Sage words of wisdom

[Traumabrew]

A friend of mine who started soaping recently, asked me for some words of wisdom, beyond the basics of soaping like lye safety, patience, keep trying, etc.

This made me think back to when I started soaping. I could not remember finding any threads or blogs like this. Most were the typical and standard newbie advice.

So, I wanted to start a thread where people could post tips and tricks, words of wisdom and lessons we learned making soap.

My advice: Always have a backup stick blender. Murphy requires them to all break just after you add the lye to your oils.

 

[toxikon]

Here is a thread with some great answers to supplement whatever responses you get here!

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=62916

 

[Kittish]

Flat bottomed bowls! Stainless steel bowls sold as pet food and water bowls are the general shape I mean. The harder to tip over your soaping bowls are, the better.

 

[Relle]

I think this information was covered with the link that toxikon provided. There are 6 pages of posts that might be helpful.

 

[MorpheusPA]

Color and scent mistakes are not mistakes. Just tell everybody you meant to do that and come up with a clever name for it. Nobody else can see the vision in your head and trust me, they're impressed by what you made.

 

[Susie]

Color and scent mistakes are not mistakes. Just tell everybody you meant to do that and come up with a clever name for it. Nobody else can see the vision in your head and trust me, they're impressed by what you made.

^^^^This!

My stock answer to unexpected appearances is I meant to do that!

 

[Zany_in_CO]

Here is a thread with some great answers to supplement whatever responses you get here!
http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=62916

Oh yes! Love that one!!! Thanks for posting it, Toxi! It's the best! Fun to read.

 

[Obsidian]

Less is more. Don't get carried away trying all the additives in one batch, it usually does nothing to help the soap and can cause issues. One or two additives until you have more experience and know what to do when trouble does pop up.