My goal for this year is simple:
MAKE EVERYTHING.
I've discovered that when I feel most like my best self is when I'm working with my hands and making something from scratch. That could mean cooking, painting, or making something for my home (or to share with you!).
Beyond just the simple enjoyment of the process, I'm also on a long term mission to become more self-sufficient and generate less waste. I find the excess of packaging and garbage in our lives really overwhelming at times. Not to mention when it comes to our food and household products we've really lost control of what ingredients are inside. There is usually an easy and cost effective alternative you can make in your own kitchen.
One of the swaps I was looking to make this year: soap.
What does melt & pour mean?
There are a few different methods of soap making so I decided to start with the easiest one; melt and pour soap.
There were two reasons I went this route. One was to keep it simple and explore if I like making soap before committing to more equipment and supplies. The second was I really wanted to add it to my roster of workshops. That way I can teach you to make it too!
What is the advantage of melt & pour soap?
Making cold process soap involves lye and chemical reactions that create fumes. Proper ventilation and PPE are musts for this traditional type of soap. For workshop purposes, cold process soap is a better alternative because there are no fumes or harsh chemicals, making for an easy and pleasant experience.
That's not to say I'm never going to offer cold process soap; in fact, I intend to eventually. First, I have to learn to make it myself which I'm hoping to tackle this summer.
How hard is it to make melt & pour soap?
The process is easy peasy if you ask me. You start with a soap base so all of the chemical reaction steps have already been taken. I use a shea butter base but there are many kinds of bases depending on your preference: goats milk, glycerin, aloe vera, olive oil...the list goes on and on.
There is definitely some science and math involved as you determine how much base you need depending on what you are aiming to make. But then comes the fun part; trying difference recipes. When it comes to varieties the sky is truly the limit.
What kinds of melt & pour soap can you make?
So far, I've tried and loved the following recipes:
- rosemary mint
- lemon poppyseed
- vanilla coffee
- energizing citrus
The list of recipes to try is so long, every time I make soap I think of more combinations to try!
How do you add scent and colour?
I use therapeutic grade scent oils and food grade colorant for my soaps. Usually one drop of color is enough for a whole batch; I like my soap simple. I do love my scents though, and everything I have used so far agrees very well with my and my family's sensitive skin.
There's a whole world of natural scents and colours I can't wait to try next. Essential oils as well as natural add-ins like herbs, citrus peel, coffee, tea and flowers can add delicious scents with endless combinations. Color can be added with foods and products like clay that also add extra nourishing properties to the soap.
The decorating part is so fun too. You can add a sprinkle of add-in ingredients to the soap base and a little extra on top which looks beautiful and also adds exfoliators.
How can I try?
If you want to book a workshop just get in touch. Groups of 5 or more can learn this fun and satisfying process. I offer private in-home workshops (your place!) or you can come to my home. I supply everything and guide you through. You leave with soap you made with your own two hands and spend some quality time with your pals to boot.
Give it a try - it may start you on a quest to make everything too!