Soaping

By day I sew.


By night I soap.

Every Christmas I make at least two large (quadruple) batches of soap. Chocolate-mint soap. With lye. I wasn't looking forward to making it last night. It's a long process. From start to finish this batch took just a little over three hours. Most of it is waiting. Waiting for the lye + water mixture to cool down. Waiting for the oils to melt and cool down. Waiting for the soap to trace. Waiting for the soap to cook.

Yes. I take some shortcuts. I cook my soap. In the oven. It speeds up the saponification process greatly, which is very helpful when I am running out of time between now and Christmas. While it's not my preferred method, it fits into my schedule better. I even pleaded with Joe to take Spenser and Sawyer to karate last night so me and my lye could have some uninterrupted time together, which is always my preferred method.

I hope to make another batch between now and Saturday (at the latest).

My house really smells good right now...

Comments

Karyn said…
I am SO jealous that you can make soap. You have no idea (well maybe you do!).
9:19 AM EST
Chara Michele said…
I think I have to agree with Karyn's comment. That is pretty neat that you know how to make soap.
10:37 AM EST
jessica said…
I really need to learn how to make soap - such a great gift and so great to be able to make it for yourself. I'm jealous too!
10:49 AM EST
Mary Sarah said…
I've never made soap before! What a great project. Don't know if I'm ready to try it yet.
11:24 AM EST
Katie Jean said…
hmm sounds good and I have to tell you I love mine! I don't think I have the patience for making soap
11:44 AM EST
Anonymous said…
add me to the jealous list. i want to make soap. and lip balm. i really want to make lip balm. and soap.
2:58 PM EST
Wendy said…
Learning to make soap is one of those things that's on my someday maybe list.

Out of curiosity, about how much do you think it cost you to make that the batch in the picture? (To inspire me to go ahead and try it, someday) I love homemade soap, but it is soooo expensive.
4:27 PM EST
Lori B said…
Where did you learn how to do this? I remember it on your blog last Christmas - I am envious!
5:03 PM EST
Amanda Jean said…
you make soap?

what don't you do? :)
9:30 PM EST
Little Munchkins said…
I agree, what can't you do? You are one amazing person (and Mum).

Chocolate-mint, yum!
8:11 AM EST
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