Calendula and Rose Clay Soap

Soap making is my newest obsession. It started as an idea for homemade Christmas gifts and has spiraled into infatuation. Crafts that are math and science heavy have always attracted me (lookin’ at you sewing) and soaping definitely satisfies that urge.

So far I’ve made 10 batches, each a little better than the last. The blog The Soap Queen has been my go-to guide for recipes, ingredient info, and so many “why the heck did that happen?” questions.

Layered Clay Soap

I’ll admit I’m also a little obsessed with the blog writer, Anne-Marie Faiola, who also is the founder and CEO of the soap making supply company Bramble Berry. I’ve gotten all of my supplies from them so far and have read pretty much the entire blog. I greatly admire women who have started their own business and Anne-Marie has written quite a bit on the blog about her business ideas, challenges, and experiences.

The idea of starting my own bath and body product line has bounced around in my head for awhile. The thing about soap though is there is a lag time between when you make a batch and when you can fully evaluate it. Cure time is 4 to 6 weeks, and then the soap can change- sometimes for the worse- over the course of the next year. Dreaded Orange Spots can appear months after the soap is made. So recipe development is slow by default.

Can’t wait to share the results and some recipes too!