Another item that we make for gifts is homemade #ColdProcess soap. It's not for the faint-of-heart, as sodium hydroxide (lye) is extremely caustic and must be handled with care (goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, have an open bottle of vinegar handy in case of spills -- it neutralizes lye). Melt-and-pour soaps are a lot easier, but if you like working with chemistry, cold-process soap is for you!
The best book we've read is #TheSoapmakersCompanion. There are websites as well (listed below), but no matter what guide you use, pay attention to the caveats!
By Susan Miller Cavitch
Revised edition, Nov 10, 2010
Originally published in 1997
288 pages
ISBN-13 9781603427364
E-Book $11.99
Trade paperback $21.99
Simple Basic Beginner Soap Recipe with Shea Butter | Cold Process
https://theeverydayfarmhouse.com/beginner-soap-recipe-shea-butter-cold-process/
The Soap Queen has online tuturials on cold-process soapmaking, including lye safety!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAADF6209996265D2
Some recipes from The Soap Queen:
https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/my-favorite-cold-process-recipes-2/
#SolarPunkSunday #DIY
#DIYSoap #Soapmaking #ColdProcessSoapmaking
#HandmadeGifts #DIYSkinCare