The soap techniques used in soapmaking are very similar to the methods used in the 1700's. Animal fat was used to make soap in the 1700's and is still used to this day. Folks would collect this fat throughout the year and melt it in a huge pot outdoors. Lye was derived from wood ash and is needed to saponify the oils. This mixture was then pour out into large molds and cut into bars. It was left to cure or harden for 1 month.

Although I prefer to use only vegetable oils like castor, olive, coconut, canola and rice bran oil. Good quality oils makes good quality soaps that hydrate and preserve skin integrity. I do not use palm oil for environmental reasons, using palm oil kills palm trees. These soaps are mild enough to wash hair, face and body.

Soapmaking is a lot like making fudge. The oil mixture, your lye and your water or milk mixture needs to be at the right temperature with constant stirring and the mixture tickens. Once the mixture is pudding like it's time to add essential oils, fresh fruits and vegetables and colors depending on the recipe.