Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Soap Making: The Aftermath

Well, here are the soapy results of the mad scientist get up from yesterday! After 24 hours the "loaf" was ready to be cut. I did not have anything that really made a good mold - so I used a milk carton & a mini loaf pan for the "overflow". I think, if I continue, I need to get a decent mold. I just want simple, rectangular, square or round bars. These bars still need 2-3 weeks to cure which, as I understand it from soap guru Vicki, both hardens the bars as well as produce a milder (less alkaline) bar. I used a scrap of the soap & it worked just fine - a little low on lather perhaps - but I think that improves with time as well- and I also had rubber gloves on when I tried it. This is all so mysterious - I have so much to learn ! The last picture (below) is the hand cream. It's dark because of the natural beeswax I used in it. I had to re-batch it because it separated. It is now a bit more stiff that I would like, but it works really well & it has enough beeswax in it that it really protects my hands.

Not to worry, I have not given up my fiber fanaticism for the world of soap suds. I HAVE been working on other things too! Aunties quilt is almost done (and it is a B-I-G queen size), my latest knitting project is progressing well, I have been keeping up with my paints - and mucking about with bits & pieces of fiber &fabric for an art quilt. More on all of these soon.

2 comments:

La Tea Dah said...

I wish I could smell your soaps! They look really fun and inviting! I've always wanted to make soap but never have. I've been searching for the perfect vegan soap recipe, and someday, I may find one. Then I can try this fun adventure into bubble land!

:) LaTeaDah

Unknown said...

this is my first time visiting your blog and boy, do we have a lot in common! First of all wanted to say My thoughts are with you on the loss of your beloved dog...they sure manage to get into our hearts just like a child dont they? Time makes things a little better but what a hard thing to go though.....
Just had to comment on your soap too...I have made it and just loved it and looking at yours, I just have to say that I love the rough shape of it..To me that is part of the charm of homemade soap..I am enjoying your blog and will visit again...Melinda

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