Benefits of Soapmaking

Our great grandmothers made soap outdoors in large pots over open fires, but most of us will be making our soap indoors in our kitchens. Unlike our ancestors, we have the option to use modern conveniences like food processors and different types of blenders. We can also use soap base or commercially made soap bars to eliminate the need to work with lye. We don't have to take advantage of these things; it is simply a matter of choice. I personally like to make all my soaps by hand, from start to finish. That way I know exactly what is going into my soap and then on my body. Don't get my wrong though, I use a soap base for all my glycerin soaps (melt and pour), these are great and I have found a company that uses only natural ingrediants in there bases, http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com check them out when you have the time.

You will reap countless rewards for spending a few hours creating handmade soaps. Family and friends will fuss over your handcrafted gifts and goodies. In an age of mass production there's a charm in creating with one's hands and heart.

There is so much fun that lies ahead of you. Like a knight on a mission, you will enjoy spending time gathering all tpes of ingredients for your soaps. Enjoy the pleasure of finding the right scent that pleases your nose. Relax and enjoy the challenge of mixing herbs or flowers, spices or oils. Making soap isn't a race to cross the finish line first, it is a journey that provides as much creativity in the process as it provides gratification as the end result.

I have included a simple get you started receipe below, this is a basic soap receipe without any of the extra additives. But feel free to explore and invent new ways to make this receipe one of your personal own. Good Luck.

BASIC RECIPE ONE

A mild, off white Castille-type soap, this soap cures into nice, hard bars that produces lots of exploding lather. It is an excellent all-purpose soap and a good choice for hand-milling recipes because it is so versatile; you can remold this recipe into both body bars.

14oz tepid water 6 oz of lye 12 oz coconut oil (Found in local health food stores) 8 oz palm oil (substitute with vegetable shortening if needed) 20 oz olive oil

Blend water and lye. set aside and cool to 100 degrees F. Melt and blend oils set aside to 100 degress.

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