A Mold For Murder
Page 20
But could I start things up with Kelly again? A lot had happened between us, but if I was being true to my heart, I had to acknowledge that I still had strong feelings for her. There was a pull there that I couldn’t explain.
“I’d like that,” I said.
Before I could finish my sentence, she was in my arms, and I knew I’d made the right decision.
SOAPMAKING TIPS FOR THε HOME HOBBγIST
TYPES OF FRAGRANCES USED IN SOAPMAKING
THεRε are several types of fragrances that can be used in soapmaking.
Oils, extracts, herbs, and infused oils can all add aroma to your soap. Choosing the right type of fragrance can create a wondrous soap unique to you, or, if you’re not careful, it may completely ruin your batch. Fragrance oils should be specifically designed for soapmaking; otherwise, your batch could seize up into a hard rock before it’s had a chance to set.
Extracts are not overly strong, so while they can be used, it may take a lot to get the desired fragrance.
Herbs can be a good choice, but they should be dried and ground before using.
Finally, oil infused with flowers from your own aromatic garden can be used, and the result adds a personal touch that can’t be replicated by an impersonal production line.
ADDING FRAGRANCES TO YOUR SOAPS, BATH PRODUCTS, LIP BALMS, AND HAND LOTIONS
WHεN adding fragrances to everything from handcrafted soaps to the hand lotions and lip balms mentioned in this book, it’s important to remember that a little bit goes a long way. I like to use oils that are already extracted and ready to use. Though they are expensive, I’m sure about the consistent quality of the product.
Some of the more popular scents I like to use in soaps and other personal care products are lavender, sandlewood, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary. When combining more than one scent in a batch, it’s important to keep in mind that some scents are complementary, while others clash.
Whenever I create a new scent for a particular soap, I like to start with very small amounts of oil added to cotton swabs, then I move on to a small test batch if I like the result. That way, by using a pipette to add small quantities of essential oils, I can tell if I’m going to like the combination before I commit to making a bigger batch of soap. This is especially important when dealing with a soap that takes a long time to cure, and remember, the oils are expensive, so it’s best to test it on a small batch first.
When buying essential oils, or any additive to your soap, it’s important to remember that less expensive products may be diluted or are modified with extenders. Many times, you do indeed get what you pay for.
Scents can add a wonderful dimension to your handcrafted soaps, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of the combinations that have been popular in the past include lavender and rosemary, cinnamon and orange, and rosemary, sage, and thyme. Have fun!
OTHER SOAPMAKING ADDITIVES
NOT all soap additives have to be fragrant. There are many choices in dyes you can use to make your soap unique, and there are also natural elements that make your creations all yours.
Oatmeal is a popular additive, used to soothe sensitive or irritated skin. Use rolled or long-cooking oats for your batch, though. Quick cook or instant oatmeal may thicken your soap before it has the chance to set, making it impossible to mold.
Dried luffa gourds make wonderful containers for your homemade soap. Wrap a luffa in plastic wrap, then pour your soap into the center. It makes a wonderful present, too, since the presentation is so interesting.