Soap-making is such a simple pleasure. I bought a couple of bars and just loved it, so decided to try it for myself. I found a simple recipe and got my resident handyman, Bud, to build me a couple of devices from scrap lumber. The only purchases were the clamps and soap cutter.
I followed the simple soap recipe and have been making various types, scents, and textures. I use it for bath, face, and shampoo. It is wonderful for dry skin and a Godsend for psoriasis sufferers since it is so rich.
I am always so pleased when I learn a new craft, especially if it is an old one. I would caution anyone who is interested to use caution with the lye. Be sure to mix outdoors or in an extremely well-ventilated area, wearing long sleeves, eye protection, gloves, and a mask. The fumes are horrible. Also, add lye gradually to water, not water to lye! It mix gets very hot, so have pot holder handy. Flaked lye dissolves much more easily than gables. I had to order lye off Internet. It goes without saying, store lye careful and mix only what you need. Be sure to weigh all ingredients, not measure. You will need a GOOD mixer when mixing. I burned up two hand-held cheaper models before I found that out. I wouldn’t try stirring, since it might take more than an hour of hand stirring to reach right consistency. A good electric mixer has it ready n five or six minutes. Be sure to ms lye n glass, not metal. It will ruin metal.
Soap has to cure 3-4 weeks, so don’t get in a hurry if you are making gifts. It won’t hurt to use sooner. It will just feel slimy instead of nice and soapy.
A.w.e.s.o.m.e.Wonderful. I can smell the soap from here.
Merry Christmas, Linda. 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
I learned to make soap when I was a child as part of a course on Pilgrim arts and activities. I’d love to do it again, and good lye soap is wonderful for getting out stubborn stains.
LikeLike
My wife used to do this as an EBay business, all natural handmade soaps. I miss the stuff she made, especially the soaps that had a loofa sponge in it (scrub and clean in one swipe)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea. Thanks. I am on it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was interesting but I doubt I’ll be doing it. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
My mom & grandma made lye soap in the fifties and early sixties. They saved bacon grease, cooked it outside. Somehow they cut the soap into even, rectangular bars. It was a good home remedy for poison ivy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s also really good for chigger bites and psoriasis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too bad we’ve gotten away from self-sufficiency and home remedies. I’m still not going anywhere near cod liver oil and castor oil. 🙂
LikeLike
My dad used to give us sulphur and molasses.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so interesting. Your soap looks beautiful! I think folks really appreciate receiving a special handmade gift like your soap. Happy Holidays!
LikeLike
Mine is definitely going out at Christmas. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need to get my eyes checked. For some reason two of those pics looked like bacon to me… maybe I’m just hungry. Very cool about the soap making. I have dreams of learning to knit – my mom made it look so easy and meditative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does look like bacon. I used green food color and it turned out looking like caramel cheesecake.
LikeLike
Another amazing skill. You rock ! ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed it. Thinking about selling some.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let me know…I’ll be a customer. ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Email me lbeth1950@hotmail.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Would love to try this but probably won’t. My niece makes wonderful soap this way so I buy from her.
LikeLike
Thanks Mary
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Linda Bethea adds a much needed touch of humour to our blogging community but she is multi-talented and makes amazing soaps… head over.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember helping my grandmother do this when I was a child. You’ve brought some memories…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you enjoy helping?
LikeLike
What a good idea. it is great to keep some of these crafts going 🙂
LikeLike
I love your soap, Linda! 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do, thank you so much!!!
LikeLike
I admire you for making your own soap! Sounds hard to do. I will stick to purchasing it ready made. LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s not hard. I have time since I am retired. That matters.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I really admire you for it.
LikeLike
Thanks for tips. I was thinking of trying this sometime. I have no idea why, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I started because my son wanted it and it costs about $6 a bar.
LikeLiked by 1 person