cas Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 I posted this in a different forum, but for those of you not over there:I did make my first batch of CP soap last night. It was fun, and I can see how it would be addicting. I took a few photos, and need to pull them off the camera. What to do next time that I did not do this time: * Try CP without the water reduction. I think that is why it seized so quickly. * Pick a better scent to use. I used Juniper, and from what I have been told by a few people, is not the best FO to use for CP. * Make more than 1 lb at a time. I only made 1 lb. I didn't know better. LOL So for now on, I think I will do min of 2 lbs, and most likely 3. I have some things to get through today, but if I can get all my tools run in the dishwasher, I will try another batch tonight. This time, with a better FO and 3 lbs of soap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaColo Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 Congratulations on taking the plunge into soapmaking.I have only done two batches (cp and cphp), so I'm not an expert. My scale weighs in grams, so I used grams instead of ozs to make for a more accurate weights. My batches were 500g each. I wasn't sure what I would do if my first batches were 2 lbs each - my family is afraid of my stuff because of the lye. I tested a small bar of each soap, and it's actually soap. I didn't use fo. I'm not sure how the soap should act yet. For example, the mashed potatoe phase was a mystery to me on cphp and the soap ended up being overcooked. I want my next batch to be hp, but the only cookware I have is teflon or aluminum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairieannie Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 Congrats Cas! Those evil enablers got to you didn't they?!! Looking forward to pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carriegsxr6 Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 I wouldnt make more than 2lbs at a time since you are still starting out and you will most likley make a few more batches that you are not happy with until you get it right. Its best to conserve your oils and lye for small test batches. I currently make 2lb batches and yeild 8 bars. Which is made up of 25oz of oils plus 7oz water. (i do 33% lye solution). Anyhow, welcome to the wonder world of soaping and I hope to see many photos of your creations soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcandleattic Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 LOL You are off to a good start!! When I started I did an 8 lb batch because I really didn't realize how much soap each lb would make!! And even with all the research I did the advice was not to do small batches for fear of a lye heavy batch, sooo... lol Now I wish I would have only started with a 2-3 lb batch. It would have been much easier to manage, I would have probably used all the "icky" soap up much faster and it would have probably let me get the full experience a little better! lolMost of my batches these days run right around 3-4lbs depending on which mold I plan on using. Good luck, have fun and welcome to the addiction! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CareBear Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 a 2# batch is perfect, especially if your scale measures in grams. too small and you may or may not get a gel, too big and you waste materials.BTW, a cardboard box mold is a great thing but is not very insulating so you may have difficulty getting a full gel. If that's what you are using insulate very well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 So proud of you!! Wow! :yay: OK so you made something that moved quickly. You had firsts I haven't had yet, but sounds like you still like it. Can't wait for the blow by blow or the pictures. So get busy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cas Posted September 18, 2006 Author Share Posted September 18, 2006 I will just add here instead of making a new thread...Thanks everyone! Here's the rest of the story:I think I WILL stick to 1 or 2 lbs at a time until I get used to making soap. I will just not use the big log mold I have, and use the small cavity mold instead. I do not want to waste more oil while I am learning. This stuff is expensive! LOLFirst photo is of (some of) my set up.[ATTACH]8314[/ATTACH]Second photo is of the uncut log. I need lessons in how to make something flat. Problem is, it seized so darn fast I had to scoop it out and into the mold.[ATTACH]8315[/ATTACH]Third photo is of the cut bars... if you can call them bars. The cut soap chunks. [ATTACH]8316[/ATTACH]The color is pretty much what I was going after. I think solids are boring. Swirls and chaos are where it's at.At least the kitchen smelled good as I was cleaning up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvcandletarts2 Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Congrats! Can't wait to see the cut pics. Also can't wait until I have some time off to go soap with Leslie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Where's a picture of the soaper? THe mess and the feather duster you used to clean it up? Dang I panicked on my first batch lol. I wouldn't have been able to shoot. Really Cas!! I think it's a good first attempt and since I'm half to blame for the seize ... I'm apologizing now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberly Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 cas..that looks like a great first try! ANd since it is Scenteds fault for not telling you that floral FO's tend to seize, we will clean her mouth out with a feather duster!Look forward to seeing more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawaiiansun Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Way to go, so who helped to pop your Cherry?? :laugh2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaybee23 Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Very good for a first, and now you are addicted, yes? Yup, do a 2 or 3 lb batch next time, and a non-seizing FO and I think it will be great. Your swirl color is very nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairieannie Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 cas..that looks like a great first try! ANd since it is Scenteds fault for not telling you that floral FO's tend to seize, we will clean her mouth out with a feather duster!Look forward to seeing more!Good lord.. would "Feather Duster Mouth" be anything like Cotton Mouth? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawaiiansun Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 I wonder if we could swirl using a feather duster? We might get some kool effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnitaG Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Well I think you did just fine for your 1st. You will be hooked in no time:cheesy2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michi Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 I agree it looks pretty dang good, just may have cut it too soon??Dang, you did swirls on your first try?? I'm impressed. Keep at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SecretBuddy32 Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 That looks really good Chris, and swirls too. I'm impressed, keep up the good work and keep posting. Congratulations on becoming a soap ho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystical_angel1219 Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 I want to post the dancing baby!! :laugh2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystical_angel1219 Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Here we go, the dancing soap baby!I should have read the whole post, dang it.GRRRRRRRR!! Why isn't this baby dancing, and WHY is it a thumbnail?I am not so happy with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carriegsxr6 Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Don't forget, you can force a small batch to gel by heating it in the oven on the low warm temp for 1 hr or so. Make sure your soap box is oven safe first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hibiscus Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 If it doesn't gel it will be fine. Most of my soap never gel and they have all come out nicely. I've used plastic, carboard and wood and they've all come out fine as a matter of fact I had my brother in law build my molds using a thinner wood than is normally used for soap( to prevent gel) and guess what?...some gelled and some didn't but they all came out perfect. But who knows maybe I have a soap angel that insulates my molds.I made my first batch in June so I'm probably still considered a newbie but I've already graduated to LS and done just about every method of soaping there is..yep I've been busy...just relax and take it easy because it's not complicated...it's like cooking....um hope you're good at that..lol.. congrats on your first batch and keep up the good work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shutterbugg Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Way to go chris!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CareBear Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Hey Shutter! YOu finally got the baby to DANCE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cas Posted September 23, 2006 Author Share Posted September 23, 2006 Sorry for the dumb question, but what's the purpose of having the soap gel?And thanks everyone!!! I plan on doing my second batch today. I am going to do Peach this time... that is of course, if I have the correct color mica. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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