Teach Soap

Hestey, can you make a double boiler to melt the oils? that way they won't be over direct heat.

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

I'm trying to get an insert that you can use in any pot to create a double boiler, but everywhere I look is sold out. Perhaps the old metal bowl over a pot "double boiler" would work! Perhaps I'll give that a go. Thanks Linda! You made my brain work again! LOL

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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

I ended up trying the microwave because its just too hot in here to turn the stove on. Good news tho! The flakes all dissolved this time! My oils were 20 *F hotter than they got in the crock pot.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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

I made this batch yesterday (Mad Scientist batch) with 1.5 tsp of chamomile powder. Now Mom has requested a green batch with green tea powder. Use about the same? I do 2lb batches.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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

I know it won't, I have green oxide for the colour =) Thanks for the warning though! <3

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Your powders sound interesting... have never seen around here... where do you find them at home? Are you adding them to the melted oils before the lye water?

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

I get them from Canwax, but have seen them on most soap making supply sites. I mix them into my oils before adding the lye water so I can stick blend them in extra well without affecting trace =)

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Oh! When would one add seeds to CP? I use strawberry, blueberry and cranberry seeds (as well as ground almond shell) for exfoliants. I don't want to have them all end up on the bottom, have had that happen with MP a few too many times!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I will add these at trace. You will have to take into consideration if you are swirling or using two different fragrances and if you want the additive in the entire soap. I added cranberry seeds to one of my soaps at Christmas, just the white portion but to my dismay they did not stay red ... went brown. Thanks for the heads up with the powders.... once I am cleaned up from all this holiday stuff I will have to see what I need. I may try one of my health food stores to see if they have anything available.

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

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

Thanks ladies =D My Mom is addicted to my exfoliating soaps, we keep them in the kitchen and bathrooms =)

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist