Newbie.....where do I start?

[missybean]

Hello, I'm a newbie at the whole soap making thing. I have always wanted to make my own soap but years ago when I looked up how to make it I was scared off by the whole lye thing.
I have since heard of re-milling or french milled soap and this interests me for many reasons. One major reason.......I have small childred and one of my youngest is a climber and into everything. Just when you think...there is NO way she can reach this or get into this she proves us wrong. Trust me we have baby proofed to the max, she is very smart and seems to always get into something. But that is another subject.
So lye scares me bit because I am also clumbsy. So for now I'm interested in hand milling recipes. So I was wonder if someone would be able to either guide me to certain threads on beginning hand milling recipes. Also wondering should I make my own wood molds? Is better to just buy some and where is the best place to buy supplies like fats, oils and scents(essential oils)? Are certain brands better than others.
I plan to make some soaps for holiday gifts permitted they turn out good. Don't know if this is wishful thinking or not. Any advice is so appreciated!
Thanks,
Melissa

 

[soapbuddy]

Welcome!
I would search this forum on rebatching. If you are interested in purchasing a base for rebatching, check out BrambleBerry.com They have rebatching bases.

 

[LauraHoosier]

Hi and welcome!

 

[Hazel]

Welcome to the forum!

I think soapbuddy made a good suggestion. I've seen the bases on BB's site and I've been tempted by them. They look really nice.

 

[IrishLass]

Hello and welcome!

Yes- Brambleberry is a good place to buy rebatching bases, and also this place, too (they raise goats, so their bases are made with milk from their goats):

http://soapsandsundries.com/Products.html


IrishLass

 

[judymoody]

Does melt and pour soaping appeal to you? It's pretty safe, you don't have to handle lye personally, and you can be very creative with scent and color.

There are lots of tutorials on the Brambleberry Soap Queen site and she also had videos on you tube that explain the process. There's also a section on this forum devoted to M&P.

Good luck and enjoy. My kids are older now and they help me with the creative process (although I still won't let them get anywhere near the lye).

 

[kbuska]

Welcome and I think Melt and Pour is great for those with small kids for sure. I have small kids but they are afraid of the food storage room where I keep my lye and I mostly soap while they are in bed.

-Ken