new to soap making

[silvergramma]

ok folks this coming April and May I have 5 Nigerian Does that will be kidding,, and the milk will be used for soap making,,, those of you who use goats milk,,, what are your favorite websites and resources for molds,, etc... I would appreciate any input..thanks

[neparose]

Hi silvergramma!
I'm new to soap making myself. So new in fact that I still hav'nt made my first batch yet! I have everything I need except for the time! I did alot of research before I bought anything cuz I wanted things that would really last and be versatile. The first thing I realized was that decent soap molds are expensive. At least on my budget. So after some more looking, I figured the most durable was a knock down mold. They are simple to make with some solid board scraps and carriage bolts. If you got a saw and a drill, your set. Also, you can make them according to what size batches you are wanting to process. I bribed the hubby into making me two of them, figuring to use one for the basic batch mold and one for the hand milling mold.If you go online any check out knock down molds, you'll see how their put together. The only draw back is the shape of your soap will be the traditional rectangle. However, you can scent, color, and texturize your batches. you can also "decoupage" pictures, dried flowers, ect... onto your bars using a parafin wax coating. I hav'nt bought any scents yet but I bought my lye from an online store called the lye guy.com he's from out of new york and carries any type of lye you could want. Keep us posted on your batches. I, for one, could use some encouragement from another first timer! Good luck!
rose

[NCLee]

A lot of soap maker's hang out here.
http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/forumdisplay.php?f=77

You may want to spend some time going through the archives of the soapmaking forum. I'm sure there are a lot of tips, techniques, etc. in those threads.

Here's an interesting read that even includes info on making lye and recycling cooking grease for soapmaking. http://www.grandpappy.info/wsoap.htm

HTH, Good luck with your soap making.

Lee

[Laura]

I purchased a bar of Zum soap at Whole Foods the other day......and it is wonderful. It is goat-milk based.

Is there a book out there that can walk a newby through the whole soap making process? I would love to use goat's milk to make soap....and so I guess I would need to know how much milk would I need?

Thanks for your help.

Laura

[Anon001]

Laura, you might check the BHM book store. They might have a book that would help. If not, I think Hoegger Goat Supply (http://hoeggergoatsupply.com/xcart/home.php) would have a good book.

I had a neighbor once that made goat milk soap. It was nice. She was also selling it in through a store for $7.00 a bar and that was several years ago.

She also added oatmeal and glycerin to her soaps.

Paul