it was fun, and I didn't have to work with lye....oh, and it was a LOT cheaper than buying it from craft fairs...add this to my "homesteading" it list!
And here is my actual soap, tweaked with ingredients I like...lavender essential oil, lavender and rosemary from my garden, oats from my kitchen;) easy peasy!
Making homemade soap is one of those crafts that sounds intimidating,
doesn’t it? You picture yourself slaving over a stove, scorching your
fingers pouring hot soap into tiny molds. But fear not! Homemade soap is
actually one of the most insanely simple things to do at home. If you
have a microwave, then you’re all set. No special equipment is required –
not even tiny soap molds.
And if you like knowing what goes into your cleaning products, especially the ones you use on your skin, definitely give this homemade soap a try. Your hands will thank you!
The fun part of making homemade soap is playing around with different
recipes. You can take things you already have in your kitchen – like
fresh herbs or citrus – to make all-natural scents. Adding fruit, like strawberries, would be fun too. And I like giving mine a bit of decadence by adding chocolate cocoa powder or shredded coconut.
Homemade Coconut Citrus Soap Supplies:
- 1/3 of a block of shea butter soap base. This is available at most
craft stores (mine came from Michael’s). They also make goat’s milk and
olive oil soap bases.
- 1 tablespoon of citrus zest.
- A few drops of orange essential oil.
- 1-2 tablespoons of shredded coconut.
- Plastic containers.
Melt the soap base in a microwave safe container (I like to use Pyrex
measuring cups for easy pouring) in the microwave in 30 second
intervals. When it’s completely melted, add the zest, essential oil and
coconut.
Mix together well and pour into a container. I used a few plastic
bowls but you can also use empty milk cartons or other cardboard shapes
you find in the recycling bin. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly
before using. After pouring the soap into the mold, sprinkle more zest
or coconut on top if desired.
Let the soap harden for about an hour and then pop it out of the container. That’s it! I told you it was easy!
this recipe was sent to me from my good friend Anton....I can't WAIT to make this...NO LYE....and I happen to have ALL the ingredients...well, except the microwave...ours konked out two months ago, and I haven't really missed it....til now...although I'm pretty certain I could manage to accomplish this stove top:D
http://petitelefant.com/homemade-citrus-coconut-soap/
Handcrafted soap is so yummy and irresistible. I love baths, and using handcrafted soaps. I want to MAKE handcrafted soaps, because the darned crafters around my neck of the woods do NOT (what's wrong with them; do only northerers take baths?) Soap is also one of those things I don't mind buying at craft fairs, because it doesn't cost all that much; a nice little calorie-free treat, and it doesn't take up space (let's face it, I REALLY don't need much more stuff). That said, I'd LOVE to be able to make my own yummilicious soap bar chunks. BUT, (at least at this point), I have no desire to learn to work with lye. That said, after scouring pinterest, I came up with this idea of "rebatching" soap. I can do this, and I'll still basically be creating my own soap with my own yummy essential oils, herbs, etc.
from:
http://everybodybeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/rebatch-project-ideas.html
Rebatch soap is a fantastic way to make rustic, artisan soaps by hand
without using lye. It gives you the freedom to incorporate whatever
additives you'd like because the saponification process has already been
completed. Certain ingredients that would otherwise react to the lye
in cold process soapmaking, such as dried florals and herbs, can be used
without fear that their colour or characteristics might be compromised.
Any fragrance or essential oil can be used without potentially
speeding up trace or your soap seizing, as well as any colourant! The
additions of nourishing nutrients can also be incorporated such as
vitamins, proteins, and specialty skincare oils for extra benefit.
Above are pictures of 3 beautiful rebatch soaps we've made: Lavender, featuring Lavender Flowers, Lavender Essential Oil, and Ultramarine Purple as a colourant; Lemongrass soap with Lemongrass Essential Oil, Calendula Petals, and Annato powder; and Green Tea soap containing Green Tea Fragrance and Green Tea Leaves.
To make these amazing soaps yourself click here for the full project sheets.
The instructions for rebatch soap are easy:
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Place desired
amount of rebatch soap in a large, heavy zip lock bag, then place inside
a second zip lock bag, ensuring that both are sealed.
2. Place the grated soap bag in the water, reduce heat to medium-low,
then cover and gently boil for 1 hour. During this time, prepare your
molds and any other additives you may be using.
3. After an hour, using oven mitts take the bag out of the water and
place on a towel on the counter. Gently knead or mush the soap around
until an even consistency is reached. If you can still see grated soap
chunks, place the bag back in the pot and boil for another 20-30
minutes. Carefully remove from water and repeat kneading.
4. If desired consistency cannot still be reached, add 2-4 tbsp of water
per pound of soap base and put back in the hot water for another 20-30
mins.
5. Once the soap has reached the smooth consistency of thin mashed
potatoes, add any essential or fragrance oil, floral, colour, or other
additive and knead well to distribute.
6. Snip off the corner of the bag and pipe the soap into your mold,
making sure you fill the sides and corners. Cover your mold with
plastic wrap or freezer paper and let sit until hard, then remove from
the mold. Depending on how much water and other liquid has been added,
the soap may need to cure for up to a couple weeks to create a hard bar
with great longevity.
Keep in mind that rebatch soap produces a more rustic-looking bar than
cold process with lots of character. The possibilities are virtually
limitless!
