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

I just bought some base oils from soaper's choice and I am soooo happy! A lot cheaper than other vendors I have ordered from and I like how they package everything. I also got some new EOs from Soap Making Resource. Working on a lavender oatmeal soap today, lemon w/lemongrass and a eucalyptus/tea tree acne bar. Excited to get back at it but my funds are low like many others so I'm limited. MIght have to try out the crowd-funding resources! I'm not sure if it's just that I haven't bought for awhile or if shipping has really gone up but I usually buy lye from Essential Depot and the shipping is almost as much as the lye but it still seems cheaper than my other resources. Yikes.

I did look into buying essential oils locally but suprisingly like others they are more expensive even without shipping. I ended up getting some from Soap Making Resource and am excited to try them out in a few recipes today.

Thanks for the suggestions CareBear and Candybee. These are all places that are new to me so will be great to take a look I'll probably go with smaller quantities at first until I figure out what I like. It's interesting as I've looked at some of my "go to" places how much the prices vary.

Hi, I'm wondering who you all use for your essential oils? Looking to see who has the best quality for the best price. I haven't used many essential oils in my soaps due to cost but would like to use more.

Thank goodness! Thank you!

Boo! I goofed and accidentally bought naturally refined cocoa butter that isn't deoderized Of course I need to make a few batches of soap today so I'm kinda stuck. The recipe I'm using calls for 13% cocoa butter. It will be great for my coffee soap but not so sure about my fruity or EO soaps. Do any of you use refined cocoa butter that is not deoderized regularly in your soaps or am I going to regret using it?

I just read the description on Snow WItch and it sounds awesome! Is the pine part of the scent pretty strong or is it subtle with the cranberry and spice notes? I hadn't considered any FO for fall/winter with pine because I wasn't sure if it would be something people would go for.

I have a PVC mold and I love your idea about using the flexible chopping mats! I tried lining it with was paper and that was very difficult. My husband had to make a wooden plunger to push the soap out and it was a real pain so I only used it once Thanks!

That's a good idea SuzyK! I never thought about checking thrift stores

Wow, great information everyone. This is amazing and very disappointing! Beezy--I'd love to hear how your soap turns out. I've been buying mine at Sam's Club. No doubt it's not 100% either but if the Trader Joe's performs well I'd consider trying it.