Soap Makers Help!

[MullersLaneFarm]

Traditionally, ceramic cups are used. Something that is deep and wide so you can work up a good lather with a brush.

The trick in making shaving soap isn't really the cup ... rather the soap. You need a soap that has abundant lather that lasts a long time. Nothing is worse to a brush shaver than having the lather break down.

You know coconut and palm kernel makes abundant lather ... how ever, it breaks down. The best thing I've found to sustain the lather is stearic acid. Use it with caution ... a little goes a long way and it causes acceleration in your soap batch.

 

[Morgaine]

I will also say that shavers want "slip" in the lather too. Benonite clay is good for that. I also like to have agood amount of OO because the Oleic acid makes a colloidal "slime" that gives that nice glide to the razor.

How you been Cyndi? I have been busting my hump making soap this season and I am so glad to have only 1 show left!

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

I'm doing okay, Morgaine!

I made a couple hundred lb of soap a few months ago thinking that would do me for the holiday season. I'm already out of two of my soaps and dangerously low on a couple others. That's just from Farmer's Market & internet. I've been too danged busy or too danged sore/tired from this fibro to even think about making more.

You doing okay?

 

[Morgaine]

I have one more show this weekend and I am so happy it is the last! I have sold almost 2500 bars since the begining of October. Cured stock is down to about 300 bars and I too am out of some of my best sellers, Sandalwood Rose and Crusader (burberry for men fo) and have less than 15 bar of Lavender and Black Raspberry Cream.

I am taking a 2 week break from making stuff and then I have to start stock for Sherwood Forest ren faire.

But it looks like we will be making my soap studio sometime next year, which I am very grateful. This little 1000 sqft house is cramed with soap stuff!

Are you working full time on the farm now?

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

Awesome about a soaping hut!

Quote:
I'd like to think of it as semi-retired LOL! Farmer's Market on Saturdays (it's an inside market), spinning, knitting, weaving, cooking all keep me busy enough.

 

[Morgaine]

Glad you are enjoying your "semi retirment". To me it sounds like you are just enjoying life!

I so wish our market was indoors!

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

Bad thing about being semi-retired ... it doesn't bring in too much cash. Closest place I could get a job in my field is 2.5-3 hours away.

 

[Morgaine]

Wow, that is a huge commute! I really hope this economy picks up soon for everyone.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

I made a plain bar in the spring that my step Dad raves about for a shave soap. I thought I'd make some in cups for Father's day. Can I pour the soap directly into the ceramic cups? Will they heat up and crack the cup?

I did a holiday farmer's mkt today (indoor). I sold a lot and had many repeat customers yay!

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

Sure can!