12 Responses to ABOUT

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Ali Warner Commented:  March 13, 2011 at 10:13 pm

Hi Karen – I wonder if you could help with this? I’ve been reading your articles in Making magazine and I was wondering if you would be open to the following. My embryonic idea is to to open a pop-up craft workshop shop in New Malden in Surrey – possibly for the month of July. I’m currently enquiring about venues and costs – but I guess what I’m thinking is day is kids crafts and evening is adults – probably ladies. And perhaps a day long craft session on the Sat. I love the idea of a lotions and potions workshop? You look very busy – but I would love to have a beauty and lotions maker as part of the month’s timetable. Would this be something that you would be open to doing? Or would you know someone who would be. I’m a journo by trade – so i’d like to publicise it by doing a Newspaper Soc newspaper – and give all the craft workshoppers an article each – folky did a great one before xmas. I’d love to know if you would be up for taking part – and if so – what would you need/what would you charge/and what class sizes would you be looking for – and if I am being really cheeky – if you’ve been part of something like this before – what do facilitators charge – how much was your stall at the fare for eg ? Also if there are any other people that you think would be up for taking part – do let me know. Thanks for taking time to read this email – and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. All the best Ali Warner

Karen Commented:  March 14, 2011 at 9:25 am

Hi Ali Sounds like an interesting project, I am busy all day today but will email you this evening. regards Karen

melissa marum Commented:  June 6, 2011 at 9:14 pm

Hi Karen I’m was recently on your luxury skin care course at the make lounge- Fantastic by the way! And I’m trying to make the Jojoba moisturising cream at home and its going quite badly…..I cant get the waters and the oils to mix properly leaving me with a runny mess- what am I doing wrong? would you be able to point me in the right direction please? thanks very much! Melissa

sherryl weiss Commented:  July 4, 2011 at 6:29 pm

please can you recommend a perfumery workshop in the USA? kindly sherryl

Karen Commented:  July 6, 2011 at 6:15 pm

Hi Melissa Sorry for the delayed response to your question – for some reason I didn’t get a notification. If you are using the same emulsifying wax as we used in the workshop there shouldn’t be a problem. If you are using something different then you may need to adjust the formula. Some emulsifying waxes do not contain a thickener which means you need to add one but cetearyl alcohol is in the recipe so that shouldn be a problem. If you are still having problems drop me an email with the name/supplier of the emulsifying wax you are using and I will check it for you. (karen@karengilbert.co.uk) regards Karen

Karen Commented:  July 6, 2011 at 6:22 pm

Hi Sherryl I am based in the UK so do not have first hand experience of any USA teachers. For naturals Mandy Aftel (Aftelier) is very well respected or Stephen Dowthwaite from Perfumers World in Bangkok sometimes runs USA classes (both natural and aromachemicals). You could check http://naturalperfumers.com/ run by Anya McCoy she runs a correspondence course and is based in the USA but also may be able to point you in the right direction for live classes. regards Karen

Kat Neeser Commented:  October 6, 2011 at 4:43 pm

Hi Karen, I’m interested in making moisturizers (body and maybe face) that are smooth and creamy like the ones in shops, rather than oily like the one I’ve made from cocoa butter & coconut oil etc. Is that what you teach in the up- coming workshop at The Make Lounge? Also, cost wise, how does it work out making, say, body lotion yourself in comparison to buying it for £3-5 per 200ml from health food shops. Is it cheaper, or do the ingredients mean it costs a lot more? Thank you very much for your time, Kat

Karen Commented:  October 9, 2011 at 7:50 pm

Hi Kat Sorry for delayed response, I am currently on holiday out of UK and only just saw your message. We make a lotion in the make lounge skincare workshop so do come along if you can. The cost of making your own products does vary depending on the quality of ingredients used, it can be a bit costly to start but then often works out cheaper if you make in bulk. Regards Karen

Foni Tsouvallas Commented:  November 18, 2011 at 10:06 am

Hello, I was just wondering to an extreme novice, this all seems quite daunting. Where in London can one purchase the ingredients for your hemp and honey lip balm. Thanks ever so much…

Karen Commented:  November 18, 2011 at 10:35 am

Hi Foni Have a look at this page http://karengilbert.co.uk/links-and-resources/ it has a list of the suppliers I use. You can just use regular or manuka honey from the supermarket. I usually buy online as there is more choice and it is much cheaper. My favourite is http://www.fresholi.co.uk for oils,waxes and butters. Delivery is fast with great customer service. I run classes at http://www.themakelounge.com if you want hands on practical help. Regards Karen

Carolina Commented:  November 29, 2011 at 10:57 pm

Dear Karen, My name is Carolina, I was with you last saturday in The Make Lounge doing The cupcakes bath bombs. I’m having some difficulties to find meringue powder. Could you tell me best place or website to buy it? Thank you. Kindest regards.