Hi from So.Cal!

[JaimeM]

Hi everyone!

I'm Jaime from the Disney area of California! I've been lurking on the forum for a couple of months, and I finally realized it was time to jump in and join the conversation. I've only made about 20 batches of CP soap (so far!) but it's been such a fun learning experience that I am eager to learn as much as I can!

I think the thing I love the most about soap making is how much it's like cooking. I studied to be a pastry chef, and I am thrilled at how nicely those skills transfer to my new passion! And the best part? It's a zero-calorie treat!!!

This is my first batch of cupcake soaps! My daughter and her friends are so excited for them to finish curing...

I also am a crochet designer, so when my pumpkin soap didn't turn out as pumpkin-y looking as I had hoped, I covered it with crochet wool! It will felt as I use the bar...

I am so excited to learn and grow as a soap artist. I am so inspired by the beautiful work that I've seen on this forum!

xo Jaime

 

[la-rene]

Nice soap Jaime! I'm in LA myself. Welcome!

 

[Skatergirl46]

Welcome Jaime! I'm in HB.

 

[JaimeM]

Hi la-rene and Skatergirl46!! It's so awesome to know there are other soapers in the area!
I have had the worst time trying to find local groups and somewhere to take classes.

Sent from my phone using the mobile app, which means it's probably misspelled and I am lost...

 

[Hazel]

Hi Jaime,

Welcome to the forum! :wave:

Thanks for sharing the lovely pics. I admire anyone who has the patience to use decorating tips on soap and you crochet, too! I'm terrible at both.

 

[JaimeM]

Hi Hazel! Thanks so much! Crocheting at this point is so much easier than getting reliable colors in my soaps. LOL!!!

Sent from my phone using the mobile app, which means it's probably misspelled and I am lost...

 

[Hazel]

My grandmother tried so hard to teach me crocheting but I never could get the tension right. What colorants are you using?

BTW, I didn't see anything misspelled.

 

[JaimeM]

I've been using oxide pigments blended in olive oil. Either I get them blended and they just look flat and boring, or I don't get them blended well enough and I get pockets of pigment (which is very exciting, but in a very bad way. LOL!!). My husband ended up with a blue thumb because I didn't blend well enough. Hilarious and horrifying.
I'm thinking that pre-mixed colorants is probably a better option until I get better soaping skills.

 

[JaimeM]

Honestly, I think I'm just adding too much pigment... it's so easy to get carried away with it.

 

[kazmi]

Jaime I envy your pastry skills! Those cupcake soaps look ssooooo real. Welcome!

 

[Hazel]

It does sound like too much colorant. I agree it's easy to add too much. I have more problem with adding too much pre-mixed as compared to powder but I mainly use micas. I use a small amount of oil removed from the mixed oils (before I add the lye) and add the colorant to it. Then I use a frother to blend the powder so it's thoroughly mixed into the oil. After I've added the lye to the main oils, I make sure it's at least emulsified or at light trace then pour some of it into the container with the colorant. I use a stickblender in short bursts to mix the colored oil in with the soap. This works well for me but other people do it differently. I like using 8 oz or 16 oz plastic Ball freezer jars since they're made of polypropylene (PP#5), are inexpensive and the stickblender's bell fits down far enough that I don't have to worry about splashing.

 

[JaimeM]

Freezer jars!! Brilliant! And I desperately need to get a frother if I'm going to keep using the powders.
I had mixed up a triple batch of my colors using my magic bullet, but I get squeeze-bottle happy when I get going and I don't weigh or measure the colorants (despite being completely anal retentive about weighing everything else). I think you've solved my problem. Thank you!

 

[Hazel]

You're welcome! However, you can also buy the paint cups which are sold at DIY stores. I think it was agriffin that mentioned this tip.

A long time ago, I bought two frothers off of Amazon because I found them at a great price. They are Ikea frothers and not the best quality but I've been really happy with them. I didn't even think the shipping and handling amount was bad, either. Of course, you might find them for less than $6 (price plus S&H) if you go to an Ikea store.

 

[JaimeM]

Any reason to make an IKEA trip is good with me!! I had seen $25 frothers at Bed Bath & Beyond which looked very, um, prone to breaking and really out of my soap budget for something that isn't going to last more than two uses. LOL!! But I am so on board with a six buck frother! Ooh, and some Swedish meatballs...

 

[JaimeM]

So I finally got to IKEA and picked up 2 milk frothers ($2.49 each! Awesome!). They have revolutionized my coloring! (Well, that and your suggestion to use larger mixing cups). I can't believe how much easier it is now. No clumps, no weird spots, no more overly pigmented soap! The soap batter mixes with the colors so much more quickly and evenly, I now have time to swirl and drop and pour (as opposed to my previous slop and clump!). It's like a soaping miracle. It's amazing how a little bit of knowledge can totally rock my world.
My soaping is a technicolor dream now!
Thank you Hazel!

 

[Hazel]

That's great! I'm jealous because there isn't an Ikea near me.

You're welcome but I was just passing on tips from other soapers. BTW, did you see the "Help with colorants" thread? kazmi posted a great video she found on youtube about coloring CP. If you haven't seen it, you might want to watch it because it is informative. http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=37821