powderblueboutique

Thanks stella, I agree. I am just not sure how high the temps should be. Can I start around 120 or is that too high? lye 120 and oils 110. it just seems when I read about it, lye is higher temp by about 10, correct? Or, am I over thinking this...

I separated the soap into two separate molds. one silicone one wooden. It happened to both. I discussed putting it in the oven with my husband, but we weren't sure the degree. So that total sense. I couldn't justify turning my dryer on. I will try again this weekend. I did the zap test, I did get a little sting, but it wasn't the same kind of sting when it is really lye heavy. I think it was a little early though. It definitley has a distinctive look, lol. apperently this doesn't happen too often, as there is no info about this, I have a one of a kind! Thanks for your help

I wrapped it in towels really well. I also put it in the upstairs of our house as it stays warmer upstairs. Maybe I didnt wrap it enough? What are some meathods you guys use to prevent this? Should I mix the lye and oils at a higher heat than 100?

You forced me to find my camera! This is the best I could get, and hopefully shows the evidence. The white spots are not pearly, or grainy. However soft to the touch....not oozing anything that I can tell. Same on the sides. Nothing on the top Thanks!

I have been making hot process for 7-8 years or so, I use one of kathy millers recipes, always have success. I tried cold process yesterday. The soap is still a little soft, but is still cutting nice...smells great. The Problem: small white circles, on the sides and underneath the soap. All are the size of a dime or smaller. I do not see any on the inside. Some look a little traily. In hot process it is recommended to use 1 once or more of fragrance per pound. I stuck with that rule, and maybe just used way too much. or is this another problem? IDK so this is the recipe 16 oz palm 14 oz coconut 52 oz olive 6 oz cocoa butter 32 oz cold water 12 oz lye 4 oz fragrance (oops!) Mixed lye and oils around 100 not sure if it's stearic acid, lye pockets, or the fragrance. Any input appreciated, Thanks! Kari

Can't wait to get it! Why are you so far away? I actually got some rest this weekend, and completely forgot to send you the pictures of the bracelets. I will try and pm them to you later today!

I personally love love love the illustrated enyclopedia of essentail oils by Julia lawless.

I have. great cold throw, but hardly a stitch of scent for hot throw. Fragrance oils great in B&B. If ordering for bath and body- great customer service, and fair shipping prices.

Come to think of it, I started having problems with my soap when I started using rooto. Inconstistant results, and dreaded orange spot. I wouldn not recommend it.

I think they are talking about the globalization act. It is back on the table, and looks like they will be moving forward with it sometime this year. Don't give up just yet though, we have a lot of support when it comes to this act. Hopefully it will be a win win for all.

Vitamin E- nope. Try the jojoba. Glycerin wouldn't provide much benefit in a carrier oil mix, the only thing that I can think of is it might help it mix troublesome fo-oil combos. Maybe start with a really small batch and let it sit for a couple days to see if separates, then add glycerin at 1% intervals to see if that helps. But, not much help here since I have not tried it! Tell me your results, inquiring minds want to know It will take awhile for my items to get here, but I will surely post the results.

caramel, what I have found in my research is that you can mix it with jojoba or grapeseed. It really depends on the weight of the oil with how well it will mix. And, you would not want a carrier oil that is heavy smelling itself. Since oils go rancid, you have the possibility of your mix going rancid- a preservative might be an option when mixing with carrier oils, or mixing in smaller batches. Mixing with perfumers alcohol will produce a perfume that perserves itself, but because alcohol evaporates, it will not last as long on the skin. This is where glycerin is supposed to help. Wow, it is really tough to find this info (can't wait to figure out EO combos!)- some sort of secret society or something! lol! Ordering tomorrow....Can't wait to try my new scents!

could your glycerin be bad? It does have a shelf life.

fractionated coconut oil. I think I am going to give alcohol and fco a try to see which I like best. I think, from what I have managed to come by, you would use 1-5% glycerin to preserve the essential oil. I would assume that you could use it with the fco as well. I still need to order, draaaaaging my feet!

SLS- sodium lauryl sulfate

Yes, staying power, that's what it was! I can't remember where I read it, or what percentage. Back to more research. FCO sounds like it would make more of a body spray. Perfumers alcohol is what I would use for what I would like to accomplish, but a good idea if going that route.

She is selling them, and she is great! I am in the process of ordering one from her, and I can tell you her customer service is awesome! I can't comment on the finished product yet- but as you can see from the pictures, she is really talented! Will post my new goodie when she is finished.......(don't you dare post it! I get bragging rights!) Kari

ooooh no, too expensive?! I have done price comparison on some of your basics with them, and they meet or beat a lot of supplliers. But, your not-so-everyday oils can go into the $200 range. WHAT? I definitely had sticker shock when I fell in love with eo's. Glad I could help a little, sorry it is not the best option for you

http://www.libertynatural.com/ they have roman chamomile. they actually have over 350 EO's. If you decide to order with them, they do not work on a shopping cart. They have an online order form. tricky to get used to.

I have read that glycerin, in perfumes, helps with potentcy. Apparently it is used often, although I am not sure if that is just for EO's. I guess my main question was aging. I would think that it would need to sit some time after it is combined with alcohol. If not, even better!

here are some recipes http://www.pioneerthinking.com/avocadobeauty.html

I am wanting to make a perfume with hypnotic poison type fragrance oil. I will be purchasing perfumers alcohol. question: 1. what percentages do I need to use of both 2. should I add glycerin, and at what percentage 3. according to snowdrift, EO's need to be aged then added to the alcohol, since it's an FO do you add to aclohol and use right away, or do I need to age it in the alcohol? I will be making 8 oz total to start. Thanks for help before hand!

I weave by hand, so I won't be too much help:) but, about.com is really where I got started. There is an enormous amount of information. Here is a link to some loom instructions http://beadwork.about.com/cs/beadshowtos/ht/loomweave.htm If you search in the upper right hand corner, I am sure you will find more. How fun!

the mms wax was discontinued, which is a shame! I switched to 444 but hate it, so I thought If I could get the same wax as mms or atleast comparable, I would be much happier. I know that brambleberry carries c-3, but unlike other suppiers, their wax is still through the roof! Not many suppliers carry c-3 in my neck of the woods.

hmm, interesting. I emailed them, but no response-yet. If it is, that would really be great! I started out testing candles with that wax, found out it was discontinued and switched. I think I might just have to order some to see if it is comparable. Great news! Thanks for the response