Adventures in Soap Making

It took me well over a year to finally take the plunge and start making soaps. I knew I wanted to, I watched countless tutorials, mesmerized by the swirling techniques of expert soapers, and gradually bit by bit I began to amass supplies.  That took a while since living homestead style means I don't generate much in the way of cash income, and what I do make typically goes right back into the farm as animal feed.  But I do make profits here and there, and eventually I had enough to get started. 
My first few soaps were basically just following published recipes, but that seemed like a solid place to start.

 My first ever batch of soap! A basic Bastile recipe with added local honey!

    Making soap is an incredible exercise in learning patience. (Something I am always and forever needing to work on.)  Like many good things, soap takes time and improves with age.  You have to wait minimum 4 weeks to really try out your soap, and better yet 6 or more.  Of course I waited the least amount before testing to prove to myself that yes, I did indeed create actual soap.
Since then, I've gone barreling ahead to try different types of soap recipes. Goat Milk soap next of course!  And finally I got the courage to attempt my own recipe instead of following others.

A Salt Bar with goat milk, annato infused olive oil, and an orange vanilla scent. 

The variety of ways to make soap and the amazing array of botanicals that can be used are enchantingly endless. There's a ridiculously long list of ideas taking up space in my notebook now, and it continues to grow. ...As did my modest collection of essential oils and various fats to soap with.  Once I realized the living room table was taken over and resembled an Apothecary,  it became clear my soap obsession needed its own home.  

And thus, the cleaning and organizing frenzy of my art room began.  It had become a sort of repository for randomness- but now, it has brand new shelves and clear space.  The second shelf is now my curing rack and mostly full of soap samples I'm waiting to test.  Curing time is the hardest part right now! waiting.  Guess I will use the time to make more soap!

 Like these Charcoal Swirl Green Tea soaps! These are just little 1 oz. samples for testing out my recipe

More photos and maybe even recipes soon!