The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Food & crafts => Crafts => Topic started by: plumseverywhere on April 21, 2010, 11:28:22 am
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does anyone make their own soap? I'd like to have a go with our goats milk. have heard its good for sensitive skin and my little girls have exzema.
not sure what to buy and don't want to go down the route of ebay 'kits' that will cost an arm and leg ::)
also looking for good books that are preferably UK so that I don't have to worry about working out US measurements (not with my ditzy brain!)
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This is a shot in the dark
http://www.littlecotesoap.co.uk/contact_feedback.asp?bl=0
They are a local firm where i live and i always buy my free range eggs from them, as you can see they are very well established with products in some pretty upmarket places. May be worth just giving them a call and picking their brains from one 'farmer' to another??? sorry if it turns out to be a waste of time :pig: :wave:
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that's great - thank you :)
just been to a local country park/garden centre and noticed they stock a lot of cows milk soaps and products too.
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they make gin and tonic soap!! fantastic! i'm gettting lots of ideas - how about plum wine soap?!
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how about plum wine ice-cubes :o :pig:
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excellent idea!! must remember to keep them separate from the kids ribena ice cubes though ;D
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or maybe not if you want a good night sleep.
Can you imagine, set the scene
Plumseverywhere and OH sat enjoying glass of plum wine with some 'special ice cubes' to cool it down on a hot day in April, OH says 'hey love this wine really tastes like ribena, i thought it was plum?' Plums says 'Oh 5hit the kids are going to sleep well tonight' LOL you just knwo that mix up is waiting to happen :o :pig:
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I've always fancied making soap - but just never seem to have the time to get round to it (and a lack of goats milk might have something to do with it too) ;)
Will be very interested to hear how you get on plums.
The only thing worth mentioning is if you're planning on selling any of it you'll need to get registered - more about that here http://www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk/certification.htm (http://www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk/certification.htm)
This is an easy to follow reciepe for goats milk soap, but I'm sure there will be tonnes out there http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5630046_make-white-goat_s-milk-soap.html (http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5630046_make-white-goat_s-milk-soap.html)
Good luck and do let us know how you get on.
Karen x
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LOL Winslow porker - that's classic!! the night these kids sleep well will be the day I go teetotal ;) so hey, might be worth getting mixed up!!
thank you for the links Karen, thats great - only like I'd found made orange soap that didn't look too appealing! interesting to know about the certificate, am wondering if its similar to the jam making one I was looking into getting if I keep making jam (the plums keep creeping into the wine !!)
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having read part of the certificate link, am now rapidly changing mind - the words professional indemnity insurance leapt out at me LOL!!
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Plums if you are getting into jams i found this supplier to be one of the cheaper, but will put another post in coffee lounge to get more feedback
http://www.bottlesandjars.co.uk/index.html
Just email them and they will send you through a price list
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Yes Plums, I thought "soap making, lovely crafty hobby to have - I could sell them at boot sales" ...................... right up til I read all the legalities of it. Even using ready made kits they have to inspect you and you've got all the hassle as if you were producing cosmetics.
BUT if it's just for your own use and to give as gifts you don't need to worry about getting registered - only if you're selling it.
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Thanks WP - that's very useful. will do more jams this year, last year was mainly plum (surprise surprise!!) and rhubarb and ginger jam. also a few chutneys. this year I aim to get to the strawberries before my children have the lot again!
Karen, I think i will stick with giving them as gifts for a while (after i've tested them on my human G/pig aka hubby!!)
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Hi Plums,
I have been looking into making goats milk soap too. I have now gathered all the equipment and ingredients, and am ready to have a try at making it. I got a book, just from amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Milk-Soapmaking-Simple-Buttermilk-Coconut/dp/0938497456/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271886570&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Milk-Soapmaking-Simple-Buttermilk-Coconut/dp/0938497456/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271886570&sr=1-1)
I did find it quite hard to find some of the ingredients, and did have to resort to the internet, though I avoided ebay as I found it expensive, and full of pour and mold soap kits, which is not what you want.
You do need to register and obtain your certificate if you want to sell your produce, but if you want to make it for your own use, or to give a few bars as presents, you don't need to.
I know this lady too http://www.carolmcmillansoaps.co.uk/ (http://www.carolmcmillansoaps.co.uk/) as she bought two of my goats for more milk. Her website is quite handy, and her phone number is on the site. Oh and her workshop is fantastic!
If I have enough free time this weekend, I might try a batch of soap actually.
Beth
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Thanks Beth :) will get hold of that book from amazon and I'm glad you've mentioned ebay being pricey as that will encourage me to look further afield.
WOuld love to know how you get on with your first batch if you get time this w/end.
Lisa x
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I am planning to make soap too, (with a degree in Chemistry I really should have a go....), but will definitely not have the time until autumn, looking at my veg garden still bare and some beds not even dug, ahem....
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I am planning to make soap too, (with a degree in Chemistry I really should have a go....), but will definitely not have the time until autumn, looking at my veg garden still bare and some beds not even dug, ahem....
I believe that is one of our evening meetings for the winter(Central Scotland Smallholders)
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I didn't get a chance to make any this weekend, working all day on saturday put paid to that idea. But I have a 3 day weekend, so hopefully this week. I was reading up my book on Tuesday in preparation.
Beth
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I've got as far as ordering the caustic soda stuff but no further!
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Lol, I have the ingredients, and the scales, thermometer etc. I might need a couple more glass bowls to put the ingredients in. 3 day weekend this weekend, so I will definitely make a batch.
Beth
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Their is a lady who makes and sells her soap near me. She is The Gamrie Goat, her soap is in the local shop in Banff with the story of how it came about and each cake of soap has a picture of the goat who's milk went into making it. Seems to sell well :)
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I have used the Gamrie goat soap, and really like it (the one that doesn't have any smellies added). If you just want to try using goat soap before you make your own, I can recommend her stuff. The egg shampoo bar is great, i am not very good with any shampoo (not even the baby stuff) anymore, and my head is a lot less itchy since I used her bar. Also - her prices are very competitive in my opinion.
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I have tried her soap too, she is a very funny lady though I haven't met her. Her website is funny if you read her blog entries, though it hasn't been updated for a wee while.
http://www.thegamriegoat.co.uk/ (http://www.thegamriegoat.co.uk/)
Beth
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did you make any Beth? I just read a few articles on line and am really cautious now - all these stuff about volcanic reactions!!! eek - would love to hear a success story ;) need to buy a load of ice cube trays to freeze the milk I think.
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I got as far as freezing my milk! And I got some glass bowl to put ingredients in. But no, I haven't actually made any yet- never got the chance somehow. You would be surprised how much room you need in the ice cube trays- I was!
Beth
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Ok so milk is in freezer. caustic soda, coconut oil, lard (!) and lots of essential oils sat in a box with the mold and cello wrappers and now I'm too scared LOL!! I need to get a spare moment when the 3 year old isn't around and need to convince myself that it *quite probably* won't explode :-\ ;D
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Can you do it outside somewhere, or just under cover, but outside? If its nice do it on your garden table!
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I think I'll be doing it outside the kitchen on the patio - with a very long spoon!
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Plums I clicked unread posts and the top post was "doing it with a long spoon" I thought shes off to have a sup wi the devil ;D :farmer:
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LOL - yep, not far off!!
I've done it!! goats milk soap with tea tree oil is currently setting nicely in the fridge, phew!! even the lye mixing bit wasnt' as scary as all these books led me to believe (although my dear old dad has just phoned to check I'm OK because he was "worried about the caustic soda business" bless him!!)
the lady in our farm shop suffers with her skin and has asked if she can sell my soaps in her shop (!) - she might change her mind once she's tested her freebie in a few days/weeks ;D now just need to get some ph strips.
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Sounds very interesting Plums Is it hoped to be anti rash sort of soap some of these modern soaps aren't worth buying.Every thing that cleans has been omitted.I always used to use Lifebouy carbolic cleans most things I got on my hands but like every thing else worth having its gone. ??? ;D ;D :farmer:
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hopefully it will be quite good for people with skin rashes like eczema (?sp) and psoriasis. my children suffer with skin probs if they've been drinking cows milk or are stressed (the under 8's get stressed too apparantly!!) so will be good to see if it helps them.
they have been so much healthier skin wise since we have had the goats, drinking the milk (wihtout having to buy the smelly goats milk from tesco!!) seems to really help. no good for my diet though!!
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I'm glad you managed to get them made without blowing yourself up ;) I was waiting to find out how you got on before I attempted to make any (I'm such a wuss ::)) - it's a perfect reason to get a couple of goats ;)
I don't want to sound negative in any way - but remember if you're going to sell the soaps you'll have to be 'registered' and inspected and stuff ::) ::) ::) (Don't ya just love red tape ???)
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;D and I was waiting for Beth to make some first for the same reason!! have been trying to plough through all the neccessary certificates etc for selling (what a palava!!)
first things first though, have to try and work out how to get it out of the mold LOL!!
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Apparently if you put the mold in the freezer it shrinks the soap a little and makes it easier, but never having tried myself I don't know that for sure ;)
Good luck & please post a pic once it's done - I'd love to see them (might inspire me just a little bit more) ;D
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I tried the freezer but it was still stuck rigid so hubby held the mold and tweaked 2 corners while I did the other 2 ;D I hope its going to be easier next time! I've cut it up now and its solid - there is still a slight ammonia smell but the book (my current bible!) is saying that's ok and will wear off. have left it to ventilate. will attempt to put a photo on!!
now off to make cheddar (slightly less scared of volcanic reactions wiht this one!)
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Well done Plums! You got there before me! I'm ready to make mine, but like you I might try bits of it outside to begin with!
Beth
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Hello you lasses I have been following the tale with interest and I know nothing of the problem How about making it by pouring it into Silicon bake ware type moulds There are Teddy's and all sorts as well as plain round.Supposed to be stick proof ;D :farmer:
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I like that idea :) I think I will make some for the children next as they have very sensitive skin and will go with the baking molds - we have teddies and cats and things that are meant for jelly so will be ideal. just got to be brave enough to do it again and secondly to find a recipe that uses more milk than just 9oz!! this is more like olive oil soap than milk ::)
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I used to make lots of cosmetics a few years ago. If you are interested in learning more try www.aromantic.co.uk. They sell lots of ingredients, recipes , run courses, etc.
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Fab Lindy - thank you!
we are currently trying to come up with ideas of how to make use of the whey from our cheesemaking!
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Feed it to the pigs they love it
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now there is a good reason to invest in some pigs (apart from the other more obvious good reasons!!) - daren't suggest that one to hubby yet, he's still recovering from the goats ;) was reading a recipe for whey pancakes - love it!!
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wahay!!! PH test says 8 - soap ready for use. so have been washing hands twice as often as neccessary to test it - very happy with results!!!
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I am green with envy.... re making soap I mean, just no time for anything like that. Just planning our sheep clipping....
Re whey: Ricki Carrol's book on cheesemaking has quite a few recipes in with whey. I find it a good book, but you need to convert all the US units to UK (or in my case metric, I can't even handle Fahrenheit at all)
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check out Lildl for silicone moulds, they usually are in and sold very quickly or there is good old flea-bay
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They are recipies for cheese made out of whey. Personally- I don't like the cheese they make much, but my mum loves it.
Beth
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we made whey pancakes last night and the children loved them!! a good use for whey!
the shop up the road has tryed, and liked, my soap (woo hoo!!!) and want to sell it so I've started to try and get certificated (or certified Tony reckons ::) ) but everywhere wants to charge about £150!! am researching this further because my theory here is, there is no point being married to a health and safety consultant and then forking out for a health and safety assessment - maybe one of his colleagues could do it? I know he couldtn' because of it being of monetary gain etc (ie. the soap will make profit for us and he could be accused of fiddling?)
anyhoo - just thought I'd update!!
ps anyone done the certificate thingy for soap/cosmetic making? any tips?
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Hey up plums H&SE Scourge of the land don't tell him I said so will you or he might come and get me at playtime ??? ;D ;D :farmer:
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;D He'd probably agree with you to be honest!! he quit nursing to do this though after a colleague had a needlestick injury and contracted HIV as a result - I don't think he misses the NHS any more than I do!
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If you email the lady at Gamrie goat (google it), she would probably advise you, as she is running a one (wo)-man business with her soap and has got all the H&S stuff done. Not sure if its different in Scotland though, but wouldn't think so.
Would be intersted to know how it goes, I WILL make my own soap (as soon as .... the garden slows down, the pigs are gone, etc etc etc)
Anke
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Mornin Anke.This is the trouble intit its all go now.The weeds and watering up are enough to keep one busy without all the other jobs that MUST be done never mind the ones you would like to get on with ;D ;D :farmer: :wave:
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I know - I was on slug patrol at daft O clock last night. don't want to use pellets because one of my black rocks climbs over the electric fence (!) and patrols the veg patch during the day bless her. Have only made one batch of soap because of the logisitcs of having to get the 4 girls all occupied with their dad for the time for safety. will have a word with that lady Anke thanks x
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Bloody L Lisa :D not as a swear word. Thats agen is Anke a girl Oh dearie me.Sorry Anke I quite honestly thought you were a fella :-[ :wave: