Cupcake Drama

So I have really wanted to make some soap cupcakes.  I started out by doing like I usually do, and measure and mix my oils and lye solution.   I brought the mixture to trace.  I got the mixture all molded and piped.  I put the cupcakes in the freezer thinking that preventing trace would help, and I put the samples in the oven to encourage gel since they were so small.

I even zapped myself for the first time with the lye.  It's no fun, but easy enough to remedy.  I rinsed my mouth out with water, then vinegar, then water again.  It did really feel like I had my tongue zapped with a strong battery.

1.Cupcake bases, 2.Cupcakes piped, 3.samples molded in an ice cube tray, 4.after thawing it has oil pooling on the top

When I pulled the cupcakes out of the freezer, I thought that they would be fine.  After sitting at room temperature for about 30 minutes, the cupcakes were starting to droop and oil was pooling on the tops of the cupcake bases that I had poured.  I was very disappointed to say the least.  Especially since I knew that these would have to be re-batched.  I got everything together, including a recipe with a lower superfat ratio.  After bringing the small addition to trace I started the crockpot on low and started adding the cupcakes slowly.  I cut them in pieces before I added each one to the pot.  I cooked this mixture just until it was gelled and then I just kept it hot until I was done piping.

1.Cupcakes out of the freezer (so moist the non-perils are bleeding color) 2.Re-batch in the crockpot  3. Molded mini cupcakes

This worked pretty well for the most part, except that I almost burned my hands on the hot soap in the piping bag.  After getting the bases filled with a spoon and tapping the trays to remove bubbles, I piped the tops onto them.  The only problem I had was getting clumps of soap stuck in the decorating tip.  After getting them all piped I lightly misted them with 91% isopropyl alcohol, this also helped the non-pareils to stick to the top as well as taking care of any ash.

Left side: full size cupcakes
Right side: mini cupcakes

It suds nicely without discoloration!

It was definitely a lot of work, but I think that they turned out pretty cute.  Also the soap lathers really nicely without any discoloration.  These are now posted in my Etsy shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/158372544/chocolate-truffle-natural-handmade-soap

https://www.etsy.com/listing/158371736/chocolate-truffle-mini-cupcakes-natural

I have sold several of these now.  One lady almost did take a bite out of one.  ;)

Coloring Soap Naturally

Top row: paprika, mace & turmeric
Bottom row: rosemary, cinnamon, black cocoa & annatto

Rosemary - measuring out

I want to keep my soaps as natural as possible.  This includes using natural colorants.  At the same time I don't want all of my soaps to be exfoliating.  So here's the rub, how do you use ground plant matter for color without adding exfoliating properties.  You infuse the oil using the ground plants and either time or heat.

Adding oil to rosemary

So I am starting my second round of oils and spices or herbs in the crock-pot.  In the first round I used annatto, paprika, mace & turmeric.  This round I am seeing what I get from cinnamon, rosemary and black cocoa.  I am not sure what I will get from this round, but it never hurts to try something.  This is one of the really fun parts of soap making, the experimenting.  ;)

Cinnamon

The first round I heated in short bursts over 3 days.  I would turn the crock-pot to low for a half an hour at a time.  I don't have a keep warm setting unfortunately.  Since I don't want to ruin the oil by overheating it, it takes me a little longer to work the heat.

Don't forget to shake up to get all of the
spices mixed

 I love the fact that you can use everyday things to color your soaps.  And there are so many wonderful and generous soaping bloggers that are so very generous with all or their knowledge.  I am extremely grateful to all of you fine folks!  I don't know if I am going to like the results of the black cocoa, but I think that the mace is going to work really well for bakery style soaps.

Rosemary & cinnamon shaken up

In the crockpot

 I love the challenge and experimentation of making soap.  It is a ton of fun.   I look forward to seeing what the soap will turn out like using these oils.  I will post pictures as I cut the soaps.  Til later folks!

Linked to:
http://www.flusterbuster.com/
http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/

http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

Soap Wrapping

Punched for soap visibility

I  have looked at lots of different packaging for homemade soap, and I have finally settled on what I want to use for mine.

Wrapped around the bar

Since my shop name Cabin of Bows evokes a rustic and elegant impression, I wanted to do something that would continue that idea.

I tried to see if tissue paper could be used in a punch first.  Unfortunately, it just tore in about half of the area that was supposed to be cut.  So I turned to kraft paper.  It maintains that rustic feel that I am looking for.  Using a punch on the top edge does make it take longer to wrap, but I think that attention to detail is important.  After all it really does look cute.  It helps that I can punch multiple pieces at the same time.

The back and bottom of the bar

Next the bars need to get wrapped.  I do this taping the back and ends with tape.  I am leaving the top open so that you can see the decorative tops.  After the paper is taped I then cut my ribbon to size.  I am using a different ribbon for each variety of soap at this point.   After taping the ribbon on I then use a sticker for the ingredients to secure the ribbon on the back.  The front receives an oval ribbon with my trademark in the background.  In the foreground I put the name of the soap and my shop info.

So what do you think?  I am pleased so far.  It only takes me about 30 seconds to wrap a bar.  With everything being simple it makes things much easier.  I think that I will stay with this design for the time being.   Of course, as always, as a woman I reserve the right to change my mind.  ;)

Here are my three varieties with the differences being minor, but effective.

Peppermint Poppy Seed
https://www.etsy.com/listing/157618865/peppermint-poppy-seed-all-natural?ref=v1_other_1

Lavender Bliss
https://www.etsy.com/listing/157648961/lavender-bliss-all-natural-homemade-soap?ref=v1_other_1

Chai Delight
https://www.etsy.com/listing/157520373/chai-delight-homemade-all-natural-soap

Linked to:

http://www.flusterbuster.com/
http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/

http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

Spiced Peach Preserves

Peaches all finely chopped ready to go in the pot

I picked up a half bushel of peaches the other day.   We canned most of them, but I wanted to make some spiced peach preserves for my family.  They really liked the ones that I made last time.

I started by blanching the peaches to peel them more easily.  After slipping the peels off I went around the peach cutting slices from the top to the bottom of  the peach.  After slicing long ways, I sliced around the peach making 4 -5 slices before turning the peach in my hand.  After the peach was sliced an diced, I removed all of the flesh off of the pit.  Most of the flesh will fall right off, so it is really easy if you have freestone peaches.  

Water with pectin and cinnamon
and ginger

For those who don't know there are two divisions in the peach types: freestone and clingstone.  Freestones freely release from the pit/stone.  Clingstones do not easily release from the pit/stone. Personally I prefer the freestone varieties.  

After removing from the pit, my chunks still looked like they were a little too large for my liking.  So I look my hand chopper to make the pieces smaller.  I don't like to have pieces in my jam or preserves that make it hard to spread.

After measuring the amount of peaches after being chopped (3 1/2 cups), I added 2 cups of water.  Without the extra water the preserves will go slimy not jell.  To one cup of the water I added 1 heaping 1/3 cup of powdered pectin, approximately 1/2 t cinnamon and 1/4 t  ginger.  This will give the preserves a hint of spiciness without being overwhelming.  I also added about 4 cups of sugar.  Don't forget to mix the sugar in well before adding heat.

Adding sugar to the peaches

Next I started cooking the mixture.  I kept the heat to medium.  This helps to prevent boil over and scorching, both of which are not desirable in your preserves.  There will be some foam.  This is totally normal.  I boiled this, checking it frequently.

I check the jelly viscosity by using a spoon full of jelly and letting it cool briefly on a plate next to the stove. When the mixture slides off the spoon in a sheet it is ready.

Getting all bubbly and delicious

I sterilize my jars right before I start my jelly.  So my jars are standing ready to be filled.  I have a pot boiling on the back of my stove for heating and sterilizing the jar lids also.  After filling my jars with the hot preserves, using a canning funnel, I wipe the rim with a wet paper towel.   After wiping the rim, I put my hot lid on the jar, and screw the rim on fairly tightly.  Then I turn them over and leave them for 5 minutes.  After about 5 minutes, I turn them right side up again.  You can certainly leave them longer.  I have even left jars upside down overnight before.  The only issue I have had with leaving them too long is the jelly setting up in the top of the jar instead of the bottom. 

All jarred and sitting for 5 minutes

Now they are all ready to either share or consume.

Light thru the preserves - well sort of

Laundry Day

I got my original recipe for this laundry detergent from http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/.  

I have made laundry detergent with the bar soap.  My problem was that the fragrance was usually really strong for me.  Also this is how I store my laundry detergent and the soap made with bar soap is very gloopy and doesn't want to come out of these spouts.  My current recipe works just fine with the spouts.  

My Laundry Detergent jugs

My recipe is 4x concentrated from the one from Jillee.  I like her recipe, but this way I don't have to make laundry detergent as often or use as much.  

4 T - Dawn or other liquid soap (I use Dawn)

6 T - Washing Soda

6 T - Borax powder

4 C - boiling water
4 C - cold water

Adding the powder to my mixing jug

I start with a milk jug that is clean.  Using a funnel I add the washing soda and the borax to the jug before adding the liquid soap.

 I then add the 4 cups of boiling water to the Dawn and powders in the  jug.

At this point I swirl and shake the jug until all of the powder has dissolved.  Do be careful at this stage.  You will notice in the picture I am using a dish towel to protect the hand holding the jug.  Also don't put a lid on and shake vigorously until the water has cooled some, otherwise it will "volcano" on you.  Trust me hot soap is not fun to get on your skin!

Continue to agitate until all of the powder in the bottom is gone.  As you can see I still have a little powder in the bottom.  When all of the powder has dissolved, add the remaining water.

 This is my recipe above doubled.  Then all that needs to be done is to fill your desired storage container.  The original recipe call for 1 cup to be used per load.  Since this is super concentrated I use approximately a 1/4 cup per load.

This recipe is much easier than grating soap and boiling the whole thing.  Also I only have to make laundry detergent about once every 3 months.  This is a definite plus for this busy mom.  I really like this recipe.  It does a very good job of cleaning our clothes.  As usual you have to pre-treat specific stains.

Have fun and enjoy.

Update: I made a new batch of this soap and left it in a mason jar instead of putting it in the plastic jug that I usually use.  Unfortunately I found that it separated within hours.  I have been shaking it up before using, but this is the reason that I quit using the boiled bar soap recipe.  I really don't like having to mess with the soap, other than measuring out, every time I do a load of laundry.


Linking to these blogs:
http://www.livelaughrowe.com
http://www.thenymelrosefamily.com
http://www.hopeineveryseason.com
http://www.thediydreamer.com
http://www.themodestmom.com
http://www.blackfoxhomestead.com

Re-designed Skirt

The holey pants

This skirt started out as a pair of pants that my daughter loved until they were holey.  Those who have known me for a while, will know that I hate to throw things out.  So I decided to make a skirt out of it.  I had been looking through my stash of fabric for a while trying to find the right material.  While I was in Hancock's one day I found the perfect fabric and I just couldn't let it go.  I fell in love with the plaid.  I found this cute pattern to go with it.

My other fabrics

I started by laying the pants on a flat surface.  After getting them flat I cut them off right at the crotch.

Pants cut off

Ok, I had to trim a little more.  I started pinning the first layer on and found that one side was longer than the other.  I sewed the side seams first, then sewed 2 rows of basting stitches along the top edge of the material.  After sewing the 2 rows I gathered them by pulling on the threads on one side of the material.  I started pinning on one side and and gathered until the side seams matched first on one side then the other.

The top Layer, gathered and sewn

The last layer

The last row is plaid.  This means that the plaid needs to be matched.  After pinning all the way around the skirt, I sewed the row of ruffle to the skirt. After sewing the seam, I sewed the seam flat to the pants base.  The first layer is then complete.So I cut my material in two width wise pieces.  I them matched my plaid and pinned it all of the way down.  After pinning I trimmed the part that was over the edges on either side.  After sewing the side seams, I pinned and sewed the hem in.  This is easier because there is less material to handle.  After sewing the hem, I sewed the 2 rows of basting stitches to make it easier to gather.  The next step was to pull the stitches on one side of the fabric.  This makes it much easier to make a nice gather.  After that I just had to pin and sew the layer to the one before.  I got everything pinned, trying to get all of the gathers fairly evenly dispersed.  I got everything even and sewed the last layer on.  After I got everything finished I realize I may have made it too long, but it turned out just right.  B loves it!

Finishing up

                                                                              My happy girl!

I Need Input

With this post I am requesting  comments.  I really need some outside input to help me weight out a decision.    My sister-in-law has convinced me to sell my soap at the local farmer's market.  Now my question is should I put my soaps in my Etsy shop or just sell them to friends and family and at the farmer's market.

I really love to make soap.  Part of it is the trill of the unknown.  You never know how a batch will turn out.  So each batch is a mini-adventure.  I also have plans for new scents/ types of soap.

So far I have made 8 batches of soap in the last several months.  However, my husband really doesn't want me to make more soap until I start selling some of what I have already made.  So far I have made lavender, chai, mint and poppy seed, unscented, dandelion w/ sweet orange oil, chocolate swirl, and peppermint oatmeal.  I have plans for a full line of tea based soaps.  I also want to make some decorative soaps as well, although that is not as clearly set in my mind.

If you have been following my blog you will have seen pictures of some of my soaps.  Although I do have to do some figuring to get a consistently sized bar.  I think that I have figured out packaging and pricing will also need to be figured out as well.  I am including pictures of the soaps that I currently have finished for those who have not been following my blog.

Chai Delight ( This one I need to make and 8 lb batch instead
of a 6 lb due to the size of my mold.)

Lavender Bliss (I will have to tweek this recipe.)

Peppermint & Poppy Seed ( This would be a great kitchen soap,
but needless to say these particular bars will be discounted due
to the color.  They smell and work great, but I really hate the way
the color turned out.)

I am kind of torn because I know there are a lot of really great soap makers out there, and I obviously have not been making soap for very long.  I really would like to be able to use things that I like to do to make enough money that I can stay home with my children.   But I also don't want my shop to be so piecemeal that it doesn't work well.  I am beginning to think that I might have a little bit of ADD.  My brain goes in way too many directions at the same time!

So any input would be greatly appreciated.  Please either leave me a comment or send me a message through my contact page.

Thank you in advance!