Decided to start making soap last night!

hismsrsfinnegan · Feb 8, 2013

Hi everyone, I am new here. I decided to start making soap last night because I want to do something other than sit around the house feeling sorry for myself. I am a new widow and I need something to keep me occupied.

I have two teenage boys who like to eat, I am hoping that eventually I will be able to sell my soaps to help take care of my kids. I also hope to be living on a farm and doing all sorts of creative things by the end of the year. It has long been a dream of mine to have chickens, goats and maybe even a pig or two. I am leaning heavily towards a cow since my kids like to drink a gallon of milk a day.:crazy:

ZandarKoad · Feb 8, 2013

Hello, and welcome to the forum!

I'd lean towards more goats rather than going full cow. Goats are easier to feed and control. And of course raw goat's milk is all the rage... Raw cow's milk is good too.

...and may God have mercy on your soul for starting to soap. ;-)

Marilyna · Feb 8, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss!!
Best wishes in your soapmaking. It's a great time to learn to make soap. When I started in '99, we had the internet, but now you have Youtube and Etsy and blogs and countless other ways to learn and see what other people are making.
Soapmaking would be a good way to get your mind off your troubles. I know many of us find ourselves addicted. I dream about it and wake up with it on my mind quite often!

ruby61 · Feb 8, 2013

So sorry for your loss. Congrats on making your first batch and welcome to the world of soapmaking. I say nitch the cow and get goats. My friend raises goats and besides giving milk for your family. She gets over 2qts per goat/day, you can have leftover for soap and make cheese and other products. I too have chickens but beware they can be as addicting as soapmaking.

melstan775 · Feb 8, 2013

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your loss and I hope it all works out for you. Chickens, as Ruby points out, are amazing.

Moot · Feb 8, 2013

Welcome. Sorry for your loss, better days ahead. Soap making will help heal your heart.

I wonder if a love for chickens and soap makers go hand in hand.. I have chickens...Ethel, Ninja and our dear departed Blanche.

Have a great time learning about soap!

danahuff · Feb 8, 2013

Welcome aboard. I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope that you enjoy your new hobby as much as we all do, and please feel free to ask anything. Everyone here is so nice and helpful.