Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Review: STOMP! At Jupiters Casnio, Gold Coast

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Stomp review

STOMP takes the meaning of recycling to a whole new world of music and artistry. You will never look at your humble broom again in the same way. You will want to tap out beats while taking the rubbish bin out. You will want to make paper planes with the newspaper and amuse the kids. You will want to dig through the garbage and find something to make noise with. Umm.. maybe scratch that last one out. A day old garbage is not something that you want to hold .. or smell.

The toe tapping rhythm that the STOMP artists find carries through the crowds and in no time everyone is clapping and trying to keep up. There is a large level of audience participation. There is also a fairly clever gag running through the show that makes the whole show not only musical wizardry, but provides comic relief as well.

Some of the instruments used to create beautiful music defy logic. Whatever you do, don’t miss the trick with the lighters or the newspaper. Kids will love it (if they can keep quiet).

Speaking of kids, if you are going with little ones (less than 2 years old) make sure that you get aisle seats in case you need to make a quick exit if they start playing up. However, in a tribute to the show’s ability to keep kids amused, entertained and sitting still for around an hour, our 1.6 years old sat and watched the whole show in amazement. Occassinaly you could hear him say “man” loudly enough for everyone to hear during the quiet times of the show, but those quiet times were few and far between. Our 3 year old was thoroughly enthralled. We forgot she was there. Both kids want to see it again!

One sour note: When asked for some tap water from the bar staff at Jupiters Casino inside the theatre, I was refused. This is illegal in Queensland with fines ranging up to $4000. Bars must provide free tap water: http://www.olgr.qld.gov.au/stories/alcoholrelatedviolence2.shtml#7. You may want to take your own drinks to keep the kids hydrated.

What? STOMP at the Jupiter Casino, Gold Coast.

When? On now.

Tickets: At the Jupiters Box Office. From $59. You are better off combining a dinner and show package, which start at $69.

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.