How to make soap?

Question

I want to learn this so where and what is a good place to start and what do I need to buy?

Answer 1

For hand made soap the old fashioned way - check out www.millersoap.com. She has a lot of great information and wealth of links and helps. This is where i found the information and courage to start making soap.

Answer 2

Hi!
I've been a soapmaker for three years now. and I think when you're starting out with making soap. go with the glycerin. melt and pour kind. it's more simple. and it's fun. you can have a bar of soap made in no time at all.

google search on how to make glycerin soaps. and there should be a ton of info there.

you can purchase your soap base and other soap supplies at michaels or other craft stores.

all the best:)
Norma
http://www.Normasbathandbody.etsy.com

Answer 3

You can get lots of soap making info at:
http://waltonfeed.com/old/soap/soap.html

and there's a free soap making course at:
http://soapmaking.premiergold.info/

Answer 4

If you want to make melt and pour soap:
1. Cut casting soap into small chunks or slices.

2. Put soap in a double boiler or put two pots together, one inside the other with water in the bottom one. Add the soap a small amount at a time. Only melt enough soap to fill the molds you have ready. Melt soap over low to medium heat. DO NOT stir soap while it is melting as this causes air bubbles to form and effects the appearance of the finished product. Casting soap can also be melted in a microwave on a medium setting. Temperature should not be above 140 degrees. Start with about 30 seconds and add time as needed to melt. Microwaves that have no temperature control are not recommended.

3. When soap is completely melted, add coloring a small amount at a time and slowly swirl or stir soap IN ONE DIRECTION ONLY. Make sure coloring is evenly distributed before adding any other ingredients. After coloring is added, other items may be added as desired. Fragrance or essential oils are suggested. Scenting is a personal matter & depends on the nose of the moment. If you plan to leave your soap unwrapped, more scenting may be desired. Start with a small amount (8-10 drops) and add more as desired. If using dried herbs such as lavender, scent may not be needed as it will come from the herb itself. Any additional items can be added at this time. We have included a few ideas with suggested amounts per pound of soap. Have all items ready to add before starting your soap- making process as you need to add them quickly before the soap starts to set.

Herbs: Lavender, calendula flowers, etc. 1/4 - 1/2 cup: oatmeal, fine ground almonds, cornmeal (polenta)- up to 1/2 cup; clays 1/4-3/4 cup; liquids such as teas, oils, honey, etc. - not MORE than 5% of total melted soap unless you are also adding additional dry ingredients. Adjustments to all of the above should be made to accommodate personal preferences.

4. When all items are added to your M & P soap, pour the soap into the mold. Mold releases are not needed when using M & P soap. Allow your filled mold to set for about 10-15 min. for cooling and then the mold can be put into the freezer for another 10-15 minutes. Remove soap from molds - it should slide right out. If not, turn molds over & gently push on the bottom of the mold. A butter knife can be run around the edge of the mold to loosen soap; however, do not use anything sharp as this can puncture your mold. After allowing your soap to set at room temperature for 30 min., your soap is ready to be wrapped, packaged and used.

I suggest, if you want to make cold processed soap to get this book and read it from top to bottom:
Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavitch

Answer 5

go on ebay and buy a soap making kit.

Answer 6

These 2 sites will be of great help to you. Check them out.
http://www.teachsoap.com
http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/craft-ideas-twelve.html