All of our soap is made in wooden molds using the cold process method. To make a batch of soap, we first dissolve sodium hydroxide (lye) in water to create a solution. While the solution cools down, we weigh out the vegetable oils and butters, and prepare the other ingredients called for in the recipe - these might include: essential oils, herbs, spices, dried citrus peel, oatmeal, clay, fruit or vegetable powders, or ground walnut shells for exfoliation. When everything has been weighed and measured, we combine the lye solution with the melted fats in the soap pot where they are mixed. As the solution and the fats combine, the mixture begins to thicken in the pot as the chemical reaction that produces soap gets underway. That’s when we add in the extra ingredients that give the bar texture and color. Finally any essential oil is stirred in just before we pour the batch out of the pot and into a lined wooden mold. We cover the mold and leave it alone for about a day while the reaction process finishes and the soap solidifies. A day or two later, the soap slab is turned out of the mold and cut by hand with a tape measure and a bench scraper, then trimmed with a paring knife. Cut bars are lined up to dry on brown paper where they will stand and cure for a month or two. We tie our bars with simple labels before they’re sent on their way.

Please note: This information is not intended as instruction for soapmaking. If you are interested in learning more, there are many wonderful books and online resources available that detail the process and important safety measures.

I am very grateful to the many experienced and talented soapmakers who share their knowledge, enthusiasm, and encouragement so generously.