SOAPMAKING 101

Table set up in Jen's garage
Distilled water in pitchers, 6.1oz lye in baggie

CONQUERED.....fear of lye!!!

I have wanted to make my own soap for over 7 years now, but was always hesitant because of the lye factor. The stuff just plain scared me!

My friend Jen, also wanted to make soap.

Two people, working together to make soap, was perhaps the way to go!

So...with some research online, the book I have had for over 7 years dug out, and a bit of planning, we were underway!

Jen, stirring her lye/water mixture

The stuff is caustic, so you need to stand back as your stir the lye into the water and cover your nose and mouth.

My stick blender, mixing the oils with the lye mixture.

We found a local gal who had written an article for our city newspaper last year, so downloaded her instructions and pretty much followed them to a T.
We had a few questions, so I looked her up in the phone book and she graciously answered everything I asked and offered additional help if needed.

Soap poured into wax-paper lined shoe box

So, yesterday, armed with all the ingredients, we made our 1st two batches...one for me, one for Jen.

Cut soap air-drying for the next 4-6 weeks.

I went back to Jen's this morning for the soap-cutting ceremony and to make another two batches.
We figured while it was still fresh in our minds we'd better do it again!

I can honestly say it was not bad at all.

In fact, it is ALMOST easy peasy!