A Renegade Cowgirl

Have you ever thought about making your own soap at home?

To me, there is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than making my very own soap. By choosing your own ingredients; herbs, oils, and scents, you can create custom soaps specially designed for you and your family.

My daughter Gina making soap with meYou’ll also find the hobby of Soap making very addictive. After you experience the pure satisfaction of making your very first batch of soap, you’ll be drawn to making more and more. Consider yourself forewarned!

It's important to work in a well ventilated area when using Lye, so I move that part of the operation outside.

Lye soapmaking is chemistry and it is important to read all your directions carefully and use common sense. The ratio of lye to water to oil is very crucial to making a nice batch of soap.

We stir the oils and lye solution together until it becomes thick like pudding. Once it gets to this stage it will 'trace' and you can then pour it into your molds.

I have used many different types of molds for my basic soap depending on the size of the batch. Rectangular plastic containers with lids are my favorite and can be found in most department stores. I have also made my own molds out of wood and lined with butcher paper. You'll probably find what you need inside your cupboard.

Grated Soap Looks Like CheeseI also double hand-mill most of my batches of soap. This process takes a little longer, but has proven to be a much nicer and more moisturizing soap because of the added oils. After the basic soap is made, I allow it to dry and cure for two weeks. Then I regrind, remelt, and add other oils and herbs specific to the recipe I'm creating at the time.

Pouring Soap Into MoldI then pour the soap mixture back into a mold and allow it to dry and cure another two weeks. At this time I will cut the big blocks into bars and allow it to finish curing. It takes approximately 30 days for the soap to totally cure.

Before wrapping and labeling I will give the bars one last trimming and then they're ready to use.

Wild Cowgirl SoapI have a small local market for these hand made soaps and of course I give alot away as gifts. As an herbalist student I am always looking for ways to use herbs in my every day life. Herbal soaps are a wonderful way to add nature's own healing herbs and oils to your daily health routine.

If you are intersted in learning step by step how to make your own herbal soaps, we have new classes starting soon! Please send an email to medicinwds@centurytel.net or visit the soapclass page here.

                                    Soapy Wishes!!

                                    Cher Marie