Just had to tell somebody who would apprecate it, LOL.
My mother-in-law kindly minded the girls this morning so I got the opportunity to get kitted up in the appropriate safety gear (a very attractive look ;-) and have a go at this basic, small batch recipe. I added ground oatmeal and vanilla essence to the mix at trace. Looks and smells nice so far, LOL.
It makes about 8 bars, according to the recipe, and it filled one 1 litre UHT milk container I used as a mold. I just added up the cost of the ingredients and it works out at about $7.00 for the 8 bars - not exactly cheap when I can buy a packet of 6 Coles Savings Brand bars for $1.49, but still; I made it, I know what's in it, and it's the beginnings of having another skill up my sleeve, so to speak. Once I know what I'm doing I can investigate cheaper sources of fat and/ or oil, and it's sure to cheaper by doing larger batches at once.
Sorry, no pics yet, I was paranoid about having the camera near the caustic!
9 comments:
Woohoo - you go girl! That's something I haven't been game enough to try yet - having master 'almost 6' around all the time makes it a bit too much of a challenge :)
Well done! My first batch is drying on a rack in the top of the broom cupboard.
I didn't check how much it cost, but cheap soap makes my skin icky, and the kid gets excema, so I'd really be comparing it to the more specialist products.
ooh looking forward to seeing the results!
I agree with the above comment, you can't compare it to the cheap brands!
Its something that is on me 'must try one day' list.
Hello! I've been enjoying following along on all your new projects and ideas. I made soap for the first time too. (There's a step-by-step picture tutorial on my blog.) It was so fun! And even though I was a bit intimidated, it turned out great. I have a second batch drying in a box in the closet right now. It's hard to wait for it to be ready to tue!
Buying the oils in larger quantities will make it cheaper. But honestly, its not even the same as a regular bar of soap because it still has all the natural moisturizing glycerin. Commercial manufacturers remove the glycerin to sell it separately for more money, and the remaining soap is harsher on skin. Handmade soap is much better quality.
oh yay! Congrats! can't wait to see the pics!
Congratulations, it sounds wonderful. I've looked into it a few times but haven't been game enough yet. Can't wait to see some photos.
Hi guys, thanks! I am looking forward to using it too :-) Will post pics of the "great unveiling" this weekend, LOL, and when it has cured...
Cheers, Julie
That is so great! Can't wait to see how it turned out. Good idea using vanilla essence for scent. I crushed some lime leaves in my hands the other day and decided they might be nice in the next batch I make.
You've got me thinking now Suz, as I have lots of lemons at the moment, and a kaffir lime tree. I reckon if my first batch turns out OK, my next batch might include lemon zest and shredded kaffir lime leaves? Mmmm, lemon and lime soap for summer time...
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