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My husband has offered to build me a wooden log mold. I've seen a few different designs on the internet, but I'd like to get opinions from others who have a preference - possibly trough trial and error. I usually make 3-5 lb batches. Pictures are much appreciated!

I found a container of deodorized cocoa butter that I've probably had for 5 years. If it were rancid, would it be painfully obvious? It doesn't stink. It is not discolored. It doesn't really have much aroma (it was "deodorized"). Thoughts?

I've been successful with CP, so I want to try HP (sorry, I'm sort of impatient). I understand that the additives should be more potent since they are not subjected to the saponification reaction and high heat. When you use HP, how do you change your recipes? Do you add any expensive...

Great idea! Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Soap Making

So, I have all of these wonderful soaps now, but I shower at the gym most mornings and haven't really gotten to use them (gym has liquid soap dispensers in the showers). Has anyone found a good travel soap case? I don't want my soap to sit in a wet, plastic container most of the day, if...

Great info CaraBou! I actually checked out Denali Dreams in Spenard last week. I'm just experimenting, so I didn't need large quantities of anything. I bought 4oz of cocoa butter and 4oz mango butter (~$6 each?), some oxide colorants (~$2 each for a few teaspoonfuls) and some lemongrass EOs ($4...

Sistrum, can you elaborate on your procedure for rendering? Do I need to add water? I've cleaned it up, chopped it up and put in the crockpot on low. I read about the "dry rendering" method, which doesn't mention using any water. I plan to let it cook till all I have is clear liquid and...

My butcher friend heard that I had started a new hobby (making soap) and has generously offered an endless supply of kidney suet. Does anyone use this in their soap? Any advise on preparing it is appreciated! Sent from my iPhone using Soap Making

You were correct about the shipping being more reasonable at soap-making-resource.com! One pound of oil was $12.67 to ship. For 10 pounds of oil, the shipping only went up to $15.20. That's what I was looking for! Sent from my iPhone using Soap Making

Thanks for the great ideas! Today in Fred Meyer I found Spectrum "Organic All Vegetable Shortening" which contains "mechanically pressed organic palm oil". That's been the hardest item to find locally. It cost $10 for 24 oz. Sent from my iPhone using Soap Making

So, I found a place called Essential Depot through Amazon that has palm oil, etc. for a decent price and it qualifies for free "super saver" shipping. Does anyone have experience with their products? Their product descriptions say "100% pure... Unrefined..." Sent from my iPhone using Soap Making

Has anyone noticed a difference in shipping rates from any of the soaping supply companies? I live in Alaska, and one supplier wants $21 to ship $10 worth of oils (3lbs)! I just can't do it. They may all be about the same when it comes to shipping, but I thought I'd check and see if anyone in...

I know I should wait 4-6 weeks for the soap to harden... Does anyone sample the soap before then? Sent from my iPhone using Soap Making

I'm having trouble finding palm oil locally. GNC sells "Red Palm Oil". It is $12.00 for 15 fl oz. description says "nutrient dense culinary oil". Re only ingredient is "organic red palm oil". Has anyone used this? Could it be substituted for palm oil in recipes (if you don't mind a red/pink...

I haven't tried a swirl soap yet. What do you need to do differently for the swirl to extend further down into the soap? Sent from my iPhone using Soap Making

My first CP batch seems to have worked well, so I'm ready to try again and use colorant this time! I'm going to try a batch with natural colorants (spices), but I'd also like to buy some colorants to try vivid swirls and/or layering. I've started reading up on oxides and micas. Recommendations...

I'm a newbie and I've read where some folks want their soap to gel, while others do not. Does gelling only affect the appearance of soap? Or does it have other effects? Does it depend on the type of soap you are making? Finally, will most soap recipes gel by default, unless you put it in the...

Has anyone ever used fresh rose hips in a CP soap recipe? I have a Rugosa rose bush in my yard with huge hips and I'm wondering if I can harvest them and incorporate into soap for scent, coloring, and/or potential therapeutic benefits. Sent from my iPhone using Soap Making