Monday, September 17, 2007

Soap Binge

Since when did this become a monthly blog? I certainly didn't intend for it to be that way, but it seems that is exactly what has happened. I'm telecommuting most of the time now, so you would think that I'd have more time for blogging. I'm not commuting every day, saving heaps of time. The fact is, I have even less free time online now than ever before.

I finally moved my "soap lab" out to the country. We're spending more and more time out there lately and I was going into soap withdrawal. My stay there lasted 3 weeks and resulted in something of a soap binge. I'm not telling what scents are in these soaps, because something in these stacks is going to be used for a soap exchange.



I've been playing around quite a bit with colors lately, trying different colorants and techniques. Some have been more successful than others. The two pink soaps shown here are both colored using pink kaolin clay. The soap on the bottom left was supposed to be green. I tried coloring it using ground parsley. It gave me tiny green flecks, but not the green color I was hoping for. Still pretty, though.

I'm *THIS CLOSE* to finally being able to sell some of my creations. It has been a long process, but I'm glad I've taken my time with it. I didn't want to rush things for sale just to do it-- I wanted to be sure that the recipes were tested and came out "just right" before making anything available publicly. It doesn't help that soap takes quite a while to cure. I can't just make this stuff, cut it, and sell it the next day. I have to let it sit for approximately 6 weeks first.

I'll get there eventually. ;)

9 comments:

Sharon said...

Hi Juanita! What wonderful patience you have. I didn't realize that it took so long for soap to cure. I am looking forward to your going public because I am really interested in trying your soaps. They look yummy!

Chelle said...

I'm with Sharon, I didn't know soap took so long to cure! I've been away from blogging for a few months and it's nice to see you are still around and 'soaping' things up. Ciao!

Michelle said...

Glad to see you checking in. I love hearing about your soap adventures, and those look lovely!

Mindi said...

Love how the soaps are looking, and I'm anxiously awaiting some coming up for sale! I really love handmade soaps, and you've certainly been making sure they come out right.

Erin said...

I, too, can hardly wait to try some of your soap! I'm a soap/body wash addict....
Oh, here's a question for you. My mom gave me a bar of soap that was formed using a piece of sponge - so it was scrubby and yummy-smelling at the same time. Is that hard to do?

Carto said...

Hey Juanita - my goodness, what a lovely array of soapy sunshine! It's good to hear that your efforts are starting to pay off. I truly admire your dedication and perseverance! xx

Deb said...

Hi, Juanita, I'm new to reading your blog...sent over by Simone. I see we share a love of Chatelaine Designs and several of the same stitching friends! :)
Love your soaps, though I don't know much about them.
I'm eager to know more...
Deb

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to drop by and wish you all the best for the remainder of the festive season - and hope that 2008 is a wondrous year full of peace, love and happiness ... and plenty of stitchy goodness :)

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