Peaches N Creme

Maybe other folks do it this way too, but I had to revise the standard technique. I just made a batch of soap (using this silicone loaf mold from Crate and Barrel). I let the lye water cool to about 120 degrees. I stick blended my soft/hard oils together (I melted my mango butter a tad), THEN I added my lye water. After stirring for a minute, I checked the temp — the mixture was about 90 degrees. I stick-blended the batter to about medium trace. PERFECT!

I also did a 33% lye water concentration — for the first time. The batter traced, in a few minutes. I’ll post pics later!

I’m torn. I want Silvermoons, but I don’t wanna invest $130 for the two I want (including shipping). I’m ticked off that I’m back at square one, after 7 months of soapmaking. Actually, if all I had to buy was two molds, I’d be fine. But it’s supply order time, and I’ve gotta maximize the moment.

I’ve never had to line a mold — I didn’t start off that way, so I’m spoiled. The thought of cutting freezer paper is making my head hurt. Oh well. I’m looking at Creekside Soap Molds, to get me over my dilemma, without breaking my little bank. Plus, I can get two 4lb molds (with lids), and a straight/wavy adjustable cutter, for less than two 3lb Silvermoon molds.

**Update** I ordered two (2) Silvermoons. I kept going back and forth, but when I looked at the Silvermoons, with those one-piece silicone liners, I had to have them.

NEA

I’m not making one more batch of soap, until I get new molds. My new TOGs looked good, but didn’t perform/hold up well. Based on the less-than-stellar customer service I received, after singing this company’s praises, I’ve decided to take the loss and move on. I didn’t get my money back (because PayPal couldn’t rule in my favor, because of the nature of the complaint), but PayPal did let me know that my filed complaint would be on record. That’s good enough.

So, what’s next?  Silvermoon Soap Supply. They’ve gotten rave reviews on their molds and their customer service. Upland is still not fully up and running, and I can’t wait till mid-May to START a mold order. 

NEA