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cryptic

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Posts posted by cryptic

    Why does everyone cut the soap in huge blocks?

    in General Soap Making

    Posted

    Yes, those were most likely made with a slab mold. Like a rectangle cake pan size. Then they cut the soap into bars that are typically about 3x2x1. About the same size or slightly larger than a bar of store bought soap.

    Right :)

    well anyway, the answer is that for the most part we don't cut in huge chunks. tho there are, of course, exceptions = folks who like the look or the feel.

    Thanks everyone for your insight and clarification! :)

    Why does everyone cut the soap in huge blocks?

    in General Soap Making

    Posted

    Based on these links, it is like others have said. They just look big in the picture because of the angle, or maybe because there is no frame of reference. For example, if Soapfreak's beautiful Lemon Lavender picture had a dime showing in front of the bars, you would see that they are just normal size bars of soap.

    Yeah maybe. In the past, more people had these enormous blocks after they cut their logs. I couldn't find better examples, but I just wanted to ask the question since most of the blocks have a ragged edge on them. The blocks I was used to seeing were about half the size of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper, which is what I consider huge, and wondered if people use the soap like that, or if the soapmaker, cuts it more to a practical size after taking their pictures.

    Why does everyone cut the soap in huge blocks?

    in General Soap Making

    Posted

    You typically are making soap in a large mold (loaf or brownie style) then cut into bar sizes after it sets. It's sort of like slicing bread or a pan of brownies. However, if you have done some really cool swirls and colors in the mold, you want to take pictures of the whole thing before you cut it to pieces.

    Ahh, thank you...so it is just for the pics :)

    Why does everyone cut the soap in huge blocks?

    in General Soap Making

    Posted

    huge blocks? my bars are 3" X 2.5" X 0.8" thick.

    we MAKE them in logs though - maybe that is what you are thinking of.

    Your size is what I would consider "normal" lol.

    If you click on the Soap Gallery, you'll see people's soap, when they cut it, they are HUGE rectangles.

    I understand that you make them in logs, but I was curious to know as to WHY they cut it like that. I am wondering if it is just for display or just for pictures. Then I wonder if they cut them smaller, because how are you supposed to use the big blocks of soap? :)

    What are you using for your shopping cart on your website?

    in Business Side of Things

    Posted

    I've used Feature Cart, Mals, OsCommerce and recently bought the software for Squirrel Cart. I'm really enjoying learning new software all over again and plan to launch my gourmet site with the new software by March 1.

    Hi, out of all of the shopping carts you've used so far, which one do you like the most? Which one do you think is most useful? I've designed web sites for about 9 years, but just wanted to get an idea of you all use on your sites.

    Thanks all!

    Facial Sugar scrub

    in Bath, Body & Cosmetics

    Posted

    How long would this last if it doesn't have a preservative? Isn't it bad to put oil on the face? I am looking for a natural scrub to make as well, but don't know where to find a good easy natural recipe. For me, it's difficult to decipher a recipe when its written in veteran language or written inline within a paragraph, haha. I am still reading, but would appreciate any advice anyone would like to provide.

    WHat do you think of my line?

    in Business Side of Things

    Posted

    I really don't know what happened to these forums. I remember what it was like here a couple years ago and I don't recall as many people asking how long someone has been "working" on their B&B products as I do now - this attitude that seems to have sprouted up overnight seperating the "newbies" from the "veteran soapers." It's starting to remind me of MMORPG's. I'm just waiting for someone to start calling the new members "newbsauce." PWNED BY A SOAPER!

    :Werd:

    Some nights it is almost painful to come here and see the answers people are dishing out - or should I say, the condescending statement that "we" expect research to be done, before help is just handed out - What is with that?

    I am guessing Sandy came here, like others I've seen recently, excitedly wanting to show their lines and see if it is "a good start" (as in, too many bubble items, not enough scrubs, fragrances ok?) and wham, they're hit by the soaper firing squad armed with a stockpile of super soakers! Gives new meaning to the words "wet dreams!"

    "Am I forgetting anything?" - yes, you forgot your entire business plan, R&D data sheets for the past 29 years, proof of insurance, notorized statements from your lawyer, chemist and the Fed agent who approved everything you've made, as well as the sworn statement from the Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat specialist verifying that the nose that sniffed your scent throw was in proper working order - be sure to include a copy of his PHD, along with verification that he did, indeed, attend med school. We'll be needing that in triplicate. In addition, please print each of your labels on a 4 x 5 index card so that we may scrutinze your ingredient list and ascertain that you've met INCI guidelines, as well as whether or not your warnings meet or exceed current federal regulations. Wait a minute, not so fast, before you go we'll be needing the name, telephone number and address of the person who actually picked the cotton for these wicks!

    :bow:

    HAHA...I almost choked on a french fry while reading your post! :grin2:

    What do individual soap molds look like?

    in General Soap Making

    Posted

    I'm new at this and I'm currently in the researching and reading stage before I make soap. My question is, what do individual soap molds look like? I've seen the shoe box/wooden molds, but I don't want my soap to look like that squared/rectangular shape from those molds. I want the bar to look like oval or rounded on the corners, like store-bought bars, or at least smaller rectangular bars. Is this possible?

    If so, can someone post a picture or a link to what that type of mold looks like and where I can get them? Thanks!

    Men's Line

    in Bath, Body & Cosmetics

    Posted

    Here are my suggestions:

    Metro Men (lol)

    Handsome Line

    Handsome Collection

    King Collection

    Ben Hur Collection

    Pimp Daddy Line

    Indulgence for Men

    Pampered for Men

    Empire for Men

    SPORT for Men - (come up with words to stand for the letters)

    Hmm..that's all I can think of for now. :)

    Wesite FRUSTRATION!

    in Business Side of Things

    Posted

    I have never used Homestead, nor am familiar with their services.

    Are you using Homestead's online builder, or are you using some sort of web software? If you are using software, I may be able to look at the code and see what may be causing the problem. :) Let me know.

    Starting a business - need help understanding...

    in Business Side of Things

    Posted

    Cool thanks for the info and advice! Internet-related stuff, no problem (I did web design for several years, search optimization, online marketing resources, etc.) :) Business stuff, that's the tricky part for me. I can see why it's so much easier to just hire a CPA and let them do all the accounting stuff for you, less of a headache :)

    Thanks! I will check out the books!

    Starting a business - need help understanding...

    in Business Side of Things

    Posted

    I would like to start a small business down the road...

    The main reason I have been hesitant of starting a business is because of all the "business" details I find overwhelming.

    In addition to product liability insurance, a DBA name, tax ID, business license, what about these?

    • Do you do your own taxes?
    • Do you hire a CPA to do your taxes?
    • What is considered tax-deductible? (what does it mean?)
    • What is itemized taxes?
    • Inventory? (What do you need to keep track of? how often?)
    • Do you need to report taxes frequently, or just once a year?
    • Is there a book that explains what you have to do or keep track of in your business?
    • Did you create a business plan first before opening for business?
    • How did you learn how to run your business?

    I have a million other questions, but these will do for now to point me in the right direction. I just find the "business" side of it so tedious and complicated. If someone can help me see it in a more simplified way, I would greatly appreciate it :) Don't worry, I'm not starting anything until I understand all this stuff. Thanks.

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