​One of the many things I enjoy about being a member of Artistic Portland is that I get to witness what each and every member creates.  I feel their spirit that is expressed in their artwork. 

​As I sit here in my office, I look around and see the collection of art from some of our Artistic Portland members.  I would like to tell you a little bit about some of what I have collected.

Bee Lux
First and newest to my collection are my beeswax candles by Bee Lux.  These candles are molded candles from 100% local beeswax.  I wish you could smell them; they smell like honey that has been mellowed by powder.  I love beeswax, I use it as an emulsifier in my Gifts From the Earth skin care line.
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This is art that I know will not last, after all they are candles, but they are truly magical and I will enjoy them every time I light them!

​dkruegerbotanicart
I have been in love with Denise’s pods for a very long time.  Each one is unique and has its own texture and glaze combination.  Here is what has been written about her pods, they are “small ceramic sculptures reminiscent of plants, seed pods, and ocean creatures. Sometimes they come out as functional objects like salt and pepper shakers and tiny jars but mostly they end up being non-functional pod forms for home decor as well as wall art.  The artist feels these natural forms mimic life at the cellular level, which looks very like the shapes and forms seen in every day animal and plant life.”
Sometimes I catch myself staring at them, seeing each detail like you would when you notice things in nature.
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​Sally Galore – Fricken Cute
Sally creates amazing oversized fabric wallets/mini clutch that will not only act as your wallet but as a place to carry your phone and keys.  Her fabric choices are sensational!  And the craftsmanship is great.  I love the whimsical feeling of her work.
 
 I would sum up my ever growing collection as colorful and delicious.  It says something about what I need to be nurtured within my own home.  What makes it special to me is knowing that one person sat down and poured their energy into their avenue of beauty.  As a natural skincare maker I am thrilled to know that I am part of many peoples’ rituals and daily lives.  I hope each and every artist knows how special their gifts are to me.  Watch out artists!  Time to add to the collection…
 
Marianne Wilson Stein – Creator of Luscious Beauty and owner of Gifts From the Earth.

This week's blog was written by Marianne Wilson Stein​ of Gifts from the Earth.

​If herbs can be used as a part of medical treatment, then why not use them to beautify the skin as well? We know that many ancient societies wore paint (early cosmetics) to adorn themselves. Where did it come from? Let’s take a look at herbs and cosmetics.

Getting Back to Nature
When we look for beauty products these days, what do we hope to find? Mineral makeup is taking off in a big way as a natural way to beautify the skin and your looks. They only contain natural minerals instead of fillers, coloring and other substances that can be clogging pores and lead to unpleasant skin conditions. People with sensitive skin also want to take pride in their appearance. But, many of the chemicals present in cosmetics inhibit them from doing so.

​A solution might be a more natural approach herbal cosmetics. The cosmetic industry is not regulated like food and drugs. It is up to the manufacturer to have a conscience when it comes to what types of ingredients they allow in their products. It is also up to us to demand that they take our health into account with their products. What you put on your skin can also affect the environment under your skin.  Our motto is “If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.”
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Advantages of Herbal Cosmetics
There are some positives to looking for natural herbal cosmetics. If nature can create such beautiful colors on its own, why can’t we use them? A few benefits include:

Less harm to the body - When using nature’s bounty, you know what ingredients are contained in your choice of makeup. If you create your own, you have even greater influence over what goes on and is absorbed into your body.

Safe for the environment - It comes from the earth and returns to it. You don’t have to worry about what might be leaching into the soil because it is all-natural.

​Natural color - Instead of artificial coloring provided by dyes and chemicals, juice extracts are used to provide the colors for makeup.

Herbs Used as Cosmetics
Witch hazel - This has long been used as an anti-inflammatory, but it is also an astringent. Using the water created by distilling witch hazel on the face can tone up the muscles, especially around the eyes, for a more youthful look.

Elderflower - All parts of this herb are useful for beauty. Create creams, ointments and eau de toilette from it to soften the skin and help erase blemishes. It has a pleasing scent as well.
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Almond oil - Used to protect the skin in harsh weather conditions. The actual almonds can be used to make a body scrub.

​Avocado oil or extract - Can nourish the skin with vitamin D.

Henna - Used to naturally dye hair.

Strawberry plants - Used to create a paste that whitens teeth.

You can find recipes on the internet to show you how to combine herbs, minerals and other natural products to create beauty treatments and even lip gloss.

Natural herbs can be used for cosmetic treatments that are safe for your body.

​Marianne Wilson Stein is the Creator of Luscious Beauty for Gifts From the Earth, a hand-crafted line of all natural skin care products from face to feet!  She is passionate about natural skin care, health and well being.

If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin!
By Marianne Wilson Stein

During this time of year your skin's needs differ based on the cooling temperatures and seasonal changes.  During a summer spent in the sun, your skin can appear dull and dry, especially after the summer and dry weather we had in the Pacific Northwest.  Exfoliation can remove the dull outer layer of skin,and unclog pores plugged by regular sunscreen use.  

Even though we have many prepared facial scrubs, I thought it might be fun to share a recipe for a clarifying scrub you can make.  If you try this, let me know what you think.

I have put together a simple, yet effective scrub that you can make at home.  It starts with citrus peel (orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit).  Be sure to save the peel after eating.  Buy organic whenever possible.  The acid in the oil helps to loosen the dead top layer of skin and then the ground peel sloughs off the dead skin.  Add plain yogurt with active cultures.  The lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid, in the yogurt helps smooth and exfoliate skin.  These two ingredients are the chemicals of the peel.  Now it’s time to add the humectant properties with honey and olive oil.  Honey is a natural antioxidant and anti-microbial and will help to protect the skin from the damage of the sun's rays and rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin.  Olive oil contains four different antioxidants and is one of the best moisturizing oils as it absorbs quickly and does not leave your skin feeling greasy.  Finally, add the oats.  Because oats are slightly rough, they are one of nature's most amazing exfoliates. They soften the skin, making it silky smooth.

Mix ingredients until well blended and massage on a damp face.  Leave on skin for 5 - 8 minutes, rinse well with warm water and finish with a splash of cold water.  While it is best to use when fresh, you can store the rest in the refrigerator for up to a week for another exfoliating facial later on.

This scrub is great for all skin types.

Marianne Wilson Stein is the Creator of Luscious Beauty for Gifts From the Earth.

This week, co-op member Marianne of Gifts from the Earth gives us some natural, do-it-yourself remedies for summer-time burns and bites.

In the midst of summer fun, hazards such as bug bites, stings, and sunburns give a rude awakening.  All of our favorite activities seem to be marred by itches and pain.  Luckily, we have the cures and are more than happy to share with you, our favorite follower.  

Dealing with Bug Bites
Spiders, mosquitos and bees, oh my!   These pesky insects are just a few of the many who crawl out of their nooks for summer adventures.  As we all know, itching only prompts more itching.  Here are some great home remedies for relieving the itches and burns of a bug bite!

• Baking soda and water – It cleans, deodorizes, sets off the mini-volcanoes of childhood, and is especially wonderful for treating mosquito bites. Mix baking soda and water until it is the consistency of a paste, and then apply directly to the bite.  This simple remedy shows very quick results.
• Aloe Vera – Using a type of aloe vera juice or keeping an aloe plant in your home is a simple and natural remedy.  Once again, just apply to the affected area.  
• Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar draws out itches almost immediately.  Just find a bite and marinate.
  

Bees are a keystone species, it is true, but that doesn’t mean anyone enjoys getting stung by one.  Unfortunately for my bee-allergic friends, the next portion of today’s blog will not be helpful to you.  For those who aren’t allergic, here’s what to do.

• Tea tree oil is a potent burn and itch relief associated with bee stings.
• Aspirin crushed and mixed with water will also draw out the pain of a bee sting. It may sound cliché, but it still works great. Taking an antihistamine may also help, but check with your doctor before taking any.
  

Treatment for Sunburn
Here is the down-low on what to do to protect against sunburns and remedies for the sunburns that still make their way through.

• In two words, wear sunscreen.  It should have at least SPF 15.   

• Baking soda wins again, and is an excellent way to ease the burn and irritation of sunburn.

• Tea tree oil also soothes and moisturizes the skin at the same time and is another great remedy for sunburns.

What is the point of looking good if it does not make you feel even better?  Be your beautiful self.

Marianne Wilson Stein is the Creator of Luscious Beauty for Gifts From the Earth, a hand-crafted line of all natural skin care products from face to feet!