The Beauty of Handmade Soap

Let me begin by thanking all of you for your very kind and generous comments on the Little Recipe Box. It was here that Anne noted one of the index tabs in the box listed Soap as a recipe section and inquired about it. Naturally, a new post was born.

Soapmaking is an activity I truly enjoy and have for years. For me, both the process and product of soapmaking allows me to express and experience a quiet, simple beauty that is missing in this age of digital technology and mass production.

Use of natural processes and simple basic ingredients helps fill my ever-growing need to move back toward simplicity and sustainability in our busy consumer lives today. It allows me to teach my children an appreciation for the skill involved in centuries-old techniques and the creation of well-crafted items. It allows me to express to family and friends how special they are to me in that they are deserving of such items of time and care.

Initially I started this post with the simple intention of sharing a basic soap recipe. However, there is so much on this subject to talk about, I've decided to commit to a little more than that. Stay tuned for my very first tutorial where I will show you step-by-step how to make your own basic handmade soap, beautifully and safely.

Have a wonderful week! xox

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Update: The soapmaking tutorial is finished! Visit here to try your hand at making your very own simple and wholesome Oatmeal soap!

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Comments

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Funny you should be making soap - I'm planning on a batch too !

Posted by: petrox | June 09, 2012 at 04:25 PM

Ooooo, Nice! Please share how it turns out :D

Posted by: Olallieberry | June 09, 2012 at 04:41 PM

Interesting, really looking forward to this :)
PS - The soap looks lovely!

Posted by: Beth | June 09, 2012 at 08:26 PM

Ooh, I can't wait. I've often wondered about trying my hand at soap making.

Great images. Are you still using the same camera? Can I ask what settings you use?

Posted by: Annie @ knitsofacto | June 10, 2012 at 05:32 PM

Yes, I am still using the same little Sony Cybershot. I mainly use the Auto Intelligence setting which is amazing, with a two-second delay. And I only shoot in natural light, my flash is permanently at the "off" setting. This little camera is a charmer in low-light :)

Posted by: Olallieberry | June 10, 2012 at 08:26 PM

I'm looking forward to the tutorial. At the farmers' market last weekend I bought some delicious soap made using goats milk.

Posted by: Anne@GtSlamseysFarm | June 11, 2012 at 02:03 AM

Ahhh, soothing and creamy. Sounds divine :)

Posted by: Olallieberry | June 11, 2012 at 05:01 PM

Cakes of soap! Yours look good enough to devour. Yes please for the tutorial. I am quite excited about the idea. I recall Amanda Soule confessing on a post this winter that she and her husband spent their Saturday evenings making batches of soap too.

There is wholesome fun to come.

Posted by: Stephanie | June 12, 2012 at 07:16 AM

I remember that post as well. I love her blog.

Posted by: Olallieberry | June 13, 2012 at 05:46 AM