| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| lovingewe |
Posted - Apr 03 2010 : 06:33:26 AM
This is a desire I have had for a long time.
To make my own soap.
I have watched You-tube and it looks simple but when they say " be careful not to.........." I get scared. These are chemicals and.......... well to be honest chemistry was never my strong subject is school.
Does anyone make soap?
Tell me your method.
http://sweetlocuslane.blogspot.com |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| urban chickie |
Posted - Apr 06 2010 : 3:27:57 PM
Kris, I hope I don't sound all mom like here but *PLEASE* wear goggles! I have heard first hand stories from several seasoned soapers who got lax and after years of soaping had horrendous accidents. Just a small droplet of lye water in your eye can happen so fast, and could blind you easily. It just isn't worth the risk! With goggles, your eyesight will always be safe.
Catherine |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 2:13:14 PM
The lye disappears after 2 weeks of curing. You need the lye for the soponification process. I had a friend show me the first time. I was a little apprehensive but once I did it there was nothing to fear.The first time is always the scariest because you just don't know. But after that I could do it by myself, no problems. I do the lye out in my laundry room. I wear gloves but no goggles. Also old clothes.
I do the base and let it cure then remelt (French milling) with goat milk and all the fragrances and herbs. And more curing. It takes longer this way but I like it. And that's the way I learned.
I hope you can find someone to help you the first time and see how you like doing it. It's really easy and not that scary.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| urban chickie |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 10:55:40 AM
I would never put down melt and pour, there are artists out there who do AMAZING things with melt and pour. But it's not soap, it's detergent, and by definition has more chemicals, more synthetics at that, than cold or hot process soaps. I am one who cannot use them without getting the itchies, even the best quality ones. But I appear to be a rarity in that. Most folk love handcrafted melt and pour, so if that interests you, go for it! I have heard that there are amazing differences in quality, so don't skimp there. I think Brambleberry is a great source. The stuff they sell in craft stores is the worse crap lol. I know, I work at one...
Catherine |
| Ric Rac and Polka Dots |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 08:40:50 AM
I too am just about ready to try soapmaking, found a book at a secondhand store that wasn't too old, but I have decided to go with the melt and pour process since I am super sensitive to chemicals. I also don't like the idea of using lye. Is there any reason why the melt and pour homemade soaps aren't as good as the ones made with the cold process? Anyone who has done both I would love your opinion on that. I hope I won't get bad news on that, as that would be discouraging. But I would rather know now before I invest in the supplies. I was going to try to get the really good bases from Brambleberry or whatever the name of that soap supply place was. They even have organic to try, so I think you might want to look into the melt and pour ones just to start. |
| urban chickie |
Posted - Apr 03 2010 : 09:04:15 AM
I taught myself to make cold process soap from books and online info. There are many myths out there, many misprinted info in books, and I luckily learned that early on so I just read lots before attempting it. You sort of get to a point where even though you haven't done it, you learn what's true and what's not. As long as you respect the ability of lye to burn and maim, you will be fine. No animals or kids in the house when making soap, too unpredictable and you can't control them if you are busy making soap. But as long as you dress properly and handle the lye right, you will be fine! I have had mild eczema issues my whole life, but they largely cleared up after I started making my own soap and other toiletries. There are SO many ways that work, it's hard to say, "do it this way." Is there anyone local who makes soap that would let you do it with them a time or two? I have a couple easy peasy formulas for nice soap but all the details on procedure, I cannot imagine typing it all out LOL!!
Catherine |
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