Cherry

That looks scrumptious - good enough to eat. Very nice.

That sounds interesting. Hope you get a nice swirl.

For the most part I like my soaps to gel. They have a more transluscent look and it makes the colors more vibrant. I have tried keeping milk soaps from gelling, but often I get a partial gel so I usually just let it happen.

I make soap with coconut milk too. I have used the canned milk and the powder. When I get canned milk I try to find one that doesn't have any additives in it like guar gum. It's not always easy to find just plain coconut milk. I've used some with the additives and I didn't have any problems, but I've heard there could be, not sure just what kind of a problem. And when you have milk with additives you need to list them on your ingredient list.

It does make nice soap.

I like that. Very pretty.

I got Christmas Spice from Sweetcakes that I'm going to try this year. I also use Christmas Thyme and Snow Place Like Home. Snow Place reminds me of the smell of stepping outside on a crisp winter morning, so I don't limit it to Christmas.

Very pretty swirls! I like those colors together.

That is fantastic. Beautiful soap swirls.

I love the smell of Santa's Pipe. Love your swirls too, and the sparklies on top.

Very nice! That last one is really unique.

Stunning looking soap. I like many of the names that have been suggested. I can't come up with anything different.

That's a beautiful swirl. Waiting for cut pics.

For lotions, creams and butters as a general rule I use between 1/2 and 1%, depending on the strength of the fragrance.

Welcome, I'm new to the board too, but not to soap making. It is very easy to become addicted so join the club.

I would think it would depend on what it is made of. If it is aluminum it wouldn't work. The aluminum reacts with the lye. If I remember right most Presto ware were aluminum.

Any stainless steel or enameled pot would work for CP, and HP could be cooked in the oven. I make CP and haven't messed around much with HP. I use a stainless steel pot.

Those are very pretty. Would love to see pics of them cut.

Those look very elegant. I have no idea what the scent is like, but the look sure fits the name.

Very nice! Waiting for more pics.

After you use lye a few times you'll feel more comfortable with it. Just be cautious and have respect for it.

I don't often use gloves as I am right by the sink and can stick my hand under running water if I get a splash, but I do use safety glasses. A splash in the eye is a totally different thing than a splash on the skin. And as soapbuddy said, water is better. Forget the vinegar.

Good luck with your first soaps.

I really like Fata Morgana. I also like Zen Tea. The London Lemon Curd is luscious, but I haven't used it is soap as I've heard it turns the soap brown. I use it for hand creams or lotions and sugar scrub.

Cherry

Those look almost good enough to eat. Good job!

Thank you for the welcome. I recognize a few names on this forum. I'll contribute where I can as well as learn some new things.

Cherry

Those are gorgeous!

Hello, everyone. I have read this forum but just decided last night to join.

I've been making soap since about 1998 and started a very small business in 2000. I sell mostly at craft shows, some direct selling, and I have a few wholesale accounts. I also make creams, lotions, lip balms, and other bath and body products.

I've been married to my current husband 31 years, have 4 children, DH has one, and between us we have 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. We live out in the country and I have a garden, a small greenhouse for starting flowers and vegetables, and I take care of a sizeable yard.

Lately I've been busy freezing veggies from the garden and soon I'll be ramping up the soapmaking for my fall and winter craft shows.

Looking forward to getting to know some of you.

Cherry