ProudMarineMom

That turned out wonderfully!

I wonder if it's similar to the fragrance the bug sprays at Disney's It's Tough to be a Bug Show at Animal Kingdom. It's pretty bad.

I love the embeds. I think they will be very striking if the soap darkens up for you.

Dang it, I hate our post office sometimes. Still didn't get the sample today. And, I'm like 8 hours away from Judy. Going to have to go on faith!

I got my box last night and made some scent strips this afternoon. Just some general thoughts. Sea Salt and Yuzu - This is a fresh scent, just not quite what I was looking for. Reminds me of detergent Sea Salt and Rice Flower - There is an under-tone of something that I just don't care for, almost like an almond smell. Maybe it's the vanilla bean. Patch and Cedar - Woodsy scent. Early on I got mostly patch, very little cedar. As it's cured, the other cedar / wood notes are emerging. The additional woods might be too subtle for CP, but it's a very nice fragrance. Ming Fern and Lavender - Ahhhh, nice, green.... I don't get much lavender or maybe blue lavender is different (lavender makes me ill, of course it's my Mom's favorite). Really, really like this one. Pink Lilac and Willow - Another beautiful fragrance. Some of the other notes are coming out as it cures. Nicely compliments the lilac. For a true lilac I still think TSW has the best. This is more subtle, not quite as sharp as a plain lilac. And no weird rubber smell. Patchouli and Oud Wood - Not sure what oud wood smells like, but LOVE this fragrance. At first I thought it was going to be great as just a men's fragrance, but it's starting to be unisex to me. I'm thinking it's going to appeal to my Nag Champ lovers. Paris Nights - Loving this one as well. A bit sweet, reminds me of something, I don't know what. Flirty and fun fragrance. I think my DIL will love it. Now I wish I would have grabbed the Oud Wood and Molten Spark.....

Thank you, Judy!!

I think the only one they have so far is Hawaiian Sandalwood (which is in the link Beth posted). Looking forward to seeing more of them.

Just stunning. The Stargazer Lily is absolutely gorgeous. I love the tinting on the edges of the rose. Great job!

I think Peaks Vineyard is pretty Grape-y

If the Dragon's Blood is the same as Tony's, I can recommend that. I think it's the best one out there, imho. I've used it in candles, melts and incense.

Well, I guess you'll be our guinea pig. Let us know how it works out for you. Wonder if there is anything in Google-land about the benefits of coconut shell charcoal...

I have not read/heard of anyone using the coconut shell version. So, no idea if it would work the same as the bamboo. I do know that I much prefer the bamboo over the hardwood charcoal. Doesn't need as much to get a nice black color.

I didn't get a chance to try the Osmanthus. I head it was wonderful. I did get the Hawaiian Sandalwood which is beautiful in soap. Their Blackberry Fig is excellent in wax and M&P but loses some depth in CP. Great fragrance though.

I haven't tried these yet, but found some blend ideas from different websites I wrote down in my notebook. Lime and peppermint for a Mojito. Rosemary, Lemongrass, Lavender and a touch of Peppermint for an Ocean Breeze.

I just got the Gypsy Rose from MW as well and haven't had a chance to soap it. Good to hear it does well. Have read recommendations for Sweet Cakes True Rose, that it's very authentic rose with a touch of green. Those that soaped with full water didn't seem to have a problem with acceleration, low-temp soapers noticed some A. Others said it soaped like a floral and to be ready for it to move.

I can never get my M&P to come out this pretty. Wonderful job!

Very cute soap! That mold is adorable.

Those turned out beautifully. I love the little heart molds.

Very pretty!

I can't anything straight either, soap, cheese, veggies.... DH actually makes fun of me. If it's one of the metal mitre boxes, I think those work the best. I also picked up a couple of smooth cutters from the place below. DH sharpened them up for me. The blade is centered in the wood so it's a little easier to push down level. I find M&P very difficult to cut. Guess I don't have the hand or arm strength. http://soapcutters.com/handcutters/#Smooth_Soap_Cutter

I've used raw cow milk before with no issues. Pretty sure I have read about others using fresh goat milk in soaps as well.

What about mango?

Here ya go! http://web.archive.org/web/20110716100633/http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/formulary.html

I love the feel of silk in my soap I think it gives it a very nice, rich feel to the lather. TallTayl, have you ever used cornstarch as a silk replacement in Vegan recipes? I haven't made one yet and have read that is a good substitute.

Wish I would have known that, I can never remember my Yahoo login.