tamtam

WOw those look great, but I have to ask... In ya'lls experience, does having the botanicals on top of bars help sell them.? Other than looking cool, I can't see the point, cause they just come right off when you use the bar... just wondering.

I can't seem to get that link to work, even if logged in. ..?? your soap is too awesome

Those are really nice for first try! I have gotten addicted too, will post some pics of mine soon.. I am making mostly herbal soaps with essential oils. I have had good luck with grinding herbs, oatmeal, powdered milk, etc in a mortar and pestle type bowl, the bowl is pottery with grooves on the inside so its grinds really fine if necessary. I wait till the soap is only warm to the touch and starting to really thicken before I add the ground ing., It will usually stay suspended, if not, wait another minute or two to cool more and stir a little, then pour. It works good for evenly distributed herby look. It's so much fun to try all the possibilities!

As far as I know, the base from SFIC does NOT have those ingredients, thats why I use it. It is a great base, lathers well and my soaps always turn out beautifully. I will post some pics soon of my latest creations.

I can't seem to get any of the links to work... whats up..??!

there are some really cool MP swirled bars on Ebay, I can't seem to copy the link- look under handmade soaps, then go to her store (fun panties), she has the best ones I've seen. I wrote her to ask how she does them, I assume by pouring both colors at once..??

So is this the same thing as the bare escentials mineral makeup that is so expensive. I have wanted to try it, but balk at the price. Maybe I could order the materials and make it myself, that would be awesome. I have seen some websites that sell the minerals...

I'm sure others know more than I do, but from doing alot of research on the net, I have read that soap itself is not considered a cosmetic by the FDA. So individual ingredients don't necessarily need to be listed. You should be careful with EO's and probably list them, as some should not be used by pregnant women. Several posts I read said that they put a disclaimer, something like "If irritation occurs, discontinue use" just to cover their butt. ANyone else with info, please chime in, I would like to know for sure... I have a store and have been making herbal M&P, getting ready to label and put out for sale.

how bout Tootie Fruity So did you make small round logs and overpour with white..?? Cool technique!

This is concerning M&P- I have some oil I think would be a good additive for bases, I got it awhile back before I was into soap... It is a blended oil I bought for massage, bath, etc. Tell me what you think.. these are the ing. It seems good to me, but have to try it and see. oils- soybean, walnut seed, olive, castor, sesame seed, jojoba, carrot seed, sweet almond, safflower, vit E extracts of- calendula, yarrow, cucumber, ginseng, sage, comfrey, aloe .

If I wanted to make a wooden mold for making a loaf of soap that would hold about 1 lb, what size would it need to be??? I have tons of scrap wood and no sense in paying for one already made. I want to make about 4 4oz bars at a time. Thanks!!

I am getting into making MP soaps and want to use only EOs. I have found these sources: mintmeadow.com and essentialoils.org I am looking for the best price of course.... any others to suggest? Thanks!