Games-Days to Remember-Country Road, Hiro Tanikawa
USA: https://amzn.to/2YTIHJH
Canada: https://amzn.to/3p6Osyf

🧩 Bits and Pieces – Quilting Room, Parker Fulton
USA: https://amzn.to/3ANPscN
Canada: https://amzn.to/3j4O9A4

🧩 Ravensburger The Fishing Lesson, Mary Ann Vessey
USA: https://amzn.to/3FVgIda
Canada: https://amzn.to/3j5pUBF

🧩 Bountiful Meadows Farm puzzle review
USA: https://amzn.to/3DLsxAG
Canada: https://amzn.to/3p6P5b5

🧩 Halloween Town Puzzle
USA: https://amzn.to/3p9pBtJ
Canada: https://amzn.to/3ALk4eR

🧩 Read my puzzle review for Kawase Hasui: Autumn at Saruiwa

🧩 Bits and Pieces: Hens and Chicks
USA: https://amzn.to/3FVgcMg
Canada: https://amzn.to/3FVgcMg

🧩 Read review for : Cobble Hill: Halloween Buddies
USA: https://amzn.to/3aI8ZRd
Canada: https://amzn.to/3aI8ZRd

🎵
Music: “Somewhere” from Leonard Bernstein’s Westside Story arranged and performed by Mr. Bill
Mr. Bill played bass professionally for over 40 years. He was classically trained. In his retirement years, Bill decided to learn how to play dinner jazz on piano. He has arranged mostly well-known, slow-tempo songs that have interesting chord progressions.
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The sheet music for “Somewhere” arrangement can be found at: https://musescore.com/user/4506351