| Archive for The Potting Shed A forum to discuss Crafts, Cooking, Gardening, Countryside, Livestock and Pets |
| Leonie2 |
Summer soap swapJesseSite Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 07 Apr 2006 02:32 pm Post subject: Summer soap swap -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It seems that a few of us have leapt into the world of making soap. When I first set out I wanted to try all the recipes in the book! But of course finances dictate just how many bars of soap one's allowed to make. So, what does everyone think about the idea of having a soap swap. It's a nice way of a) trying a soap made by someone else, and b) gettting a sample of what different recipes are like so we know whether or not it's a recipe we'd like to make ourselves. This is how it would work. We each follow a recipe that we like or would like to try, it can be from the M Coss book or elsewhere, but we must be able to post the recipe instructions here or post where the recipe came from. We make a batch of soap from this chosen recipe and cut it into small sample sized bars (think matchbox size), enough for each of those who are interested in taking part to receive one. We could either each send our samples to the names on a list, or we can each send our batch of soaps to one organiser who will then distribute to those who are taking part. As soapmaking is a long process when you include the curing time I'm thinking of setting a date for a couple of months away, perhaps the end of June or somewhere around then. Would anyone be interested in taking part? Last edited by Jesse on 07 Apr 2006 07:09 pm; edited 1 time in total Back to top Aqui Moderator Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 316 Location: my desk, Londonish Posted: 07 Apr 2006 02:47 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- me me me. Assuming it works! My first batch will be the simple recipe on the soap kitchen website, but for my second batch I will be making an oatmeal soap. _________________ The quiet power of growing things is truly magical Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 07 Apr 2006 05:37 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes please - add me. _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 07 Apr 2006 07:19 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Super I'll set a deadline for those who are interested to post their interest here by the 7th May. Then we can work out how many mini bars we each need to make, I'll ask for a pm with addresses and we can all decide on a deadline for the soaps to be sent to me for distributing. Back to top Kathy Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1008 Posted: 07 Apr 2006 07:34 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I might be in, got a few weeks to make my mind up. _________________ Take care Kathy Back to top alison Moderator Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 303 Location: North Devon Posted: 07 Apr 2006 08:31 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- yes please, count me in Back to top n Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 334 Posted: 17 Apr 2006 10:03 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And me. I presume we need to say in advance what we are making so that the organiser can make sure we aren't all making the same variety? n Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 17 Apr 2006 02:37 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Good idea n - I fancy the goats milk or castille but will happily have a got a anything and get one of the above as a sample. _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Becki Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1106 Location: Over here and not there. Posted: 17 Apr 2006 03:52 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I will next time but I'm busy ogling all the beads up at the mo _________________ www.thecardbee.com Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 17 Apr 2006 06:14 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It would be nice to all make something different but if anyone wants to make something in particular and someone else is planning on making the same thing then we can still do that, it might be interesting to see if there's a difference in the same recipe made by different people? Back to top Aqui Moderator Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 316 Location: my desk, Londonish Posted: 20 Apr 2006 01:37 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I thought I'd make oatmeal and honey. (sounds yummy!) Still haven't made my first batch - hopefully this weekend! _________________ The quiet power of growing things is truly magical Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 03 May 2006 08:33 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just a reminder, those who want to take part please say so here by the 7th May (this Sunday) so that I can compile a list of names for the soap swap. Please also have a think about which soap recipe/fragrance you will be making. Back to top n Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 334 Posted: 07 May 2006 09:27 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Did you include me? n Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 07 May 2006 09:40 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please take this as my official posting to be included in the soap swap making - (if you haven't already guessed ) _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 08 May 2006 06:58 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- oooh, I'm glad you girls reminded me. I'll compile the list today and post all the names, once we've decided what recipe we want to make please post here so we can all make our decisions based on all the information. What posting deadline suits everyone best? I like to leave my soaps for 4 weeks to cure, and I need some time to get my act together and get soap making, for me a good time would be first or second week of July, that gives me about a month to get the soap batch made. Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 08 May 2006 08:36 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phew that's a relief, by July I should be as fit as a fiddle and all the planting and seed sowing should have calmed down. And like you, it will give me time to decide what soap to make and get the ingredients as I have such a job getting things. Now that my son has moved south I might be able to go out with my daughter in law as it is near a big town, so can be sure to source to cocoa oil and palm oil etc in the town. I am looking forward to joining in. Having a project gives you the extra motivation does't is and often things get put on the 'back burner' for another day and soon the time flies. So July soap making should be a good way of getting some of the Christmas presents done shouldn't it. Maybe, someone might want to swap a whole bar (we could weigh them) for a bar of someone elses so that we have a nice selection - or maybe not. Whatever, it will be great to try out a little bit. Thanks for organising it Jesse. _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 08 May 2006 08:43 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- That's a good idea about the whole bar swap for christmas pressies Lottie, would give a nice selection rather than making loads of batches each ourselves. When I said posting date by July that means the soap would be finished being made in June, leaving 4 weeks to cure before posting in July because you wouldn't be allowed to post caustic soap with royal mail. If you want the posting date to be set later then say when and we'll arrange a different time. Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 08 May 2006 03:51 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, here's the list : Aqui n Alison Lottie Kathy (can you confirm Kathy, you weren't sure last time) me If we finish making our soaps by the 17th of June and post by 15th of July, that gives us just over 6 weeks from today to make a batch of soap, and allows 4 weeks for curing before posting. How does that fit with everyone, anyone need more time? Back to top Kathy Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1008 Posted: 08 May 2006 04:20 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote: Kathy (can you confirm Kathy, you weren't sure last time) Well I hope to goodness it turns out better than my last batch!! _________________ Take care Kathy Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 08 May 2006 04:35 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- it's a good excuse to try again Back to top alison Moderator Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 303 Location: North Devon Posted: 08 May 2006 06:34 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'd like to do a gardeners soap, with pumice stone in. Back to top Kathy Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1008 Posted: 08 May 2006 07:01 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melinda Cross shampoo bar, if no one else is doing it. _________________ Take care Kathy Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 08 May 2006 07:33 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think I'm going to make a soap using the soap kitchens basic recipe but fragranced with a blend of the following essential oils: rosewood, rose geranium, grapefruit, bergamot, petitgrain and palmarosa, hopefully this should result in a scent reminiscent of summer. Back to top GREENWIZARD Perennial Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 370 Location: SCOTLAND Posted: 15 May 2006 01:34 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- yummy J....i love the smell of rosewood & rose gerianium _________________ Back to top Aqui Moderator Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 316 Location: my desk, Londonish Posted: 15 May 2006 01:47 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- well my last batch turned out to be honey and oatmeal, so I plan to do something different this time. I'm just not sure what yet - off to google for some ideas! _________________ The quiet power of growing things is truly magical Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 15 May 2006 06:06 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gosh just caught up with this, it hasn't turned up before now in the 'view posts since last visiting'. I will have a look see and let you know what soap I will be doing. Give me a couple of days though _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 15 May 2006 06:23 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- no rush Lottie I'll probably change my mind about what I'll be making at some point anyway Back to top Aqui Moderator Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 316 Location: my desk, Londonish Posted: 16 May 2006 06:49 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I've decided... (shock horror, it doesn't happen very often!) I'm going to make breakfast soap! It'll have various essential oils that are envigorating/refreshing etc - perfect for the morning wake up shower. Must go do some research into what essential oils to use, and make sure they smell nice together! So far, I think it'll have lemon in it. but that's it! _________________ The quiet power of growing things is truly magical Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 01 Jun 2006 08:28 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just to update, there are six of us taking part, that means you need to cut 5 bars for sending on to me for distribution amongst those who are taking part. If you can please make sure they're small/sample sized bars to keep postage costs down. Please also remember to attach some sort of identification to your soaps (a label/sleeve) so that we know who made each soap, it sounds as though each person is making something quite different but just incase two or more soaps look very much alike. I've decided to include two different soaps from me, if anyone else wants to include more than one they're more than welcome to, but bear in mind you may not receive back the same number of soaps that you sent out. Back to top alison Moderator Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 303 Location: North Devon Posted: 01 Jun 2006 08:00 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Funnily enough I made mine today. It is quite a deep colour, so I am not sure if I put too much in, or it will fade, anyway it is an orange and patuli, with a puice stone grit in, for gardeners, in a shocking orange colour. The fats were coconut oil, olive oil and another one I can't remeber at the moment. Back to top n Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 334 Posted: 01 Jun 2006 08:08 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ummm Not sure. Perhaps the coffee one which is supposed to stop your hands smelling garlicky in the kitchen. Or ??? Need to think. n _________________ www.thedroppedspindle.blogspot.com Back to top |
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| Leonie2 |
Revised date for posting, please post soaps for the swap by 1st August. That means you need to have made your batch roughly 4 weeks earlier in order for it to have cured by 1st aug for posting. 
The list of participants are: Aqui n Alison Lottie Kathy me |
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| Aqui |
phew that's a relief. I hadn't had the chance/energy/ingredients to make another batch of soap until this weekend - made one from the coss book called salad days (or something) but left out the essential oils. so it's basically castille soap with avocado oil added.
This weekend coming I plan to make another one - honey, cinnamon and almond (again from the book, but without the essential oils). that'll be the one for the swap. (i hope!) |
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| Leonie2 |
Reminder, remember to post your soaps to me by 1st August for the swap. Please remember also to label your soaps somehow so that when we each receive our pack of soaps be know who made which ones.
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| Kathy |
 Sorry Leonnie, I'll need to "opt out", hope this doesn't muck things up. Just can't get in the kitchen without either dogs or children and I won't do it unless I know I'll have a full half day to complete the task. 
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| Leonie2 |
I understand Kathy, it wouldn't be sensible to attempt this with people and pets under your feet  
Does anyone else need to opt out, how about you n, I don't expect you've been able to make soap with your leg in plaster? What does everyone else want to do, go ahead with just a small number of people or postpone for later in the year? I'm easy either way
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| Aqui |
I made mine. ALthough I still need to cut it to sample sizes (was it the size of a matchbox?)
Do we send it to you Leonie? if so - PM me your address. I've lost it! I'm fine with going ahead with it as it is. We can always do another one later. |
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| Leonie2 |
Okay, I'm sure Alison has made her soap, I think I read at downsizer that she'd made some so there's at least three of us. I'll pm you my address, anyone else needing it please let me know. Oh and yes, matchbox size or thereabout and send them to me for distributing, please include a return address on your envelope/box so that I can send some soaps back to you.
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| lottie |
Just got back - I made mine too - ready to go - so count me in. Just got to wrap it and post it, but will be with you by 1st August for sure. | ||
| n |
I made mine today!
First day I've felt able to stand up for long enough. Although it won't be fully cured by August 1st, I can label it with a DO NOT USE BEFORE label. It's coffee grounds soap, supposed to be a hard soap with good bubbles and it apparently takes the smell of garlic and onions off your hands if you have been cooking. It looks slightly gritty so it might be good as a facial scrub type soap too. I'm just waiting for it to trace, hot day so it may take a little longer than normal. n |
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| Leonie2 |
Well done n, you're braver than me  Because of royal mail restrictions on carrying caustic products etc I suggest we delay the posting date by a week, 3 weeks should be long enough for curing, some recipes I've seen say 2 weeks but just to be safe I suggest 3 weeks. Another week won't do any harm, is that alright with everyone?
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| n |
Sorry, hope I haven't messed this up for everyone, I really wanted to do it, but just couldn't before now.
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| lottie |
Was that from the MC book N? | ||
| Aqui |
Has anyone used animal fat in their soap? | ||
| n |
I did, sorry, maybe I should have stuck to non animal... I can send another one veggie one as a substitute if anyone would prefer it.
Yes, Lottie it's from the MC book. n |
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| Leonie2 |
there aren't any animal fats in mine
n, you haven't messed anything up
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| Aqui |
It's alright n - don't panic. It only just occurred to me. Send it anyway and I'll give it to mum, I'm sure she'd appreciate it! | ||
| n |
Phew! I am sorry though, I should have thought.
n Update at 5.30 I am panicking because it won't trace! My first soap did this and was fine in the end. It's just a b***** because I thought it was going to be ten minutes and then another ten and so on, maybe 40 minutes tops, and here I am hopping about the bl***y kitchen three hours later, waiting for the blasted stuff. |
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| n |
Trace!
At 7.30pm! I ended up whisking it and that did the trick. n |
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| Leonie2 |
I'm sure it's the weather or something n. My first batches of soap made during the cooler months traced quickly, once it was just 10 minutes. The last two batches took a few hours too. | ||
| alison |
how many bars are we sending, as I have lost track completely? | ||
| Leonie2 |
There are 5 of us in all so if you send 4 bars. | ||
| n |
I was racking my brains to think why it wouldn't trace.
The 2 tablespoons of ground coffee it asked for didn't bear any relaionship to the 30 g weight translation which was a huge heap. I went for the 30g, and then when it wouldn't trace I wondered if the acidic coffee had upset the alkali balance of the caustic soda!!! n I'll cut it into bars today. Biggish matchboxes? n |
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| n |
I hope no-one is expecting gorgeous looking soap!
Mine is in soap shaped lumps, but they are dark brown! n |
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| lottie |
It is the taking part that counts n and gives us a chance to try all different soaps which is brilliant. So it really doesn't matter what shape it is does it - it all ends up the same - soapy hands! It is very instructive to hear if there are initial problem so that we can either try and help or something to watch out for if we have a go at the same recipe. Remember - you did this batch and joined in when you were/and still are - suffering with you broken bones - and you had your cast on too. I think you are brilliant to even attempt it, and really don't care what it looks like - even if it was runny and needed a tub. I am just very pleased that you made such an effort. I don't know if I could have. Thank you very much in advance for my designer, coffee soap. |
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| Leonie2 |
absolutely right Lottie, it doesn't matter what it looks like. Please remember to all post the recipe you used, or reference to where the recipe can be found so that if we want to try making a batch ourselves we know what the recipe is.
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| n |
Mine is the coffee soap from the MC book, but I substituted sunflower oil for the olive oil in the recipe. It has the same sap value so I don't think it's that which made the difference in it's tardiness at reaching trace.
When I turned it out it seemed fine, and then when I chopped it up I realised there was a puddle (no other word for it) of coffee in the middle of the slab of soap, perhaps a tablespoonful of un-traced coffee! Quite bizarre. It doesn't seem to have affected the soap itself though. I do think that there was too much coffee in it, there is no way that 30 g is 2 tablespoonfuls, so I would go for the imperial measurements next time. Thanks for the kind words Lottie, I feel I have done so little for anyone else these last few weeks, I was determined to do the soap. n |
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| Leonie2 |
n I had that problem with the sunflower and calendula recipe when I made it. It called for Xg or Xtablespoons of dried calendula petals, the g and tablespoons were very different amounts, grams would have been a whole bag full of petals which would have been far too much so I went for the tablespoon option instead. That's the good thing about this swap, we can all learn from each others experiences without duplicating mistakes. And sometimes I've made a soap where there's been no mistake or error in the recipe but I just felt different amounts would have been better. It's nice to learn from each other I think and this way we get to test all the recipes without having to make lots of different batches, if we did that we'd have enough soap to last 10 years!
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| Leonie2 |
Just a reminder that those of you who haven't posted the soap for the swap yet should do so by early next week. I'd like to have it packed up and ready to send out by next weekend.
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| alison |
oh goodness that is me
let me get this manic weekend over then I will get it in the post! Sorry
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| Leonie2 |
That's okay Alison, and don't worry you're not the only one i'm waiting on
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| n |
It's me too!
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| alison |
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| Leonie2 |
and Aqui
oh and I must get my soap labelled up too!
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| alison |
what do you want on the labels, as that is what has stopped me really, that and manic week with visitors.... | ||
| Leonie2 |
You can be as creative or un-creative as you like, just so long as we can identify who the soap is from. If we can identify who the soap is from then we will know what recipe it is.
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| alison |
I know I am late, but at last I have posted my soap today!
Sorry to the others for the delay. Couldn't do it for the last two days as I couldn't a) park in Ilfracombe, because of the fire, and b) park in Woolacombe, because of all the visitors. |
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| lottie |
Ah bless It doesn't matter if you are last - its the taking part that counts
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| Leonie2 |
and no she's not last!
Arrived this morning Alison, thanks. We're still waiting for two more packages and then I'll be posting next week, the ones received so far look wonderful
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| lottie |
That's even better Alison - you might be in running for a bronze medal?
I am so looking forward to seeing who made what and how it looks and smells and I am itching to make some more in readiness for Christmas pressies as I have an idea for something a little different. |
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| Leonie2 |
I'm lucky having a sneek preview before everyone else should I post a photo of the soaps once I have them all or do you want to wait until it lands on your doormat before you see what they all look like?
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| Leonie2 |
Just to update everyone, I'm waiting on Aqui's soaps still. I have pm'd her as a reminder but she hasn't picked it up, perhaps she is on holiday? I'll wait until tomorrow to see if she's back in the land of the potting shed, if not what do you all think I should do? hang on until she returns or post out the soaps and have aqui's to follow at a later date? | ||
| lottie |
Hmmm difficult one. I am looking forward to getting the samples - seems so long since I posted mine off.
Lets hope that Aqui is around tomorrow. The only other option of to post off the rest of them, and Aqui could post hers off when she can. That way it will take any pressure off her is she is not up to it for any reason at the moment, and then should could send them as and when or if she can. - Just an idea. What do the rest of you think? |
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| n |
I agree with lottie, if she isn't contactable the I would send off what you have, including mine to Aqui.
I completely understand that there may be some delay, she can send to us when she has time, or not, if she has just been too busy. I can pm my address to her if she needs it. As far as I'm concerned, she can have mine as a gift, whether or not there is a soap from her in return. It's not a one to one swap where some poor soul is left having made something and getting nothing back, and I am happy to trust she'll send something when she can. n |
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| Leonie2 |
okay, I'm happy with that too. I'm out all day tomorrow so I'll package everything up tomorrow evening and post on Tuesday.
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| lottie |
Yes of course it goes without saying, that I meant send all our samples to Aqui. It is a fun thing and I really enjoyed doing it and would like to do something similar again.
It really does not matter one jot if someone is unable for whatever reason to join in at any given time is it. We are a laid back and happy bunnies on here. Being shouted for - man to paint fence has arrived |
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| alison |
Definately agree.
I have thorougly enjoyed doing it.
Can't wait to see the ones coming back. |
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| Leonie2 |
I don't seem to have aqui's address anymore, does anyone else have it? | ||
| lottie |
Will have a look see | ||
| lottie |
Nope - no address for Aqui - but I am sure that she will 'pop' up at some time - how can anyone resist putting their head around the shed door to see what's occurring? | ||
| Leonie2 |
I'm sure she will, unusual for her to be away for so long though, hope everything is okay with her
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| Leonie2 |
All packed up and ready to post tomorrow. Everyone should have their soap pack by the end of the week, ooooh very exciting!
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| Leonie2 |
Here's a photo of what you can all expect in the mail some time this week The soap you all get from Lottie will be a bigger one, I opened one of the small ones for the photo. Aqui, the mint soap (bottom right) is a non-veggie one so n has kindly substituted it for a veggie one.
They all smell and look scrummy with lots of lovely colour and texture. I haven't tried any of them yet, I'm waiting until you all receive your parcel. 
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| n |
Gosh, they all look very professional, except for my brown lump.
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| Leonie2 |
I actually like your "brown lump" n The grain and textured look is really good. When I made coffee soap it was a plain brown lump with no motteling (sp?), your's looks much more interesting. I think it's going to be a nice kitchen soap.
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| lottie |
I didn't know about the wrapping bit - was rushing to get it to you by the deadline date!
They all look gorgeous and I am so looking forward to trying them out and then making them myself. Thanks everyone in advance. |
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| n |
lottie, what kind is yours? It looks great.
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| lottie |
n - you sweet talking beast you.
It actually looks better in real life. It was an adaptation of one in MC's book, and I substituted oat bran. I have sent recipes with it. I made it to look like a bar of chocolate 'flake' just to be different! |
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| Leonie2 |
I knew I forgot something! I'll type them up and post them on the forum tonight, sorry Lottie, I clean forgot to include them
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| lottie |
Thank you so very much
The postman has just been with my soap swap package. I cut open the bottom, closed my eyes and stuck my nose in - you should try it - what a wonderful fresh zingy, flowery, minty sort of smell - really really lovely. I am thrilled to bits with all the samples and you have all gone to so much trouble, but it is really appreciated. I am going to sample each one over the next week and will then make a batch of each - they all look and smell divine and what a lovely selection - all for different uses. I will be looking them up to get all the essential oils I need for each. I have been buying lots of the other ingredients little by little over these past months and now have a nice stock. I took a trip to a town that had a superdrug and stocked up on 6 pots of cocoanut oil. My Japanese daughter in law got the Chinese cash and carry to get some in - it took three months, but arrived the day after I bought some from Superdrug. She got glass jars of it 500ml for 99p totally natural and pure cocoanut oil. I was thrilled to get 125ml for 99p having paid 89p when the village pharmacy ordered it for me for 75ml With the beekeeper just around the corner, I have now got my options sorted. So nice to have everything in its place so when you want to make something on impulse - and I am very impulsive you can. Watch this space folks |
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| n |
So it's going to be a smelly Christmas, is it, lottie?
My box is sitting here on the kitchen table next to me, and it is such a fabulous smell, I wish I could send you all a whiff! I opened the box at the doorstep, so my postman, Keith, could have a look inside, he was fascinated. Leonie, what is petitgrain oil? haven't heard of it before. Alison, the patchouli is wonderful, and what an amazing colour! Lottie, is does indeed look like a flake, and I can see the oat bran. Aren't you all green with envy now
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| Leonie2 |
it's an essential oil, I'm not sure where/what it comes from but it has a citrus'y kind of smell. | ||
| lottie |
Just one question - did they all come from the M Coss book? Because yes indeed n , they will be made as part of a smelly Christmas theme. | ||
| Leonie2 |
My recipes are posted here somewhere within the soap section of the forum, they're not M Coss recipes. I think everyone elses come from M Coss. | ||
| lottie |
Thanks Leonie - will soon find them in a jiffy! | ||
| Haize |
I think Petitgrain is from the same tree as Neroli, but is from leaves and wood rather than the flowers, as Neroli is. So it has a lot of similar constituents, but is literally more woody a scent.
It is supposed to be very good for oily skin and acne. As a scent I'm not so sure, it's usually described as calming and good for stress. But then my theory is that anything you like the smell of is going to be suitable for general relaxation! |
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| alison |
The soaps arrived yesterday, but I couldn't post thanks, as our broadband kept dropping and I gave up in the end.
The soaps are wonderful. Thank you everyone.
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| lottie |
I am just about to start on my last soap swap soap - this one is from Alison - thank you Alison - I have been looking forward to it. I will save it until Christmas Day I think.
All the others, without exception, have been really lovely. So nice ot get to try all sorts and all perfumes. |
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| Leonie2 |
I've just realised that I packed the soaps away whilst we were ripping out our kitchen and have forgotten all about them. Ooooh, this is exciting, I'll dig them out tomorrow and start trying them all. And I don't think I ever posted your soaps to you Aqui, I'm sure they're safely stored away with my box of soaps, I'll dig them out tomorrow and get them posted off.
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| alison |
It is quite gritty, with pumice in it, so it may be better after a day at the plot! |
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| lottie |
It is perfect for me then Alison - I am always messing about in the garden, chickens, and allotment!
I should have used a couple of weekends ago - I made a curry - you should have seen my stained hands afterwards, and my nail polish went from pretty pearly pink - to nicotine coloured yellow
Next time I make Moroccan curry chicken I will remember to wear gloves
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