BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Soapmaking I got a neat gift

A friend of mine bought me a couple of pounds of M&P soap, a mold, some coloring, and some fragrance. I've been doing a lot of poking around and now have some questions.

*I noticed that in instructions for layered soaps it's recommended that Witch Hazel is spritzed in between each layer - why?

*In Cheryl's Article Basic Hand Milled Herbal Soap it says that that the soap that I pour into the molds should look like fluffy egg whites. Should it be on the idea of egg whites that 'peak' when you make a merangue (sp?) or more on the idea of heavy cream when you pour it into the mold? If it's the peaking kind, how do you pack it into a mold without having all kinds of airpockets?

*I found Herbs & Botanicals Glossary really interesting. I'm considering adding a few of the plants to my garden - calendula and lavendar - to my garden. Any tips for drying and using these?

Hi, your M&P soap (glycerin) will look like heavy cream when your pour it (I think the recipe you were looking at is for a rebatch or soap noodles, different from M&P), don't overheat your soap base, I used to use the microwave but much prefer using the double-boiler method (or like I do a large pan of boiling water with a stainless bowl that fits inside but rests on the top edge) you have more even melting and the soap dries out less this way. Go easy on to many additives to M&P soap, to much added oils and it will stay soft and not firm up. Any herbs should be finely ground and not to many.
Hope this helps - Have fun, but remember it can be addicting!

Hi Jeanne. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> You're right, what a NEAT gift. It's perfect for a crafter like yourself. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I think you'll do really with this craft after seeing some of the other fabulous stuff you do.

Ok, first question: the witch hazel eliminates air bubbles that will form on the surface when the soap is poured into the mold when it is lightly sprayed on. I don't use witch hazel I use ispropyl alcohol. It evaporates quickly and leaves no trace that it's been used.

Second question: No the Hand Milled Recipe is NOT for rebatched soap it is for those unique very natural, old-fashioned handmade looking soaps that are so popular. Although it certainly can be used for rebatching and it comes out looking pretty cool. When I use this recipe it does look alot like fluffed egg whites. Not sudsy fluffy but like a light whipped consistency. Does that make sense? Bubbah is right too, be careful about how much oil you add because it won't firm up and then when you use it in the bath tub and leave it sitting, it'll turn to mush. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> If you've used all the oil in the recipe try spritzing with the alcohol.

I'm glad you like the herbs glossary. Now that I'm finally feeling better and looking forward to getting back into the swing of things I hope to be adding to it this year.

I have a huge area that is going to be used for herbs and flowers this year and I'll be adding notes or tips based on my own personal experiences of some of the different things I encounter.

Jeanne the most important thing to remember with your gift is to have really fun and enjoy your creations! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I get more satisfication out of my boys fighting over the soap I made for them and my husband ooing and aahing over my soap than hearing a customer tell me how much they like something. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />