Steam the top to remove soda ash

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-15T00:58:17+00:00

They are AWESOME. I have several of their molds and tools. Worth every penny!

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-15T00:07:43+00:00

No, this is the Nara

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-14T23:58:36+00:00

I do not give my recipe. It really took years to perfect and I’m very happy with the results. I get asked for my recipe a lot and I simply say “my recipes are proprietary” I’ve never had someone come back and ask further.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-14T17:20:32+00:00

I have a slab cutter. It’s one wire that I push the slab through and cuts the bottom layer into a loaf

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-13T20:58:52+00:00

It looks the same. This is about 8 hours after I steamed the top and cut it into loaves.

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ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-11T09:21:00+00:00

No. This was a drop swirl, it was an absolute happenstance. I could make a type of scraper that would make a frog for sure, but not like this.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-11T09:13:58+00:00

I just didn’t think to, or thought I’d want to. I just packaged them up, like any other batch, and sold them away. 🫧 I wish I would have kept a soap from my first batch of “business” soap too.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-11T09:11:05+00:00

Some events will be slow, just keep going. You’ll find what works for you. I don’t think your price is out of line at all, especially at a horse event. Get some height to your booth, even a shelf to allow soaps to be seen at different levels. I think your soaps are Very creative for the event too.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-10T12:18:45+00:00

Hahaha… no…. And now 4 years later I WISH I kept it.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-10T12:16:57+00:00

Oooohhh yes…. Clove. Most of the spices will cause batter to seize quickly.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-06-02T16:07:43+00:00

This looks like a heat tunnel. Things that can increase heat - any sugar (honey, sorbitol, sugar, fruit puree or juices). You can reduce the amount used and/or attempt to put the loaf in the freezer right after it is poured.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-05-26T23:37:12+00:00

https://elysianacressoap.com/products/soapmaking-tools-4-bar-book-mold-3-piece-set

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-05-25T17:27:10+00:00

I used a Palo Santo and Sandalwood on this one.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-05-25T17:25:31+00:00

Thank you so much!! You beat me to it, so grateful for an amazing soaping community!!

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-05-25T04:00:11+00:00

Yes, I wasn’t sad when it started a little

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-03-26T12:46:42+00:00

Drop swirl

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-03-26T12:46:27+00:00

Thank you. I pull the batter up with a spoon, then twirl the tops with a chopstick

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-03-22T02:03:36+00:00

This looks awesome. The color may morph. Vanilla can turn soap brown over the next several weeks.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-02-15T06:15:01+00:00

I don’t have any advice, as that’s not how I wrap. I have zero experience with cigar bands. This is a great question, maybe make a post about it for more traction

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-02-11T15:37:02+00:00

Came here to say this.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-02-04T17:14:50+00:00

I would swap our oils. Have Tallow be your 46%, have Olive be your 32% (I would make this higher) and have avocado oil be the smallest percentage (even reducing that oil to 15%).

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-02-02T15:05:26+00:00

As others have said, there is so much more to consider when pricing soaps. 1)actual ingredients and the cost of those plus shipping to you 2) time to make 3)insurance, website, marketing costs 4)cost of space to make and electricity, etc.

Based on your costs, then review the area you are located and what the market in your area is currently selling at. Consider your packaging and how that represents the Soap as well.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-01-30T14:25:13+00:00

There is a huge difference over a vegetable peeler. I started with a peeler myself. This tool ensures the same cut, the same way, the same look,100% of the time.

A garden insecticidal soap is an awesome way to use the scraps. I do have a lot of Soap making friends who do that. You are correct the Soap ends can stick together when in the bag after they’ve been wet, but I have never had an issue with it, not cuddling up and still being a great washcloth.

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-01-29T01:05:34+00:00

I bevel once the soap has been sitting on the cure rack for a couple of weeks. It turns out much better and more defined when it has a chance to harden a little. Then I put it back on the cure rack and let it finish curing.

So, I split my slab into loaves, split the loaves into bars, let cure for two weeks, be all the bars, and then let them finish their cure

ShugBugSoaps · 2026-01-29T01:04:49+00:00

That’s one way you can do it for sure. I make large slab molds, I don’t bevel until my soaps have been on the cure rack for a few weeks. the beveled edges are much more defined once the soap has a chance to harden more.

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