First ever try at CP

[elizmar2006]

I joined the forum a few months ago to get help with soap making. I promised myself once the new year started I would try to make a batch of CP soap. I did it!

I wanted something easy that would let me practice the basic skills of measuring and mixing so I did 100% olive oil soap since I had a giant bottle of it.
I was so happy when I saw everything start to come together and thicken. I waited until the "soap" was thick like pudding before placing in my molds. When I checked on them this morning they had already started to harden. Doing a zap test produced a tingle on the tongue that quickly mellowed to "eww I ate soap". That's promising right? I plan to unmold them this weekend and let them cure in a safe place for the next few months.

 

[lsg]

If you used a lye calculator then you soap should be OK. You can test the pH with strips or a meter. Soap usually mellows as it cures.

 

[DWinMadison]

Congrats!

 

[Mommysoaper]

yay! First batch milestone! We should really have a "badge" system like the girl scouts. When you make your first batch, you get a badge; when you try your first milk soap- you get a badge; when you try your first colorant you get a badge, etc!

just kidding of course! Congrats to you!

 

[elizmar2006]

I did use a lye calculator. I'm not worried yet since I picked a soap that takes forever to cure. I'm just so excited. When I told people what I was going to do most of them freaked out saying "Why would you make something out of dangerous chemicals! Whats wrong with normal soap!?" My boyfriend even had a fire extinguisher ready in case the lye suddenly burst into flames. But it's looking like I made a successful batch.

 

[elizmar2006]

I like the badge idea >.>

 

[Amybell]

My boyfriend even had a fire extinguisher ready in case the lye suddenly burst into flames.

This totally made me laugh! Too funny.

I was SO nervous in the beginning about using lye, but after a few batches, I got pretty comfortable with it. The main thing is just to have respect for the lye. If you do that, it's fine.

 

[elizmar2006]

The main thing is just to have respect for the lye. If you do that, it's fine.

So true. While I was mixing the lye I couldn't help thinking. "This is what so many people are afraid of?"

 

[three_little_fishes]

Congrats on your first batch! My husband is still weirded out by lye even after I've made 3 batches. He insists on me wearing his giant lab goggles instead of me just buying a pair of the goggles on Brambleberry that look so much more comfortable. Be sure to post pictures after you cut!

 

[nebetmiw]

Congrates on first soap. Lye is not a major issue but when making bigger batches venilation is very important. The fumes are really noticable then. It is funny how some have no clue and think the worst.

 

[songwind]

So true. While I was mixing the lye I couldn't help thinking. "This is what so many people are afraid of?"

I took two semesters of Organic Chemistry during college. So I'm both comfortable with the idea of working with it (after 12M sulfuric acid, other things seem tame) and aware of the danger. So it works out well for me.

 

[tryanything]

Congrats on your first batch! My husband is still weirded out by lye even after I've made 3 batches. He insists on me wearing his giant lab goggles instead of me just buying a pair of the goggles on Brambleberry that look so much more comfortable. Be sure to post pictures after you cut!

Haha. I bought those goggles for myself because I didn't know there were cooler ones. I also have the industrial strength chemical gloves (or whatever the big black ones are that I got from the hardware store). I didn't realize a lot of people just use medical or cleaning gloves for soaping. I still wear them though. I just feel extra protected!

 

[Moonshea Botanicals]

My Nana must have told my mother some horror stories about homemade soap when she was growing up. Cause when I mention lye she gets this stricken look on her face. I keep telling her that I will be extremely careful (gloves, mask, apron etc), but she still looks dubious. It's just another reason why I have asked her and my 2 nieces & nephew, not to tell their mother or my other sister.
Being the youngest really sucks. I am going to be 40, and my sisters (both older) treat me like I am 12.

 

[melstan775]

Congrats on your first batch! I chose pure Castile too and it went excellently. It's a great beginner soap. Don't be afraid of the lye and tell those around you not to be afraid either. That's when accidents happen! Approach it maturely and with control and you will be in control of your project.

 

[judymoody]

Congratulations!

My husband made me wear a full hazmat suit the first time I made soap. It was pretty ridiculous. Now it's just goggles, gloves, and full coverage clothing and shoes.

Give your soap 6 months to cure and it will be very nice.

 

[Ianto]

I use disposable Nitrilegloves. I feel more comfortable with the thinner gloves because I can feel what I am doing so I am less likely to spill.

This is nifty chart about glove selection:

http://www.aps.anl.gov/Safety_and_Training/User_Safety/gloveselection.htmlIf you scroll down to the bottom you will see that the following gloves are recommended for sodium hydroxide: Neoprene, Natural Latex or Rubber, Butyl, Nitrile

 

[Badger]

Welcome to the world of soap making! I have yet to make my first CP soap, but have done some MPs. I am anxiously trying to get all my equipment together so I can start soaping!

 

[elizmar2006]

Wanted to share a photo of my first batch of soap ever made. I used coco powder for the darker bars and lemon for the others.

 

[AngelMomma]

I did use a lye calculator. I'm not worried yet since I picked a soap that takes forever to cure. I'm just so excited. When I told people what I was going to do most of them freaked out saying "Why would you make something out of dangerous chemicals! Whats wrong with normal soap!?" My boyfriend even had a fire extinguisher ready in case the lye suddenly burst into flames. But it's looking like I made a successful batch.

This post just totally cracked me up!

And I like the fall leaves and pumpkin soaps. I just used my mold like that recently. Really easy to use, huh?! Good job!

 

[Badger]

Those are very pretty soaps! A wonderful first batch I hope you are not going too crazy waiting for them to cure!!