I wouldn’t exactly call this a hobby, because I don’t make soap every week or every month. I only make it when we need some more bars. I started making my own soap in, I think, 1996. FabGrandpa’s skin itched all the time, and we had tried every brand of soap available in the store. So, I learned how to make our own at home.
It is really easy, once you get the hang of it (and all the proper equipment to do it with). Yesterday, I made seven pounds of lavender mint soap. (I wish you could smell this picture) This should last us six months or more, even if I give some away as gifts. It is now in the back of the truck, where it will sit for a week or two to dry and cure, before I put it all in ziplock bags and store it in the bathroom. I’ll have to make another batch next week, with clary sage and cinnamon in it, then I’ll be done for another year.
Gaelyn says
It doesn't look like that all came out of a plywood box. The clary sage and cinnomon sounds alright.
Patty says
Oh I love the home made soaps..I have never tired it, but I do try and look for it when I go to craft shows and stuff..
Cathy says
A friend just gave me two bars of homemade soap. Wonderful!
Anonymous says
How about posting your recipe? Please?
Karen says
Anonymous: I don't post my soap recipes because I feel very strongly that if you have never made soap before, you need to study the different oils used in soapmaking, to be better able to come up with a soap YOU like—one that meets YOUR needs. I also think you need to study the chemistry involved, because you do use lye to make soap.
Lye can be a dangerous substance in the wrong hands–and the wrong hands could be those of someone who hasn't taken the time to study and learn about the process they are using to get to the finished product. I studied several books and lots of online sources before I made my first batch of soap.
I'm not trying to be mean or to say I know it all, but please, if you want to learn to make soap, get some books from the library, google soapmaking, and study the process before you make your first batch.
Sally in WA says
I think it's pretty neat that you do this while living in your RV. Guess I wouldn't have thought to do it. 🙂