Lesson 5: Soapmaking Instructions: Part One
Lessons five and six are meant to be reviewed together as they contain step-by-step soapmaking instructions from start to finish. Review all of the intructions first several times before embarking on your first soapmaking enterprise. Print these instructions and have them handy when you make soap. If you have any questions whatsoever, contact me in the Discussion Section before starting to make soap.
Step One: Set Up
Set aside at least 1½ hours for soapmaking during which you will not be disturbed.
Select your recipe and double check your lye calculations. Prepare your mold by lining it with plastic wrap. Set out all of your soapmaking equipment and ingredients. Measure out your additives or have them ready.
Cover surfaces with newspaper to protect them from lye and for easy clean up.
Put your gloves and safety goggles on.
In this photo I am setting up a wooden soap mold by lining it with plastic wrap. This mold came with acetate sleaves to help protect the wood and make the sides of my final soap bar smooth and straight.
