mountainmadness

I expanded my line this summer and was accepted at our local Farmer's Market. I did 10x the amount that I did last summer. Working every Sat. took some time getting used to with also working a regular work week but it was worth it. I used my profits for a down payment on a new house and have enough left over for the couch that I want.

I have not had this experience. I have used cucumber, strawberries, melon, carrot juice, tomato juice, teas, etc. and have never experienced mold or a rotting smell. Just be careful that you do not over do it. It sounds like you didn't and that you did allow for the water discount.... maybe it was the FO?

Ditto for me. The weight limit, I believe, is 70#. No more excuses that it costs more to ship to Alaska.....

I think that the orders that you get from samples are pretty slim. Think of it like a business card.... I give out 100+ at market on the weekends and the amount of orders that I get from new customers are pretty slim. I think that the same can be said about samples. I give "gifts" at home parties when people spend over a certain dollar amount. I sometimes give a "gift" at market for those that are loyal customers that buy product. Think of the gift with purchase that you get when the cosmetic companies run their specials... have you ever used something that was free in the bag and actually run out to buy it when you were out? I haven't. JMO. I do not waste my time with samples unless I want to do something fun with no intention of making money from it.

When I use an individual mold I make the soap as usual but just at a lower temp. to avoid the gel stage. I use room temp lye and pour into oil temps at 100F. I just put the molds on my soap counter, let them sit for 24 hrs. and pop out to dry.

Great job! Your husband got over the table issue fast. It is always nice when they encourage you to do what you love.

I do not insulate and cover. The soap process happens even if it does not gel. If the soap gels when you are using an individual mold you will have a heck of a time getting it out without freezing it.

You are a brave woman. I too only made about a 2 lb. batch when I first started.... and using FO's?! I hope that it goes well for you. The FO that I purchase only require .2 oz. per #1. You do not factor in your FO as part of your oils in your batch. Good luck.

I agree, it is all about quality. You've gotta' love the supportive husband!!

You need to use something with the lemon EO if you use it. It will not hold up in CP soap alone very well. Maybe EB Candles can chime in- I think that she made a lemon poppy seed a while ago and had a problem with the lemon EO disappearing......

I order my Lemon from Soapcrafter's. Their lemon is awesome!!

I just looked on my herb supplier website that also sells potpourri items. No luck, they only have the orange ones too. Do they make them in burgundy?

I do not think that $100.00 is over the top for the cost of a soap cutter. It depends on how much you produce. I have learned over the years that the quality in the items that you use for soaping make all of the difference in the final outcome. Time is money. If it takes you 30 minutes to cut and trim 50 bars or you invest $100.00 in a soap cutter that cuts and trims 50 bars in 5 minutes than you have made yourself more money.... if you look at it from a business standpoint. If you like it and you will use it, why not?

Beautiful swirls Robin.

I have always used room temp. lye. It seems to make everything behave better and trace happens a lot quicker.

I use EO when I make mine. The lavender is quite strong at first but after cure time it blends nicely with the ylang-ylang.

I do not make lotion.... with that said, I have read about people using large syringes that can be obtained at any pharmacy. You just fill it up and squirt it in the bottle.... Just an idea for you.

I have made lavender and ylang ylang CP soap. I use 1:1.

I do not use their credit card services. It has a high interest rate.

Lorrie had some good ones.... I will add a few that she did not already post.. 1) Make sure that you take plenty of bags. If it is a large show I like to provide the ones with handles. It makes it easier for people to carry if they are walking around for a long period of time. 2) Make sure that you go to bed and get a good nights sleep the night before the show. It shows in your attitude if you get 3 hours sleep the night before. 3) If you cannot pack your car the night before have everything packed and ready in the house to load in the morning (this is when the hubby comes in handy ). 4) Take a small garbage can. 5) Take 3x as many business cards as you think you'll need. 6) Take breath mints... sometimes I do not have time to eat and I do not like greeting people with coffee breath in the morning. 7) Smile and greet those that come to your table. 8) Like Lorrie mentioned, make sure that you know your product. Know what the benefits are of your ingredients and what they do.

I am unclear about the water issue also. I have never incorporated water because then it is prone to bacteria.

You had me thinking... they sell a glass head at Pier One Imports for about $10.00. They are really cool. That would work well for your neck coolers. We are way past neck coolers this year.... break out the scarves, boots, and mittens in the mornings. Brrrr!

$6.00 ea. or 3/$15.00

Great job! It always feels so good when you have a good sales day! Congrats and wishing you many more !

6.0oz. cured