Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Conversations with Craft Wars Judge & Michaels’ Crafting Expert Jo Pearson!

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20120814-194552.jpg It’s no secret that I spent the last few days in Dallas representing Craft Gossip at a blogger event. Check out my daily roundups from yesterday and the day before for a taste of what I got up to, the crafts all of us bloggers got to make, and some of the new products Michaels will be carrying this year.

Not unimportantly, however, was getting to meet and craft with Jo Pearson, known most recently for being a judge on TLC’s Craft Wars, and longtime creative force behind Michaels Stores’ craft inspiration sheets, online videos, craft cruises and more. She has a total dream job!

After breakfast on Monday, Jo answered some questions we all submitted before the event. I passed on the questions you guys submitted in the comments on this post, but wasn’t able to get answers to all of them since there were 15 of us asking just one person tons of stuff.

All about Craft Wars

A lot of the bloggers wanted to know about Craft Wars (even though one of us, Beckie of Infarrantly Creative, will be competing on an upcoming episode!). The scoop on Craft Wars is that it’s completely produced and owned by TLC. When they hadd the idea for the show, they approached Jo individually to be a judge. Since she also works for Michaels, she talkedd to the Michaels team about the opportunity. Long story short, Jo ended up being hired to judge Craft Wars, and Michaels seccured a spot as the supply sponsor for the whole thing.

Jo talked about the craziness of the Craft Wars TV set, and she had a couplle things to share right away. TLC does not decide who wins each episode, it’s completely up to the three judges. Jo also said that if it were up to her, she’d have picked out different supplies for the contestants to work with.

Members of Michaels’ PR firm were there for our group chat with Jo and helped answer a few questions too. Most notably, they said that Michaels doesn’t currently know if TLC is planning a second season of the show.

The Michaels Crafting Team

Jo heads up Michaels’ team of about 6 crafters who design the projects you see in stores, ads, classes, etc. Every day in Jo’s life is a little different, and she loves what she does. She said that she and her team  are all passionate about what they do. “We craft from the inside out,” Jo says. “We’re makers.”

I meant it when I said she has a total dream job!

Have you read?

DIY Burn Relief Soap – A Soothing Aloe Vera and Lavender Recipe for Sunburn, Windburn, and Irritated Skin

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been caught out without sunscreen—and paid the price with lobster-red shoulders, itchy rashes, or skin so tender you could cry brushing against cotton sheets. Been there, done that (more than once if I’m honest). Whether it’s summer sunburn, winter windburn, or a splash from a hot pan, our skin sometimes needs a little extra TLC—and that’s where this DIY Burn Relief Soap comes in.

This homemade soap bar is designed to calm, hydrate, and gently cleanse burned or irritated skin. Made with a melt-and-pour soap base, soothing aloe vera, and essential oils like lavender and chamomile, it’s gentle enough for daily use—even for kids or those with sensitive skin.

Think of it as first-aid meets spa day in a soap bar.

Why This Soap Works for Burn Relief

Each ingredient in this recipe has a soothing purpose—no fillers, no synthetics, just skin-loving goodness:

  • Aloe Vera Gel
     Famous for its burn-healing powers, aloe is cooling, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory. It speeds up healing and eases discomfort on contact. 
  • Chamomile-Infused Oil
     Chamomile contains bisabolol and apigenin—natural compounds known to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and support skin regeneration. 
  • Lavender Essential Oil
     Not just for relaxation, lavender is also antimicrobial and helps soothe painful skin. It may even reduce scarring over time. 
  • Goat’s Milk or Aloe Melt and Pour Base
     A gentle, nourishing base loaded with vitamins, perfect for dry or damaged skin. The creamy lather won’t strip away your natural oils. 
  • Tea Tree Oil (Optional)
     A drop or two adds antibacterial support, especially if your burn is the result of heat rash or has broken the skin. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb goat’s milk or aloe vera melt-and-pour soap base 
  • 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol or colorants) 
  • 1 tablespoon chamomile-infused oil
     (You can DIY this by steeping dried chamomile flowers in sweet almond or olive oil for 1–2 weeks) 
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil 
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional) 
  • Silicone soap mold 
  • Rubbing alcohol (for surface bubbles, optional) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Soap Base

Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small cubes for even melting. Use a double boiler or microwave in short 20–30 second bursts, stirring often until smooth.

2. Add Aloe Vera and Oils

Remove from heat and stir in the aloe vera gel and chamomile-infused oil. Mix gently until fully combined.

3. Add Essential Oils

Once the soap cools slightly but is still pourable, add the lavender (and optional tea tree) essential oil. Avoid adding them while the soap is too hot, or they’ll evaporate.

4. Pour Into Molds

Carefully pour the mixture into your soap molds. Spritz the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles.

5. Let It Set

Allow the soaps to cool and harden completely—usually 3–4 hours at room temp, or pop into the fridge to speed things up.

6. Unmold and Store

Once firm, gently pop out your bars. Store in an airtight container or wrap in wax paper to keep them fresh and prevent “soap sweating.”

How to Use Your Burn Relief Soap

  • Use in the shower or bath after sun exposure or any time your skin feels tight, hot, or inflamed. 
  • Gently lather with lukewarm water—avoid hot water, which can aggravate burns. 
  • Pat skin dry with a soft towel and follow with a natural after-sun lotion or body oil for extra moisture. 

Make It Your Own – Variations & Tips

  • Add Oatmeal: For extra calming, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of finely ground oats (colloidal oatmeal works best). 
  • Extra Cooling: Add 2–3 drops of peppermint essential oil for a gentle cooling tingle—great for sunburn. 
  • Herbal Layer: Place dried calendula or chamomile petals in the bottom of your mold before pouring the soap for a botanical, handmade look. 
  • Mini Soaps: Pour into mini silicone molds to make burn relief travel soaps for beach bags, camping kits, or gifts. 

Safety Notes

  • This soap is ideal for minor burns, sunburns, and skin irritation. 
  • Don’t use on open blisters or severe burns—in that case, stick to medical treatment. 
  • Always do a patch test if you’re using a new essential oil or ingredient, especially for kids or sensitive skin. 

Perfect For…

  • After-sun showers 
  • Camping and travel first aid kits 
  • Gift baskets for gardeners, surfers, or outdoor lovers 
  • Care packages for new mums or anyone with sensitive skin 
  • Self-care stash for menopause-related heat sensitivity 

Making your own burn relief soap is such a simple but powerful way to care for your skin naturally—and it feels especially good knowing there are no sneaky synthetic additives or harsh ingredients lurking in your bar. Just healing herbs, soothing oils, and a whole lot of love.