I am completely besotted with a new book that has come my way: Honey Crafting. Like most, I respond quickly to the aesthetics of a book; its shape, any texture in the cover, color, font style. I immediately loved everything about this book. I love the handmade feel of the paper cover in amber tones of honey. I love the friendly fonts that harkens back to simpler times but that feel hip instead of ‘old’.
I’ve long believed in the properties of honey. I’ve been told if one eats honey from their local area it helps build their immune system. Years ago well before glycolic acid peels and microdermabrasion procedures were in vogue I had honey facials. The natural aesthetician swore by the antibacterial properties of honey. And of course it tastes and smells so wonderful, like the countryside on a lazy summer day.
Honey Crafting presents the full gamut of honey opportunity. Beginning with a light and informative honey history, the book goes on to unfold a treasure trove of honey projects for the home, body and kitchen. The recipes range from intriguing (Molded Beeswax Ornaments, Beeswax Lantern), and soul warming (Chai Tea Body Scrub, Mandarin Clove Lip Balm), to utterly delicious (Chile Infused Honey, Honey Mustard Pork Chops) and irresistible. There is something for every cook, crafter, those sustainably minded and anyone who likes to have a hand in making the products they use and eat. The projects and recipes are simple with whole, clean ingredients that radiate ingenuity and flavor.
Besides the clean, glossy pages with the large easy print and honey-colored titles, a favorite part of the book is a section at the end about beekeeping. Both authors, Leeann Coleman and Jayne Barnes, are beekeepers and producers of beeswax products. The authors provide a simple primer for those possible interested or others merely intrigued about the art which is making a strong resurgence. There is also a list of supply sources at the end of the book which I always appreciate.
I’ll be sharing a delicious recipe for Honey Chili Chicken in my next post (and a giveaway of a copy of the book too!) but could not resist making a body care product that minus the essential oil is completely edible: Sugar Facial Scrub with Honey. It’s equal parts honey and sugar for a fabulous exfoliation and rejuvenating effect, and of course the price to make it can’t be beat.
The essence of this book for me feels like laying in a hammock under a large shade tree in the late sultry heat of a summer’s day; early evening crickets beginning to chirp, perhaps sipping on some of Honey Crafter’s Homemade Honey Lemonade. I found it to be a much needed respite in our cyber-driven 24/7 world, and one that I crave. I’m sure I’ll spend many hours of escape wiling through recipes and projects, leaving my kitchen smelling sweetly of a simpler time.
Sugar Facial Scrub with Honey
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Honey
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2-3 drops of your favorite Essential Oil*
Supplies:
- 1 pint Jar with lid
- Large bowl
Instructions
- In a large bowl, briskly mix together the sugar, honey, and oils until fully blended.
- Refridgerate in a tightly covered jar.
Recipe Notes
*I used a mix of Lavendar and Tea Tree oil for their antibacterial and soothing qualities.
Recipe excerpted with permission from ‘Honey Crafting’ (F+W Media)
The Nova Studio says
What a great scrub! Sort of tempting to not eat it… 😉
Leeann Coleman says
Hi there! I’m Leeann Coleman, one of the co-authors of the book, “Honey Crafting” which you have reviewed. Thank you so very much for your kind words! Jane and I both worked very hard on the book – glad to see you appreciate it so much.
Honey is a perfect food. It contains everything necessary to sustain human live, even water. It never ever spoils – it may crystallize, but it is still good. That is why is is so important that we save our honeybee populations around the globe. I would ask that your readers help us in this mission by doing a couple of simple things: First – plant wildflowers in the garden for the bees to enjoy, and also blooming shrubs and flowering trees are great. Second – buy local, organic produce. Tell factory farms (the users of most bee-killing pesticides and fungicides) to take a hike!
Keep up the good work. Your blog is wonderful.
Bee happy,
Lee
gracie says
how many time does it last?:o
Toni Dash says
Gracie the original recipe did not specify that but I’d imagine at least a few weeks.
Melanie says
this sounds so cool to try 🙂 but I was just wondering, so you HAVE to put the essential oil in it? or is it just as good without it?
Sandra @ The Sensible Mom says
I’m a DIY-er, too, and this facial scrub looks perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Helene D'souza says
Just yesterday I was thinking that my skin needs some dedication. With the humidity so high I don’t dare to use creams on my skin, I tend to get irritations and that just makes my skin worse. Glad I stumbled upon your homemade facial scrub Toni.
Mr. & Mrs. P says
So easy…. Love that you can change it up with oils…
Toni Dash says
I love that too!
Jennifer-The Adventuresome Kitchen says
Oh my! I’ve been making homemade scrubs for awhile now, but never thought to use honey! I’m going to give this a try right now! What a marvelous book!
Toni Dash says
Honey is so great for your skin. This was a good kickstart for me to start using it again.
I changed out most of the pics on the post after publishing it for other shots better showing the texture and consistency if you want to peek in again! Let me know what you think if you make it!
Jennifer-The Adventuresome Kitchen says
Ooh I like those. You really see the grain from the sugar now and how it doesn’t desolve. Makes me want to lick the spoon before adding the lavender oil!
Toni Dash says
I did not love the other pics for that very reason so I redid them. You really could use any oils for the affect you want; rosemary or mint for more a more incorporating affect, citrus, endless possibilities.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Ooooh I really wanna try this scrub now!
Toni Dash says
Don’t you love knowing you can make beauty products from your pantry that actually are great for your skin, healthy and cheap! Let me know what you think Kayle if you try it. It leaves the skin plump and lovely.