[Anke]

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....

[doganjo]

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)

[ballingall]

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

[plumseverywhere]

I've got as far as ordering the caustic soda stuff but no further!

[ballingall]

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

[sabrina]

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 

[Anke]

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.

[ballingall]

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/

Beth

[plumseverywhere]

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.

[ballingall]

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

[plumseverywhere]

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 

[Anke]

Can you do it outside somewhere, or just under cover, but outside? If its nice do it on your garden table!

[plumseverywhere]

I think I'll be doing it outside the kitchen on the patio - with a very long spoon!

[Wizard]

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 

[plumseverywhere]

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    now just need to get some ph strips.