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Make It Easy:  Soap Makers  |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 17 2008 : 10:22:10 AM
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Betty - if you'd like to make soap but don't want to work with lye you could do melt and pour. It is fun, easy, and a way to get started soapmaking. I've always done cold process soap but recently started doing some melt and pour because it lets me be a little more creative with molds, colors, etc. I found a fabulous all natural soap base that I get from Old Kentucky Candle.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2008 : 10:28:33 AM
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Thanks for the responses to my question about lye. I'm remembering my grandmother's soap for the laundry of some 60 or so years ago. I watched her cutting chips of soap off the bars. It smelled terrible. I also remember my Aunt Sadie and her boiling water with the soap chips. It ate holes in my sheets. That is why I asked the question.
Connie says YES and Kay says NO. Girls, we can't have it both ways. I can believe the chemical reaction between the fat and lye, but is the non-lye really soap? Or is the Lye containing soap a detergent?
Oh, the questions. I don't want to make, but just purchasing want to know what goes into it.
Betty in Pasco |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2008 : 10:40:52 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Betty J.
Thanks for the responses to my question about lye. I'm remembering my grandmother's soap for the laundry of some 60 or so years ago. I watched her cutting chips of soap off the bars. It smelled terrible. I also remember my Aunt Sadie and her boiling water with the soap chips. It ate holes in my sheets. That is why I asked the question.
Connie says YES and Kay says NO. Girls, we can't have it both ways. I can believe the chemical reaction between the fat and lye, but is the non-lye really soap? Or is the Lye containing soap a detergent?
Oh, the questions. I don't want to make, but just purchasing want to know what goes into it.
Betty in Pasco
Hi Betty,
melt and pour soap has lye in it. Melt and pour is basically already made for you, for those who dont want to make the soap from scratch.
Connie
http://flowerchild-lifeinthegarden.blogspot.com/
Also visit my online store @ www.NatureMaiden.com -Handcrafted Bath & Body Products, including soaps, salves, salts, lip balms, lotion bars, and much more! |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2008 : 10:43:44 AM
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Thanks Connie.
Betty in Pasco |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2008 : 1:59:40 PM
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Betty - all soap has to have lye in order to make it. I was just saying that if you wanted soap and you didn't personally want to handle lye, that you could buy a pre-made base and all you have to do is melt and pour it into molds. I'm sure the soap that your grandmother made was made with lard. The lard is probably what made it smell funny.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2008 : 2:09:56 PM
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Thanks Kay. I think I have it straight now.
Betty in Pasco |
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KansasConnie
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Connie
Atchison County
Kansas
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2008 : 10:24:45 AM
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Has anyone felted wool or wool washcloths around the soap? I make soap and my sister crochets...thought it would be a fun project for us. (I think) I understand the process, but wondered if anyone has tried it!
Kansas Connie |
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2008 : 11:48:03 AM
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Regarding lye in soap: If you look up soap in dictionary.com, here's the first definition: "a substance used for washing and cleansing purposes, usually made by treating a fat with an alkali, as sodium or potassium hydroxide, and consisting chiefly of the sodium or potassium salts of the acids contained in the fat." And if you look in any other dictionary, it will tell you the same thing. Soap is made by combining fats with sodium hydroxide.
That being said, here is a delightful explanation of what happens to the lye and oil in a properly mixed batch of soap. Consider the chocolate cake. You combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk and butter and wind up with a combined beautiful cake, but you wouldn't just eat the plain flour or cocoa or baking soda or raw egg...through the miracle of kitchen chemistry, you now have a delicious cake.
Same with soap, you take your oils, the water, the sodium hydroxide and your essential oils or fragrance and any other additives and combine them all together and through the miracle of soap-making chemistry, you have a luscious bar of hand made soap!
Have fun! Judy
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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LindaEllen
True Blue Farmgirl
275 Posts
Linda
Missouri
USA
275 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2008 : 06:56:26 AM
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I made my first batch of soap, and you all help inspire me to do so  , the fear is gone but the precautions of handling lye will always be,I never want to get lacks on that. OH boy was it fun. I used an old wand stick to mix it with and it burnt out, hummmm but it was worth it cuz my soap turned out.
I used one of the simplest recipes using olive oil , added some lavender oil and some lavender buds that I had saved from the plant. Sprinkled on top. And wow was it fun to cut and shape into rustic homestead bars of real soap.
Now I'm ready to tackle more saop with all the scents and herbs I can use.
Judy, you know thats a good way of looking at making soap, just like a cake : ). I really had to catch the family before they took a bite of my soap that is curing on the dining room table, it looks like cake or candy, good enough to eat
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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Edited by - LindaEllen on Sep 23 2008 06:57:30 AM |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2008 : 4:46:01 PM
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Here's a picture of part my farmers market booth. I hope it comes out.
Roses are red, Violets are blue; But they don't get around Like the dandelions do.
Slim Acres
www.goodnaturedearthling.com |
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LindaEllen
True Blue Farmgirl
275 Posts
Linda
Missouri
USA
275 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2008 : 6:53:45 PM
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Thank you Brew Crew : )
Wow oh Wow Wildcrafter, What a booth with all those beautiful soaps. Great job, you are a soap maker for sure.
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2008 : 11:24:23 PM
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Linda - your soap is gorgeous!!! I love how you got all the swirls on top and I love the way it is cut. You did a great job. Did you use anything else besides olive oil?
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 03:02:18 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wildcrafter
Here's a picture of part my farmers market booth. I hope it comes out.
Roses are red, Violets are blue; But they don't get around Like the dandelions do.
Slim Acres
www.goodnaturedearthling.com
NICE Soap, and the booth looks great! I am hooked on making soap as well, I have a list of the scents I have yet to make. So far I have over 30 Varieties.
Connie
http://flowerchild-lifeinthegarden.blogspot.com/
Also visit my online store @ www.NatureMaiden.com -Handcrafted Bath & Body Products, including soaps, salves, salts, lip balms, lotion bars, and much more! |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 03:08:24 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by LindaEllen
I made my first batch of soap, and you all help inspire me to do so , the fear is gone but the precautions of handling lye will always be,I never want to get lacks on that. OH boy was it fun. I used an old wand stick to mix it with and it burnt out, hummmm but it was worth it cuz my soap turned out.
I used one of the simplest recipes using olive oil , added some lavender oil and some lavender buds that I had saved from the plant. Sprinkled on top. And wow was it fun to cut and shape into rustic homestead bars of real soap.
Now I'm ready to tackle more saop with all the scents and herbs I can use.
Judy, you know thats a good way of looking at making soap, just like a cake : ). I really had to catch the family before they took a bite of my soap that is curing on the dining room table, it looks like cake or candy, good enough to eat
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
Your soap looks beautiful! I LOVE making SOAP!
Connie
http://flowerchild-lifeinthegarden.blogspot.com/
Also visit my online store @ www.NatureMaiden.com -Handcrafted Bath & Body Products, including soaps, salves, salts, lip balms, lotion bars, and much more! |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 07:40:42 AM
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The soap in the box on the right is my Grandma's recipe for her laundry and floor washing soap. Very simple recipe of lard, lye, water, borax and ammonia. I added Orange and Lemon EOs. This recipe makes a great laundry stain stick. I sell a lot of them and my bookkeeper calls them "a washday miracle." Grandma really knew how to make soap!
Linda, your soap looks lovely! I checked out your blog. I love the pictures!!!
PS...I felt soap for my holiday fairs. I wish I had the time to do it all year round. It's easy to do, but with the carding of the wool and the making of the soap and then the felting....it's a process to say the least. I'm hopefully going to corrall some of my apprentices from summer to help me get ready for my fairs.
Roses are red, Violets are blue; But they don't get around Like the dandelions do.
Slim Acres
www.goodnaturedearthling.com |
Edited by - Wildcrafter on Sep 24 2008 07:43:17 AM |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 12:53:51 PM
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I want to make a cleaning soap that I can grate for my laundry soap and all purpose cleaner. This would be for my own use only. Sounds like the lard soap might be just the thing.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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LindaEllen
True Blue Farmgirl
275 Posts
Linda
Missouri
USA
275 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 7:10:28 PM
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therusticcottage, thank you, on the swirls, I think I forgot i was making soap and thought it was frosting on a cake. It just traced like that. I added some lavender oil to it.
Thank you, Connie/ naturemaiden, Wow 30 Varieties, I want to do more, lol.
Thank you Wildcrafter, and ths for dropping by my blog. I have a lot of simple fun with that
Now I have a concern, I just read something about a false trace in soap making, it was not detailed or anything. So what is that? Could my first batch of soap have a false trace and I not know?
Thanks for any info about this,OH there will be many more ? to ask from a new soap maker too!!!
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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Edited by - LindaEllen on Sep 24 2008 7:12:10 PM |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 8:01:54 PM
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False trace is when you're stirring and it looks thick, but it is has little bumps in it. Think of what an orange skin looks like...kind of bumpy like that. If you pour this into the molds at this point, you run the risk of it separating in the molds. You have to keep stirring until it's CREAMY and thick. Clear as mud, hey?
Roses are red, Violets are blue; But they don't get around Like the dandelions do.
Slim Acres
www.goodnaturedearthling.com |
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LindaEllen
True Blue Farmgirl
275 Posts
Linda
Missouri
USA
275 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 8:14:10 PM
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Whew, thanks Wildcrafter, my batch did not have the orange skin look, lol, But I did burn out the eletric wand stick. I should have let it rest , stir by hand then use the stick again. It was an old one, I tried it and its shot. I will know better next time.
I'm looking all over for things that might make nice molds. Going to gather more herbs to use for soap making. I even talked to a lady that works in a butcher shop to get some animal fat to render down, see how that works and if its worth doing it that way.
Another ?. I'm having a hard time finding lye. Has anyone ever did it the really ol fashion way by using wood ashes? How hard would that be to make lye from that? I would think it would be good to know how to do just incase lye would be really hard to get.
Would the soap be just as nice if using wood ash?
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 03:24:46 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by LindaEllen
Whew, thanks Wildcrafter, my batch did not have the orange skin look, lol, But I did burn out the eletric wand stick. I should have let it rest , stir by hand then use the stick again. It was an old one, I tried it and its shot. I will know better next time.
I'm looking all over for things that might make nice molds. Going to gather more herbs to use for soap making. I even talked to a lady that works in a butcher shop to get some animal fat to render down, see how that works and if its worth doing it that way.
Another ?. I'm having a hard time finding lye. Has anyone ever did it the really ol fashion way by using wood ashes? How hard would that be to make lye from that? I would think it would be good to know how to do just incase lye would be really hard to get.
Would the soap be just as nice if using wood ash?
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
Hi Linda,
For lye, I always order it from http://www.aaa-chemicals.com/. They have reasonable prices, and no hassle. I tried ordering from someone once ebay, and he sent the wrong type of lye, he wouldn't pay to ship the wrong one back, and he was nasty, oh what an experience. I stick with AAA now. They even offer a coupon from time to time when you order.
With the stick blender: I have found that when I am mixing with my electric stick blender, I do it for a couple of minutes and then stop for a few minutes. Then go back. I use to stand there and just keep running it until it would get hot. I found that doing it in intervals is fine, and my soap comes out great every time. I also figured that if you compared the amount of stirring from a stick blender to stirring literally by hand with a spoon, the soap is getting well enough stirring with the stick blender, even when you take 5 minutes (or even more) breaks in between.
For tallow and other soap supplies I use: http://www.SOAPERSCHOICE.COM -I have read about rendering my own tallow, but it seems like a lot of work. Another EXCELLENT online resource I use a lot, (just got 2 orders from them yesterday!) is http://www.OILSBYNATURE.COM -their prices are competitive with soaps choice, and some things are cheaper. I must also add, there is an EXCELLENT source for essential oils on Ebay, he has a lot, great prices, and he ships FAST - http://stores.ebay.com/WFMED
I have plans for making probably at least 10 more varieties of soap, I love making soap out of everything I have on my website. I have many more products planned for 2009. I am doing a local fall festival soon. Can't wait.
Happy soaping!
Connie
http://flowerchild-lifeinthegarden.blogspot.com/
Also visit my online store @ www.NatureMaiden.com -Handcrafted Bath & Body Products, including soaps, salves, salts, lip balms, lotion bars, and much more! |
Edited by - naturemaiden on Sep 25 2008 03:35:56 AM |
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LindaEllen
True Blue Farmgirl
275 Posts
Linda
Missouri
USA
275 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:16:06 AM
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Connie, thanks for all those links, I will check them out. Plus I will be picking up another eletric wand and do as you suggest.
Have a great time with your fall booth, that is going to be great fun. Its gotta be fun making up all those new varieties of soap
We are going to a fall primative festival next month, they will have soap making as one of their featured events. Probably rendering the fats outside in a big iron pot. It will be fun and interesting.
thanks again
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:16:46 AM
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I stick blend for 5 or 6 minutes tops. That's all the soap needs to be blended. Then add the herbs/EOs/colors. I only use natural ingredients and don't use fragrance oils or synthetic colors. If you use a inexpensive stick blender, it gets hot. I have a Kitchen Aid stick blender and it just keeps on going batch after batch. But, if you're only doing a small batch every once in a while, the inexpensive one is fine.
About the lye, I get mine from Tarr, LLC in Auburn WA. They only sell it in 50 pound bags. It's a good price if you can use that much. I go through many bags a year. I make a lot of soap.
Roses are red, Violets are blue; But they don't get around Like the dandelions do.
Slim Acres
www.goodnaturedearthling.com |
Edited by - Wildcrafter on Sep 25 2008 06:18:13 AM |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:24:37 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by LindaEllen
Connie, thanks for all those links, I will check them out. Plus I will be picking up another eletric wand and do as you suggest.
Have a great time with your fall booth, that is going to be great fun. Its gotta be fun making up all those new varieties of soap
We are going to a fall primative festival next month, they will have soap making as one of their featured events. Probably rendering the fats outside in a big iron pot. It will be fun and interesting.
thanks again
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
Your So welcome!
http://flowerchild-lifeinthegarden.blogspot.com/
Also visit my online store @ www.NatureMaiden.com -Handcrafted Bath & Body Products, including soaps, salves, salts, lip balms, lotion bars, and much more! |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:25:46 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wildcrafter
I stick blend for 5 or 6 minutes tops. That's all the soap needs to be blended. Then add the herbs/EOs/colors. I only use natural ingredients and don't use fragrance oils or synthetic colors. If you use a inexpensive stick blender, it gets hot. I have a Kitchen Aid stick blender and it just keeps on going batch after batch. But, if you're only doing a small batch every once in a while, the inexpensive one is fine.
About the lye, I get mine from Tarr, LLC in Auburn WA. They only sell it in 50 pound bags. It's a good price if you can use that much. I go through many bags a year. I make a lot of soap.
Roses are red, Violets are blue; But they don't get around Like the dandelions do.
Slim Acres
www.goodnaturedearthling.com
I will check out that lye source, thanks
http://flowerchild-lifeinthegarden.blogspot.com/
Also visit my online store @ www.NatureMaiden.com -Handcrafted Bath & Body Products, including soaps, salves, salts, lip balms, lotion bars, and much more! |
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Make It Easy: Soap Makers |
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Soap Makers
