Soap Making Secrets

Vintage ENAMELWARE graniteware GREEN SOAP CUP DISH

2006-08-08T03:35:00.000-07:00

Vintage ENAMELWARE graniteware GREEN SOAP CUP DISH

This eaby auction is interesting. I've never seen This kind of soap cut dish.

eBay: Vintage ENAMELWARE graniteware GREEN SOAP CUP DISH (item 150017804035 end time Aug-08-06 05:17:18 PDT)

technorati tags:soap, cup, dish, make, homemade, handmade, making

Soap Fragrances supply

2006-08-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

SOAP FRAGRANCES - Recommended supplier

I recently bumpled into a great site that offers special supplies for soap makers. Here it is:

From the site:

You’ll clean up when you order fragrance oils for soap making from Royal Aromatics.
When it comes to soap making supplies, Royal Aromatics washes over the competition. With our huge inventory, industry-renowned selection and superior-quality products, we’re your best resource for wholesale soap fragrance. No matter what your favorite soap fragrance oil is, we’ve got it in stock—or we’ll get it for you. Want something that’s not listed on the “menu”? We’ll be happy to create it just for you within a few days’ time. In fact, custom orders for soap fragrances are our specialty, enabling you to stand out from the crowd with a unique scent.

Soap Fragrance oil suppliers, Royal Aromatics, offer soap fragrances, fragrance oils for soapmaking and soapmaking supplies.

technorati tags:soap, make, making, franrance, oil, soapmaking

Soap Making Course

2006-07-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

My new soap making course is ready.

Here's the link:

Soap Making Course

How to get lye

2006-07-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

No Lye = No Soap
(Note: Upated list of lye vendors below)

Well, it's been several months now, and a number of online and local vendors have taken up the slack to make up for Red Devil Lye being pulled from the supermarkets.

It seems, for the time being, that while a major pain, us soap makers will get by.

Here are stores, sites and solutions that many soap makers have come up with:

* Get together with other soap makers in your area and "go in" on buying a bag of lye, carefully splitting it between you. Lots of soap makers buy their lye in bulk. Most large cities have a solvent or chemical company that will sell lye (Sodium Hydroxide) in 35 or 50 lb. bags. You'll pay a fraction (per pound) of what the Red Devil cost, but, you've got to be able to safely store that much lye. Remember the cautions you go through with a 12 oz. Sponsored Links Making Lye Soap?

Brief and Straightforward Guide to Lye Soapwisegeek.com Biodiesel ScandalControversial website reveals the shocking truth behind the X projectwww.biodiesel-maker.com Soap Making RecipeCompare the Top Sites for Soap Making Recipe Here.SoapMaking.BestCraftSites.net jar of lye, now imagine 35 lbs. of it!

* Buy a whole bag yourself, knowing that it needs to be stored in an airtight container, safely away from children, pets or other unknowing people.

* Check your local hardware store - Several people have written me claiming to have found Crystal Drain Opener at their local Home Depot or Wal-Mart. The label states 100% sodium hydroxide! BUT, it's best to check the manufacturers site and check the MSDS sheets for the product. I had one user write me and say that while the label said 100% lye, the MSDS sheet said otherwise.

* Buy lye from one of the following online mail order vendors:
o Bitter Creek Candle Co.-buy only 2 lbs!
o Texas Natural Supply o Lehman's Soapmaking Supplies
o The Boyer Corporation o Snowdrift Farm
o The Soap Dish
o Summer Bee Meadow
o ChemistryStore.comIf you know of another vendor that sells 100% lye, or know of a good mail order vendor, please post it in the Candle and Soap Making Forum

Soap Making Sources for Lye - Where to Buy Lye for Soap Making

technorati tags:lye, soap, buy, glycerin, make, made, handmade, homemade

Vintage Beautiful Milk Glass Soap Dish

2006-07-27T01:21:00.000-07:00

For sale on ebay:

Vintage Beautiful Milk Glass Soap Dish...Stunning Oval Pattern...Measures 6 Inches by 4 1/2 Inches...Leaf Cluster Pattern..Mint Condition!

eBay: Vintage Beautiful Milk Glass Soap Dish (item 280011234958 end time Jul-25-06 16:29:40 PDT)

technorati tags:soap, make, making, vintage, glass, dish, making, handmade

How to locate recommended soap suppliers.

2006-07-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

One of my subscribers asked for recommended soap suppliers.

Here are my recommended resources:

This soap base supplier comes highly recommended:

http://www.chemistrystore.com/glycerin_soap.htm

You will also need soap fragrances:

http://www.brambleberry.com/fragrance.html

And as for moulds, there's a great verity over at:

http://www.brambleberry.com/molds.html

It's also highly recommended that you check out ebay to find some moulds, and maybe some other cheap suppliers for materials. Just go to ebay and search for "soap moulds" and "soap supply", "oil fragrances" etc. You never know what you'll come across...

Remember that once you find that great supplier - you can order again and again.

technorati tags:suppliers, soap, make, making, oil, lye, fragrances, essential

Olive Oil for Soap

2006-07-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here's an ebay auction for olive oil designated for soap making:

...This auction is for 1 full gallon of Imported Pomace Olive Oil. As a fellow soapmaker, I know how frustrating it can be to find needed ingredients at a fair price. I make my living by selling soap and other products from a brick-and-mortar business, so I order supplies in bulk - and I'm happy to pass along the savings. The supplies I offer here are the same ingredients I use in making the products I sell in my shop. You can be assured they are all top quality. Why buy from a company who doesn't make soap, or an occasional soaper who is difficult to contact, when you can buy from a full-time soapmaker with a brick and mortar business?

eBay: 1 GaIlon Imported Pomace Olive Oil for Soap and more (item 180010440872 end time Jul-25-06 05:12:03 PDT)

technorati tags:soap, make, oil, olive, making, handmade, homemade

Essential Oils Supplier

2006-07-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here is an Essential Oil supplier from the UK you should consider when you shop for Essential Oils:

Customers often ask us why our Essential Oil prices are so low. The reason is simple, we buy in large quantities directly from the producers, pack the oil ourselves and sell directly to you the public. Wholesalers and retailers are thus eliminated and customers receive the Highest Quality Pure Essential Oils at the lowest possible prices.

Essential Oils | Essential Oils | G. Baldwin and Co. | Herbalist UK

technorati tags:Essential, oil, oils, soap, making, make, handmade, homemade

How to use soap cutters

2006-07-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered how to use soap cutters?

First, here's a great supplier of simple to use, inexpensive soap cutters:

http://creeksidesoaps.com/supplies/soap-cutter.htm

And here are their how to use instructions:

Place the soap "loaf" into the cutter.

Adjust the stop for the desired size bar.

Cut the soap with the stainless steel blade by
placing the blade into the slots and pushing down.

A perfectly sized bar every time.

Clean the cutter by scraping with a putty
knife or by wiping with a damp cloth.
Do not soak in water.

source: http://creeksidesoaps.com/supplies/soap-cutter-instructions.htm

technorati tags:soap, cutter, cutters, mold, mould, make, homemade, handmade

Soap Mould Suppliesr

2006-07-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

Some people find it hard to find good soap mould suppliers.

Well, here a few to get youe started:

Captain Mike's: http://www.thecaptainstouch.com/moldscutters.htm
Chestnut Farms: http://www.chestnutfarms.com/Soap_an...lies/index.htm
Creekside Soaps: http://www.creeksidesoaps.com/supplies/equipment.htm
Kangaroo Blue: http://www.kangarooblue.com/index.ph...index&cPath=20
Majestic Mountain Sage: http://www.thesage.com/catalog/Molds...c4248ca8c25b3a
Oregon Trail Soap Supplies: http://www.oregontrailsoaps.com/
Upland Molds: www.uplandsoapfactory.com
Kelsei Molds: www.kelseiscreations.com
Bramble Berry: www.brambleberry.com
Kelsei Molds: www.kelseiscreations.com
Bramble Berry: www.brambleberry.com
Woodcrafters:http://www.candlesandwoodcrafts.com/...soapmolds.html
Misty Creek:http://www.emistycreek.com/index.htm

technorati tags:soap, make, making, mould, supply, suppliers, make, hand, handmade, homemade

3D Soap Molds

2006-07-23T01:10:00.000-07:00

Most soap moulds are 2 dimentional. Here's an interesting 3D solution to make your soap moulds more interesting:

from: http://www.brambleberry.com/newmolds2.html

technorati tags:soap, mold, molds, moulds, mould, make, 3d, 2d, making, home, handmade, homemade

Bath & Body Works TEN AB HAND SOAPS JUNIPERteaSWEETpea

2006-07-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Check outthis ebay auction about Bath & Body Works bottles

BATH AND BODY WORKSTEN BOTTLES WOW8 OZ MOISTURIZING B HAND SOAPWHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET... EMAIL ME IF YOU WANT DIFFERENT SCENTS OR THE DEEP CLEANSING KIND.....

eBay: Bath & Body Works TEN AB HAND SOAPS JUNIPERteaSWEETpea (item 230010091825 end time Jul-21-06 11:02:12 PDT)

technorati tags:soap, bath, body, clean, make, making

Soap With Herbs, Beeswax And Vegetable Oils

2006-07-22T08:22:00.002-07:00

Make Modern Soap With Herbs, Beeswax And Vegetable Oils
By Elaine White

So, you want to make soap? Good! I'll try my best to tell you how. I'm Elaine White, author of 'Soap Recipes: Seventy tried-and-true ways to make modern soap with herbs, beeswax and vegetable oils.'
These instructions are very condensed and cannot possibly contain the details included in my 'Soap Recipes' book. Nonetheless, I believe you will have a good overview after you read these instructions

read the full item here:

http://www.pioneerthinking.com/soaps.html

technorati tags:soap, mould, melt, and, pour, make, Beeswax, herbs, handmade, homemade

Testing your soap for proper pH level

2006-07-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

You can test your soap for excess lye by applying a few drops of Phenolphthalein, a colourless, clear liquid. This chemical will turn pink or fuchsia in the presence of an alkali or an excess of lye. Soap that is to be used on the skin should be in the range of 7 to 9.5.
It’s the degree of pink that determines how alkaline your soap is. If a drop applied to the middle of a soap cutting turns deep pink or fuchsia then the soap should not be used on the skin. This soap however is great for the house and or laundry. If the drop stays clear or turns just the lightest shade of transparent pink then your soap should be fine.

If your soap was left uncovered while in the mould then the white chalk-like substance on the surface (soda ash) will also test alkaline. This can be trimmed off or avoided by applying plastic wrap to the surface right after pouring your soap into the mould.

Source:

http://www.cranberrylane.com/soapmaking.htm#2

technorati tags:soap, ph, test, make, making, handmade, home

Superfatting soap tips

2006-07-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

You must have heard the tern "Superfatting soap" somewhere.

But what is it exactly?

Well, many soap recipes give out instruction on how to
make soaps that have very little excess fat (most of it
is neutralized by the lye/water part).

Some people miss a bit of "fatness" in their soap.
So - you can add that fat to your soap during the process
and make it a little more "fatty".

To Superfatten your soap batch, just add 2 teaspoons
of oil to the mix. The oils you can use are:

>Jojoba oil
>Shea Butter oil
>Castor oil
>Avocado oil

These are all excellent choices for Superfattening!

technorati tags:soap, making, make, superfatting, lye, castor, jojoba, handmade

How to Make Lye from scratch - instructions

2006-07-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

How to Make Lye

The first step to making soap is making lye. You could easily pick up soap at the local supermarket, but you'll probably find great satisfaction in doing it all yourself.

Here's how:

How to Make Lye - WikiHow

technorati tags:lye, soap, make, making, handmade, homemade, hobby

Making Goat Milk Soap

2006-07-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

Every thought of making goat milk soaps?

They have several advantages: they are good for the skin and they are based on one of the most friendly stuff to man: goat milk.

Here's a nice goat milk recipe:

http://fiascofarm.com/recipes/soap.htm

technorati tags:milk, goat, soap, make, making, eczema, skin

ESSENTIAL OILS - a part of your soap

2006-07-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Great essential oils resource:

http://www.aromaweb.com/localplaza/default.asp

How to find cheap soap supplies near you

2006-07-18T01:11:00.000-07:00

If you plan on making small batches of soaps at home, you need to get supplies in small quantities from suppliers near you.

This is sometimes challenging, but doable.

Here's an interesting resource that will tell you all about finding supplies in your neighborhood:

..Lye can be found in some grocery or hardware stores but it's getting more difficult to find. You will generally find it in the cleaning section with the drain clearing products. Before you buy it, read the label and insure it says, "100% lye." If you can't find Red Devil Lye, may I suggest you use one of the many suppliers we have on our soap making home page. Whatever you purchase, insure that it is 100% pure powdered or crystal sodium hydroxide. You don't want any additives in it.

Read more here:

Finding Soap making Supplies

technorati tags:soap, supply, suppliers, lye, oil, fat, lard, make, home, making, handmade

BABY - SOAP MAKING MOULD (single) melt n pour moulds

2006-07-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute item from ebay - a mould for making baby soaps.

If you're making special, gentle baby soaps yourself, you will want this mould to make your baby soaps a little special. They'll even have the word "baby" on top of them!

This is a reusable plastic mould for making short "rectovular" Soaps! (I've made up that word 'coz the shape of the finished soaps are a cross between rectangular and ovular!!) Your finished soaps will have the word "BABY" on the top! Ideal for those of you who make special soaps for baby's sensitive skin!

eBay: - BABY - SOAP MAKING MOULD (single) melt n pour moulds (item 130006612165 end time Jul-17-06 18:05:00 PDT)

technorati tags:soap, mould, melt, and, pour, make, baby, skin, handmade, homemade

Soapmaking Fun with Shai and Bern

2006-07-16T10:09:00.000-07:00


Here's a cute video recorder by two girls. It's about home made soap, and lets you have a peek at these girls craft hobby. Thiey also made a second video about candle making.

Correctly pricing a cold process soap

2006-07-16T00:42:00.000-07:00

So, you're thinking of turning your soap hobby into a business and start sellimg those soaps?

Great idea, and very doable. But a very important factor is to price your soaps correctly.

If you under price them, you will not get all the income you are intitled to for your efforts.

If you over price them, your customers will tag you as the "too expensive" soap option, and will but at your compeditors.

So, you need a way to proce your soaps just right.

Here's a short article that will guide you through it:

http://www.teachsoap.com/cpcosting.html

technorati tags:soap, business, pricing, cold, process, make, making, create, home

Make Modern Soap With Herbs, Beeswax And Vegetable Oils

2006-07-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article about soap making. It also tells ,with great detail, all the safety measures you will have to take when dealing with lye. Most articles don't do that.

Lye hazards from the article:

Keep lye tightly capped. Upon opening a container of lye, the lye crystals absorb water from the air, which can weaken the strength of the lye and cause it to form a solid lump. When not in use, keep lye closely capped.

Lye reacts with some metals: aluminum, zinc, and tin. Safe containers include heatproof stoneware, glass, enamel, stainless steel and plastic.

Lye can remove paint. If lye, lye/water or freshly-made soap splatters onto a painted surface, wipe it off immediately. Wash the area with water and detergent; wash it with clear water, then wipe it dry. Use old rags, because lye weakens cloth fiber.

Lye, lye/water and freshly-made soap can burn and irritate skin. You'll notice itching before burning. Lye/water on skin is first noticed by a slippery feeling. Rinse your hands with vinegar and immediately rinse them with running water.

Since lye can burn skin, you can imagine what it does to eyes! Always wear eye protection! Wear sunglasses if you have to!

Lye can be fatal if swallowed. If you have small children, keep lye (and essential oils) in a locked cabinet. Lye/water sitting at the edge of a counter can easily be reached by children and even swallowed. Drinking lye/water is like drinking liquid fire. If someone ingests lye/water, do not induce vomiting or otherwise try to treat them. Take them to an emergency room immediately.

Fumes from lye/water. Some people are extremely sensitive to fumes that come from the lye/water. Fumes also come from the stirring container. Fumes from small batches (1 pound) usually isn't enough to cause a problem.

Be aware than larger amounts of lye (larger batches of soap) create more fumes. With prolonged contact, fumes can burn the eyes and skin of sensitive people. If you make soap in large amounts and afterward feel as if your face is "sun burned," chances are it was caused by fumes.

Read the rest here:

Soaps and Soap Making Instructions

technorati tags:lye, soap, making, make, beeswax, handmade, homemade

Starting a Home-Based Soapmaking Business

2006-07-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

OK, so your soapmaking hobby has gotten out of control. Your significant other (or maybe just that little voice inside your head) has told you to stop spending so much money on soaps you just give away... it may be time to start thinking about starting a business.

Here's a comprehensive article that will set you off inthe right foot:

http://www.naturalimpulse.com/biz2.html

technorati tags:soap, moulds, business, make, money, pour, making, home, momemade, handmade

Creative use of soap additives - not what you thought

2006-07-15T02:28:00.000-07:00

Ever thought about adding all kinds of additives to your soap making process? Sure, almost everyone does, but most of us stick to what we know.

Here's a nice article about different types of additives.

First, a few tips on how to use them:

Tips for Using Additives in Soaps
* Having your additives just on the tops of your soaps gives them a unique look. To do this, simply place your additives in the mold before you pour your soap.

* To get your additives suspended throughout your soaps you'll have to work a little harder. Naturally your additives will want to sink to the bottom of your soaps. To get them suspended, add your additives to your soap base before you pour into the mold. Gently stir your soap allowing it to cool and get thicker. When you notice your soap starting to thicken, you can pour it into the mold. This takes a little practice. If your soap base gets too thick on you, you can always remelt it and start over again.

* You can avoid clumping by separating out a small amount of your soap base into a small dish. Mix the additive into this soap base until you get an even paste. Then stir it all back into the rest of your soap.

Read the rest here:

Crafter's Touch - Natural Soap Making Additives

technorati tags:soap, make, additives, making, homemade, lye, handmade