Newbie

[ladybug]

Hi all, my name is Laurie...

I stopped in at a garage sale today and bought molds, cooling racks, books and a large block of "soap".... what do I do now?.... ha!

I've always wanted to try making homemade soap, and it's kind of fallen into my lap. I'm anxious to get started, but not sure where to begin. I'll read more posts, and slowly find my way! Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

 

[IanT]

Hey! welcome to the forum! It sounds like you are on your way to becoming a soapmonger!! It looks like youre going to be starting with the "melt and pour" method, you can use the forums search function to find loooooooooooads of useful threads and information. Ask as many questions you can and when you do make soap, post pictures so we can all give feedback!

Also you can check out SMF Tutorials for some extra info

 

[Hazel]

Welcome Laurie!

How come I'm never that lucky to find soap supplies at a garage sale?

What kind of molds did you get and what are the books?

 

[BakingNana]

Welcome Laurie!! How lucky were you! I never find any soap stuff at garage sales, either. Happy soaping!

 

[nattynoo]

Welcome & great find.

 

[ladybug]

Thanks for the welcome!!

I'm excited try my first batch, but want to learn a little more about the process first. The books that I bought include: Natural Soap Making, by Katie Hacker..... The Complete Soapmaker, by Norma Coney......Natural Soapmaking, by Marie Browning. They seem to have a lot of good information regarding the process of soapmaking and lot's of recipes!

I do have a question, though.....

I purchased a large white block of soap..... She also had a block of translucsent soap(?) as well. Sitting in the hot FL sun for the garage sale, parts had turned brownish. Is that still good to use??? If so, I'll check to see if she still has it, and is willing to part with it for a good price.

In the meantime, my step-daughter, her roommates, and my son's girlfriend are all excited about getting together to make soap! I think I'll try a batch beforehand, so that I know what I'm doing first... ha!

Laurie

 

[Mayren]

Welcome to your new adventure! Warning: it may become addicting.

 

[Hazel]

I don't know if the soap would still be good to use. But if the price is right, you could cut off the brown bits and melt them separately to see how they turn out.

Those sound like good books to start with; however, be careful with "The Complete Soapmaker". I read a review which said one of the older printings had a typo about using lye. Supposedly the book stated to pour the water into the lye. You never want to do this - always pour the lye into the water to prevent a volcano effect. You may know this already but I thought I'd mention it.

Best of luck with your new hobby!

 

[ladybug]

Thanks, Hazel! I will definitely check to see if the water/lye information is mentioned correctly in my copy.

She was selling the blocks for $10, so if she has one left, I may try it out... like you say, I can always cut out the brown part. This way, I can experiment with both kinds of soaps.

I feel like such a newbie - I don't even exactly know what I bought!! It's a large, white block. Is that what is called a base???

As for the molds.... I bought a variety of shapes.... singles in hard plastic and multiple shapes in softer plastic. I believe that some of them are actually used in making candy. She also had some metal molds... which I didn't buy, but I see them used in the books....

Hmmm... I can see how this CAN easily become an addicting hobby!! I can't wait to get started!! I'm currently working on a master's.... and I'm sitting here thinking..... Do I read??? Or do I try making soap???
I've got class tonight --- For now, I'd better read!! Ha!

Have a great day!!

 

[Hazel]

It sounds like a base. If you get back, ask her about it and see if the lady knows about the ingredients. Was the block wrapped in plastic?