Teach Soap

Hello Everyone,

I am so glad I found this forum! I recently (and very randomly) decided that I want to try my hand at soap making. I don't consider myself to be artistic or even crafty, but something about making my own soap intrigues me. With that said, I have been able to get my boyfriend on board so he is willing to help me (he's 26 and I'm 25 so I think we're part of the youngin crew?)

I made one batch of M&P which went fairly smoothly, so I tried doing the swirl technique (by myself mind you). It was horrible! I melted my soap in the microwave and when I started to divide the soap into separate containers to add the color before pouring into the mold the soap began to develop a thin layer on top. My question is ... what went wrong?! I'm assuming I didn't let the soap get to the right temperature? I do have a candy thermometer, but I don't know the right temperature for the soap to be hot enough so it won't curdle yet not so hot that it will boil.

Any insight you can provide me with would be greatly appreciated as well as any tips for a first timer like me!

Thanks in advance,
Tara

Welcome!
Where did the MP base come from? I find the craft store stuff sets up very fast and it's pretty drying.

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

I got a 10lb tub from AC Moore. I can't seem to find a soap supply store near me and wanted to try it out before I ordered online. Looks like I'll be purchasing from Bramble Berry! lol Is there a specific temp that I should make sure my soap reaches? Also, is the double boiler method better than microwave?

Thanks for your response!!

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

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

Thanks for the insight. Thankfully I was able to get the soap base for 50% off so I don't feel as bad forking out money on something that doesn't work so well. I'll consider all of the soap from this base my "test" batch and once I'm confident that I know what I'm doing I will definitely place an order on BB!!

Hi, MrsPine, and welcome! I agree with everyone else about the craft store soap bases - the SFIC bases (which Bramble Berry sells) are my favorite. I bought a M&P kit at my craft store, too, when I started just to see if I liked soaping. I did not care for the bases or the colorants that came with the kit. Once you get a good base, I'll bet things will go more smoothly.

Sounds like your base started to get too cool before you had a chance to pour it and it was starting to set up. If your soap starts to get too thick of a skin or starts to get kinda thick and gelatinous, you can just nuke it for a short burst in the microwave, maybe 10 seconds. As far as temps go, try not to boil your soap. I microwave in 30-second bursts until just melted, and I check it after each burst. For pouring, I usually let it cool down to 115-120 degrees, especially if I'm doing something like layering, swirling, or double-pouring.

Have fun soaping!

_________________
- Jenny -
My soapy blog:
Follow me on my

I let mine melt most of the way, then stir til it's all melted.

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

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

_________________
- Jenny -
My soapy blog:
Follow me on my

You're welcome! Even if you can't find a supplier within driving distance, you may still be able to find one closer to you so you'll save on shipping charges by not having to ship across the country.

We would really love an east coast BB!

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