Making the Cut

I don't think I will ever tire of the thrill of unmolding and cutting a fresh soap; the way the top looks in the mold really isn't much of an indication as to what is hiding inside. Each slice into the soap log is different, with the first being your clue as to what the soap will be like. I've had soaps that were rejected with frustration after that first cut, and others that I just couldn't cut fast enough as I couldn't wait to see the rest of it.

After last week's huge push (5-7 batches/ day!) I have slowed down a bit. I really wanted to be sure to have stock up for the show in Snowflake, and now I can go at a more normal pace! I cut 2 from yesterday, and poured 2 new ones today.

Yesterday's 2 both turned out fantastic! I really love the food fragrances (fruits, mochas, etc.) as opposed to florals (with the exception of a few choice blossoms: jasmine, lavender, lilac...) so I selfishly stuck to my own preferences when I made a new fruit bar: Farm Stand, with a unique blend of fruit fragrances.

The other log was Kumquat (an instant favorite the first time I soaped it!), and the ITP swirl had some interesting twists to it. Smells WONDERFUL, of course!

I really had been wanting to try a salt bar, so that was on my 'to-do' list today. I wasn't happy with the grain of salt I had though, so I processed it (3lbs!!) until it was more fine. Simple recipe; old stand-by 100%CO/20%SF 1:1 salt & oils. I used my favorite FO (ok, so not just food FOs are favorites), Sandalwood Vanilla by Brambleberry (wait, it's got vanilla--does that make it a food FO?). Following some good advice, I only let it sit about an hour before I unmolded it and cut it. Only a few bars didn't make the cut (breaking as I cut-- those will become 'salt sticks' instead of 'salt bars' for those who want to try it without committing to a full bar), and the rest look gorgeous. Forget the month cure, I just had to lather up a piece! Great right off the bat, and will only get better the longer it sits. Love at first lather. Salt bars have a ton of benefits, but since I can't 'claim' anything....do the research on your own and then come back and get yourself some (in a month or so!!); it won't take much convincing, I'm sure!

My other pour from the day was a simple Biscotti/ Mocha, bottom and top layer were biscotti, and the middle was Mocha. Smells great, of course. I just really have a hard time soaping something I don't absolutely love!

FOs on order from Brambleberry: White Ginger Amber (way excited about!), and restocks including lavender (which they were out of last order) and the super yummy buttercream! I'll have to check my invoice to see when they will be here.....