[soapcraft] Soap Stories
- From: "Liz Brook" <liz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "Soapcraft" <soapcraft@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 22:14:56 +1300
My Story
I started making soap when I was studying beekeeping through the Telford
Polytechnic. We had to make a product using ingredients from the hive. I was
reading a magazine at the time (I work in magazines) and it had an article on
soap - so I decided to try and make soap. I wrote to one of the soapmakers in
the article and he sent me a recipe. I made the worst soap - no stickblender,
no idea actually!! Of course I soon learnt that a first recipe shouldn't be
one with honey in it. Anyway, it obviously hit a nerve - I've been making soap
and perfecting my recipes ever since. I knew I'd made the grade when my
husband stopped buying 'supermarket soap'!
Completely self taught - internet, books, books and books - I love soapmaking
books. I found The Dish and joined up in 2002 - it has been and is the most
valuable resource. One of the members from Australia came over and we spent a
day together - what a blast - we toured the Thames Soap Factory - I see it is
not open to the public anymore, but still make soap. I never particularly
liked it - too drying for me. And of course we have You Tube now - not back
then.
I would love to take classes - I can talk soapmaking to anyone for hours - that
is before their eyes start to glaze over! I do help when people ask advice
through my website. Soapmaking is my passion.
The one most important property of soap is lather. Must have some bubbles,
doesn't matter if they are small and creamy or big and bubbly.
I'm a stickler for essential oils and natural colourings - and have never tried
melt and pour. Maybe one day.
Where to next - I've just received my two custom soap stamps from USA and I'm
thoroughly impressed and like the idea of personalising my soap. I've also
just received my new soap cutter and log splitter - also from USA. (I do have
a soap cutter, but this one gives me more flexibility for different sizes).
About to order some silicone moulds so I can do slabs as well as my upright
logs. I've also gained a new soapmaking contract and have a meeting on
Thursday for another. I make soap on contract for a Lavender farm in the South
Island. I'd love to soap fulltime, but for the time being must continue with
the 'other' job!
I also make lotions, lip balms and herbal salves/balms. I love herbs -
everything about them. Want to make kits for others to learn. Also want to
think about taking classes.
Well that is enough about me - looking forward to hearing from everyone else.
And, so looking forward to the soap swap - I love handmade soap and there is
nothing better than trying some elses handmade soap.
Liz
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