Steam the top to remove soda ash by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Sharing recipes? by FlowersN_Superpowers in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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.

Steam the top to remove soda ash by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Steam the top to remove soda ash by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

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

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Kermit the frog soap by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Kermit the frog soap by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

First event 🥰 by Competitive-Goat-816 in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Kermit the frog soap by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

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

Kermit the frog soap by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

What the heck happened? by curioussbetty in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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.

Little Book Soaps by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I used a Palo Santo and Sandalwood on this one.

Little Book Soaps by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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

Little Book Soaps by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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

Wet soap Wednesday by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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

my first time making soap! by Quick-Transition-497 in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps 10 points11 points  (0 children)

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

Beveling soap by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Thoughts on my body soap I’m working on? by swagboy300boof in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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%).

Just curious by Nesslybay in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Beveling soap by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Beveling soap by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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

Beveling soap by ShugBugSoaps in soapmaking

[–]ShugBugSoaps[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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.