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Cleaning Up:  any one making soap??  |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 07 2013 : 06:50:17 AM
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 since my heart attacks I have had to slow down some. so I have been making soap. I found a great recipe for liquid castile soap. I have used and given away about 2 gallons worth now. I am going to make more in the next few days. it is a hot process soap. has any one else been making soap? I have done mostly cold process. I like the hot process since you can use it sooner. we have been using the liquid for hand washing dishes and cleaning sweeties udder for milking. seems to work well. so any soapers out there soaping?  
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4108 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4108 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2013 : 4:59:16 PM
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Hi Sherrye, hope you are feeling better. Nice to hear you are up and about doing a little here and there. I make cold process soap. I have a simple goats milk recipe, no watching temps. Need to order some EO so I can make soap later this month, for Christmas. I do make a lard soap recipe for my laundry soap.
Michele |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2013 : 06:58:01 AM
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hi Michele, would you share your lard recipe. I have a LOT of lard froze. I am hoping to make laundry soap out of it. I made some with leaf lard rendered. it did not work. I understand I need to use the harder back fat. what is your opinion? thanks happy days to you.
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4108 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4108 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2013 : 1:04:04 PM
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It was the first soap I ever made, took a class.
4 lbs lard softened
10 oz lye
1/2 cup borax
1/2 cup ammonia
2 1/2 quarts cold water
Sir lard to soften, sprinkle lye over lard slowly. Stir to really get it all mixed into the lard. Slowly add 2 1/2 quarts of water, to the lard. Stir or blend till getting close to trace. Add borax and ammonia all at once. Stir to trace.
Sorry it is not an exact recipe, but if you know how to make soap you should be just fine. Double check with a lye calculator.
I just ask for lard when we get our pigs butchered, not sure where it comes from. I render it down in the oven. I have found that the lard gets old in the freezer, and is like it can go rancid, even when frozen. Fresh lard and tallow seems to work better. Just my opinion.
Michele |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2013 : 06:48:19 AM
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I made a huge batch of castile liquid soap yesterday. I think about 3 gallons. it looks great this morning. I am using it now for many things here in the house. so next I am going to make a jersey cream hot process bar soap. I like the hot process since you can use the soap sooner.
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4108 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4108 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2013 : 4:05:53 PM
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I usually make goats milk soap for hands and body soap. Love it. Have substituted jersey cream too.
happy soap making
just a girl farming in WI
Michele |
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BarnChickCecily
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
Cecily
Corydon
IN
USA
673 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2014 : 9:28:23 PM
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I have been wanting to start making soap. I want to use goats milk...Any suggestions on where I can get equipment? Also, good websites for getting started?
Farmgirl Sister # 241
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
725 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
725 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2014 : 08:48:03 AM
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Go to google and type in soapmaking and you will get lots of sites. Look for yahoo groups for example or facebook pages. I use goat milk in my soaps. Also, be aware that you need to use weight measurements not in cups or teaspoon measurements to get an accurate soap recipe. As for equipment, I use plastic buckets from lowes or home depot. All of my soap equipment is designated for soap making only, no foods use. There are many different kinds of moulds to use. You can even start out with a cardboard box lined with a plastic garbage bag. My hubby made me wooden ones.
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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BarnChickCecily
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
Cecily
Corydon
IN
USA
673 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2014 : 09:05:01 AM
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Betty, thank you for the info! I have been wanting to do make soap for awhile now...just a little scary getting started and not knowing how in the world to actually get started. Thanks!
Farmgirl Sister # 241
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ceridwen
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Carole
New York
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2014 : 06:05:10 AM
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For those of you that have made soaps, how did you proceed, did you take a class? Did you have a tutor? Did you go by instructions from a book? I'm presently reading Smart Soapmaking by Anne L. Watson and although I find it quite detailed, I don't feel confident tackling the process. Any tips you may have to offer! Cheers!
Carole
Farmgirl Sister 3610
http://www.carolesquiltingetc.com
http://www.fibrejunction.com |
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Marcy
True Blue Farmgirl
2698 Posts
Marcy
Tiverton
Rhode Island
USA
2698 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2014 : 09:48:43 AM
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I have been wanting to learn how to do cold processed soap for so very long but I am terrified of the lye. I just ordered and received some good quality melt and pour along with some wonderful scents and other things. I am going to play in that for a while and see what I come up with. I have a lot of ideas. There is a beach soap that looks like water, then there is the popsicle soap that I am going to scent with bubble gum and I also want to make vanilla and lavender bar as well. I am going to try making rose garden bath bombs this afternoon. (keeping my fingers crossed on that) will let you know how they turn out. The scent is amazing. It smells like I am walking among rows of roses.
hugs,
Marcy
hugs,
Marcy
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give...Eleanor Roosevelt
http://marcysworldofcreativity.blogspot.com/
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
725 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
725 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2014 : 09:33:57 AM
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Carole, a long time ago I went to a soapmaking demonstration class. Really enjoyed it. Since we got our goats I am back into making soaps. I make goat milk soaps. Some of my info was from books, some online. Lots of trail and error to finally develop my recipe. Some sites to look at are the soapmaking section on Dairy Goat Info, Soapdish and type in soapmaking on facebook and then google. Only go with recipes that require weights NOT measurements. Also Brambleberry is a good place to begin.
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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ceridwen
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Carole
New York
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2014 : 08:34:11 AM
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Thanks Betty! I think I'll keep reading for now. At least until I feel comfortable. We do not have access to soap making classes around here. Perhaps that's where a webclass would help.
Carole
Farmgirl Sister 3610
http://www.carolesquiltingetc.com
http://www.fibrejunction.com |
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opengatefarm
Farmgirl in Training
32 Posts
Sonja
Merrill
WI
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2015 : 07:44:02 AM
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I would like to venture into soap making and have begun checking online for ways to ease into the process. I think my husband is going to really think I am nuts when I start this project, lol!
Sonja
Because everyone should have a little dirt under their nails... |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2015 : 8:04:16 PM
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There are a ton of soap making recipes. Just be extra careful when you pour in the lye (actaually made in the old days by water washing through wood ashes) it can burn your skin and eyes. Just be careful. You can add herbs to your soap, or coloring and scents. I just followed an old recipe after reading a lot about soap making. I rendered my own lard by combining water and fat (bacon, pork, beef left over from cooking), you have to save it to get enough. After the cooking the debris left over can be removed and you have clear lard with which to make your soap. Lard is reality elf cheap to buy if you don't want to go through all that trouble.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
725 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
725 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2015 : 3:05:07 PM
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There is a beginner recipe on dairy goat info in which most all the ingredients can be purchased at the grocery store. I wear long sleeves, goggles and never barefoot when making soaps. I just had my first show at the trade days here. Did pretty good and had fun!
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2015 : 09:55:57 AM
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I took a soapmaking class about five years ago. It was worth it to overcome the fear of working with lye. There are some great tutorials on YouTube if you can't find a class which can be difficult to do for those of us who live 'in the sticks.' I love to make soap.
"Let us never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other art follows. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization."
Daniel Webster
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
725 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
725 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2015 : 10:04:58 AM
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You Tube has lots of videos. Just make sure when you try making soap that you only use weights not measurements. Teach Soap has great tutorials as does soapqueen, brambleberry and more. I browse making soap sites a lot.
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2015 : 09:22:49 AM
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Brambleberry and Teach soap do have excellent tutorials.
"Let us never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other art follows. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization."
Daniel Webster
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NY Pumpkin girl
True Blue Farmgirl
104 Posts
Christine
Gouverneur
New York
USA
104 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2015 : 3:12:10 PM
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I have been making some soap with fresh goats milk that turned out wonderful. There is nothing to be afraid of with using the lye as long as you are careful about not splattering it when mixing, also use safety glasses and long sleeve shirt to protect your skin. One site I was looking at said to have vinegar close by because if you do get it on you it will neutralize the lye from burning you. So I always have it near by just in case. My daughter and I also used many different additives that we found at the health food store like lavender, rose petals, and essential oils. There is numerous different things you can do. I also made my own wooden soap box forms. Have fun making your soap. Farm girl sister Christine
NY Pumpkin girl Farmgirl sister 6634. |
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
725 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
725 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2015 : 7:29:31 PM
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My husband made me some long wooden molds. I line with freezer paper and love them. Yes, to the vinegar being close by. I also set my bucket in the sink while I am working in case of overflow. Another thing is to check your 2nd hand stores for stick blenders!
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
725 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
725 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2019 : 2:52:58 PM
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How is everybody's soapmaking going? I've been off the site for a while and I am back!
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4108 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4108 Posts |
Posted - Jun 17 2019 : 04:10:47 AM
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we have been hooked on homemade soap for many years now. So yes i am making soap. I will do 3 big batches and then will set for the year.
Farming in WI
Michele |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6693 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6693 Posts |
Posted - Jun 17 2019 : 1:46:50 PM
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Soap making is on my list of things to try. I would like to learn and make some before the holidays at the end of the year so I can give them as gifts!
Krista |
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StitchinWitch
True Blue Farmgirl
2134 Posts
Judith
Galt
CA
USA
2134 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2019 : 3:13:59 PM
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Summer is my soap making season so I will be doing several batches soon. I've had a family member ask for more scrubby soap so that will be on the top of the list.
Judith
7932
Happiness is Homemade |
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Cleaning Up: any one making soap?? |
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any one making soap??
