The Potting Shed

Libby · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:15 am Post subject:

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!!!!!! Shocked

Definately looking at doing another one very soon tho!!
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lottie · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:36 am Post subject:

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.
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Lottie the Allotment Lady

Libby · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 1:26 pm Post subject:

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 Shocked

I think hes worried about all this soap he might have to use Laughing

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!!!
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Libby · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:13 pm Post subject:

Is there an art to getting soap out of moulds or do I need to leave it a bit longer??????
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lottie · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:23 pm Post subject:

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.
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Lottie the Allotment Lady

Libby · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 7:07 pm Post subject:

Yep! I did grease the moulds. I think I'll use cookeen next time. Ok off to poke with a knife or freeze!!!!!
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Libby · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:13 pm Post subject:

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!!
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alison · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:57 pm Post subject:

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.