Teach Soap

Glad to report that after weeks of reading, playing with SoapCalc, collecting recipes, studying on-line sites.... I have two 3-lb loaves in their molds. Less than 24 hrs later...both had gelled and are now solid and opaque. I used a simple 70/30 olive oil/coconut oil recipe for both batches - which I believe can be called a Castile soap. One is scented with NG's Juicy Lemon, the second with NG's Teakwood-Cardamon (I can report on either if anyone is interested). Will wait another 24 hrs to unmold.

By far, the hardest part was lining the molds! We used parchment paper, but I would not do that again and would use freezer paper next time. Also, it would appear that the shallower, "horizontal" tray molds are more receptive to the "fold one piece of freezer paper - unfold in the mold" lining technique. We are using wood molds 3" wide x 9" long x 3" deep. A major PITA to try and line with one piece of parchment paper. And - D'oh - tape won't stick to parchment paper. You'd think my IQ was in double digits!!!

No color this time around, but I've got oxides on the way! Will try a simple one color swirl next time around, which should be later this week.

Thanks to everyone and anyone who addressed any of my lead up questions - hope to return the favor some day.

Congrats!! Your soap is a bastille; majority olive but with other oil too. Castille is 100% olive oil. (And yes, that can be spelled castille or castile hehe, either is correct! Same for bastille/bastile.)

You shall have to post some pictures once you unmold and cut! I will wait somewhat patiently! LOL

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

We can't stop peeking at the damn things! Heee....I think I got a tiny lye burn peeking so THAT will teach me - until I forget it happened. Every few hours, we'll say "Hey, have you looked at 'It' lately?"

*swats hands* less peeking! Peeking releases the heat that helps gel the soap! I know... its tough!!! I have to restrain myself too! LOL

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Remember, that until pics are posted, it didn't happen.

Beezy:

I didn't see any oxides at Swan's. They seem to be mainly melt and pour soaps and mainly liquid dyes. Regarding tax...they had a little sign that said as long as the purchase was going to be used in a product for resale, there was no tax. Taxes charged on equipment though. So no tax on the coconut oil (which is the higher melting point, BTW...92 deg.) As for freshness - that's a good question! They don't have a ton of cold process supplies, so one might wonder how fresh the coconut oil is. If I was a pro selling my soap, I might look elsewhere.

You are such a fountain of tips and wisdom Beezy - if you ever need me to do a fact finding mission for you at Swan's....I'm unemployed so have the time to check for ya. I like those disposable gloves you suggested - they cover more of the arm than the shorter one's I have.

I will have to revisit Wal-Mart for supplies. There is a K-Mart and a Target close by, so I never get over to Wal-Mart and whenever I make a special trip, they never have what I am looking for.

Have a great day Beezy....we are in need of some candles here at home, do you have a website or do you do craft shows with your candles?

Haha, or a pimp. I hear tart I think prostitute

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Beezy:

Can't tell if its the "time of the month" sweet tooth or your great candlemaking skills - but I just tried to grab a cookie off that photo! Yum...I love those frickin' wafer cookies! Fabulous work. I'll have to keep an eye on your posts so I'll know when you've got your stuff at some retail outlets.

Tart lady. Ha! The Boyfriend here is a huge, HUGE fan of "things that look like food but are not" and is already bugging me to do cupcake soaps. He'd love that candle Candlemaking is another thing he's been making noises about, but I can only handle ONE "hot goo hobby" at a time please!