As one of my personal projects, I am scanning and correctly, archivally storing the family collection of papers and documents. Yesterday I scanned a collection of 400 post cards dating from 1908 to 1920. One little series mentioned soap, so I read it carefully … and I just have to share: Mary has a little Monkey Just as cute as it … Read More
Liquid Soapmaking by Jackie Thompson
Jackie Thompson’s long awaited book, Liquid Soapmaking, is finally here – and more than worth the wait. For those who make handcrafted soap bars, transitioning to making liquid soap can be daunting. While the chemistry is essentially the same, when it comes to the finished product, opaque bar soap is much more forgiving than liquid soap that should be completely … Read More
Making Soap, 1955 Style
I recently found a marvelous brochure, Making Soap at Home from February, 1955. Prepared by Irene Crouch, Extension Agent Home Management, and published by the Extension Service (North Dakota), this little document outlines how to make soap at home. “A thrifty housewife can save many dollars a year by making soap of good quality.”
Soapmaker’s Handy Reference Guide
Not one to rest on my laurels, I’ve produced another book for soapmakers (also for cosmetic makers, even though that’s not in the name). The Soapmaker’s Handy Reference Guide was released at the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild’s 2013 Annual Conference last week and was very well received. This little book contains the formulas, facts and stats that come in … Read More
Castor Oil Toxicity?
I was recently asked about castor oil, and whether there was a need to buy “detoxified” castor oil for use in soap. I’ve used castor oil in my soap for a long time because it makes marvelous creamy lather (use level 4 to 10%), but I did some checking into the toxicity issue.
Making a Difference with Soap
Soap, at one end of the spectrum it’s a luxury item, at the other it saves lives. Did you know that more than 5 million lives are lost each year – the majority of whom are children – to diseases such as acute respiratory infection and diarrheal disease caused by improper hygiene and lack of soap? Just regular hand-washing with … Read More
Amazing and Unique Soaps
We’ve all seen bar soap (which can be stunningly beautiful with swirls, embeds and colors), and liquid soap, and even soap that looks like food. But how about soap that looks completely like something else? Check out these amazing soaps!
Banning Anti-Bacterial Soap?
Students at the University of Texas voted last week to ban anti-bacterial soap and other products containing triclosan from the university entirely. The bill was authored by five UT students and unanimously approved by the students. Now, of course, it will be up to the university administration (and their purchasing department) to decide if they will implement the students’ decision. … Read More
