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[housefullofkids]

Hello everyone! I've been lurking for several days so I figured i'd introduce myself I've never made soap before. I actually never even thought of making soap until recently. Someone on my Facebook page posted a link to her homemade soap business and I started thinking how cool it would be to make my own (not to sell but for personal use).

I would like to start with M&P. I was thinking of buying some soap molds or candy molds with small shapes and making some small, fun shaped soaps for my kids. I have no idea how much soap base to buy. How far does one pound of soap base go if I'm just using small molds and not making large bars? Also, I'm not really interested in ordering fragrance since the soaps will be for my kids, but I will need to buy some colorant and I'm not
sure how much to buy? It looks like the color comes in powder & liquid. Any recommendations?

I would love to someday make CP soap but I think it will be a
while before I'm brave enough to try it.

 

[judymoody]

Welcome!

I don't do M&P so not much help unfortunately. Somebody else will probably chime in.

I like your forum name! I can relate.

 

[soapbuddy]

Welcome!
Depending where you live, you can buy quality MP base online. Try here: > www.suppliersbystate.com
I would start with a couple of lbs. and get the liquid soap safe colors. They are easier to mix.

 

[housefullofkids]

Thank you for the welcome I live in Oregon and have 5 kids (ages 14, 11, 6, 3 and 1) so that's where the username came from, lol!

So, about 2 lbs would be a good starting point? I don't want to order too much right off the bat, but I would rather order too much then not have enough to make a decent sized batch (especially since shipping charges can really add up).

 

[LillaSyster]

Have you seen the silicone molds at the craft stores? I know Michaels usually has them for 9.99 and once a week they have a 40% coupon so you could get those really cheap. They have different shapes: stars, hearts, flowers which would be perfect for kids. There are six cavities per mold so you could make 6 soaps at a time. If you don't have a Michaels many craft stores have them.

As for the MP base, I would suggest trying http://www.brambleberry.com/Bramble-Berry-Bases-C11.aspx
And yes 2lbs would be plenty to start out for those type of soap molds. You can order them in 1 lb bars, so you could get 3 if you worry about not having enough.

Hope this helps!

 

[LillaSyster]

Oh and if you do decide to get some scents, good ones for kids from Brambleberry are Pearberry, and Lemoncake to name a few.

 

[housefullofkids]

Have you seen the silicone molds at the craft stores? I know Michaels usually has them for 9.99 and once a week they have a 40% coupon so you could get those really cheap. They have different shapes: stars, hearts, flowers which would be perfect for kids. There are six cavities per mold so you could make 6 soaps at a time. If you don't have a Michaels many craft stores have them.

As for the MP base, I would suggest trying http://www.brambleberry.com/Bramble-Berry-Bases-C11.aspx
And yes 2lbs would be plenty to start out for those type of soap molds. You can order them in 1 lb bars, so you could get 3 if you worry about not having enough.

Hope this helps!

Thank you, it does help! We do have a Michaels not far from here. I will have to check it out I've heard good things about Brambleberry too so i'm anxious to place an order.

 

[Fullamoon]

I've used both Michael's and Bramble Berry bases. I can tell you - the Bramble Berry is well worth the wait for shipping. Michael's (Life of the party) is very frying to my skin. The Bramble Berry bases take a little bit longer to harden in the molds (but not very much) and the quality is waaay better! I'd start with 2lb base of both goats milk and the clear base. Have fun!

 

[lovelysuds]

Welcome!! Im not a M&P kinda girl anymore but Bramble Berry is always consistent with quality. I know ive never had a bad experience. If you search soap queen on you tube it has the best step by step tutorials. The woman Anne marie owns Bramble Berry and is such an amazing instructor. They go through colorants, layering, molds, you name it. I know right now my dollar tree has silicone molds for $1, stars, tiki heads, etc. Good luck! Youre gonna love it here!