One more thing to cross of my ever growing list.
Yes, I made Soap!
And what an interesting process this was, The soap I made consisted of four ingredients only, It was just amazing to watch these basic ingredients of oil, water and sodium hydroxide whip up into a softly scented smooth paste of soap! I am very keen to look further into the chemistry behind the process now... At first I could not imagine lathering olive oil and caustic soda onto my skin, but I was just amazed to watch it transform. Can anyone suggest a good Soap Making Book, I am keen to try a few different processes and ingredients now. There will certainly be a lot more regular soap making sessions going on around here... 
My first batch I made was the basic recipe, the second batch I added essential lavender oil, the third I added a good handful of ground oats and drizzle of honey.
My final batch was made with grated fresh kaffir lime rind, which I have been told is particularly good for your skin...a bit more research needed into this one though, might need to dry the rind first as it cooked when it hit the soap mixture...
I also forgot to grease the tin on this one so I'll wait until it cures, chunk it out and use it in a soap bag. Looks a bit like Cake doesn't it, well it was just as rewarding to make that's for sure.
Now waiting with much anticipation until it cures, approx 4 - 6 weeks. I can't wait to try it!
I would like to recommend the Soap Maker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavitch. It has lots of information for you as you start to get a bit more in depth. The Kaffir Lime sounds very inviting.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a good job with making soap, they look great...this is something I must get around to!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it satisfying to make something...so many ppl don't even realise you can do this at home!
ReplyDeletewhat a great big cross on the list, lovely present and great to have a stash for yourself.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen I have only recently discovered your lovely blog. Watch out soap making is highly addictive. :-) If you're interested in an Australian book I'd recommend "Soap Naturally" http://www.soapnaturally.com/ You can subscribe to their mailing list too. I haven't been a member for a long time but I remember that they loved to help beginners.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteI had also thought of giving home made soap as christmas gifts,(I've never made soap before, but Rhonda at Down to earth inspired meto think about it) but my husband thinks its dangerous to try (caustic soda). So I have been puttng it to the back of my list so far. As you are also a newbie at this, could you enlighten me about the experience you got? Thanks a bunch,
Dhilma
These look amazing. I have always been a bit scared of trying to make soap. I'm sure these pressure will be wonderfully received. I have always thought about making something like a lip balm. This got me interest.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2010/12/elving.html
My soap didn't go to plan as the consistency was a bit like mash but when it cured although it looked a bit naff worked a treat. Lots of lather and the whole batch lasted about 6-7 months. Will try again some time. Nice blog ya got here btw
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gift idea. I like the idea of using kaffir lime leaf in the soap, very refreshing!
ReplyDeleteIt's great isn't it! I recently made my first batch of soap and we are using it as I write, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it lathers, and cleans, and it doesn't feel at all oily on the skin. I have started washing my hair in it to, and it's fine. I am going to buy some pure lemon myrtle oil from the local markets soon to add to my next batch, solely because I like the smell of it. I don't think I'll ever use shop bought soap again.
ReplyDeleteYour soap making looks to have been a success. I'm tempted to make some myself, I shall have to do a bit more research on it. x
ReplyDeleteYour soap looks lovely. I'm sure you will find it hard to ever purchase soap again once you have used your own. Be careful...soapmaking can be quite addictive!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Karen! It looks like very good soap.
ReplyDeleteOh I really must try this! your soap looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteLooks like someone has caught the soap making bug!! It's great fun making something like this ,especially when it is so useful. I can't remember the last time I had to buy soap!!
ReplyDeleteThere are some little handy things I have learnt on the way too, ebay sells alot of soap products like coconut oil in bulk. Linda Woodrow also put me onto the idea of using a greased postal tube as a mould , then tearing the tube off.
People are goingto love your soaps as gifts too!!Well done.
Looks fantastic! I kept saying it was 'too hard until I did it. My mum and me are goi g to give goats milk soap a go - can't wait.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for the soapmaker's companion book. It's very informative. Also, The Sage soap calculator (online) that also has soap recipes and what not.
ReplyDeleteOne of my first batches of soap was a coconut milk and lime bar which had the kaffir lime leaves infused in the oil first. It has been my favourite bar to date. It's so satisfying to use ingredients from the garden, too! Have fun and happy lathering. :)
That soap looks wonderful. I wish I could work up the courage to try it too ; )
ReplyDeleteThe result is fantastic.
Have a great day.