Cutting the Confetti Soap

This morning I took the soap out of its mold. I let it sit for a few hours before cutting it. I wasn't able to get as clean of a cut as I would have liked, but I think the soaps are still lovely.  I was nervous about how they would come out; I can trim off the raggedy bits.  It's a relief when a new technique works.

I've been doing a lot of housework today. I needed to clean and straighten. I've really got to go through my kitchen cupboards and get rid of the things that I don't need. They are taking up too much space. I will put together a donation bag for the Salvation Army.

I plan to spend some time knitting my sweater today. For some reason, I haven't been knitting. I think it's because this is a new technique that I'm doing.  I have to concentrate and study the directions.

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Creamy Coconut Oil Soap Recipe

24 ounces coconut oil
3.5 ounces lye
9 ounces distilled water or rainwater

Melt coconut oil over low heat or in microwave. Add lye to water, mixing carefully and thoroughly. Be sure to follow all safety precautions for when working with lye. Let the oil and water cool for twenty minutes.

Stick blend the oil and lye water together. Once it reaches trace, pour into molds. Cover and let set. This soap hardens very quickly. It is ready to unmold in a matter of hours.

Let bars cure for six to eight weeks before using.  They will be very hard and long lasting. They work well with detailed molds.

If adding fragrance, use .8 ounce. For coloring, I used 1/2 tsp. of  rose Brazilian clay.  


This recipe has 20% superfat.  It's an excellent bar for hard water. 

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Soapmaking: In the Pot Swirl with Brazilian Clay

This morning  I made a batch of Olive Oil soap using the in the pot swirl method with Brazilian clay. I tried out my new silicone loaf pan that I ordered from Brambleberry last month. I used a tried and true recipe that I got on Rhonda Hetzel's blog, Down To Earth. It makes a lovely olive oil soap. I received the sample packets of Brazilian clay that I ordered last month. I have worked with the rose colored clay before, in a few batches of soap that I made with different techniques. This time I used a thin trace, and added just the purple clay. I don't care for too many colors in my soap. I prefer something more subtle. I like the marbled effect of just one shade. The clays are nice, because they are muted. They add just enough of an accent without being overwhelming.

I got up early this morning and took advantage of the cool atmosphere. I hopped on the 7:30 a.m. bus with my bike on the bike rack. The bus driver accidentally drove past my stop, where the bike path begins. She apologized profusely. "Don't worry," I assured her, "I'm just going for a bike ride. " She acted like she was afraid I was going to report her. I told her it was fine, that I forget things, too.  It felt great to be out in the early morning air, exercising. There were several other people my age on the bike path, walking and riding. I find I'm in a much better mood if I start my day with exercise. Everyone else on the trail seemed friendly and upbeat. I like to be around morning people. They have my kind of energy.

The dogs were confused, because I normally walk them before going anywhere. They acted like they needed to hurry up. I explained to them that I'd give them a walk when I came home, which I did. There's nothing like the vibe of endorphins circulating through the body. I watered my plants, and then put on my soap making gear.

Everything went well. I scented this batch with Energy, which has a nice fruity fragrance that my customers love. The swirl method was fun. I watched the Soap Queen's video for a reminder. The lady demonstrating used three colors, but I prefer just one. Less is more, in my opinion. I had some leftover batter, so I mixed the purple clay into it and poured it into some individual silicone molds that are a simple oval shape. I'm looking forward to seeing the difference in the ones that have the swirl, compared to the solid colored ones. I've really been enjoying using the soap I made this way with the rose clay. It looks so pretty, especially when it's wet. It's very natural and the color is striking. I just love making soap. How about you?