Teach Soap

Hello everyone!
Obviously, I'm new here, and very new to soapmaking. I haven't actually made any soap yet, but I've just ordered a couple of books, and can't wait to read them. I really want to try my hand at cp, but have to admit that using lye scares me (I have a little one in the house). I've read that as a beginner it's best to start out with m&p, so that is what I'm doing. I do have a couple of questions that I hope you all won't mind helping out with.

1. Where is the best place to order soap bases? I live on the east coast, if this helps. Also, I'd rather use a base that has no chemicals in them....if this is possible? This is the main reason why I've stopped buying factory made soap - waayyy too many chemicals!

2. Where do you all get your supplies, such as molds, oils, colors, etc? Is any one place more preferable than others?

I guess this will do for now, but I'm sure I'll have more later. Thanks!!

Welcome! We recommend Bramble Berry (http://www.brambleberry.com) for just about everything. They not only sponsor this forum, they are super to work with and have great customer service. Unfortunately they are on the west coast and shipping charges can really add up. I really like BB's bases, which are the SFIC brand. I started out using the bases from the craft store and they are horrible. BB's bases are easy to work with and are made from quality oils and butters, not chemicals.

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

Bramble Berry has just about everything! Molds, colors, fragrances, bases, you name it! I have ordered fragrances, colors, and additives from them and their service is prompt and exactly what you would hope for.

For bases I was able to find a local supplier, so I just go and get bases from them. It saves me some money on shipping charges (especially since bases can be heavy). I have seen a list somewhere of soap suppliers by state, but I don't have a link for it. I'm sure with some searching you'd be able to find one.

And I agree with the above poster, bases from the craft store are terrible! I started out that way and my soap turned out terrible. I'll never do that again!

Welcome! BrambleBerry also has soap kits that you can try.

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

Check here for local suppliers: http://www.suppliersbystate.com/state-listings.php

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

Welcome to the crazy world of soap making

I'm on the East Coast as well. I order many of my supplies from Bramble Berry, but because of the shipping charges on heavy items (I generally order about 100 pounds at a time), I order SFIC bases from www.soapgoods.com. They're in Georgia.

Connie
www.soaprhapsody.com

Thanks so much for all your help (and suggested links)! I've saved these two companies for when I'm ready to order my supplies. Do you girls/guys ever add any additional oils in with your bases? If so, what do you like to add, and do you have a favorite type of base that you like to use? I really want to make something that will moisturize and soften my skin, as it tends to be dry.

Thanks again!

I add no more then 1 TBS. of any oil or butter total per lb. of MP soap base. More then that and you risk loosing bubbles. Soap is meant to wash, not to moisturize. If you want to add moisture to your dry skin try a plain oil or butter or make a lotion bar.

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