| Archive for The Potting Shed A forum to discuss Crafts, Cooking, Gardening, Countryside, Livestock and Pets |
| Libby |
Lottie and Libby's boredom busting soap make!!!!This is carried on from the thread 'Idea for moulds' where Lottie is making soap with Libby to stop her getting bored!!!!!!! Anyone can join in!From my shopping list I have got today Pan Old towels I have found Plastic Spatulas 1 beer thermometer from Wilkinsons for £2.99 I need another Coconut Oil on order from Sainsburys Pharmacy £6.17 for 500g Sodium Hydroxide Rubber gloves Essential Oil I still need Olive Oil can I buy this off the shelf in Sainsburys? and Sweet Almond Oil, Sainsburys only had 'Almond Oil' would that do? I popped into a shop near by that sells its own homemade soaps and a sign said 'we do not use SLS (I think) in our soaps' does anyone know what that is? I'm really excited about this, I'm even planning my next batch!!! and maybe even some bath bombs!!! and salt scrub and a shampoo bar and some baby soap....... now now calm down Libby, you know what your mother used to say..... you must learn to walk before you can run.... I know but its soooooo boring 
|
||
| Aqui |
Yes - olive oil off the shelf - go for the cheapest one, NOT extra virgin. (honestly cheapest is best - expensive takes longer to trace!)
Not sure about almond oil. But try health food shops, I've seen sweet in there. SLS is some nasty chemical that is in (amongst other things) shampoo. Originally designed for removing grease from garages. Now in shampoo and other "beauty" products. I'm sure I'm allergic to it! I can't remember what it stands for though! You'll also need a heatproof glass measuring jug for making the sodium hydroxide solution. Remember - it gets very hot. And some goggles. And vinegar in case you get any sodium hydroxide on your skin - it neutralises it - and to add to washing up liquid when you wash up the pans etc afterwards. Enjoy - it's great fun (apart from the month wait for it to be useable!) |
||
| TheGirlsMum |
Libby, try www.justasoap.co.uk
They are cheaper than the soap kitchen but don't have as wide a range of stock, but my delivery arrived the next day. I need to make some shampoo like last week. I got all the oils ready 2 nights ago and then realised I had a puppy sat on my foot, so not a good idea. Will try early next week. 
|
||
| alison |
Sodium, Louryle sulphate.
Not sure if that is how you spell it, but it is how it is said anyway! |
||
| TheGirlsMum |
Sorry Libby just looked at Coconut oil from justasoap its £3.15 a kilo!!! I know there's p&p on top but........ | ||
| Pilsbury |
Is this the stuff
www.tesco.com/superstore/xpi/9/xpi58097389.htm 95p per 500g if it is sorry 
|
||
| Libby |
*88$#*%$?? that is a very rude word
95p that is very reasonable well I have commited to sainsburys now they have my phone number. Next time I will try tesco!!!!!!! Just need one more thermometer and a glass jug. I tried all sorts of places for the other thermometer Robert Dyas etc, but no luck. I may have to wait for a delivery at Wilkinsons I'm going to enjoy this
Libby |
||
| Haize |
By the way, is the shopping list at the top everything, or are there some bits not on there because you already had them? I know nothing about soap making (that I didn't learn from Fight Club...  )
Do you think it would be naughty for me to appropriate Sodium Hydroxide from uni?  I wouldn't have the nerve!
And Libby, you have no obligation to Sainsbury's: if they are offering something at a massively inflated price, tell them how much you've found it for, and I'm sure they will agree. The staff are human, after all. Mostly... Plus lots of products can be returned within 14 days for any reason anyway. I doubt this is excluded. |
||
| TheGirlsMum |
Doesn't it need to be "solid" oil?
Is that what Sainsburys and Tesco are selling or is it just oil to use in cooking??? |
||
| Leonie2 |
the coconut oil I buy from the soap kitchen is liquid, same consistency as sunflower oil, but I'd say a slightly paler oil. my soaps didn't turn yellow/orange like the others who have used a more solid oil, but it still reached trace and made good soap. | ||
| Libby |
The list at the top is what I needed and not the whole thing!
I might tell Sainsburys when they phone, your right! |
||
| Pilsbury |
This one is quite solid but went liquid when it was on the worktop next to the cooker so doesnt need a lot to melt it, I used it in chicken sausages to give a bit more moisture and it complimented the flavoring i was using. |
||
| Libby |
I could be making soap next week tra la la la la....... Still waiting for a few bits I have ordered.
Two things I would like to ask 1 does it have to be a glass jug? 2 my sister is a redhead and has tremendously sensitive skin, the only product she can use is 'Botanics' range in boots. Because I am confident I am going to enjoy this soap making lark, I would love to make some especially for her, can anyone recommend a recipe they think will do please! Libby |
||
| lottie |
Your list is growing then Libby. I am don't think that you can get much better than the baby soap recipe in MC book- you can add different essential oils to it. | ||
| Libby |
I know 
I'll have to get certified and sell it
no not me the soap
I'll add baby soap to the list then
|
||
| Leonie2 |
I've made the baby soap a few times and used it on my children without any problems, J had mild eczema when she was little and she was okay with that soap. I don't like the essential oils in the recipe though so I substitute with lavender oil. | ||
| n |
My soap stash is suddenly almost gone, so I may need to join you.
n |
||
| lottie |
Please do the more the merrier - we can even exhange a block of each others if you wish - a full size one - if we make different soaps. | ||
| Libby |
I now have the sweet almond oil and coconut oil. All I need is the olive oil and a glass jar me thinks, unless someone thinks I need anything else!!!
not in the least bit excited 
|
||
| Leonie2 |
Libby, not sure if someone answered your question, you don't need to mix the caustic soda and water in a glass jug, I mix mine in a small plastic bucket/tub. So long as the plastic is able to take boiling hot liquid then you'll be fine. | ||
| lottie |
I use a plastic bowl or a big old china mixing bowl - MC says stainless steel or glass or plastic in her book.
I made face and body cream today - Shea butter, coco butter, beeswax, equal measures. Lavender, comfrey, and tea tree essential oils for the skin. Libby - it was a tough choice and I will need to make some more, but I am going for the........................... Cinnamon, Honey and Almond Soap Cakes Just because I happen to have the ingredients without buying more essential oils off the net - and - they look good enough to eat. I just love honey and beeswax. It is a medium soft soap, with small creamy bubbles, and very aromatic. There are a couple of others minimum that are on my list - but it is getting the time to fit everything in at the moment. But the above will look good in a basket with the St Clements and the Oatmeal and Lemon Balm Scrub bars I have already made. It surely is exciting isn't it Libby. Just up to you to set a date now.
|
||
| Libby |
Oooo I say Lottie they do look good.Now you have got me going again
1st batch, will be camomile teabar which i have changed to peppermint tea bar. 2nd batch baby soap then let me see ermmmmmmmm I forgot I still need another thermometer??????????? I'm having my hair done tomorrow, so any day after that which fits in with you. Aren't you seeing your son and family this week as well?? |
||
| lottie |
Doctors tomorrow and ducks
Wednesday out early morning till late at night Thursday out getting foliage and flower and preperations for.......... Friday - flower arranging workshop So next week would suit me better. I fancied baby soap too - and others - like being let loose in a sweetie shop isn't it? |
||
| Haize |
I'll join in next year.
|
||
| Aqui |
Lottie - I made that soap. It is rather lovely. But watch out - the cinnamon turns your bath slightly brown! | ||
| Libby |
Thats fine Lottie, but would you be awfully upset if I made some soap this week?? I could always make some more next week if I don't kill myself in the first instance
I suddenly realised I haven't made any Christmas cakes and I really ought to get them done and I thought I might do them next week!!! In between soap making 
|
||
| Libby |
No don't worry, having slept on it, what I will do is make the christmas cakes this week and the soap next week.............................................
........................................................................................................ ............................................................................................. thats if I can contain myself of course
|
||
| Libby |
I would really quite like to do the soap tomorrow (Tuesday) as the rest of the week is slowly filling up, but how long may it take? The reason I ask is I have been asked out to lunch at 12.30. So I get back from dropping Tori off about 8.45 if I get everything out ready prior to taking her I should have time shouldn't I??????? | ||
| lottie |
I would think so , but it depends on how long it takes to trace - anyone made the camomile/peppermint tea soap out there?
I will have a go at the one I decided on tomorrow Libby - as my week is filling up too and I set aside tomorrow for doing it. Aqui - thanks for the warning - I will leave out the cinnamon then - and put a cinnamon stick in or on the packaging - that will look nice won't it? I am all psyched up for it now - unless I get a call to say that the gamekeeper has more birds for me (there are shoots on MOndays )
But on second thoughts - the birds can wait as I have other batches to do asap too. |
||
| Libby |
Well then if you are, I am too! I'll drive fast back from school and get going straight away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Libby |
I hope someone reads this before I get back from the school run!!!!!!
How do you put a thermometer into about 15ml (3tsp) of essential oils??? surely its not deep enough to measure the oil temp instead won't you get the pan temp???????? I'm doing the camomile teabar on page 47 of melinda cosses book! |
||
| Kathy |
Hang on Libby, I'm not doing this but I'll just check my MC book. | ||
| Kathy |
By the time you need to check the temperature of the oils you will have all the oils together except the essential oils (camomile and lemon grass). It is the coconut, olive and sweet almond oil you need to check once they've melted. Does that make sense? | ||
| Libby |
Thank you Kathy,
Oh glory! I obviously didn't read that properly!!!!! Well instead of rushing round I am now going to sit down and have a coffee, take 5 mins to chill instead of flap and read the recipe again!!! I have done the water and have the teabags in soak, so I have started. I'm not worried, honest! 
|
||
| lottie |
All this mad scientist stuff is a bit scary to start with = once you have made your first batch you will be wanting to do the next batch.
I still, read and read and read and check each time - and I have only made two batches before this one. |
||
| Libby |
Well its all mixed, temperature matched and in the pan with occasional stirring waiting for trace. It looks a disgusting colour 
Your right Lotti, it does make you feel like a scientist, in fact it is very theraputic, your so busy concentrating you haven't got time to think of anything else!!!! Back shortly |
||
| Libby |
OOOOooo errrrrrr! Me thinks something is not right or maybe it is I really don't know
Everytime I go back to stir the mixture it looks like I have a layer of oil on the top, which I'm mixing in throughly each time. Then it floats to the top before I stir again?????????????????????????????????? more details to follow |
||
| lottie |
Just popped on here quickly to see how you are doing.
I am at the same stage as you - you keep having to give it a stir until it comes to trace - that is the stage I am at. You get a creamy texture around the edge of the bowl or pan whichever you are using, then as you stir it in those bits sort of mix but stay creamy in the oily mixture. I see that yours can take up to 2 hours was it? To trace - so do not panic Mrs Libby - the first time is always nail biting especially on your own. I have weighed out most of the ingredients to make another batch - castille but I will have to use yellow palm oil as I can't get the white anywhere Oh flump the phone - must go |
||
| Libby |
Thanks for that Lottie.
It is a gorgeous oatmeal colour at the moment and has thickened to a sauce consistency so far. Hope it hurries, I'm due to have lunch with a friend!!!!! Would it help if I stirred it more???? Not rushing honestly!!! In between stirs, I have been writing my blog with pictures, not posted yet though! But it will be!!! I must admit this could become addictive
|
||
| lottie |
Right finished and washed up - but not put stuff back in shed yet! Having a rest before making lunch in a mo.
My recipe said that it would take 20 minutes to reach trace and it took 45 mins For some reason known only to the scientists - they all can take different times to trace depending on climate, altitude, temperature, humidity and content . You started earlier than me I am guessing so you should not have long to wait now I would have thought. |
||
| Aqui |
Lottie - phew one of you has traced. THe suspense has been killing me!
I've found with the MC recipes that every single one I've tried has taken about twice as long as she said to trace! Come on Libby's soap! |
||
| Libby |
Still stirring
|
||
| lottie |
Come on soap or Libby will miss lunch and just be in time for dessert! | ||
| Libby |
Oh heavens Aqui, I hope it doesn't take double the time
She's coming to me now!! Fortunately we do the homemade soup type lunches, which I made this time! So we can eat and stir
Still stirring!!!!!! |
||
| lottie |
Thank goodness that she is coming to you - I thought it the other way around.
You don't have to stir all the time you know - you will make a hole in the bottom of the pan
Leave it a bit to start setting around the edge, then skim that off and mix then, and repeat.......... I am sending setting vibes now........... Now you appreciate why it is best to be on your own - for quite a while - just in case. Errm it is not in a very warm place near your reyburn is it. I found that when I moved mine to the cold stone worktop it started to trace quicker. |
||
| lottie |
Got any napkins Libby - you might need to be fed your lunch 
It is bound to trace soon |
||
| lottie |
Just posted mine here
http://kooringa.com I didn't say what it was as it is for Christmas pressies and my family read my website I hope to make more tomorrow - just need a few things I have run out of - I am fired up ready to go now. How about you Libby? |
||
| Libby |
Oh my god I'm still stirring!! | ||
| Libby |
Done! Phew!!
all in moulds........got to rush and get Tori from school and do a bit of shopping back later to post blog with lots of pics!!!!! Gosh its chucking it down and I've only just noticed!!!!!! |
||
| lottie |
See what a fun day you had - and what a sense of achievement you must feel.
And wait until it is time to turn out the moulds and leave it to cure. Then the wrapping and giving. I didn't eat a thing whilst I was doing it all either - so must have saved a few calories - for my little apple and summer fruits crumble! |
||
| Libby |
Well the days events plus pics are posted on my blog!!!
Did I enjoy it? totally!! Will I do it again? alot sooner than you think, in fact I'm reading the book again as I type!!!!!!!
|
||
| Libby |
Did you do the oatmeal one Lottie??? When I first looked at the pic on your blog and saw the carrots I thought they where part of the ingredients
By the way thank you, I have had a lovely day. After some more soap making I think I shall have a go at candles
|
||
| Becki |
Good
|
||
| mrsnesbitt |
Will let the necessary people know! 
|
||
| Libby |
very funny Mrs N!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
||
| lottie |
Hilarious Mrs N you are a wit.
I will do candles with you too - I need to get some supplies in though - all by post  as I am too far from any good shops  but it is nice living where I do so no complaints.
And like you Libby - I am already prepared for another batch tomorrow. Fiddling about with the ingredients a bit but checked the saponifications so should be alright. (fingers and everything else crossed). It has been great fun today - and nice to make something with someone else miles away - and fun that peeps are logging on to my site as usual and whizzing over to yours to see what I was making - there goes my Christmas surprises
|
||
| Libby |
Ooo have i spoilt your christmas surprisesl for you????????? I am sorry, well they won't know what type they are getting!!!!!
I had a peek this morning and it has gone firm and it stinks, no not of peppermint, I can't quite describe the pong, but it is quite revolting. I hope this is normal!!!!!!
Definately looking at doing another one very soon tho!! |
||
| lottie |
I am off to make another batch today. Mine smells of honey and beeswax and I am going to (hopefully) turn it out and cut it up.
You might be smelling the caustic soda Libby which is probably more powereful than the peppermint EO you used. That smell will fade as it cures. Must go and do the deed. |
||
| Libby |
Well I have been to Devizes and bought lots more bits and pieces for soap making.
Then hubby handed me a book on Candle making he bought for me I think hes worried about all this soap he might have to use So I'm going to start a thread in the candle section as this book has some super ideas and I'm really struggling about ideas for my sister for christmas and she loves candles!!!!
Hope your soap making goes well Lottie!! I will probably do some more Friday!!! |
||
| Libby |
Is there an art to getting soap out of moulds or do I need to leave it a bit longer?????? | ||
| lottie |
Did you grease the moulds?
You can pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours - let them get a bit of condensation on them when you get them out - then they should just shake out. Or you may have to take a knife to them! I did mine in a big square plastic box - well greased with cookeen. I ran the knife around the edge - turned it upside and tapped and out it popped. The soap at this stage is softish - but firm enough to cut up and handle - which is what I did. And don't forget to wear gloves - it can/will still burn you until it is cured. |
||
| Libby |
Yep! I did grease the moulds. I think I'll use cookeen next time. Ok off to poke with a knife or freeze!!!!! | ||
| Libby |
OK 3 out 4th to go!
I have cut them up I know I have to cure them but how? Do I stack them? What do I stand them on? Do they still need covering with a towel?? will post on blog shortly!! |
||
| alison |
when I do mine, I cut them dat this stage, into bar shapes, then wrap them in an old towel and put them in the airing cupboard for about 2 - 3 weeks, to cure. | ||
| lottie |
In the book it says to wrap them in a towel. So I put a towel on an old tray, stack the blocks and wrap them in the towel - and put them in a drawer - see my website libby for pictures and links to my old blog which shows you. | ||
| Libby |
Brilliant thanks for that. Will take a look! | ||
| Libby |
Brilliant thanks for that. Will take a look! | ||
| lottie |
~Well Libby, are you pleased with your results. I think they look brilliant - you are a natural.
When are you going to visit your mum 'up north' will the soap have cured in time? |
||
| lottie |
My latest batch of soaps - just out of the moulds and now wrapped up and stored till cured.
A variation of MC's Castille soap - using unrefined palm oil - which is yellow becuase I could not get white |
||
| Libby |
I'm going up next week end, so unfortunately they won't be cured!!! I must admit I'm not sure I like mine, your look so much better! I am going to have a go at baby soap next week!!!!! | ||
| lottie |
|
||
| lottie |
Well I never did get around to making baby soap - but there is always next year
I have just been wrapping up the soaps that I did make, ready for adding to Christmas hampers and for presents. What about you Libby - have you wrapped yours yet? |
||
| Libby |
I had to empty mine out the airing cupboard when we had the leak! But I only peeped at them then!
I was clearing Kathryns room when i had another closer look and sadly I was not impressed with the smell to be honest it was awful!! I will have a go with a piece this week and let you know what its like when wet!!, but I definately want to have another go at a different flavour!!
|
||
| lottie |
Oh that is a shame. I have found that they do not smell as strong as you think they will despite putting in the correct amount essential oils in the 'recipe'
Over on downsizer there is a quick way to make hot soap that you can use straight away or give to presents - looks a tad bit messy, but I might try that - but after Christmas - not enough hours in the day at the mo. |
||
| Libby |
I will take a look at that!!
I think the girls have bought me a craft book with lots of different crafts to try, can't wait till Christmas and after to start playing I will let you know so you can play too!!!
|
||
| lottie |
I will look forward to that 
|