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I would be more concerned about the DOS IMHO, and I would assume that the cracking may have something to do with water evaporation. Although I wouldnt say I m an experienced enough soaper to know for sure. :S X

I found to my dismay the lavender mouse poo thing too. :( I havent tried this myself yet but have you considered adding a purple colourant to the soap to mask the brown buds, or if you prefer a true natural colour maybe alkanet could be the answer? X

What was the temp of the lye solution and oils when you mixed them and did you bring the mix to trace before pouring? Im not a particularly experienced soap maker but I have noticed that temp and trace are very important in the eventual end product coming out as expected if the rest of the...

I see nothing strange in a man being interested in soap making at all. In fact I think that a masculine point of view in soap making adds balance to the craft. Afterall men wash too of course so why should making soap be considered a gender issue. I know of some very accomplished male soapers...

Oops good point... :oops: Heres a link to the explanation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_egg My first soap reminded me of the pic top right shown in the link. :lol: I very much enjoy the blending process of CP Soap and the chemistry of the process, but find the wait to see how...

:lol: Thanks Absinthe, I wish I d seen it that way back then. 8) It kind reminded me of a Scotch Egg which Im not personally very keen on. :? Making Soap is such a fascinating area :D , its no wonder its such an addictive subject. :shock: Learning the process is also teaching me to...

Hi Absinthe I know what you mean. :D I often think I have the hang of something then.... :shock: what happened????? Here's a pic of mine showing the first batch of soap I ever made back in Jan of this year. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9718021&id=39654670371 I came here...

Thanks Carebear Great Tips :D

I have been having mixed success with soap log moulds. I love the look of a fresh batch of soap in log form ready to cut, but I have a few issues yet to resolve. First is the varying gelling of the soap batches poured into the wooden log mould I have, it seems no matter what I do I dont...

I agree with Silver Maple re microwave use. The heat produced in microwaves is often intense in pockets and hard to control. Whereas a the double boiler or bain marie method is much more gentle for balm recipes that may contain shea, or oils and butters that can be damaged with too much high...

Hi Soapers Just a quick note from bitter experience.... If using plastic, be cautious of static when pouring in the Lye for weighing. The static produced by plastic containers sends the little lye granules flying all over inside the container. Pyrex, Ceramic and stainless steel containers...

Heres a link to a post I just made relating to the same issue. The gelled batch didnt change back BTW. http://soapmakingforum.com/forum/posting.php?mode=quote&p=127800

Im looking forward to a reply too on this as Patchouli is a new and much loved scent for me. I m hoping to add it to a soap too shortly but as I havent used EO's in soap as yet, it will be interesting to learn more about it first. :D X

Oh Ishbel thats awful, I m so sorry to hear the A*****les got away with your hard earned cash. :( Lesson learned and your safe n well which is most important. Great idea to make money bags for yourselves. :D Bright blessings and best wishes for a welcome arrival due on Wed. :D X

I agree with the 98 degree temp for no gel. I made up a batch at 100 deg back in Aug and it came out even and creamy in colour. Last week I made a second batch which I blended at 120 deg. This batch is near perfect but the gel has not quite reached right to the edges making it appear not...

Will do :wink: x

WOW smellitlikeitissoaps, Looks like a great combo! I can't wait to give it a go. :D I just need to get some coconut oil for the recipe, already have wild crafted Shea so I'm nearly ready to go for it. :D Really excited now :D :D :D XX I will keep you updated on the over...

IrishLass your soaps look wonderful :D I adore the little french fry bags, I havent seen these before they look so cool. :D X

Aww guys thanks for all the support and useful advice. I will indeed rethink Coconut Oil and I like the idea of reducing the Olive Oil so I can add in the Coconut. Fingers crossed Topcat, Thanks for the tip about the cleansing aspect. I was imagining that the bar would end up like a bath...

I ll defo be using the SoapCalc calc in future. I agree that Coconut oil would be a good sub, just didnt have any and was a little unsure as to whether it might be too drying. Think I should give it a chance before I write it off. TBH I have never tried pure Castile before, as until recently I...