Working on beautiful soaps

I have seen so many beautiful soap creations and it's both inspired me and made me feel inadequate.  I am really wanting to sell my soaps online, however I realize to do this I need to step up the presentation of my product.  Up until now the quality of my soap has been spectacular, everyone who tries it loves it.  But it has lacked in appearance.  I would like to think Im getting better.  I really like the last 2 batches I made this last week. 

This one is made with Shea Butter, Coconut Butter, Soy Oil, Castor Oil, Palm Kernal Oil and Olive Oil. It is scented with Love Spell and Champagne FO.  I love the way it turned out! It smells divine and I am happy with the delicate colors.  

This batch is made with the same oils.  The scent is Citrus, a combination of Orange, Lemon, Lime and Pink Grapefruit.  I had made some soap balls the other day when I made a batch of Coconut Lemongrass soap and decided to try my hand at soap embeds.  I also added grated Lime peel, which of course didn't stay green.  I kinda figured it wouldn't.  This soap smells intoxicating and Im in love with it! Can't wait to try it out in 21/2 weeks. 

Cold Process results getting more dependable

So last night I decided to make 1 large batch of Shea Butter soap and split it for 2 different fragrances.  Very exciting, for me because for the last few years of making soap Ive not used a stick blender and most of the time had a finished product that wasn't bad, it just wasnt what I was looking for.  So almost everytime I would re-batch it in the crock pot.  But the last few batches that Ive made since using the stick blender have been amazing and predictable.  Im still working on my artistic skills as far as making my bars look pretty.  So I was really excited this morning when I unmolded the two loaves and the design that I attempted actually kinda looked like my plan. 

I love it when that happens! They smell amazing and the colors are crisp.  I am so excited I can't wait to make my next batch tomorrow!  The only issue I had with this batch was this morning when I went to unmold them they were still somewhat soft.  So I left the lids off and kept them in the molds untill I came home from work.  Then I was able to take them out of the mold.  Can anyone give me pointers on insulating?  Do you remove the lids or covers after gell stage or do you keep it on the whole time?  I really could use some tips from you pros out there.  Pretty please....

Exciting Soap day for me!

Today I woke up anxious to get to making soap.  I just recieved an order from Bramble Berry on Friday with some new stuff that I could not wait to get into!

So I knew I wanted to make Shea Butter soap and scent it with my new Coconut Lemongrass along with a touch of Lime.  So I did this, even attempted a swirl.  We will see how that turned out tomorrow, but I think it will be nice enough.  Certainly not the level that I see in some of you amazing Soap artist out there, but hey Im getting there.  I will post pics of that tomorrow as I didn't get a pre-insulation photo, not sure what I was thinking.

After I got that batch in the oven, I just couldn't not stand the idea of not doing another smaller batch. Decided this time to use some Patchouli that I got at the Health store close by. Since I wasn't real found of the scent by itself I tried adding some BB's Orange EO and I liked it! So I decided on a Coco Butter recipe for this which also called for Coconut Milk. Brought the temps way down on both the Lye and oils before putting them together, Im actually not sure if it is a true "Whipped Soap" but it was very whipped!

I love it! It is so creamy and poufy! I almost wish I had added color, but I couldn't decide what to color it with.  I would love any imput that you all might have to help this amateur soap maker.  Everytime I see some of your blogs and all your beautiful soaps I get inspired.  Sometimes I wish I didn't have another job and could do this more than just Sundays.  Maybe I'll have to come home from work and make soap instead of dinner.  Wonder how that would go over, hmmm? Yea, I don't think it would.