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Make It Easy:  Soap Makers  |
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Suzan
True Blue Farmgirl
659 Posts
suzanne
duncannon
pa
USA
659 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 11:51:43 AM
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Lori, where is Sunfeather located?
Oops, nevermind, I found it on their website - Potsdam...my son went to college there and we have a cabin north of Watertown. |
Edited by - Suzan on Nov 24 2008 11:55:36 AM |
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Suzan
True Blue Farmgirl
659 Posts
suzanne
duncannon
pa
USA
659 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 11:52:46 AM
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| Can someone explain the difference between cold process and hot process? I've been reading but can't get a handle on it... |
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lorijarrett
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Lori
Norfolk
NY
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 11:56:09 AM
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Just outside of Potsdam, NY closer to Parishville, NY. They are out in a rural area so not hard to find just a bit of a drive. Hope this helps.
quote:
Originally posted by Suzan
Lori, where is Sunfeather located?
www.farmgirlinthemaking.blogspot.com
Farmgirl at Heart #397
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 12:56:04 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Suzan
Can someone explain the difference between cold process and hot process? I've been reading but can't get a handle on it...
In a nut shell, with cold process, the fats and lye solution are stirred, put in the mold, taken out of the mold after 1 or 2 days and let cure for 4 - 6 weeks. It takes that long for the saponification process to fully happen.
Hot process, the way I do it, the soap ingredients are stirred and the pot is put in the oven at a low temp for 1 hour then poured into the molds. The saponification process is complete in that one hour. The molds simply give the soap it's shape. I make most of my soaps this way since I sell a ton of soap and don't have the time to wait 4-6 weeks.
This is a very quick answer. I'm sure others many have more detailed answers for you.
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 Nov 24 2008 12:56:42 PM |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 8:01:01 PM
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It's my understanding that saponification is complete in about 24 hours, and that the 3-4 week cure time is to let any extra liquid (water) in the soap evaporate out. This way ensures that your soap lasts as long as possible.
Hot process soap has had much of the liquid evaporated out during the cook, hence the shortened cure time.
HTH!
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 8:16:09 PM
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Not so, actually. If you use a bar of cold process soap at say, a week and a half, you'll find it to be very drying because not all the lye molecules have bonded with fat molecules. The water has nothing to do with the saponification process of fats and lye bonding together. I do a water discount on both cold and process soaps so that there is less to evaporate. I don't have the shrinkage that full water volume soap has.
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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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 - Nov 25 2008 : 2:34:43 PM
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Well, what I can say is that I know that forum. A few of the people on that forum are good experienced people. Some are not and some are not very nice. I left that forum a long time ago because of the meanness and too much bad information given by people with very little experience. Not all that is on the internet is true or useful information, but much is taken as gospel.
Where I am coming from is 19 years of continual soap making experience and I have been teaching people how to make soap for 17.
What anyone chooses to believe is their own choice. I am not interested in getting into a debate about it. In fact, anyone can either take or leave my information. I am too much of a pragmatic person to get worried about that.
If you like, you may want to test their theory and my theory. I know from my experience that cold process soap that is cured for less than a month is very drying to the skin because of the free lye that has not yet bonded. I would never ever use a bar of cold process soap after 24 hours. ouch.
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 Nov 25 2008 2:36:15 PM |
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Holiday Angel
True Blue Farmgirl
444 Posts
Pauline
Sweet Home
Oregon
USA
444 Posts |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2008 : 6:24:45 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Holiday Angel
Is anyone making goats milk soap and on a scale of no knowledge at all, how difficult is it to make?
Blessings,
Pauline
"Fairytales don't tell children that dragons exist, children already know that. Fairytales tell children that dragons can be killed."
- Criminal Minds
President Heavenly Angels in Need Children's Division
http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com
Chicken Roost Blog
http://chickenroost.blogspot.com/
America (Support our Soldiers)
http://sugarslifeblog.blogspot.com/
Holiday Blog for Children
http://paulinesholidayblog.blogspot.com/
I've made goats milk soap and it is fairly easy. The lather it creates is quite nice too. Even if you do not add any scent, it ends up having a nice natural aroma. It's great.
http://site.naturemaiden.com/blog1/
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 - Dec 08 2008 : 6:28:42 PM
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Angel.... I'm glad you posted. I thought I was a thread killer! I don't want to be that person.
Goats milk soap is very easy but can look weird. You can use all milk instead of water or just a portion. I use all goats milk. Make sure the milk is very cold, some people freeze it in ice cube trays, but I don't. When you put the lye in it, the milk turns orange and looks like a science project. Don't worry, stir, stir and let cool before adding to the oils. Goats milk soap usually turns a tan color. Some people use goats milk powder instead of the liquid milk. You can add the powder during the stir.
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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ThePixiesPlayhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Terri
Biggs
CA
127 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2008 : 9:04:22 PM
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I wouldn't use soap that was under a week old. I start testing it at 5 days old........just to test lather, etc.
It gets milder the longer it sits, as well as losing moisture. My hands will crack and bleed when using "immature" soap.....
very drying, due to residual lye not yet used up. Granted, *most* of the lye is gone, some does remain until fully cured. I would never dream of selling or giving a soap that was under 4-6 weeks old. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2008 : 12:54:22 AM
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I do my soap CPOP - cold process oven process. I pour it in the mold and put the mold in the over on 170 degrees for 2 hours, turn off the oven, and leave it in there overnight. You can use the soap right away as it has cooked but it still needs to sit for at least 3 weeks for the moisture to evaporate and get harder. The longer soap sits the better it gets. I take a slice off mine at 24 hours and wash my hands with it to see how it lathers - works just great. It just lasts longer the longer it cures.
I've only done goat's milk twice and I froze the milk. The first batch was a total disaster and the second batch was great. I didn't sell it - just for my own use. Just make sure you work with cooler oils. The goal is to not have the sugars in the milk burn from the lye.
Handmade Soap and More! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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homesteaderbelle
True Blue Farmgirl
391 Posts
Belle
USA
391 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 08:04:39 AM
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Hi, I have made soap the old lye and fat. What do you use for molds? I used a plastic container but looking for some better ideas.
Rae
I love living in the country!! |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 08:13:05 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Old Spirit
Hi, I have made soap the old lye and fat. What do you use for molds? I used a plastic container but looking for some better ideas.
Rae
I love living in the country!!
Hi Rae, I use wooden soap molds, you can find many on ebay. You can also line a rugged cardboard box (which i've done) with a plastic bag and use that. Just cover it up with a blanket when you are done. A shoebox works great too!
Connie
http://site.naturemaiden.com/blog1/
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 - Jan 09 2009 : 08:18:13 AM
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I use wooden log molds that I line with butcher paper. Works great. You can try Jo-Anne Fabrics or Micheal's if you have those in your area. They carry all kinds of different shaped plastic molds.
I woke up on January 1st and it was 2009.
And it's been that way ever since!
www.goodnaturedearthling.com
Cedar Mountain Herb School |
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gratefully0515
Farmgirl in Training
12 Posts
Angela
Fort Wayne
IN
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 11:58:13 AM
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| Hi! This is my first time posting a message. I am new to the farmgirl connection. I was so excited to see this soapmaking topic. I know nothing about making soap, but love to use it. I would like to try to make it for myself and kids. Can anyone give me instructions, tips or a first time recipe. Anything is appreciated! |
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ThePixiesPlayhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Terri
Biggs
CA
127 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 12:07:45 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by gratefully0515
Hi! This is my first time posting a message. I am new to the farmgirl connection. I was so excited to see this soapmaking topic. I know nothing about making soap, but love to use it. I would like to try to make it for myself and kids. Can anyone give me instructions, tips or a first time recipe. Anything is appreciated!
http://www.millersoap.com/ is a great place to start.....make sure to read everything!
In regards to molds I have learned you can use anything.....Pringles cans, PVC pipe, boxes.......you name it. Just make sure to line the molds.
My hubby built me a beautiful 3lb mold, that can be divided into 1lb batches.
I just wish the side came off for ease of removing the soap!
________________________
Farmgirl #428
"It is the mark of an educated man to be able to entertain a thought, without accepting it"
Aristotle |
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KansasConnie
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Connie
Atchison County
Kansas
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 1:17:54 PM
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When making goat's milk soap I found that freezing the milk in a plastic bag keeps the milk from turning dark. I usually work with 5 oz of milk and I add the lye very slowly...about a tsp at a time...and this seems to keep the temp way down. By the time all the lye is added, the frozen milk has melted and I'm ready to add my oils. The soap comes out a nice ivory color.
Kansas Connie |
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gratefully0515
Farmgirl in Training
12 Posts
Angela
Fort Wayne
IN
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 2:55:35 PM
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| Thank you so much for the link to millersoap. I can see I have a lot to learn, and some note taking before I begin. I am looking forward to trying somthing new. I appreciate your help, love your quote. |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 8:59:31 PM
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If you're doing cold process soap, you can not use aluminum of any kind either as your stirring pot or any mold. It will react with the ingredients and you'll lose both your soap and your container.
I woke up on January 1st and it was 2009.
And it's been that way ever since!
www.goodnaturedearthling.com
Cedar Mountain Herb School |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Make It Easy: Soap Makers |
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Soap Makers
