soap_nut

So is there a better option than SoapCalc? I'm a novice soaper that hasn't done a lot of experimenting.

I wish I would not have viewed this post....now I want one...LOL

Wow, beautiful soap!

Thank you! Patchouli would be a good option to experiment with since I could get that locally. Might have to give that a try!

Sounds lovely! I did break down and order some litsea so we'll see how it goes. Where do you get your 10x orange? Do you think it would help to add orange zest? I made a lemon & lemongrass soap recently and added lemon zest. Still seems to be holding the scent but it has only been about 2 months.

I was planning on making a soap this weekend using grapefruit and orange EOs but I've seen recommendations to add litsea cubeba to help anchor these scents. Of course no local places carry this and shame on me for not planning ahead Will I be dissapointed with the result if I decide to make it without the litsea? Or is there another EO or additive that would work? I have lemon & lemongrass as other "fruity" EOs. Thanks!

Thanks everyone! I'm really glad I didn't place an order with Wellington The Write Stuff--The Juniper Aloe sounds awesome! I will have to check that out.

I hate it when that happens! I made some beer soap this weekend and helped a friend make some soap with tallow.

I don't know the answer to that either but I had my first experience using tallow today. A friend of mine who's never made soap before brought a bunch over and I helped her with it. I can't wait to see how it turned out. It was such a simple recipe compared to the multi-oil ones I use

I've been pricing out EOs and FOs and encountered 2 vendors that I hadn't heard of before. They seem to have pretty good prices but I'm wondering if any of you have used them--Wellington Fragrance Company or Piping Rock.com? I'm also wondering if any of you use Juniper EO in your soaps? It is crazy expensive but maybe you don't need much? I'd love to hear if any of you have used it. I have a customer who is requesting it. Thanks!!

If you package your soap in boxes, where have you found the best deals? I am using a kraft box right now with a rectangle window and have found it to be cheapest at Wholesale Supplies Plus. Any input would be great

I just switched to a Costco membership and they have two 3L bottles of OO for $24.99. Just got mine today. When I had the Sam's Club membership it was 3L for $13.99 I think so about the same price.

I was looking at a local essential oil suppliers website today and noticed that they sell homemade foam soap with potassium hydroxide, coconut oil, water and essential oils. Has anyone ever made this? I've only seen recipes for this using castille soap and not really making it from scratch like this. Here is the link to the product http://wyndmerenaturals.com/store/home.php?cat=83

Here's the picture of the candy cane soap. I suck at swirling so this is as good as it gets for me...LOL Some day I'll get the hang of it but in the meantime I'll pretend that this is how I wanted it to look

I used WSSP Matte Americana Red Oxide Pigment powder for my candy cane soap this year and it was awesome. If I can figure out how to post a pic I will...LOL