Monday, May 2, 2011

Soaping and Sailing!

Such a busy morning.

Three batches of soap are now wrapped up in their quilts and chenille bedspreads as they go through there gelling phase.
One of the vegetable oils in my soap is Coconut Oil.
At this time here of the year it is solid.
So, it needs scooping out of the container.
It looks like ice cream.




It is then melted and then stirred together with Sunflower oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
I love the richness of these oils.
The colour and the textures.



The Lye is added and the saponification process begins.
Saponification is the chemical reaction between the vegetable oils and the Lye
So, it is stir, stir, and more stirring...


Then, for me this is the 'magic' phase.
When it becomes to look like custard!
It thickens up, it lightens up and looks good enough to eat.


The essential oils are then added.
These are the ones I am working with at the moment...




All stirred in well than poured into a mould.
This is where they will stay for 24 - 36 hours.
In the guest room.
Covered in quilts and bedspreads so they don't get too cool too quickly.


Resulting in a natural soap in it's purest form.
Plain and simple
No colours.
None of the bad stuff.
No fragrances only pure and natural (and expensive) essential oils.
The only soap available on Madeit at the moment has organic oats in it.
You can see the spots.


So, as I wait for these soaps to begin there curing time which will last about 4 weeks...
I am looking outside and the weather is absolutely fabulous.
There is no wind, which to me is perfect for sailing
(You must think I am mad!)
We will be spending time on the bay.
Probably anchoring at Peel Island
Just for a few nights.
To enjoy the weather
and watch the sunsets.
See you later.
Pam x

My quilt will just have to wait.


16 comments:

beachvintage.com said...

Hi Pam, I am at work this morning and yes it was a stunner when I left home, what a magnificent day! Enjoy it and your lovely soaps.

Naturally Carol said...

I'm going to check out your MadeIt soaps..and wait for the new ones to appear there too!

Makeminemidcentury said...

Oh my goodness! What a life! Good for you, Pam.

PS You must have the nicest smelling and cleanest family around.

Shane Pollard said...

Pam
I'm so pleased to see you're still making your soaps!
When I saw only your Ebay store on your blog I thought maybe you weren't doing them any more.
The process is very interesting.
Enjoy your sailing - we wanted to go out yesterday but the weather was too foul here - so we had brunch out instead!
Shane x

Thea said...

You know how much I love your soaps Pam; it does look good enough to eat and I can't wait to get more of them. I laughed when I read this as I too, hate windy weather when sailing... give me a nice, calm sea anyday! Enjoy. x

Mimi said...

Your soaps look lovely! I did not realise they take 4 weeks to cure. I have had a beautiful day, my daughter has just learnt to ride her bike so off we both went for a ride along the bike track. A glorious day! Oh and I went and introduced myself to Simone! Mimi xx

Just..... US!! said...

Pam, what an amazingly fun thing to do. Can't wait to see them when they are 'cooked'.

Tiff said...

Quilts are very patient my dear! Enjoy your sailing! You soap looks so scrumptious! I know I can't wait to use mine, I just put a shelf up in the laundry so I can wash my hands as I come in from the garden! Photos coming soon! x

A Treasured Past said...

Lovely to see your soaps in progress. Thanks for the photos. They are just gorgeous!

Hope you do get to enjoy a few nights on the bay,

Take care,

Tam x

Tracey said...

How beautiful. I love reading about and seeing the process of soap making ... I especially love the naturalness of the ingredients. :)

Unknown said...

Hi Pam,

what a lovely thing to do to make your own soap. Enjoy your boat trip sounds perfect to me, dee x

Michaja said...

What a great soap you made!
Enjoy your days. See you soon again.
xxx
Michaja

Sarah B said...

I bet those soaps smell gorgeous. I love a natural, homemade oap without all the crappy stuff you get n shop bought ones. Lovely :)

Helen said...

Gosh it all looks sooooh wonderful
Love Helen x

the old boathouse said...

Great pics Pam,I love the idea of them wrapped in quilts like swadling clothes, have fun on the bay, xx Katherine

Anonymous said...

what a LOVELY post - i felt like i was there - could feel the sun , smell the beautiful scents. Wonderful writing. :)