Teach Soap

I'm sure that many of you use a supply of various colored soaps in chunks, strips, etc. Shavings are always good to add for some effects also.

I make soap stones, so often my various colored pieces can virtually fill up a mold (loaf size). I'm afraid to add any particular fragrnace to those pieces, since they are used for more than one design. Since I want plenty of fragrance in the final product, what is your suggestion for adding it so that the soaps have a nice, strong smell?

Would I add the amount of fragrance recommended for the entire loaf, but just add it to the last color that will bind these pieces together? Would that work, or do you have another suggestion?

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Barbara at Oasis Soap Co.
http://www.oasissoap.com

My odds and ends are already pre scented. I wouldn't add fragrance recommended for the entire loaf, then add it to the last color. If you use too much fragrance, it could seep out of your soap. Most fragrances are complementary. I would add fragrance to each layer or piece.

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

I have another question about fragrances. Can you advise me as to how much to use, per pound? I do 5 lb batches, and think they smell find. Everyone else, however, remarks that the scent isn't strong enough. I personally don't like a lot of scent, so maybe that's my problem. I'm doing a lot for clients, who also have remarked that they wanted more scent.

I'm pacing the floor, anxious for my new Brambleberry order to arrive. Can't want to try their fragrances.

Are there particular fragrances that might dull the soap?

Thanks,
Barbara

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Barbara at Oasis Soap Co.
http://www.oasissoap.com

I can only speak for here but in the EU, you have to have your soap assessed pre sale - part of the assessment is to tell you how much FO or EO you can put in your soaps - my assessment says FO's can be added up to 2%. If you can work out 2% of your weight, then just weigh the FO out (little jewellers scales are great for tiny amounts and you can get them on ebay very cheaply if you don't have some already) to that amount. Hubby said my soaps were under scented too and I tended to agree with him - since having been given the allowed %, it's made life a lot more easy!

As to dulling the soap, not really sure what you mean - some may discolour it over time, the famous one being vanilla. If you use ones that are, say quite a yellow colour, it can discolour your clear base a little but not hugely. Some FO's are, of course, stronger than other so you could kick it back to 1.5% or something if you wanted, in that case.

HTH.

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As a general rule of thumb, I use 0.5 oz. per lb. Some fragrances like almond need less. I haven't had any fragrances that dull the soap. Get cloudy (or brown) maybe, but not dull.

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

Thank you. This is good advice that I will take. Actually, I did mean cloudy instead of dull. It could be some of the colors I am using that aren't as transparent as I would like. These are powdered colors left over from days gone by. I usually make up 5 pounds at a time, so I'll find my trusty calculator and figure that out.

I did have an ebay scale, but it only lasted about a year. I'm waiting for the one I ordered from Brambleberry now.

Went to a car show today before I started making soap. It was at the state park where my soaps have been handled in the past. Stuck my head in the door to say hello to the director, and picked up an unexpected BIG order for more soap!! I also got some ideas for colors from those beautiful paint jobs on those antique cars. I can see how people can really get into those.

Thank you again for your information.

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Barbara at Oasis Soap Co.
http://www.oasissoap.com

Congrats on your big order!

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

Great news! I love when we get ideas from the oddest places!!

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