Soap Makers Help!

[OHhappychicks]

Quote:
Thanks Morgaine. I don't have any dried lav. I'm on the lookout for a dehydrator for my herbs. Do you know of a fast way to dry other than laying or hanging them? Can I use fresh as specs, or only use dried?
I wasn't sure of the properties of rbo. That's so good to know. I like the properties of it. Will do!!

 

[galanie]

Herbs are easy to dry in the oven. Our humidity here is always too high to really do it any other way besides the oven or a food dehydrator.

Lay them out on a cookie sheet. Set the oven at it's lowest setting and put them in there but keep the door of the oven open some. In the old days when ovens had a pilot light that was always burning, we'd just let the heat of the pilot light do it, but now they aren't made to do that. You just want to make sure they dry rather than roast. Check them every so often. I've forgotten how long it takes exactly as I use a dehydrator now but if I remember right it takes a couple hours.

Some do it in the microwave by placing them on paper towels but I don't care for that method as it does tend to cook them a bit though it is very fast.

 

[greeneggsnham]

Does anyone have any plans for home made soap molds? I've finally gathered the courage to try to make soap for myself but am a little low on funds at the moment. If I can build a coop I figure I can build a soap mold. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[Morgaine]

There are a lot of plans online, a quick search will find you some. But you can use almost anything. A cardboard box, drawer organizer, or brownie pan all work well when lined with a trash bag.

Good tip about drying in the oven!!

 

[OHhappychicks]

Quote:
Hi greeneggsnham! On pg 102 about half way down there is a pic and website to make a log type mold. It isn't very difficult, but my DH made it for me. I'm not sure what type of mold you are looking for. BackyardBuddies uses an old desk drawer. I used a plastic container for my first batch. You can use just about anything that is big enough to hold your soap. I think I even read where someone used muffin tins. You would have to put a little vaseline on them or put freezer wrap paper in them(shiny side up) to get it to come out. Don't use anything aluminum or enamel with chips in the enamal. The lye will eat thru the exposed metal. I use freezer wrap to cover my log mold. I have only used it once, and I think I can use it again without replacing it. Some use pvc pipe. You would need to cap one of the ends with several layers of freezerwrap and rubber bands to hold it in place, or you can get the actual cap ends used on pvc pipe. Some use pringe cans! I'm always on the lookout for something I can use for soaps!! Just remember to put FW, vaseline, or thin flexible cutting mats(for pvc pipes) to line your molds. I didn't with the plastic container and it was the dickens to get out!

As I have read several like experiences on here!

 

[OHhappychicks]

Quote:
Thanks for the great Tip!! I think I can handle that!! Will go cut my lav right now!! Thanks again!

 

[MSDeb]

Quote:
Hi greeneggsnham! On pg 102 about half way down there is a pic and website to make a log type mold. It isn't very difficult, but my DH made it for me. I'm not sure what type of mold you are looking for. BackyardBuddies uses an old desk drawer. I used a plastic container for my first batch. You can use just about anything that is big enough to hold your soap. I think I even read where someone used muffin tins. You would have to put a little vaseline on them or put freezer wrap paper in them(shiny side up) to get it to come out. Don't use anything aluminum or enamel with chips in the enamal. The lye will eat thru the exposed metal. I use freezer wrap to cover my log mold. I have only used it once, and I think I can use it again without replacing it. Some use pvc pipe. You would need to cap one of the ends with several layers of freezerwrap and rubber bands to hold it in place, or you can get the actual cap ends used on pvc pipe. Some use pringe cans! I'm always on the lookout for something I can use for soaps!! Just remember to put FW, vaseline, or thin flexible cutting mats(for pvc pipes) to line your molds. I didn't with the plastic container and it was the dickens to get out!

As I have read several like experiences on here!

I made a mold using a shoe box lined with a Spiderman place mat. The soap turned out fine. Decided my cutting skills were non existent and bought a Kelsey mold.

 

[OHhappychicks]

I'm making black rasp van. Was reading my directions and it says to add solid oils (after melting) to liquid oils. Has anyone added liquid to solids? I mix in the pan I melt solids in. I did this on my first 2 batches and I didn't have any prob. Any thoughts?

 

[RockyToggRanch]

I melt solids and then add liquids.

 

[MSDeb]

Today's blend: Tropical Vacation with Patchouli, English Rose, and a touch of Cucumber Melon.