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

Use Naughty Soap moulds with your soap project

2006-07-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it can be interesting to use "diferent" soap moulds in your soap projects. This ebay auction can get you some "strange and unnsual" soap mould to use, especially with melt and pour projects.

eBay: NAUGHTY MOULD melt and pour soap making moulds molds (item 130003959201 end time Jul-14-06 13:05:00 PDT)

technorati tags:soap, moulds, molds, make, melt, pour, making, home, momemade, handmade

A free lye Calculator

2006-07-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

This free lye calculator will help you determain the amount of lye you need to add to your chosen oil.

You can also select your superfatting preference and add it to the calculation:

Lye Calculator from Bramble Berry Soap Making Supplies

This handy lye calculator will help you figure out how much lye (NaOH) to add to your soap recipe. Simply enter the amount of each oil you are using, select your superfatting level and click "calculate". • Questions/Suggestions about our Lye Calculator? We'd love to hear from you! Write to us here.

Click here:

Bramble Berry Lye Calculator | Soapmaking Lye Calculators

technorati tags:Soap, making, lye, make, homemade, handmake, supply, superfatting

Don't you just love bathroom accesories?

2006-07-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

I've got a confession to make. I'm addicted to bathroom accesories.

I simply can't do without then. Whatever soap I make, or buy, must be put in one of them.
Here are some great samples I found in ebay:

Small Ceramic Jar with Li

eBay: French Bathroom Accessories Small Ceramic Jar "Le Bain" (item 200002351730 end time Jul-27-06 19:08:35 PDT)

Ceramic Toothbrush Cup

eBay: French Country TOOTHBRUSH CUP HOLDER - Savon Range (item 190005739175 end time Jul-16-06 10:55:21 PDT)

Ceramic Jar with Lid

undefined

Ceramic Soap Dispenser

eBay: French Country Style SOAP DISPENSER - "Pink Bath" Range (item 200006059128 end time Jul-13-06 07:40:10 PDT

technorati tags:accesories, soap, make, home, homemade, bath, handmade, making

How to get Stearic Acid

2006-07-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

Stearic Acid is a very popular Soap Additive

There are number of suppliers that you can get this stuff from.

One of my favorites is naturesgardencandles.com.

Here's their Stearic Acid deal details:

Steric Acid. 1 pound bag. Used to harden wax, creating an opaque appearance. Use steric with pillar/votive wax to make gel wax embeds. Steric acid is also added to soap to make it harder, and allows it to last longer. Add approximately 1 Tablespoon steric acid per pound of soap. Buy more, Save more! Bulk ordering? Get great discounts on this item with larger orders!
1 - 10 $ 3.50
11 - 20 $ 3.25
21 - 49 $ 2.99
50 - 50 $ 2.59

Stearic Acid - 1 Pound Bag | Wholesale candlemaking supplies, Natures Garden candle soap making supplies Ohio, Fragrance oils

technorati tags:Acid, Soap, make, making, supply, handmade, homemade, maker

The fantastic Fragrance Finder!

2006-07-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a fantastic source for finding the desiged Fragrance to add to your soap!

Basically it's a list, sorted alphbetically of Fragrances names. Just find the one you want, and a list of suppliers will appear for you!

Be sure to read the disclaimer.

For example, lets take:

Cranapple
Aquarius Aromatherapy & Soap	www.aquariusaroma-soap.com	Canadian supplier, also ships from WA state
Candles and Supplies.com	www.candlesandsupplies.com	Safe for soap & bath/body products.
Creative Fragrances Ltd.	www.creativefragrances.com	Skin safe.
Flying Witch Fragrances	www.flyingwitchfragrances.com	Safe for soap & bath/body products. Flashpoint: 200+F
Le Melange	www.lemelange.com	Skin safe.
Scent It	www.scentit.com
Taylored Concepts, Inc.	www.tayloredconcepts.com	Soap safe.
Wellington Fragrance	www.wellingtonfragrance.com

Here's the link:

http://www.geocities.com/lwoollen_25/FragranceFinder/index.html

It's a super valuable resource!

technorati tags:fragrance, soap, make, home, homemade, safe, handmade, making

How to Make Liquid Hand Soap

2006-07-12T02:32:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy recipe for making liquid hand soap.

It's not a sophisticated way of doing it, but it's good enough if you really want to make liquid soap without too much fuss:

Love the luxury of hand soap but hate the price? To make your own, you can use soap scraps or start with a new bar of your favorite brand.

Steps:

1. Grate one bar of soap.
2. Place the grated soap and 1 c. boiling water in a blender and set it on "whip."
3. Add 1 tbsp. honey and 1 tsp. glycerin and stir.
4. Cool the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes and whip again.
5. Add cold water to the mixture until you have 6 c.
6. Whip the mixture again.
7. Pour it into a storage container and let it cool. Do not place a lid on the container.
8. Fill a pump dispenser with the soap. Shake before using.

Source:

How to Make Liquid Hand Soap - eHow.com

technorati tags:liquid, soap, make, making, bar, home, handmade, hobbies

Milky Way Animals and Sleepy Duck Soap Mold

2006-07-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Milky Way Animals and Sleepy Duck Soap Mold

US $1.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Jul-11-2006 7:46:26 PDT
Bid now | Add to watch list

Here's anothey cute item - Milky Way Animals and Sleepy Duck Soap Mold

It's always nice to see that you can get soap molds for dirt cheap prices.

technorati tags:soap, mold, mould, make, handmade, home, hobby

Baby soaps examples

2006-07-11T00:55:00.000-07:00

Baby soaps are simply soaps that are added with softening materials. Thsi makes them more gentle and they can be used not only for babies.

I know a few adults that still use baby soap....

Here are a few examples of baby soaps from creeksidesoaps.com:

Mango Baby Soap The gentlest soap we make this olive oil based soap is enriched with mango and shea butters and lightly scented with a bergamot lavender essential oil blend.
Price: $4

Creekside Soaps- Baby Soap

The Baby Barnyard Just for fun we've crafted a Baby Barnyard, complete with duck, chick and bunny soaps to lure youngsters to the bath. * Rosemary Duck * Lemongrass Chick * Rose geranium Bunny Price: $12.00

Creekside Soaps- Baby Soap

technorati tags:Soap, baby, handmade, gentle, make, making, homemade

Natural Soap Making and Ingredients in Soaps

2006-07-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Do you pay any attention to what's in your soap?

Many people don't. So lets take a closer look at what a good soap could includ:

Soap Plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum)
Soapbark (Quillaja saponaria)
Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi)
Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)

These ingrediants are common.

Here's the rest of the article:

What is in your soap?

Active soap ingredients have always been on the forefront of all beauty, bath and germicidal soaps alike but do you know which substances make up most of the ingredients in your regular soaps? Let’s take a look.

Among the most common soap-producing plants are the following:

Soap Plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum)

Soapbark (Quillaja saponaria)

Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi)

Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)

Roots are the primary source of saponins in most plants while others locate abundance of the same ingredient on the bark. Manual extraction procedure with water produces lather required for an immediate shampoo and body-cleaning needs. It is obvious that people of the past have managed to use such ingredients in their purest form until they have discovered that other earth and animal-derived material can be used to enhance the efficiency and usability of such products.

Development of Soap Making

Our ancestors have seen the benefits of adding or enhancing the ingredients which makes up the soap they use. It was by accident which they realized that mixing saponin-containing substances with ashes or charcoal derived substances produces a more refined saponified substances as sodium stereate and in some cases, potassium stereate. In addition, they have found out that the addition of rendered animal and plant fats with the then popular soldium hydroxide solution (which they have known then as an element and not a solution), produces a solidified version of soaps. Plants are an abundant and popular known source of soap oils - olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, tallow, palm, olive oil, soybean oil among others .

Modern Soap Ingredients

The introduction of soap technology and as people rallying on to reducing the manufacturing cost of soap production, fat oils such as rendered pork fat or beef fat, derived from animals have overtaken the use the use plant oils plant-derived saponin sources. But the inclusion of several ingredients in soaps is generally not advantageous for it proved to be irritating to most skin types. Soaps derived from animal fats are no more than different so synthetic materials which makes skin more prone to itching and bacterial attacks.

Plant Oils and Animal Fats

Plant oils used for making soaps are considerably milder and the skin soft. It leaves little residue which usually is dissolved by washing. Moreover, the addition of scents such as perfume adds to the irritating properties of some soap products. This residue takes in the form of sodium hydroxide, a popular caustic base agent in soap, rayon and papermaking. Fats and oils derived from plants and animals are good enough to use as soap themselves but they lack the necessary caustic agent for them to produce the lathering effect as seen when using regular bath soaps.

Soap-Making

Lye (sodium hydroxide), is used in the entire saponification process. As treated fats and oils are mixed with lye, it begins to react and form begin the process described above. This process brings about the characteristic thickening and hardening of the liquids and begins assuming a different phase - thickened soft solid mass. This process is repeated until all lye has reacted with oil so that molding and packing goes next.

Active Ingredients - What does this mean?

Active ingredients are one among the most controversial substances ever to put in a bar soap. Active ingredients determine the applicable usage of a certain soap to a person’s body and skin types. For example, anti-bacterial soaps have triclosan and triclocarban as its active agent which inhibits the growth of specific type of bacteria (gram-positive). In the same manner as BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) anti-oxidants and PEG-6 methyl ether sometimes found in detergents and added to soaps sometimes do more harm than good so it is best to check out for some of these substances.

You can find soaps made without petroleum or animal products if you have sensitive skin, allergies or are interested in natural products that are environmentally friendly.

Carla Donnelly is a writer on environmental and health issues at the MangoLife Wellness Website . Sign up for the free monthly newsletter and get a free vegetarian ecookbook plus a chance to win a chemical-free soap that raises the body ph and is good for the environment: http://www.mangolife.com/miracle2webpage2.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_Donnelly

Natural Soap Making and Ingredients in Soaps

technorati tags:Soap, Making, make, made, homemade, handmade

CAT kitten soap making mold molds plaster candy supply

2006-07-10T01:26:00.000-07:00

Ain't that cute?

A soap mold in the shape of a cat/kitten! For all you soap/cat lovers out there...here's how to combine your two "hobbies". As usual, sold on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CAT-kitten-soap-making-mold-molds-plaster-candy-supply_W0QQitemZ330004104430QQihZ014QQcategoryZ28116QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

technorati tags:soap, mold, mould, cat, make, making, create, hobby, homemade, handmade

Soap: A luxurious necessity

2006-07-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting item about the history og soap making:

Soap: A luxurious necessity • Sunday, Jul 9, 2006

Since its first manufacture, soap has gradually metamorphosed into a daily necessity from luxury item and no doubt the most common and useful item in the home. Indeed, one 19th –century chemist declared that the quantity of soap consumed by a nation was an accurate measure of its wealth and civilisation. Today, it is regarded as essential to hygiene and good health. Decades ago, little evidence showed the use of soap in personal hygiene before the common era. There are reasons to doubt that this...

read more:

The Tide Online

technorati tags:soap, making, luxury, hygine, make, homemade, hobby

Mama Zola's Handmade Lye Soap is for sale!

2006-07-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

Mama Zola's Handmade Lye Soap

US $1.54 (3 Bids)

End Date: Sunday Jul-09-2006 5:14:56 PDT

Bid now | Add to watch list

This auction just goes to show that there are people out there who are making great soaps, even good enough to sell on ebay!

From the auction:

recently went on a trip to the mountains of Tennessee to try and learn some old methods of soap making. I met so many lovely people. One lady in particular allowed me to purchase her wares to resell here in my Ebay store, and tells me I can purchase more if I like the soap. Well, I allowed myself a week of using her soap every day to make my decision and I see a BIG difference in my skin, the dry areas feel normal again. She states: Her soap is said to heal poinson oak and ivy, get rid of fleas, ticks, athletes foot, dandruff, acne and dry skin AND removes stains from clothes

eBay: Mama Zola's Handmade Lye Soap (item 280004360265 end time Jul-09-06 05:14:56 PDT)

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

Similarities Between Candle and Soap Making Supplies

2006-07-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's a little strange, but there are quite a few similarities between candle and soap making.
Here's a great article that says it all about these similarities

There are a number of similarities in making soap and candles. Both require pouring the raw materials into molds to give them shape. Candles and soap need scents and color as well. Many stores sell both candle and soap making supply kits. Candle and soap-making supply stores are found nationwide and on the Internet. It is easy to find materials for very reasonable prices.

Read more here:

technorati tags:make, soap, homemade, handmade, candles, making, candle

Making Soap In Your Own Kitchen

2006-07-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Here's an original guide called "Making Soap In Your Own Kitchen". It will do exactly that - teach you how to make soap in your own home kitchen.
from the site:

"Making Soap In Your Own Kitchen is a beginner's guide to soap-making, which is fully illustrated with photographs for each step of the process. You will discover:

A Brief History of Soap (very brief)
What lye is and why it is necessary
Which fats and oils to use What materials are needed and where to get them
The entire process, from weighing fats to mixing lye, to cutting the finished soap into bars
Essential oils that scent your soaps
Packaging options for gifts/sale of your soap

You can find the full details here:

http://www.soapcrone.com/ebook.php

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

A Brief History Of Soap Making

2006-07-08T02:34:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered about the history of soap making. Well, it seems that even ancient people know at least how to make the more crude, primitive vestions of soap or detergens, and used them for ceaning puposes. Here's an article that talks about the history of making soap:

A Brief History Of Soap Making By Jeffrey Dorrian
Today, handmade soaps are found at craft shows, specialty stores, on the internet and in some retail outlets. Many people enjoy making novelty soaps that both look beautiful and work to keep your skin feeling fresh. Though it is readily available now, this wasn’t always the case.Records indicate that soap making may have existed as far back as 2800 B.C. There are records that indicate both the Ancient Greeks and Romans both started experimenting with olive oil in their initial soap making...
Read the rest here:

A Brief History Of Soap Making

technorati tags:soap, making, homemade, handmade, history, Ancient, washing

Did you ever try using Olive Oil for Soap Making?

2006-07-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

Using olive oil in soap making process in not a new idea. It has been done hundreds of years ago. The special smoothness of olive oil together with other virtues turn it into the perfect material t put into soaps. Olive oil itself was used in ancient times as a body lotion.

At oliveoilsource.com, there's a complete explanation about using olive oil in soap making:

From the site:

Fats or oils are saponified into soap by the addition of lye. The lye is neutralized during the soap-making process. Olive Oil and lye is mixed with colors, fragrances and moisturizers such as glycerin. A lower grade of olive oil is actually preferred for these purposes, such as pomace or pure oil, because of its lower price and saponification properties. We have selected oils which consistently make good olive oil soap.

Read more:

olive oil soap

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

The Alabu Soap Shop - making soap from goat milk

2006-07-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

HA?
I was surprised too when I found this web site. They make soap that is bnased upon goal milk. But after a while it does make sense - many people claim that goat milk is very friendly to humans. If fact, amny people say that goal milk products are the only milk products they can eat. So it does make sense to make soap out of that, too.

Some information from the site:

Alabu Soap is a family owned company specializing in the sensitive skin care market. Our product line of goat milk soap and natural moisturizing oils and lotion sticks are well suited for people of all ages and skin types. Our customers with extreme skin sensitivities have reported back that Alabu soap is a wonderful skin care soap. They have reported that they experience reduced or total elimination of the need for other skin care moisturizers.

Skin care products by Alabu Soap

technorati tags:make, soap, homemade, handmade, milk, making, goal

A lot of 13 Soap Molds is for sale on ebay

2006-07-07T01:02:00.000-07:00

LIFE OF THE PARTY TEDDY SOAP MOLD.

US $1.59 (0 Bid)

End Date: Thursday Jul-06-2006 4:48:15 PDT

Bid now | Add to watch list

Hey everyone.

Once again there are true bargains to be found on ebay. Here's an interesting item. 13 soap molds (used), that you can use on your soap making anfd create soaps you can give away as presents and surprises. It's only $1.59 ,and there are 0 bids as of now. Maybe you'll want to check it out.

This set of used but in good condition soap molds includes the
following; Happy Mother;'s Day heart, swans, Easter assortment, love
bars, farm animals, bugs, coyote/cactus and teapots. Combined shipping
available.

technorati tags:soap, making, homemade, handmade, molds, ebsy, washing

Soap Packaging and Labeling Q&A

2006-07-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Again,

Some people may have some questions aobut the need to package and label the soapes they make.
These are interesting questions. Luckily, the people at soapteacher.com have the answers.
Here are some of the questions you may have:

Can I use saran wrap to package my mp soap?
Can my mp soap have a cigar type band label?
Do I need to lable my soap?
See the answers right here, at soapteacher.com

Package & Labeling - Soap Teacher

technorati tags:soap, making, homemade, handmade, Packaging, labeling, washing

Soap making in a box - great education

2006-07-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a great resource about soap making. Basicall, it tells you everything you wanted to know about making soaps, including:

Soap: What is it and where did it come from?
Animal versus Vegetable based soaps
The Soap Process
Preservatives
Equipment
Soap Moulds
Rebatching
Cautions
Testing for pH
Soap Making: Cold Process Method

..and more!

Soap: What is it and where does it come from.

Until the early 1900’s, much of the soap used was made at home. Fats from cooking and butchering were saved until there was enough to make a batch of soap. This all changed in 1916 when a shortage of fats (a main ingredient in soap) occurred during World War I. As an alternative was needed, enterprising companies developed the first synthetic soaps called detergents.

Click here to read the rest:

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

technorati tags:soap, making, homemade, handmade, clean, cleaning, washing

Great Thermostat for soap making

2006-07-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered how you can make sure the temperature is right without sticking the thermostat into the hot oil/glycerin?

Here's the solution - a "Just Point" Thermostat. I think it's great for soap makers as well as 101 other uses.

“Just point” Infrared Thermometer

No more having to clean that thermometer of oils and soap, just point and shoot.
Don’t reach, it’s as easy as pointing your finger.

Simple to Use – Instant Readings.

Easy to Read Display.

Just Point & Shoot.

Great Tool to Have – Multiple Uses.

Temperature Range: -18 to 275°C (0 to 525°F).

D:S (Distance to Spot Size): 8:1.

Response time: 500 mSec, 95% response.

Emissivity: Pre-set at 0.95.

Accuracy: ±2%, or ±2°C (±3°F) whichever is greater

Thermometers, Soap Making Equipment, Custom Designed

technorati tags:Soap, make, making, maker, kit, recepie, thermostat, temp

1929 Perfumes Cosmetics Soaps Making Recipes Tips

2006-07-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

Look at this ebay auction: a soap making book from 1929. Ain't that
a beauty? since not much changed since 1929 - handmade soaps are still
very much the same - this book can be very handy for the right buyer. The bid right now is around $26. I wonder how much will be the winning bid...

Just look at the pictures:

eBay: 1929 Perfumes Cosmetics Soaps Making Recipes Tips Illus (item 330003716017 end time Jul-09-06 18:18:03 PDT)

Soap Making Oils For Creating Your Own Specialty Soaps

2006-07-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

There is an almost endless supply of oils you can include in your soap making process. Each of these oils have it's own advantages. The most commonly used are:

Avocado Oil

Coconut Oil

Olive Oil

Vitamin E Oil

Palm Kernel Oil

Palm Oil

Almond Oil

And a few words on using them:

Do you want to give your handmade soaps that uniqueness that others will marvel at? Want to create soap for special needs like moisturizing? Then, you need to understand the various soap making oils and learn what they can do for your soap. To get you started, let's take a look at some very popular ingredients that you can use to make your soap extra special....
more here:

Soap Making Oils For Creating Your Own Specialty Soaps

technorati tags:soap, making, maker, molds, make, home, homemade, handmade, course, oil, vitamin, palm, hand

Tools of the trade - Mitre box for cutting the soap bars

2006-07-05T03:07:00.000-07:00

Another tool for soap makers is the Mitre box. Here are some more details about a good miter box. Again from soapwizards.com:

Mitre Boxes Our mitre boxes are designed for cutting loaf soaps. They are made from 16 gauge, food grade, brushed finish, and stainless steel. We have two mitre boxes for you to choose from. Each mitre box is designed to meet specific needs. You know your needs better than anyone else and now you have the choice. The double slot mitre box will cut 1" and 2" thick slices. The single slot cuts a 3/4" thick slice. The thinner cut is often selected by overseas soapers because it will yield more slices from the loaf.

Soap Wizards Soap Making Tools- Melters, Cutters, Mitre boxes and more

technorati tags:Mitre, box, soap, making, make, homemade, handmade

Tools of the trade for soap makers - metlers

2006-07-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

The melter is maybe the essential most basic tool for soap makers. Of course you can use ordinary home appliances for melting, but a proffesional melter is best for that perpose.

Here's an example from soapwizards.com:

Melters - Find it yourself or buy it from us. The first tool most soapers will need is the melter. We find that the electric roaster is ideal for most starting M&P soapers. It holds 4-1/2 gallons of soap, has no hot spots to burn the soap, and runs off household current. A great way to start. When you are ready to enter the big leagues, we also sell 10 gallon, 25 gallon, and 70 gallon, professional, water jacketed melters. We think ours are the best and the least expensive.

Soap Wizards Soap Making Tools- Melters, Cutters, Mitre boxes and more

technorati tags:soap, melt, pour, make, making, home

Is Soap making an easy thing to do? only if you know what you're doing

2006-07-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of the easiest ways to make your homemade soap is to use what is called the "Melt and pour" method. What you basically do is:

Melt a basic glycerin soap that you can find at a hobby store.

Add fragrance and color

Pour into molds

Wait till it cools down

Done!

This wont give you the world's perfect soap, and you have a limited control over the final outcome. But it's a start. You can move to bigger and better later on.
Here's a great article about the subject:

Soap Making for Beginners -- Melt and Pour

Soap making has been around for ages. The process of making soaps can either be simple or complex, depending on what you want to make. You can make soaps as a way to make money or you can make soaps for personal use or as gifts.Keep in mind that soap making can be dangerous, as soaps become very hot when melted during the melt and pour soap making process. Soap making should be fun and entertaining, but it is also important to practice all necessary safety precautions when making soaps.

Read the complete article here:

Soap Making for Beginners -- Melt and Pour

technorati tags:soap, hobby, make, homemade, handmade, making, molds, melt, pour

Colonial Soap Making. Its History and Techniques.

2006-07-04T00:52:00.002-07:00

Here's an interesting piece about Colonial Soap Making. I think it's fascenating to see the historic point of view on thinkgs like soap making.

This booklet will provide persons interested in the ways of early American life some information about soap and soap making. Soap making is a homestead skill often forgotten in discussions of colonial days. Soap was of great value in keeping the household a far better place to live and work. The manufacture of soap by the hard-working colonists from wood ashes and waste fats give testimony to early American self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Soap, an easy item for us to obtain, was produced by boiling wood ash lye and fats together. Soap's desirability and procurement wrote its own pages in the history of early America.

Full article:

Colonial Soap Making. Its History and Techniques

technorati tags:Soap, colonial, make, making, manufacure, lotion

Teach Soap website

2006-07-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

A very colorful and comprehensive site is Teachsoap.com. These guys teach every little thing about soap making. Here's a quote from their home page:

"From beginners to seasoned soap makers, Teach Soap has something for everyone. We cover everything from simple soap making recipes, to more complex cold process soap making instructions. Our beautifully illustrated soap making tutorials will guide you through each soap making project with clear. step-by-step soap making instructions.

It's worth a visit. Here's the link:

Soap Making Instructions | Soap Making Recipes and Tutorials | Teach Soap

technorati tags:Soap, make, making, maker, kit, recepie, lotion, balm

Handmade soap by wikipedia

2006-07-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a piece about handmade soap, directly from wikipedia.org. the free online encyclopedia. It's always interesting to see what the academics thinks of people like us... Here it is:

Handmade soap

Some individuals continue to make soap in the home. The traditional name "soaper", for a soapmaker, is still used by those who make soap as a hobby. Those who make their own soaps are also known as soapcrafters.The most popular soapmaking processes today is the cold process method, where fats such as olive oil react with lye. Soapmakers sometimes use the melt and pour process, where a premade soap base is melted and poured in individual molds. This is not really to be considered soap-making though. Some soapers also practice other processes, such as the historical hot process, and make special soaps such as glycerin soap.Handmade soap differs from industrial soap in that, usually, an excess of fat is used to consume the alkali (superfatting), and in that the glycerin is not removed. Superfatted soap, soap which contains excess fat, is more skin-friendly than industrial soap; though, if not properly formulated, it can leave users with a "greasy" feel to their skin. Often, emollients such as jojoba oil or shea butter are added 'at trace' (the point at which the saponification process is sufficiently advanced that the soap has begun to thicken), after most of the oils have saponified, so that they remain unreacted in the finished soap.

Soap - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

technorati tags:soap, making, homemade, handmade, clean, cleaning, washing

Introduction to Soap Making

2006-07-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,
I though I might as well kick things off with an Introduction to soap making. That's what we are here for...I visit this great site (www.colebrothers.com) that has lots of original how to make soap recepies and other info. Here's what they said about the basics:

Soap is made by mixing lye and water with fats or oil. Through a complex chemical reaction lye which is also called sodium hydroxide (a base) converts Fats or Oil (an acid) to soap. This process is called saponification. When oil or fats (acid) come into contact with the lye or sodium hydroxide (base) the saponification process begins with the lye turning the oil/fat into a completely new substance that we know as soap. The process changes the two substances into a thicker and more uniform solution. The point at which the solution begins to thicken is called a trace. Any oils/fats or other ingredients added at this point will not be substantially converted and will basically remain in the soap in their original form. At the trace stage the soap can be poured into molds where it will continue to harden. The chemical reaction will continue for about 3 weeks at which time the soap is hard and ready to use.

Thanks for that, Cole Brothers. Read more here:

How to make soap plus free soap formulas

technorati tags:soap, making, make, how, to, clean, cleaner, detergent

Hello Soap Enthusiasts!

2006-07-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Making soap is tons of fun! I look forward to bringing you only the best of soap making updates.

Talk Soon

Soap Maker