Until...
I read about real soap--soap without chemicals, soap that is superfatted so that it is moisturizing and gentle to skin. So, I read about soap, thought about soap, and then...I made soap. Real soap. You know with lye and fats and oils and a touch of essential oil.
I could not believe the difference it made--my skin was not as dry. It was incredible the difference real soap, soap without chemicals, makes. I created my own recipes, tested them out on my own family, and before I knew it, soap was edging us out of house and home. I mean, how much soap can a person use? How much soap can a family use? Especially soap that is as long lasting as homemade soap is. That is why I had to start selling it.
So, a business was born. Prairie Kari Soap.
I love to make soap. I don't know what it is, but chemistry was not fun until I started making good old fashioned lye soap. I have developed many recipes, but basically I take granulated lye--the type that unclogs your sink--and dissolve it in water.
Then I combine it, when everything is the correct temperature, with liquid fats, butters and oils. And this is the part I love. When the lye water and oils have a chemical reaction called saponification, they are no longer two things, but now it is soap. I always feel a rush when this happens, when I see the reaction take place. Then I have to work fast to add any enriching butters and essential oils.
I pour it into molds and then the next day, unmold my soap. It has to cure for 2-3 weeks. Here you see Coconut Lime and Comforting Comfrey. My soap cures in plastic trays in my walk in closet and it makes my bedroom smell fabulous.
After curing, I wrap it and it is ready to use.
I love to develop new recipes and especially like making goat milk and coconut milk soap. They are harder to make, but give me more satisfaction.
If you are interested in making soap, I highly recommend you check out Millers Soap . She has lots of great information, better information than I could find anywhere.
Her recipes are easy to follow. And, of course, if you have questions about making soap, feel free to ask me. I am always glad to help.
Take care,
Jill
