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Make It Easy:  Soap Makers  |
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LindaEllen
True Blue Farmgirl
275 Posts
Linda
Missouri
USA
275 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:37:34 AM
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Wildcrafter, Only 5 or 6 min, OK, I'm gettim me a Kitchen Aid  . But if I see a cheapy at a garage sell I'll pick up. I will just be doing small batches tell I have this soap making under my belt , before the big batches.
My wand stick was getting hot and thought , she's go'na blow, that mixture was just to thick for the ol wand. Can you over mix? I think I might have cuz my soap sure got to a cutting stage over night. The mold box it was in got warm, covered it up for that Sopon---- (sp) thing it goes through. It cut up nicely the next morning. My DH thought I had something good to eat for Sunday morning breakfast as it layed out on our dining room table for a photo shoot .
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 : 06:42:58 AM
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Saponification...when the lye molecules and the fat molecules latch on to each other and form long chains....which ends up being soap when all the molecules are latched up!
I make 10 pound batches. Not overly big, but bigger than what most people do when they are hobby soaping. If you overmix, it just gets reeeeeeally thick and hard to pour or do swirls. I don't worry about covering my CP soap anymore. I just put the molds out in my shop and they usually end up gelling on their own. And if they don't gel, no biggie. I make 90% of my soap hot process and that is super gelled in the oven.
Poor hubby...wanted a treat!
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 06:44:03 AM |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 08:13:05 AM
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Linda - I have an Oster stick blender that I've had for 2 years. But when this one is done I will be getting a Kitchen Aid. I usually use it for about 1 minute, then stir the soap with the blender turned off, then turn it on for 1 minute, etc. This helps to keep the blender from overheating. Some people like to stir their soap until thick trace. I stir until mine begins to look like runny pudding then add any additives and scent.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Sep 29 2008 : 8:16:34 PM
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I think I may try my hand at soap making. My husband found in the trash a big old white enamel roasting pan that looks like it would be perfect for a batch of soap to make soap loaves - what do you think?
Does anyone make a pumpkin soap with real canned pure pumpkin and cinnamon and cloves - grubby and stains washcloths but is yummy! I bought some a year ago on Ebay and now can't find it again. I was disappointed with one I bought this year - if you do let me know and direct me to your site for some please.
What is the most important tips you can give for making soap?
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
Farmgirl Sister #59
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 29 2008 : 10:46:30 PM
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Kathy - you should try making soap. It is so much fun!! The enamel roasting pan will work as long as it doesn't have any chips in the enamel. If it does then it will react with the lye. I would recommend getting a stainless steel stockpot - maybe 8 or 12 qt - the high sides will keep you from having splashes.
I have heard of people making soap with pumpkin but I've not tried it. Pumpkin is great for the skin as it has lots of natural enzymes which help to remove dead skin cells.
The most important tip is safety!! Read, read, read and become familiar with the soapmaking steps. Get an easy, small recipe to try and just go for it! You'll love it. Can you tell I get excited when I talk about soap??
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
Edited by - therusticcottage on Sep 29 2008 10:46:55 PM |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 02:51:49 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
Good morning,
Just wondered, when you say you stick blend for about5 minutes or so, you mean even if the soap does not come to trace? I usually blend until my soap comes to trace. But I find that I can take nearly 6-7 minutes break in between mixing.
What kind of soap do you make?
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 30 2008 : 03:04:40 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/
Linda-
Almost forgot! I have searched high & low for soap molds before making soap. Some wooden molds are SO expensive. I am giving you the email of a wonderful woman who sells 5 lb molds(lids included) for 15.00 each! With 1 batch of soap, I get 17 -1" bars out of it. Her name is Carolyn, and her email is: pebblecreekprims@tds.net -She is on Etsy as well, but not currently selling anything. http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5561978
I have purchased a total of 10- 5 lb molds from her. She ships fast, is very nice, and when I bought 3 I got 1 free! If you are interested in wooden loaf soap molds, I'd buy from her -because with all my research, I have NEVER found a better deal. You can email her, tell her I sent ya and see if she has any available.
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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LindaEllen
True Blue Farmgirl
275 Posts
Linda
Missouri
USA
275 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 06:46:20 AM
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Thank You Connie, what a deal. I'll have to get in touch with her cuz I got the soap craze somethin good!
I can't wait to try all the fruits and veggies some of you put in your soaps, like the post above using pumpkin and those of you that use cucumber in your soaps. It got to be so much fun coming up with different scents.
On a side note:
Sometimes I get soap and soup mixed up, when reading and typing, its ok I like em both. Does anyone else have that happen?
We are getting that wonderful fall chill this week , hot cocoa time
Thanks all for the great tips and links.
Happy soup/soap stirring
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 08:40:04 AM
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For using as a mold, could I use the big low roasting pan made of enamel - there are just two tiny chips out of the corner, don't think it would hurt the soap much.
What are the stick blenders you are talking about?
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
Farmgirl Sister #59
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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Suzan
True Blue Farmgirl
659 Posts
suzanne
duncannon
pa
USA
659 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 09:09:53 AM
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| I'm really enjoying this thread, have been following all info on MJF about soapmaking. My sister and a friend and I are planning this as an "after Christmas" weekend, none of us have ever made soap before. I've been reading all I can get my hands on, but learning the most from informal chats with you girls. Thanks! |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 11:20:14 AM
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Stick blenders are like a mixer. Here's a link to a picture of one.
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CSB-77-Blender-Chopper-Attachments/dp/B0006G3JRO
I don't run my stick blender until the soap traces as I don't want to burn out the motor. I blend for a minute or so then turn it off and stir with the blender for a bit. I keep doing this until the soap traces.
Thanks so much for the info on the soap molds! $15 is a great price. You could use the roasting pan. You want to line your molds with freezer paper (at least that's what I do) with the shiny side out. Then when the soap has been sitting for 24 hours you can pull it out of the mold, peel off the paper, and cut. I just tried using a Pringle's can as a soap mold and it worked great. No lining was needed and when the soap was done I snipped the edge of the can and peeled it off the soap. Kind of like peeling open the tubes that biscuits come in. Perfectly round soap. The can held about 2 lbs.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
Edited by - therusticcottage on Sep 30 2008 11:24:14 AM |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 11:47:36 AM
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[/quote] Good morning,
Just wondered, when you say you stick blend for about5 minutes or so, you mean even if the soap does not come to trace? I usually blend until my soap comes to trace. But I find that I can take nearly 6-7 minutes break in between mixing.
What kind of soap do you make?
Connie
[/quote]
I stick blend continuously for 5-6 minutes. I never let it sit and break up the blending. Personally, I don't see the sense in it. The blending or stirring is what starts the saponification process. Why start and stop the process over and over? I make a ton of soap and don't have the time to wait anyways. I stick blend and "git r' done!" I make both HP and CP soap. You can look on my website and see what I do. www.goodnaturedearthling.com
PS....the cheaper stick blenders get hot, but my Kitchen Aid does not.
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 30 2008 11:50:38 AM |
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poverty girl
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Kristin
Fremont
Ut
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2008 : 08:13:47 AM
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Connie,
Just visited your site; Wonderful!! I sent my information for a wholesale account, I own a small store in Utah. Would love to feature your products!
Kristin
Farmgirl Sister #334
"There ain't no time for looking pretty when you've gotta slop the pigs."--Haddy Rennet |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2008 : 09:58:46 AM
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I prefer to start and stop so that I don't burn out the motor on my stick blender and also to check for false trace. My soap traces within 5 to 10 minutes. But I only stop long enough to stir the soap around to check for trace - maybe 10 seconds or so.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
Edited by - therusticcottage on Oct 01 2008 10:04:02 AM |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2008 : 10:04:33 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by poverty girl
Connie,
Just visited your site; Wonderful!! I sent my information for a wholesale account, I own a small store in Utah. Would love to feature your products!
Kristin
Farmgirl Sister #334
"There ain't no time for looking pretty when you've gotta slop the pigs."--Haddy Rennet
Hi Kristen,
Thanks, I just sent you an email.
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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lorijarrett
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Lori
Norfolk
NY
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 06:42:57 AM
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Hey everyone, I am considering making soap. I see a lot of postings and will keep watching for hints and tricks but is there a good starting point either a website or book that I should look at? Also is there a nice basic recipe out there for beginners? I am going to try to research but am also cooking and cleaning today along with making ornaments and entertaining my wonderful SIL who is coming over for a nice visit! You guys are great and I just look forward everyday coming to this forum and reading posts while sipping my cup 'o joe! Take care.
Lori
Farmgirl at Heart #397
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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lorijarrett
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Lori
Norfolk
NY
USA
112 Posts |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 09:22:31 AM
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I'm teaching a soapmaking workshop in February. Both hot and cold process soap. If anyone lives in the area and wants to learn, let me know. www.goodnaturedearthling.com
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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lorijarrett
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Lori
Norfolk
NY
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 09:58:01 AM
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I wish! It would be a bit of a travel for me. LOL It does remind me though of looking to see if anyone around here teaches soapmaking. Hope you have a great day!
Farmgirl at Heart #397
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
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lorijarrett
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Lori
Norfolk
NY
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 06:28:23 AM
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Thanks again for all the resources. We have a soap "factory" not to far from here that employs women who are disadvantaged or trying to get out of domestic situations and need to support themselves while learning a skill, least that is how they got started. I am going to make a trip there to see what they have for soap to give for christmas then get learning to make my own. The business is Sunfeather Soaps. I dont' know if anyone has heard about it before but they are great. Here's the link in case anyone want's to take a peak.
www.sunfeather.com
I know there are a lot of talented soapmakers here, I would love to barter for soap if anyone is interested. I do a lot of handpainted country type stuff, have some crocheted wash clothes, etc. Just email me if interested. Will get some pictures posted soon, just in case!
Lori
Farmgirl at Heart #397
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lorijarrett
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Lori
Norfolk
NY
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 08:37:50 AM
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Below is my Blog and a few pictures of what I do are on there if anyone was interested in my previous post of bartering for soap. Thanks!
Lori
http://farmgirlinthemaking.blogspot.com/
Farmgirl at Heart #397
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 10:45:20 AM
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Lori - I think that Sunfeather is owned by Sandy Maine! She is very well known in the soaping community. I have several of her books. Everything that she teaches is all natural ingredients and organic. Is there a possibility that you would be able to work there?? You could learn soapmaking from one of the best!
Handmade Soap and More! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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lorijarrett
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Lori
Norfolk
NY
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 10:58:56 AM
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That's a good idea! It would be a bit of a drive for me though. I think it's like 45 minutes from here. Normally it would be fine but the winters up here are brutal and most of that travel would be through winding hills to get there. Something to look at though, I will start at her website. Thanks for the suggestion!
www.farmgirlinthemaking.blogspot.com
Farmgirl at Heart #397
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Make It Easy: Soap Makers |
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Soap Makers
