Soap anyone????

[Ladysunflr]

I *think* I'm interested in making homemade soap... I've already bought molds, scents, colors and a book from my local craft shop.. I made my first (small) batch using pre-made glycerine soap that I purchased there also. I think I'm hooked.. however, the soap seemed very slippery to me, and I want to get into making soap from scratch... here's the problem - making soap from scratch requires the use of lye. I'm wondering how difficult it is to work with... I don't want anyone in my home to get sick from the fumes, etc.

So, here's my question: can anyone give me more information about making homemade soap? is it too difficult? Would it be profitable if I were to sell it at fairs, etc?

Any information would be helpful!!

TIA!

 

[Ladysunflr]

bumping

 

[crunchymomma]

I also make glycerin soap and it sells *ok* online and at craft fairs. Not worth the time and effort if you are doing it as a moneymaker. I ahve tryed making cold process (with lye) and didn't enjoy it. From what I've seen, it doesn't sell much better. HTH

 

[Caitsmama]

I also make glycerin soap and it sells *ok* online and at craft fairs. Not worth the time and effort if you are doing it as a moneymaker. I ahve tryed making cold process (with lye) and didn't enjoy it. From what I've seen, it doesn't sell much better. HTH

I have to disagree with this. Soap is my lively-hood. I have been making glycerine soap for going on 4 years now, and i sell at shows all the time. I have built up a great following, and i opened my own gift shop almost 3 years ago, where i also sell my stuff now.. I also do lotions, balms, lip balm, and more.
I can offer you this advice - the soap that you buy at the craft stores -- is junk. Seriously. It is ok to practice with.. but i wouldn't use it on myself. Glycerine soapmaking can be an art as well as being a good money maker if you know how to package them, and market yourself.. It boils down to what you want to do - but it's like anything else, if you go in and treat it as a business, you can succeed. It's all in how you approach it.
There are definately better brands of glycerine soap that you can get - just do some online research.. there are also great soapmaking forums, that you can join and meet other soapers.
As for doing soap from scratch, yes, it is dangerous if you don't know what you are doing, and you need to have a space that you can commit to this, and not be worried about kids (or pets) getting into all the chemicals.
Also, making cold processed soap (from scratch) takes a LONG time to perfect,and it is not something that you can play around with and sell -- no way. If your soap is not cured right, a customer could get a lye burn from it, or get "zapped", either is not a good thing for business. I would suggest if you go this route, that you practice with a couple generic recipes for several months to a year, before you attempt to go and sell them.

Whatever you decide - good luck !

 

[Peg In The Pound]

My halau has made both types as a fundraiser.
It did seem to come down to personal preference:
Some like the glycerin soaps, some preferred the other.
I think if you are absolutely meticulous in your preperation, handling and execution, cold-process can be fabulous.
We had someone mentor us, so it didn't seem that intimidating.
Good luck!

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Back in the old days 'everyone' used to make their own soap.
You can do it!

 

[Caitsmama]

Back in the old days 'everyone' used to make their own soap.
You can do it!

Yes, she can do it for herself, i am sure.. however, it is two different things, to do it for yourself, and then to SELL it to others.. That changes the whole game.

Oh-- wanted to add, if you ever get into selling at craft fairs and such, you should legally get insurance, i carry a 1 million dollar policy, to protect yourself, incase anyone ever sued you for a product you made. Not saying it would happen, but at least you would be protected if it did.

 

[ballle_98]

Has anyone ever tried to make mini soaps using the Mickey Head ice cube tray from WDW?? I was thinking about making different colored little Mickey soaps. I thought they might be cute with a few of each color packaged in little cellophane bags. I am always on the lookout for cute party favor, class gifts, and such. But I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried this idea before and what the results were.

 

[Caitsmama]

No, i haven't, but i am sure they would be fine to use!

 

[dreams91]

Has anyone ever tried to make mini soaps using the Mickey Head ice cube tray from WDW?? I was thinking about making different colored little Mickey soaps. I thought they might be cute with a few of each color packaged in little cellophane bags. I am always on the lookout for cute party favor, class gifts, and such. But I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried this idea before and what the results were.

I did. I used them as wedding favors.