Simply Saponified

I always sort of knew that making soap, in the "olden days", had something to do with ashes and animal fat (yuk). But surely producing the creamy, and beautifully scented bars that you see at farmer's markets and gift shops must have been created from a more sophisticated method? It turns out that it is not! While you don't actually have to boil ashes or collect fat from an animal, you do use lye (historically produced from ashes) and fat - olive oil, coconut oil, etc. It's that simple ….. well not really. That's why I decided that a course in soap making, was the best way to go if I was going to have a crack it.

Our class and instructor Sarah Smith- Stewart

The University of New Brunswick in Fredericton offers some great "Extended Learning" classes in a variety of subjects (conversational French, photography, writing etc.) Soap making was offered for one afternoon and I was able to hook my friend Diane into taking it as well ( I also invited myself to her place for supper and to spend the night!)

Our instructor was very knowledgeable and thorough, especially in regard to the safety aspect of making soap. Since lye, or sodium hydroxide, is required and when mixed with water quickly heats up to 200 degrees F, safety precautions, including vary attractive eyewear, are a must.

My friend Diane and her "very attractive eyewear".

 Let the Experiment Begin!

After a detailed explanation of the process we donned our safety glasses and rubber gloves. There was a sober atmosphere as we mixed our oils, chose our additives and (the scariest part) combined the lye with water. Once all the ingredients were in place and reached the correct temperatures all substances were combined and the whir of immersion blenders filled the room.

lye crystals being carefully weighted

coconut oil, olive oil, lye mixture and additives such as essential oils, oatmeal, poppy seeds etc. are "whired" together

when the mixture is thick it is poured into a mold

So there you have it!

It sounds easy, but there are a million variables that change things for better or worse. After a few days my long bar was ready to take out of the mold, slice up, and then to allow to cure for another 4 to 6 weeks. Just in time for Christmas! (Guess what my family is getting this year?)

my sliced soap with oatmeal and green apple scent (also a few lavender buds on top!)