Re: OT Soap making?

I was into it for a while. You can go to Michaels, and get a big block of the basic melt soap for around $8. depending on how many you wish to make,

3-4 of these should do (especially if you wish to buy like 2 regular, and two of the white.

You *can* use food coloring, but I would invest in the colors that they have. Buy 2-3 of their colors, and 2-3 scents.

I have their flyer, and if you would like, I would be happy (when I have a few moments) to send you some of the recipes, where like you put oatmeal/etc into it.

There is also a recipe for bath salts. VVVVEEEERRRYYY simple, and what I did was bought jars (like 99cents each - big lots or Michaels), made up the mixture, and made up gift baskets with a jar and a couple of bars of soap.

You can buy the molds, or you can use simple things from around the house.

I don't know if Joann's has them, but I get a 50% off coupon from them sometimes, and Michaels generally has a 40% off coupon in the paper (and if you ask the clerk, and say that you don't have it, they give it to you). So if you and Hubby go in, like 2 times in a week, you could conceivably get all 4 at 40% off, then supplies, too.

Microwave isn't hard. yardsale items to nuke the soap, etc. The list they have in the front (you don't need everything): microwave safe cup, spoons, microwave, measuring spoons, mixing bowl, wire wisk, drying rack, sharp knife, food processor (if you want to get into adding fruits/etc into your soap).

Easy bath salts recipe:

1 cup of Epsom Salts 1 cup of sea or rock salt food coloring fragrance

you combine all the ingredients, then put them in an airtight jar and shake every day for a week.

The book was probably 8.95 (the Design Originals), and makes a GREAT investment.

My daughter makes them. I haven't done it, but hubby helps her with it. They get the soap that you can melt in the microwave. We watch for Michaels coupons or sometimes it's on sale at Michaels or Hobby Lobby for 50% off. The bath salts look really easy too and are verry pretty in a little jar.

I found some terrific books on soap making (from scratch) in our local library. It was in the craft section. Never made any, I decided I needed another craft like I need a hole in the head!! LOL

Woo! Thank you for the great info, and I would love to have the recipes, thank you! Also, thanks for the recipe for bath salts - we were actually thinking of adding salts as an adjunct.

Saved and printed!

Thanks, Arondelle! I'll check them out.

Your two cents are very much appreciated - thank you!

I may need a scuba suit!

Darn tootin'!

Be sure to post them on the group, so we can all have them. I've been thinking about making some soaps, too!

Jewitch

We also used the luffa sponges to make the soap. You wrap the sponges with plastic wrap and then wrap with duct tape covering all but the top. You pour your soap liquid mix in the top and fill all the way. Keep the sponge upright by putting it is a tall glass. When it cools, you take off the wrap and you have a soap filled luffa. I found the sponges cheaper at the grocery than at Michaels. about half. You can cut the sponges in to sections but make them at least 3" long and don't cut length wise. Susan W

What an interesting, creative idea! Thank you!

Groovy, groovy, groovy - thanks for the links Sooz!

I popped over Michael's today just to get started with basic supplies

- got a couple of bricks of soap, some scents and herbs, some colors. We've got some of our own essential oils and herbs as well.

I like how you can put just about anything inside soap bars, it opens up lots of possibilities.

You guys are the best!

Ah, but Tina, my SIL makes shaped and scented lye based soaps. She uses goat milk and essential oils. It's wonderful stuff, great for the complexion

No way I'm going to start messing around with lye! This needs to be as simple an operation as possible.

I figured "OT: melt-and-pour soapmaking" would be too long a title to fit on most people's newsreaders. It's really making a CAKE of soap, adding shapes and colors, making a gift. The soap itself is already made, which is why it's perfect for what I need.

What about dried/freeze dried plant materials? Kaytee "Simplexities" on

Not mine own, Home Matters! Susan W

Because I got out that book for you, to get out the recipe, *NOW* I want to make bath salts with the smelly stuff and all, since I have a bathtub that I can play in, but can't go get the essential oils, and the colors (like the colors are necessary!).

Then, last night, Ken was taking a bath, and the ceiling down here started leaking. Found out the overflow was making a spot in the ceiling leak, so now, we have to be super careful!!!

Mary

Hey guys, I just wanted to update and to thank you so much for your helpful info about melt-and-pour stuff. My SO and I armed ourselves with various soaps, e/o's, colors, and inserts and have been having a ball. I've made probably 50 soaps already! I'm mostly dividing them between decorative soaps (with flowers, designs, lots of fragrance), and ones that are meant to be used (with healing ingredients like honey, milk, oatmeal, what have you).

To whoever mentioned putting silk flowers in - it works beautifully and looks gorgeous! Major thanks for that idea.

I also found a recipe for lotion bars, made with beeswax, olive or sweet almond oil, and cocoa or shea butter. Lovely stuff, but MAN is beeswax a pain to work with!

We're also doing bath salts, and possibly foot lotion. It's funny to me that I've never been into crafts, but in the last year I've really found myself enjoying the process of creating tactile things. I haven't been able to afford beads for a bit, so this is a great substitute for the crafting urge.

Tactile. Yup. That's the thing for me. I sometimes refer to my hands "thinking". Adding color makes it even better. Kind of tactile sensation for the eyes.

Tina

Ooh -sounds like you are having a fun time with the soapmaking etc!

And I totally understand the "tactile"part.