Soap Makers Help!

[ninjapoodles]

Thank you!

Oh, and to answer the other question--that's a fairly large mold...I'm thinking it holds something like 20lbs. of wet soap. I know I can get 42 LARGE (5-6 oz.) bars of cured soap from it.

I just checked Upland's homepage, and they've gone up in price since I got mine, but I still think they're worth it. If you have a carpenter in your home, you could just buy the liner and make the box part to fit it.

 

[chiknwhisperer]

When you get a chance ninjapoodles could you take a moment and maybe take a couple measurements? I know that my dh or myself could make that mold like you have but I want to get an idea of what it will take. Thanks




Corrie

 

[smom1976]

has anyone used the other type of lye sold.. that makes a liquid soap. Like shampoo and pump soaps..

 

[Morgaine]

Just a FYI, Tractor Supply carries the same brand of lye as lowe's and it was 2 bucks cheaper, 9 something of 11 something.

I just made my first batch with yogurt as the liquid. I had to dump the first batch down the sink because it curdled. I went really really slowly this time and it was ok. It's normal for it to turn a slight tannish color, right? It's an oatmeal, milk and honey fragrance with yogurt and ground oats. I was out of honey or I would have added that too. I can't wait to try it out.

 

[Backyard Buddies]

How are all the soap projects coming along? Updates? Pictures? More fun ideas to try?

I'm soooooooo excited! I'm expecting 5 boxes from UPS today! I have oils coming from Columbia Foods and fragrances coming from Sweet Cakes. Tomorrow I'm expecting 2 more boxes, both from Camden Grey. After attempting to find lye locally, I just gave in and ordered from Camden Grey. For the heck of it, I picked up a few more fragrances from there as well.

So, I could be soaping as soon as this weekend!!

 

[smom1976]

oo how cool.. mine is curing... I will have to go look at my previous post to see the exact date.. but I think it has been two solid weeks.

 

[chiknwhisperer]

My dh said I can make the soap! And last night I told him what I wanted to buy and that I would do it on his next payday. I told him I wanted to have the soap done for Christmas presents for his family. He told me to go ahead and order the stuff I need right away!!! So I ordered my lye and some molds and I'm going out later today to get my oils and a scale. I'm so excited

 

[Backyard Buddies]

Wonderful chiknwhisperer! Well, you and I should be at about the same point. I don't think I'll get a chance to start until tomorrow as I'm working the church garden this morning and attending my son's band concert this evening. I'm a little afraid and a lot excited.

I think I'm going to start with a lavender soap first since I have both the lavender 40/42 EO and the lavender buds (yes, I know they'll turn brown).

Anyone want to suggest a good percentage usage for the 40/42 EO? Most sites suggest .5 - .7 ounces/lb of soap. Does that sound right?

 

[cheeptrick]

Quote:
Just sprinkle the buds on top....they will stay purple...and very pretty. I usually do half batch with buds and the other side clean....

The buds do clog drains...

I use Chemistry Store Fresh Lavender....I've tried many....but their fragrance seem to be the best seller.

 

[cheeptrick]

OH....and when you cut your Lavender bud topped soap....TURN the whole loaf upside down to cut. When you cut thru the buds on top it will leave trace marks on the sides of the soap....very unsightly!!

I also....cut with a knife....and have used a cheese cutter in the past. Cheaper than using the commercial soap cutters.