Teach Soap

Hi all,
I've been lurking here for about 2 months absorbing everyone's advice and soap porn. I got my BB box two weeks ago and could hold out no longer. I'm going to try to post pics, but I am warning you I am a horrible photographer.

I thought I'd dive straight in and try Anne Marie's Pumpkin Spice Recipe with pumpkin puree as my first attempt. All went well and as planned until I added the pumpkin and FO. Man that moved fast! I probably had too thick a trace to start with. I couldn't get the TD mixed in as well as I wanted too (because I forgot to mix it in oil first), but I was determined to still get it in the mold, layered and somewhat swirled (yeah right!). I didn't get much swirl, or quite the effect I hoped for, but I still think It looks pretty good for a first batch. There are a couple of tiny white spots but I zap tested and nothing so I think it was the TD. I was actually surprised there wasn't a lot of air bubbles because it went thick really fast.

Then I played around with the soapcalc and planned a batch that included shea butter and the oils I had from the first batch. I wanted to make a layered soap with oatmeal in the middle layer so I could see what my naked soap would look like against the texture and color of the oatmeal. This batch turned out much better I think. The recipe didn't trace too quickly and moved a lot slower. I was able to get the layers done and experiment with a pencil line and still get the fluffier tops I was hoping for. I think I got the pencil line too thick, but I didn't have a smaller sifter. I think next time I will try a tea strainer and more patience. The top and bottom layers are just the naked soap and the middle layer has ground oatmeal and Oatmeal, Milk and Honey FO. Two things I like about this recipe: It moves slow enough to play with and it's really white naturally.

I'm totally hooked already... I mean obsession level hooked. The mold is now empty so this weekend I'm giving swirling another try.

Here's pics

http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/jj6 ... 25af8d.jpg

http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/jj6 ... e6bf5d.jpg

WOW!! Fantastic job for a first time soaper! I wasn't so brave my first time. Good for you...and yeah, it is easy to get hooked to the point of obsession (she says from her desk at work).

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Lisa
“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul” ~ Yiddish proverb

wow those are beatiful soaps. I am a soon to be new soaper too. I am expecting my BB box next week. Maybe I will be brave and try a batch next weekend. Still doing lots of reading and research.

Welcome to your new addiction!

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

They look terrific! My first batch was pretty homely but I was proud of it all the same.

Now the wait.....

Thanks everyone! I don't really know how to take it slow. Patience is NOT one of my virtues. It took every ounce of strength in me not to keep poking the soap while it was in the mold. (okay, I poked a few times, but just a few!) I figured I'd just jump right in with both feet and hope for the best, ugly soap is still soap so why not? Besides anything that encourages my boys to actually get clean is worth the time in my book. So encouraged that you like them. Looking forward to another batch tonight. I really would love to make swirly, girly soap like all the beautiful ones I've seen on here.

Awesome - especially since your first attempt was fairly complex for a newbie. You are a brave soul.

And poking is normal. As is checking your molds every 10 minutes for 5 hours....

My ugliest soaps have turned out to be the best once actually used.

WildChick, those are some amazing first soaps! Great job!

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

Welcome! Enjoy the addiction!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Wow! Such beautiful soaps for a first timer! Welcome to the forum, and the addiction!

Beautiful soaps, WildChick! The pumpkin soap looks yummy and I absolutely love the layered oatmeal soap with the pencil lines. Great job on your first batches! Oh, and welcome to the forum!

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- Jenny -
My soapy blog:
Follow me on my

Welcome, WildChick, and your new soaping addiction! Those are great soaps, especially for your first batches. Keep up the great soaping!

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

Thanks so much everyone! I made some Cranberry Fig this weekend. My first real swirls! I'll try to post pics soon.