I haven’t tried clays yet. I’ve looked at Australian clays, and Argiletz clays, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet. I’m looking at some alternative colorants. I like liquid colorants, because of the ease of blending, but they’re messy. Soapalooza dyes should be available, in early January.

My soapmaking will slow down, as the year comes to a close. I did the same thing, last year. It’s a nice…break, and keeps me from getting burned out. I’ve made enough soap to clean an entire nation — for a year. It’s time to enjoy family, friends and good food. I’m not even sure I’ll be participating in any Christmas swaps.

I want two (2) more molds. Upland log molds, actually. I’m looking at either 15-inch, or 18-inch. I’m hoping to do two (2) summer craft fairs, next year. It’ll be a fun way to make some extra change.

NEA

I know I said I was “done” with milk soaps, cuz I just don’t see what all the hype is about. Well, I’d read the using fresh GM is very different from using powdered GM. So, since I hadn’t made a fresh GM soap, I decided to do just that — with some Agave Nectar thrown in. It’s in the mold now — and it’s got a towel thrown over it. It’s cold in the room, and my Silvermoon molds don’t allow for easy gels — not with my recipes.

I gel ALL my soaps (including milk soaps), cuz I don’t like the texture of un-gelled soap. So, the soap will probably be a nice, rich tan color. I’m fine with that. I decided to leave this soap unscented. A pic is forthcoming, of course.

NEA

I just finished my FIRST beer soap! It’s in the mold now, lightly insulated, gelling nicely. This soap is my “remake” for the Fall Harvest swap. The first soap I made for the swap is very nice, but the scent is almost non-existent, and not quite what I was aiming for — a little too much “cinnamon”.

I used Dundee’s Honey Brown lager beer, instead of distilled water, added a little nutmeg and another one of my apple spice FOs. I’ll post a pic, after I cut it up. I hope my swap mates like it!

 **Update** Changed out the “blurry” pic for this clear one! I’m really happy with how it turned out! I’m not sure what the fragrance will end up being, but…it’s fun to watch it evolve!

NEA