Just a heads up, a better blending tool might be an immersion blender. These types of blenders are really popular for soapmaking because they blend the lye water and oils at a much higher rate than a kitchenaid. I can hit trace with mine in roughly 5 minutes, which is a huge step up from stirring.
I hope that helps!
sam's club closing is nothing to panic over. sam's club is actually a garbage place to buy anything. get yourself an amazon prime membership. i get a gallon of coconut oil for around $16.
Skull Small Embed 12 Cavity Silicone Mold 5529 Food-Soap-Candle-Resin-Flexible https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FB7V11M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N5YAWX8RX886V81DSNSX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 here they are!
And if you want someone to walk you through it a little more, Marie Gale's book is the go-to: https://www.amazon.com/Soap-Cosmetic-Labeling-Explained-English/dp/0979594561
I just bought these sticky labels from Amazon and then played with text sizes and fonts in Microsoft Word. You can find the exact template under "mailings." Then free type in each section of the template.
Amazon Prime? I get my coconut oil from Amazon and the price is pretty good, actually. $17 for a gallon (about 7lbs).
anytime! Not sure if you know this or not, but if you use PayPal to create a label, you get a discount and free tracking. Check it out if you havent already:
>This is awesome!
Thank you :D!
> maybe include a written-out description of what the oils do for soap? At least for some of them
Great idea! I'll add a description fields to oils and will do some research on properties.
>Also, would it be possible to allow comments that aren't though Facebook or Google+? Like for people with accounts?
Yup. I was thinking of using Disqus as an additional comment provider (that platform allows guest comments). I'll go ahead and add this to the next release.
>I'll add that I agree with adding decimals and more measurements in the recipe breakdown
Fixing that in the next release.
>I'd like to be able to enter a pound of oils for the total amount but then get my breakdown of each oils in ounces or grams
Interesting! I'll have to have a little think about this; the lye calculator assumes only a single unit at the moment and it might need quite a few tweeks
Thank you for the great suggestions!
i bought a leaf shaped plastic soap holder on amazon ( its on etsy too but im pretty sure it was dropped shipped because you can get all 3 for $12 CAD whereas its $8 for 1 ) but it holds your soap up and you can drain it!
100% that! I have petals of different bars and I bought a portable sink for a handwashing station.
I got a wall-mounted storage rack (this one) that was originally general storage for fragrance oils and lye that I could put up out of potential child reach. The door is closed anyway, so they can’t really get into the room let alone my supplies, but better safe than sorry. But since I found a better storage solution for fragrances, I have re-hung each section of this rack above my storage and use it as a curing rack.
I also have a mini dehumidifier running near it.
Thank you! And of course! I used this recipe (I used this mold from amazon):
-139g lye
-33g fragrance (Fir Needle and Bergamot essential oil blend)
-118g pine tar
-376g olive oil
-150g shea butter
-269g coconut oil
-54g castor oil
-108g almond oil
-1T each colloidal oatmeal and activated charcoal
I used these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T7Y66QP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KBoaGbJSWPDNJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I will say, I think now other manufacturers make this shape in sturdier molds. If you can get some shaped like this but with more support in the base, it's worth the extra. These really were challenging to work with because they were so floppy.
You set a flexible silicone mat (like this) into the bottom of your loaf mold (they almost always need to be trimmed to fit, and the one i used actually left a large gap at the end and needed some scraps from another mat to fill in the space). Pour a small amount of colored batter, in this case red, on the mat and scrape it with a flat edged tool, silicone spatulas usually work. The goal is to leave the accent color sunk into the impression space and nowhere else; once that's done, its just a matter of pouring the rest of the soap into the mold. The lace ends up being the 'bottom' of the soap while its in the mold, and you just flip it over after unmolding and peel off the mat. Here's a super meticulous treemarie video on the concept.
This is what I used and it's really good quality. Just print on the best high quality setting for your printer because it's very thin and so the inkjet leaves streaks.
I bought some at Amazon, and some at a local hardware store. You can buy it cheaper in larger quantities but you might get stuck paying large shipping charges. This is what I bought :
Which is about $7.22 for a 1lb. Keep in mind it doesn't really matter what the container is branded as (drain cleaner, whatever) as long as it's 100% sodium hydroxide (lye) crystals. You can call around and see who has 100% lye drain cleaner, you should be able to find some locally in a pinch.
You can get it from Brambleberry for roughly $10 for 32oz (27oz by weight), but you'd pay shipping on top. https://www.brambleberry.com/Sodium-Hydroxide-Lye-P3037.aspx
Not exactly the same but it looks similar to this one that I have/used for a while before I got a dedicated cutter.
Chefman With Stainless Steel Shaft & Blades Powerful Ice Crushing 2-Speed Control One Hand-Mixer, Purees Smoothie, Sauces & Soups, 300 Watts, Copper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KRWKX4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_86PzFbTYD639A
3D Rose Candle Mold - MoldFun 3D Flower Craft Art Silicone Mold for Handmade Soap, Bath Bomb, Lotion bar, Chocolate, Candle, Crayon, Wax https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0772VP3CC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hv3hFbY8BEMAQ
I know I have a partial gel, but I can't seem to find a really good resource to force gel. I want to try oven process to force it, but have some questions.
I tried to prevent this by putting soap on the bathroom with a space heater
I have these cheap wood molds with silicon lining from Amazon. Will these be safe for the oven?
Ogrmar Flexible Rectangular Soap Silicone Mold with Wood Box DIY Tool for Soap Cake Making 42oz (Purple-2PCS) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077VKB89R/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_clOJEbCY238BN
Most partial gels I see the middle is darker, why is mine lighter?
I just stick my small pieces (used or not) in one of these things:
https://www.amazon.com/Evelots-Holder-Pocket-Soft-Microfiber-Grab-Easily-Rope-S/dp/B08NXQ6G3S
And use em in the shower.
Bars that don't turn out how I want get grated and added as confetti to another batch of batter.
Thanks! Got the molds off Amazon
That looks pretty similar to what I was looking at, only this one is less expensive and it comes with two molds.
For kneadable soap you just need soap dough (which is surprisingly easy to make, you just prevent air from reaching it and it will turn into a dough like consistency), if it's the right consistency it should work. I don't know what size you need, but I found this mold on Amazon (especially for soap dough you can often use resin molds, and those will sometimes work with cp or mp soap, mp would release the cleanest).
How about this one? Could also look for oval molds too.
https://www.amazon.com/FasterS-Geometric-Rectangle-Rounded-Silicone/dp/B076HGM2G2
I use melt&pour base and pour into my tree mold. The mold is a very flexible jelly and I just pull it down and pop the tree out, it’s one full mold. This is the mold I use!
Melt and Pour will give you problems during making/storing, but CP and HP making should be okay. Keep all the above inside for curing/storing.
I have this dehumidifier and it handles a 700 sq ft apartment very well. I’ve had it for several years now and it’s easy to maintain/empty. hOmeLabs 3,000 Sq. Ft Energy Star... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9MFTZZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I got it from Amazon. It’s a food safe silicone
I thought it seemed like a lot, too. I found the recipe in The Natural Soapmaking Book for Beginners. Guess it goes to show there's no substitute for gut feeling even when working with recipes.
Larger tips with less detail work the best (lately I've been having good results with jumbo tips). These are the ones I use.The thickness of the trace makes the biggest difference, but your recipe can also influence it. Using a steeper water discount and more hard oils can also be helpful (though my recipe is mostly unsaturated fats and I can still get good frosting from it with a water discount and patience), as well as not letting it go through gel phase (since that can sometimes make the frosting lose some of its definition if it gets too hot). I get the soap to a thick trace then wait until I can get stiff peaks with a spatula (I usually take this time to start cleaning everything else up, since otherwise I tend to get impatient). I like to practice piping on some parchment paper first to test how well it will hold its form (plus you can use them as little samples too, or just scrape it up and put it back in the bag).
Thanks! It was this mold. The shape is also a big hit with my lotion bars, and customers always gush over how much they love it :)
I make my bars in a mold that gives me a 3 x 3.5 inch bar. (about 75mm by 88mm) I like wrapping them in 6 x 6 inch waxed paper sheets. Norpro makes nice ones. https://smile.amazon.com/Norpro-Square-Wax-Paper-Pieces/dp/B005G4L5D6
I wrap them on the diagonal, then I use a tiny bit of tape to tape the 4 corners together in the middle, then put labels on. While I was looking on Amazon, I also found wax paper rounds. For odd-shaped soap (like cat heads or flowers) I use shrink wrap. I prefer polyolefin (POF) shrink wrap, because it shrinks well and doesn't have any odor to it.
If you want to protect the soap, but do a belly band, you could wrap the soap in waxed paper, and use a belly band instead of labels. It would be a lot more cost-effective, I believe.
I agree with the 40% figure. That will vary a bit depending on whether you add extra oils for moisturizing, or add less water for a harder bar.
I use SoapCalc, but I also keep an extra silicone mold handy so that if my batch is a little bigger than I expected, I have an easy place to put the extra. The soap molds for the extra soap are similar to these: https://smile.amazon.com/Silicone-Soap-Molds-Assorted-Handmade/dp/B07N2MV3GT/ Family and friends seem to like getting the pretty "leftover" bars, and I feel good about not having to waste soap.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.soaperscalculator.app
...this is the calculator I use...you add your oils first...batch size can be calculated, for grams, or oz, by weigh or percentage and it allows you to save and export you recipe as well.. any changes you make...recalulate.
This one?
The Natural Soap Making Book for Beginners: Do-It-Yourself Soaps Using All-Natural Herbs, Spices, and Essential Oils https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1939754038/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_EV9NP8E17QZTV3AXKC80
I did see that one, but the first few reviews weren't great...
The ash is always safe but to test if the soap is safe I would try a ph tester strip. You can get 240 on Amazon for $6.00
I got mine from amazing. Check this link Nite Ize Original Gear Tie, Reusable Rubber Twist Tie, 12-Inch, Bright Blue, 2 Pack, Made in The USA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07M7B3X5X/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_5D5ZBAYT0DQJ1FFHR09R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I recommend Wholesale Supplies Plus, they've really grown on me and the constantly have new sales. I used to buy my butters from Brambleberry (which is good quality too), but especially with the cost of shipping WSP is the better option, even more so when you need anything in bulk. They have tons of fragrances and molds too (I love the chrysanthemum molds, I think they are the perfect size and look beautiful). I also love these these molds from Amazon that have various nature patterns.
If you want fragrance recommendations I love pink grapefruit from WSP (not the essential oil, which tends to fade quickly), Love Spell (also from WSP), lavender essential oil, lemongrass essential oil (very strong so go easy with it at first) and eucalyptus essential oil. Nature's Garden and Brambleberry are also great for fragrances (Brambleberry's tend to be a little more expensive), from Brambleberry I like their lemon bar fragrance oil, coconut paradise (a little light but smells divine), alpine frost and energy. They also have the cheapest lemongrass essential oil I've found. One of my favorite fragrance oils is "Persephone's kiss" from Nurture Soap (as you can tell I shop around a lot).
If you want a really gentle soap I recommend trying a bastille soap, I like doing 75% olive oil, 22% coconut and 3% castor oil (castor oil is wonderfully conditioning in soap and really adds to the lather). It's a super simple recipe and feels great imo. Playing with the values in soapcalc.com and adding some shea butter could be nice too (I just made a recipe with 70% olive oil, 22% coconut oil, 3% castor and 5% shea butter but I haven't had the chance to test it out yet).
You don't necessarily have to buy micas, there's a shop on amazon that sells natural dyes (turmeric, spirulina, annatto powder, etc.,) Here's the link:
​
I've used the paprika and the annatto so far, they've worked out great! The way I used it, I took 1 tablespoon of the olive oil I measured for my recipe, and about 1 teaspoon of the powder (depending on how dark I wanted the color to be).
Seashells are from this mold https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B076V6RCSN/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_ABZE8RTJRYVACVXBEEY7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Mermaid tails from this one https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07HF8FQGQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_MYN3VCQ89X35MWB5EETF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
They're clear melt and pour with Nurture Soap mica (blue is Siren Song, pink and purple I don't remember but will update) and some white holographic glitter.
Found it again! These are the ones I have: 2 Pack Sun & Moon Soap Molds, Crescent Moon Face Silicone Soap Mold, DIY Homemade Lotion Bar Polymer Clay Chocolate Candy Molds for Cake Decorating Halloween Christmas Gift https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WNK2GMS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_ZWTVPZP8T7H1KK4BPZP2
I used this pack of stencils from Amazon -Sweet Sugarbelle 8 Piece 5 x 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076FGSCP8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Let me know if that doesn't come through, I've never put a link on Reddit before.
Soap Mold Silicone Craft Cheongsam Bird Soap Making Mould DIY Candle Resin Mold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MR48HHR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HSSX9D1T39DCPAYBM174
Here is one of them.. it’s on Amazon..
If she's making it herself (as opposed to purchasing melt & pour, which gets harder and requires a knife) a wire multi bar cutter will work fine.
I'd recommend this one: http://www.forcraftssake.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20 If she's pretty serious about it, (as opposed to many others like this, this is far more comfortable on the hands when cutting soap)
If she's more a hobbiest, this might work: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Utility-Beechwood-Cheese-Slicer/dp/B000BL6IX6 and if so, I recommend adding a piece of wood as a block, to make the soap a uniform size easily.
You could also get her some fancier fats/oils (hemp, babbasu, shea, cocoa butter, etc) but don't get too much, just in case it takes her longer to use them.
Are they doing melt and pour or cold processed? I do cold processed. Something fun you could get is a tube mold that has different pull through designs:
Round Tube Soap Mold Column 1000ML with Kaleidoscope Pull through 3 Acrylic Design Swirl Designs Tool set Silicone Embed Soap Making Supplies https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B093Z4PN65/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_X331PAV0EN9Q9TGR4JPY
You could also get some fun mica colours!
How long have they been soaping and do you know what kind of soaping they do?
I soap mostly cold process which means I mix all the stuff, put it in a mold then take it out to cure. So these things may not be applicable to melt and pour. What I would love to receive is:
The basics::
A big ol slab mold (and box to support the sides/bottom if needed)
A gift card to wholesale supplies plus (fragrances can get exspensive and different folks like different scents).
A nice stick blender
A mica assortment
A milk throther (to mix the colorants)
Materials they will likely use if doing hot or cold process are oils! Coconut oil, palm oil (wholesale supplies is ethically sourced and comes in a nice bucket) olive oil and castor oil are the main ones. I've used pumpkin seed, avocado, grapeseed, lard, walnut.. they will also use lye (https://www.amazon.com/Sodium-Hydroxide-Grade-Caustic-Pound/dp/B07KNR9SVF/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1ICCFOB04JI6L&keywords=lye&qid=1638990005&sprefix=lye%2Caps%2C348&sr=8-3) is the brand I use with good result.
The frills:: Sodium lactate
Clay (morracan red clay, Dead Sea mud, kaolin clay)
Crushed pumice
Titanium dioxide
Hope this helps! Feel free to ask any questions :)
If you're very worried about accuracy, buy some calibration weights to go along with your new scale. Most scales are going to be well within tolerance when brand new, but these can help ease your mind.
I don't see why you can't learn yourself. There are some very good videos - soap queen, soaping 101, and very helpful forums. And meetups! Check on meetup.com for your area to see if there are soap making groups. I used to mix my lye in a pyrex glass measuring cup and it actually etched the glass - so no thanks, I'd rather not risk it. I use small HDPE plastic buckets to mix my lye water and also melt the oils and mix the soap batter - which I find for very cheap at my local hardware store. Just make sure its HDPE with the recycling mark number 2 on the bottom. You can use stainless steel, but no other metals or you can have a VERY nasty chemical reaction with the lye. I'm never sure my stainless steel is pure enough so I use the HDPE plastic.
I'm using kraft bags from Amazon, and they come in different sizes so you can measure your soap and see which can fit. But these are the ones in using for 2x2ish half bars: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077WJJWZJ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BMX6DT1AJRZAEQ8YY72D
I put the soap in and then roll it up and put a label on it vertically that lists ingredients and allergen info. These are the labels I'm using that you can also download templates for: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079PJBQ8N/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_B9TFY22G4A0CYKX7KH7G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks everyone. I won't be starting the process until I figure out where the palm oil went, & I'll look into buying coconut oil + olive oil. I also need some gloves, goggles, & a different head for the better crocket hand blender b/c it seems like it may be made out of a plastic that could have a chemical reaction with the lye and I dont want to take any chances
Betty Crocker Hand Blender with Beaker, White, BC-1303CK, 400-watts Blender](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K05AZQY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glc_fabc_C740ERG1DAMNCTFRAQBA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
I used this one for about a year and a half and never had any problems. (Essential Depot is the brand in case the link doesn't work) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EDBEZM/ref=cm_sw_r_apanp_e3ccIZkYoAHnv
I use this soap cutting box from Amazon (it also comes with a mold and the soap cutters so I think it's a pretty good deal). I was frustrated that I wasn't getting evenly sized bars and this definitely helps with that (you might need to cut a couple by hand to make it fit at first but it works pretty nicely as long as you are consistent about where in the slot you place the cutter.
Thanks a lot!
Does this look like it's good then?
I don't do M&P but I don't see why this wouldn't work - I use deli sheets with paper stickers to wrap my soaps. The sheets are waxed so they protect the soaps. Something like this Durable Packaging Green Choice... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VY7QM3Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
As sjade said, what you posted is already soap. Lye + Oils go through a chemical reaction (saponification) to become soap. If you buy soap you can't do much with it except wash up. I recommend learning more about the process to understand.
Try your local hardware/home improvement store. Look for drain cleaner. Check the bottle and make sure that it is 100% sodium hydroxide.
I have the KD-8000 for most stuff, and when I am measuring in fractions of a gram I use this one: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UGBG20/ ages ago, I'm sure there are less expensive ones now, just make sure to get one with a calibration weight(s).
If you want to test the accuracy of your scale, you can search for calibration weights on Amazon. There are some sets for less than $10, like this one - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Q3JZY7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_44QCA7R5NAPHCHEFGYDV
I have this chefman one and I really like it. Katie Carson from Royalty Soaps recommended it so I bought it and am quite pleased with it. I got another one for my food needs too! Chefman Immersion Stick Hand... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08LMMJQKC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I use a cheese cutter I got on amazon and it works very well as a hobbyist. I just drew a line for a one inch bar on it in pen. It's this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004S1DU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RVAX9A6QBTMP11R9KAJ2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is the one I got, in dark gray.
I got a few soap kits from Brambleberry, but wanted to protect the area I was planning on making the soap on. Saw some on Amazon, but I had the kits at home and I wanted something faster, so I went to the local pet stores to see if any of them had any. "Hey, do you have any mats to protect the floor for when a dog is eating?" "Oh, what size dog?" "Well, actually not a dog.... I want to make soap, and I want to protect my desk." They all said that they didn't think they had one big enough for what I wanted, but they showed me what they had, and they were all really small.
So I got the one I liked most off Amazon, and it's worked perfectly.
I got a nice new standing desk that my landlord helped me build, and after I showed off my first batch of soap to him (he lives next door, he was coming in to check on something one of my housemates needed right after I cut my first loaf), he says "Are you sure you don't want a nice piece of wood or something to protect this really nice work surface?" So I showed him the silicon mat and he says "Huh, I guess you got it all covered."
HPS really only cure to fully harden. Every batch I've done their Ph is in the sweet zone as soon as it's done cooking. I let mine sit 1-2 weeks and I always do a second Ph strip test. You can get them from Amazon for 5 bucks. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H1RJSGJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_72Q2QCSEW0WW1FWNHT9R
Ahhh thank you!! I KNEW i would forget important things! What type of alcohol is the best for soap making?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUQH1JQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YBZ62HV1ZE8JER8RWGYZ
This is the soap base i have in my cart, it has good reviews 4.6 stars, only 7 reviews of 113 are under 4 stars so I’m hoping it’ll be good enough for experimenting! Even with shipping its less than the other ones I’ve found on amazon also!
Saw a comment from you in my email but not on here. I didn’t use any fragrance, only essential oils. The rose absolute and blue chamomile i got at brambleberry. The elderflower extract i bought on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Flowers-Alcohol-FREE-Sambucus-Tincture-Supplement/dp/B06Y24W6WK
Thanks! I used ~90g of soap shavings and ~9g of water for each “stone”, the microwave, and an “egg shaped” silicone mold. I’ve seen some beautiful soap stones in round and oval molds, and always thought a 3D egg shape would be great for spring soaps. :)
I've seen this kind suggested here before, but it's $35 for a liter The Tenda brand is $10 and is just under a half liter so it's a better price range for an experiment in my opinion. Would I be better of getting the pricier stuff, or will the cheaper stuff be just as good?
On Amazon! I couldn’t find the exact mold I was using, but this is close: 3D Strawberry Silicone Mold for Baking Mousse Dessert Molds Cake Chocolate Truffle Mold Pastry Fruit Shape Ice Cream Mould (15 Cavity) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07WR8NTDV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_01K8CY2K79MWGMT2QFJ0 (I think the cavities are a bit smaller, but the shape is the same).
"Pomace" is a cheaper grade of olive oil from the 3rd or 4th pressing, used for soap and cosmetics, and candle making. It is not used in cooking.
https://www.amazon.com/Olive-Oil-Pomace-Grade-Quart/dp/B00C7VTWRM
I bought this guy in December 2019 and just barely starting to get old. We've made much Soap.
Amazon's Choice is usually their best seller, sponsored, or some combination. AmazonBasics is their in-house brand that's usually cheaper than other options. This looks like the one the previous poster is referencing.
I built my own soap cutter. If you do a Google search for make your own wire soap cutter, you'll get lots of ideas. I used wood glue to put it all together and I use a cheese slicer like this: https://www.amazon.com/Aeon-Design-Wires-Easy-Cheeses-Stainless-Tool-Long/dp/B07VGPG51M/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Cheese+Wire+Slicer+Cutter&qid=1613005384&sr=8-5
Because I created slots, it enables me to use the slicer in the slots and all my slices are straight. I also made markings so I can track how far forward to push the loaf to make the slice.
ETA spelling is hard lol
Welcome so much! If she doesn’t have a tool for swirling patterns and a soap loaf with dividers in it for other designs.. Soap Swirl Designs Tool Adjustable Hanger Wire Soap Making Supplies for Cold Process Soap Customizable and Bendable for Molds Up to 18" Fits https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F7J82LW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_78D8KSJFDKWG1AX4TZRN
X-Haibei Loaf Soap Mold Silicone Wooden Box Acrylic Divider Board 3+2 Swirling Making https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076NNRHMD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9TK6WYVYGRJHMEXGXDQY
I don’t know what your price range is so I’ll give you a couple more suggestions on top of what others have said
https://www.etsy.com/listing/287662203/oak-wood-single-soap-cutter-hdpe-right?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1 This soap cutter has been a game changer. I’ve had it for I want to say 5 years maybe 6
Cat Shaped Long Tube Silicone Soap Mold Kitten Kitty Column Chocolate Candy Mold Handmade Candle Mold Embed Soap Making Supplies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DNR32Q6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_36A2WS75KSCNHYD37QHD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 These embeds are in my cart. If you search embed soap column they have other shapes like pine trees and moons as well
Great suggestion someone said.. stock up on her oils :)
I don't need anything huge so I have this shelf with these cut to size to line the shelves. Each shelf holds a 2 lb loaf so that's more than enough for me.
Hey! Welcome to soaping! For the hearts I used a column mold and some melt and pour soap. I made three and added them to my batter when making the overall batch.
This isn’t the exact one I used, but it should give you an idea:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4J5CF1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_8P88Fb02DB7SW
I hope this helps! 🤗
Thank you! I just printed out a bunch of the names on fancy colored paper, and then cut them into strips. I then used this tape (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CZ7PTNP/) to tape the paper together in the back. The tape looks very nice, but unfortunately it's not super sticky so sometimes it comes off.
You would need to check out the legal requirements for labeling in your country/jurisdiction. Your M&P should already have an ingredients list that you can use, then from there just incorporate any other ingredients you added to it.
This book by Marie Gale is a good one if you’re in the US. I’ve seen her book featured a lot by other soap makers.
Amazon! I need to add a piece of wood to keep the loaf from sliding, but I measured out an inch and added some tape to show where to move the it to after every cut.
This is what I'm using without any complaints. I was scared of the $300+ price tag on the multi-bar cutters but tired of the inconsistency with the miter-box style. It's a really nice cutter so far. I get 10 nice, even bars from each 2 lb loaf.
but wait, I've read carnosic acid is mostly responsible for the antioxidant properties of ROE, and something like this says it's standardized to 20% carnosic acid
https://www.amazon.com/Rosemary-Supplement-Standardized-Carnosic-Manufactured/dp/B01K8RV666
No problem! I used the straight cutter that came from this set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082D9SWGJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_GT9SFbK6FV2G5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Like I said, the set is not great, but the cutter was good for this. I measured out the middle and then made my initial cuts. This cutter went right to my frosting. I was then able to line it up and slice through the frosting once I have the middle part lined out 😃.
Put same scented soap scraps in one of these and give to friends, grandma, teachers, as hostess gifts - I would love getting one!
I got it on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VN6M2V4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dMVNFb8A3XC5C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It was a good price for 2 moulds. I don't know how to properly link on mobile but if you search "Honeycomb soap mould" it should show up.
I've been buying 4oz bottles ( a little over 100ml ) from amazon and so far everything is good. I used this peppermint oil :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OEIBJRW/
My peppermint soap won't be done curing until this weekend, but it has a good scent! My CP recipe was around 45% olive oil, 29% coconut oil, 22% palm oil, and 2% shea butter.
I ordered some of the color blocks from Brambleberry. I also ordered these off of Amazon. Do you think these will bleed and be a problem? I don't want to stain my tub.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XK8ZWKQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks for your help!
I got my FOs from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R9A74BM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I recently received an order from CandleScience of some scents that are soap-safe (I meant to use them for candles), so I can experiment with one of those to see if they are stronger.
I'm guessing the smell is lye, but it may be the natural soap smell. It is unfamiliar to me but is not sharp, it just lingers in your nose. In any case I don't like it at all. The goat's milk base I bought smells strongly of it too.
I went with this one from Amazon. It works well for me. https://www.amazon.com/ESA-Supplies-Rectangle-Silicone-Straight/dp/B06X422FR7/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1548954527&sr=8-7&keywords=soap+cutter
​
First, I want to say your bars look amazing. I've made sailor moon soap before and you are topping me without question.
There are these great little molds on amazon that I use to make sailor moon melt and pour imbeds.
The wands come out just fine and I think if you top your bars with these guys it'll take your soap to the next level! Happy soaping and I love your work!
Thanks, you do have to wait longer to pull out. Amazon. Ellipse Silicone Soap Molds - Set of 2 for 12 Cavities - Mixed Patterns - Soap Making Supplies by the Silly Pops https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077P8JW9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IJGYDbPNX2P9E
I bought mine at a local dollar store type of store, but I found one on amazon which is very similar and doesn't cost as much.
I should've read into the recipe more before trying it. I'm not totally new, I've got ~26 batches under my belt so far, but I'm definitely not versed enough to consider myself highly experienced either. If I'd have been prepared for how quickly it traces I could've adjusted my timing and when to stop mixing better. I didn't add any colors and put the FO and oat flour in before adding the lye solution (per the SMF recipe.) The only thing I added afterward was the agave nectar because that's what Nurture Soap said to do. And I mixed that in by hand, not the stick blender. I have this app for my recipes.
I bought a simple soap base from Amazon and made soap for the first time. It’s been a week now and my soap has formed crystals. When I brush my finger on the top of it, it makes a small cut on my finger. Where did I go wrong? Thanks in advance! Here is the link to what I purchased: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GOTOKXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_qp0HFbF0CJNX7
Besides what others have said about the fragrance oil, I've noticed no one mentioned the wire rack you said you're curing on. Do you have any kind of barrier between your soap and the wire? Curing on metal can cause problems (DOS I believe) in your soaps. I have a wire rack, but I put these on my shelves to allow airflow under the soap but prevent it from touching the metal.
This is slightly cheaper per pound and sometimes goes on sale for a bit cheaper than the current price.
I also have a Death Star ice cube silicon mold (two halves go together to form a circle, and you pour the soup in through the hole in the top):
amazon.com/gp/product/B008D19K1S
I wish I had some molds like the dragon eggs from Game of Thrones...
Is this the mold you used?