Teach Soap

Hi y'all! By the end of this week I'll have all of my supplies to start my new hobby...HOMEMADE SOAP!
I've been watching lots of videos and reading forums. So much to look forward to making soap!
I'm thinking about making HP for my first batch since I can use it sooner than CP. I would like to use a
Fo even though it's my first time. I do have a couple that doesn't accelerate so I hope it works out.
I've made some molds out of shoe boxes. I'm hoping to also purchase a cheese slicer to cut the soap.
Slowly but surely I'll have everything. Can't wait!
Any suggestions on the first time HP? Btw... I do have all of my safety gear ready!!

Welcome to the addiction!
Sounds like you've done your homework, too! You should be fine. Pick a simple recipe without fancy colors or ingredients, run it through a lye calculator, have everything ready before you start, relax and have fun!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

Thanks Linda!
I've decided to use Anne Marie's "Lots of Lather" recipe.
It looks simple and I'm so excited to start this new hobby!
I'll be going to Kohls later today to purchase a blender!
I don't have a proper mold yet. I want to make sure I can do this before spending too much money..lol

LOLOL You may as well get some molds, if you are like me you will be totally addicted to soap making! But really almost anything will work for a mold if you line it.

Welcome!
Whether cold process or hot process, both types of soaps still benefit from a full cure of 4-6 weeks.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I will definitely be lining the molds. I've heard and read many soapers stress the importance
of lining the molds. I also have some crystal light empty containers to use in case I have left overs
with this first batch.

Thanks for letting me know about the hot process wait time. I'm probably going to stick mainly with
Cp. It looks like CP is lot quicker to make!

For future reference, which type of colorant do you guys suggest for beginners in CP?

For colorants, try BrambleBerry micas.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Thanks Irena! I'll be placing an order soon with BB! I've heard all good things about their products!

sethkaylyn,

Welcome to the craft! Once you get hooked, (and that will happen soon) I suggest getting Brambleberry's 10" silicone loaf mold. It works like a charm with no lining.

As for colorants, my current faves are Fizzy Lemonade, and Electric Bubblegum, both also from BB.

I've only done Cold Process, but let us know how your HP comes out! You're going to love using your own soap!

I love love love the Brambleberry 10" silicone mold! I have spent (wasted) so much time and money trying to find a cheaper mold, make one, buying used ones at a discount - with molds, it's better to just spend the money and get EXACTLY what you want!

I have been very pleased with the BB micas and oxides. In CP and HP, you will need a lot of mica to get the shiny/sparkly effect to come through.

I know it's common wisdom to make a plain - no color, no fragrance - batch for your first soap, but I say, jump on in if the mood strikes! BB has many, MANY well behaved colors and fragrances so you can easily make your first batch colored and scented!