| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| horse |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 06:41:03 AM
I have been making goat milk soap for a long time. I have read several books where goat milk soap is a white soap. Ok, here's my problem. My soap always turn to a rich camarel color. I have used frozen milk, to very cold milk and I always get the same color. I add my lye/milk solution when it reaches down to 95 degrees to my oils at the same temp as my lye/milk. Could anyone tell me what's up with my soap? Here is the recipe that I make, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of lye, 3/4 cup coconut oil, 3/4 cup palm oil, and then add scent after it traces.
Thanks,
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 12 2008 : 5:48:52 PM
It has gotten horribly expensive to make soap. Seems like all the ingredients have gone through the roof, especially essential oils. I'm trying to cut costs every way I can so that I don't have to raise prices on my soap. Don't know how long I'll be able to do that but I'll hold out as long as I can.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| Bonne |
Posted - Sep 12 2008 : 5:30:38 PM
I did give away most that I made~couldn't afford to do that anymore!
It's gotten so expensive to make soap now. lol
The color is from the fragrance oil and honey that I added, nothing else.
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 12 2008 : 2:37:19 PM
Your soaps are lovely!!! How did you get your oatmeal milk & honey that lovely color??
If I didn't sell I'd still make soap and give it away. People are always so happy to get it!!
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| Bonne |
Posted - Sep 12 2008 : 12:32:46 PM
Ditto to you too Molly!
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| Brew Crew |
Posted - Sep 12 2008 : 09:34:34 AM
Bonne, your soaps are lovely!
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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| Bonne |
Posted - Sep 11 2008 : 8:53:20 PM
I used to, but now just make for us mainly. Here's some pics of soap I've made:
http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery2.php?instanceid=42419591
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 11 2008 : 8:07:11 PM
There's nothing better than getting lovely soaps and lotion in the mail!!! Lucky you! Bonne - do you have a website or online shop? I'd love to see your soaps.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Sep 11 2008 : 6:32:33 PM
Angie and I have been putting on the Whipped body butter and muttering ....oh,oooh, we even put some on Danny's rough hands...he smiled! I am going to take it to work tomorrow and show the other teachers and staff...I just love it!
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. |
| Bonne |
Posted - Sep 11 2008 : 6:01:00 PM
LOL~you're welcome Sarita. Have hubby wash his hands and lures with the Fisherman's soap b/4 fishing. The anise oil is supposed to remove the human scent and also acts as a fish attractant. Hope the whipped shea made it OK. It "melts" if it gets too hot. Works just as well, just won't have the whipped consistency. ;)
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Sep 11 2008 : 5:54:39 PM
Well, gals...I just received a package from Bonne...what a treat! I don't think I will be making any soap for awhile...a long while. I hope she likes what I sent her because I sure love the soap and lotion that I received from her. I didn't get home from working until 7pm tonight and was dead on my feet...a hot shower with a lovely new bar of soap will make my day...but which one???? 8 beautiful bars of lovely homemade soap and one jar of Tropical paradise whipped body butter. Confetti, Rhapsody, Pineapple Hurricane, Green Tea, Cranberry Crush, Strawberries & Champagne or Hunter's Fisherman's Soap...decisions...decisions...thank you Bonne! God Bless your sweet little heart.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 10 2008 : 5:59:58 PM
We were just having a discussion on one of my soap groups about adding sugar, bubbles, heating, etc. The consensus was that some people thing it helps with lather and all agree it does cause overheating. I would be leery to add it to my soap, especially goat's milk. I'm dying to try honey though because it just smells so good! Thanks for the info Bonne.
Salt will definitely make a harder bar and added to the lye water - I think about 1 tsp PPO - will work.
I made my first soap yesterday subbing shortening for the palm oil. I really liked how the shortening made the goat's milk soap feel. The batch I made yesterday - Vanilla Bean - is on the drying rack. If I like the shortening then I will be using it in all my soaps in place of palm oil - organic shortening of course. The demand for palm has caused there to be ravaging of rain forests in Indonesia and Malaysia in order to plant palm trees for harvest. This has been going on for a long time but I just read about it extensively yesterday. Plus the shortening makes for a harder, whiter bar.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| Bonne |
Posted - Sep 10 2008 : 5:25:09 PM
The jury is out as to whether sugar actually makes more lather. Pretty much 50/50 ~some swear by it and others don't see much difference. If you add honey, be careful of the soap "batter" overheating in the mold and volcanoing. I used to HP my soaps that I added honey to. Gives it a nice golden color too. I use up to 1 Tbsp PPO ~add it at trace. Same with sugar~add it dissolved in some water (deduct amt of water from that used to dissolve lye) at trace. (1/2-1tsp PPO, I've read) If added to the lye water it can scorch.
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Sep 10 2008 : 4:48:05 PM
I was reading on one of the soap making forum that if you add salt...it makes soap harder and if you add sugar, it makes it lather more. I think I will make another batch of goat's milk soap and add some honey or sugar to make it lather more...when would you put it in and has anyone tried this?
Sarita
The Spinning C
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
| horse |
Posted - Sep 08 2008 : 4:17:19 PM
Molly, thank you for those kind words. Yea, we are cramped in this small house but I love it. It makes things so interesting around here.lol All 6 of my kids are the love of my life. Each one has their own special place in my heart. There are some that I didn't give birth to but shhhh, just don't tell my heart for it doesn't know the difference.
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
| Brew Crew |
Posted - Sep 08 2008 : 4:03:20 PM
Laura, I just read some of your blog posts, and they were so wonderful. I love the tributes to your children, and hearing about you raising a bunch of kids in a small space was inspiring!! I'm going through that right now, and was glad to hear that your kids were no worse for the wear. Thanks for those wonderful posts!
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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| horse |
Posted - Sep 08 2008 : 03:33:50 AM
Ya'll are using the recipe from the Marthat Stewart site, right?
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 07 2008 : 9:14:27 PM
My soap just traced super fast. In fact, I had to scoop it out of the bowl and into the pan I was using for a mold. It was thick like brownie batter. I've never had soap do that before. I didn't scent mine either since it was an experimental batch. But I just love the soap! It is so creamy and nice big bubbles. I will definitely be making more.
I can hardly wait to try soap either. My favorite part is cutting the soap and trying the end piece to see how it feels.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| Brew Crew |
Posted - Sep 07 2008 : 1:56:31 PM
Sarita, I am like you! I can't wait to try a soap, and usually test a sliver of it the next day. The good news is that if it feels nice that early, you have got yourself a wonderful soap; it will become more mild as it cures.....so what starts out that soft on your skin will become absolutely divine with time!!! Great job!
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Sep 07 2008 : 08:01:19 AM
Couldn't wait...I turned it out on cookie racks last night and used a small bar in the shower this morning...my skin feels so good and clean. I am not known for my patience! I did not put in fragrance in this batch and it didn't have the usual strong odor that my other soaps have had.
It is a light carmel shade. The way it feels out weighs the color...expensive or not...I may have to get some more goat milk and make some more.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 7:17:04 PM
Kay, my soap did not trace much at all but the ones I poured into molds are firming up. Washing up the bowl and equipment was a joy, my hands feel so soft. What was different about your first batch? Oh, I hope this turns out...this is very expensive soap!
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 5:19:27 PM
Mine was a little lighter at first but now that it is curing it is during a little darker - not much. It has been curing for 2 weeks and I just couldn't wait any longer to try it. That recipe is wonderful!! As long as it doesn't have a stinky ammonia smell it's probably just fine. I've heard that it can even have that smell but that will disappear in a few days. My first batch didn't - it was a mess.
Sarita - did your soap trace fast? I used palm kernel oil flakes in mine in place of coconut oil. I was wondering if that might have caused the super fast trace. I stopped using coconut oil in all my soaps as so many people have problems using it.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 4:51:47 PM
I just gave MS recipe a try...my is carmel color and already feels so good...just cleaning up. Did anyone get a lighter color batch?
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
| windypines |
Posted - Sep 02 2008 : 04:06:01 AM
The recipe that I use calls for adding the milk and water together, then adding the lye. It does not say to freeze the milk. It has always worked for me anyways. I don't think is ever stunk of burning milk. ?????? Also no temp taking on that recipe either. It does end up being a creamy beige color. I substitute cows cream for the goats milk. As I don't have a goat. Works the same and is a lovely soap to use.
My favorite laundry and stains soap is a lard soap. Works great on stains, floors anything. Another cold process, no temp taking soap. I love those simple recipes.
Michele |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 01 2008 : 6:41:55 PM
If you gals are going to be doing quite a bit of soaping I would recommend getting your coconut oil from a supplier or maybe try an ethnic store. I know that the stuff at WalMart has tripled in price! Some of the gals on one of my soap boards was talking about it.
My 14 year old even mentioned today what nice soap the Martha's recipe made. I'm almost scared to try a larger batch as the last time I did I burned the goat's milk! Boy does that stink!
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| Bonne |
Posted - Sep 01 2008 : 4:30:52 PM
Coconut oil prices have skyrocketed. The Louann brand at Walmart has tripled in price the past few months. :(
Again, as Kay mentioned, always use a soap calculator when figuring your recipe and ALWAYS measure by weight, not volume. Use a digital scale that weighs at least to 1/10 of an ounce.
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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