Bulk Soap: Making Soap Balls

Posted on November 17, 2011 by
log of handmade soap

uncut log of Hunting Soap

One of the newest products I carry is bulk soap. Both cut and uncut logs are available. If you’re a fan of handmade soap, this is an economical way to stock up. The uncut log works out to $2.67 per bar. That’s a pretty sweet deal!

Here’s my original post with the advantages of bulk soap.

apothecary jar with soaps

One fun thing you can do with a large quantity of soap is roll soap balls. Soap balls were quite popular and fashionable 50 to 100 years ago. But you really don’t see them too much any more. I’m not sure why.

But this round soap has become more and more popular with my customers. It just feels right in your hands as you wash. It fits in pretty little pottery bowls and unique soap dishes. And soap balls work much better in those odd little alcoves in the shower. Just shave off the bottom of the ball so it doesn’t roll away!

Oh, and don’t forget how cool they look in apothecary jars!

Making soap balls are easy peasy. Basically cut or grate your soap, squeeze together and then smooth out. Here’s some tips.

First, it’s best to start with soap that isn’t very old. The younger the soap, the softer it will be. Now with most handmade soaps, if you cut it up you’ll find the inside is still soft. The bars below are over a month old and they were still pliable once chopped. If your soap seems very hard, don’t despair. Pull out your grater. Then add just a few drops of water when you’re ready to press the gratings into a bar.

cutting board with 3 bars handmade soap

Christmas Tree soap ready to be chopped

But I prefer to roll my soap balls right after I make the soap. It’s nice and soft, almost like play dough. When you order a log of bulk soap, I make it upon receipt of your order, so you’re receiving soap that’s perfect for soap balls.

cubes of handmade soap

chopped christmas tree soap

After cutting or grating up your soap, start pressing it into a ball. Hopefully your soap is sticky enough that this just takes a few squeezes. But if your soap has been around awhile and the gratings won’t stick together, just drip some water over your pile. Use only a bit, though. It will be tricky not to work up a big lather!

ball of soap cubes squeezed together

rough ball of christmas tree soap

After your soap ball is the size you want and is holding it’s shape, it’s time to smooth it. Some people prefer soap balls of perfection. Me, I like the rustic look. The younger the soap, the smoother you can get the surface. While holding the soap ball, take your thumbs and work your away across the surface, rubbing out any bumps and filling in any dips.

finished soap ball

finished christmas tree soap ball

There you go, a beautiful, unique soap ball. Packaged in a cello bag and tied off with a tag, these make great gifts! Or you can make soap on a rope by forming your ball around a knotted rope. I’ll be posting soon about how to make soap balls into Christmas ornaments, so stay tuned!

If making your own soap balls isn’t your thing, my own soap balls will be available for purchase very soon. Having a variety of these in a big jar or bowl looks so lovely!

enamel bowl of soap balls

Share
Posted in Good Deals, Soapmaking | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The Story Behind the Bar: Grandpa Henry’s Christmas Tree Soap

Posted on November 14, 2011 by

The following is the story behind my newest soap: Grandpa Henry’s Christmas Tree Soap

green and white swirled soap

Grandpa Henry's Christmas Tree Soap

Henry Hasley sitting in front of his log cabin in Newport Ohio, now Wayne National Forest

Henry Hasley

My Great-great-grandpa Henry Hasley farmed land north of Marietta, Ohio. We can still find his farm, though its part of Wayne National Forest. It’s off of State Route 7, almost to Newport.

Grandpa Henry was the first generation of his family to be born in America. His roots were German which is reflected in the original spelling of his name, Haessly.

Land ownership was a dream of so many lower class Europeans. The Hasleys came to the newly open Ohio frontier to make that dream come true. Sadly, the land they picked was not all that conducive to farming. It was hilly, bordering on mountainous. The soil was rocky and thin. But my was it beautiful! I wonder if their new home reminded them of the Bavarian foothills.

The Hasleys eked out a living for three generations on their farm. And then the depression hit the hills of Southern Ohio. What was once hard became almost impossible.

In 1934, Ohio voted to allow the purchase of much of this farmland to the Federal Government for the creation of National Forests. At the time, the government hoped to solve several problems: poverty of the region, lack of employment, and the terrible erosion of the hills.

Ridge Top Farmer from Southeastern Ohio - courtesy of Wayne National Forest

Grandpa Henry’s farm was one of many that was sold to the government during this time. The cash money must’ve seemed like a God-send.

worker with box of saplings to plant in Wayne National ForestThe Civilian Conservation Corp, a product of the New Deal, came in and worked alongside many foundations and even school children to replant the stripped hills north of Marietta. But the area was too large and funds too small. Much of the land lay forgotten and left to go back to the wild.

And surprisingly, that was best thing anyone could’ve done.

Wayne National Forest is now a rich healthy forest supporting native plants and wildlife. Appalachia is a resilient place.

The beauty that drew the Hasleys to these hills returned. It’s a calming, beautiful place the feeds my soul.I find it bittersweet to come across house and barn foundations among the hickory, black walnut, and evergreen trees.

Such a poignant reminder of both the fruitful lives of my family and the beauty of our region.

green and white swirled soap

Grandpa Henry's Christmas Tree Soap

Christmas in Appalachia was a simple celebration. Grandpa Henry went no further than his back field to get a Christmas Tree. His ridge-top farm is now part of Wayne National Forest. The evergreens have reclaimed the ridge. This fragrant pine, spruce, and fir reminds me of my hikes among Grandpa’s Christmas Trees.

For more information on the history of Wayne National forest I recommend:

Share
Posted in Appalachians, My Appalachian Family, Soapmaking | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

New Product: Bulk Soap

Posted on November 3, 2011 by

Do you buy in bulk? I do. I’m feeding a family of 7, so all I do is shop in large quantities! I often wonder if I’ll ever be able to cook for a normal family of 4. God forbid I’d have to cook for two. But I digress…

I know many people buy in bulk solely for the cost savings. For those of you who do, you can do a little happy dance now, because my soaps are now available in full logs at a discounted price!

long log of soap

Log of Creek Bottom Mint Soap

As of the date of this post, I’ve got 7 kinds of soap available in full logs and cut logs. Check here in my ArtFire store to see the full offerings. More will go up in the next few days. For $40 plus shipping you can have the equivalent of 15 bars of handmade soap. Instead of $4 per bar, that’s $2.67. What an awesome deal if I do say myself!

log of soap with swirled top

Christmas Tree Log with Swirled top

Buying a full log of soap opens up a lot of opportunities. You can cut them in travel size, about 1/2 in., and make your own wedding, baby shower, or party favors. You’ll get about 60 small bars out of a log. Just wrap them in a cigar band label with the party info on it for a great keepsake!

travel size soaps

1/2 in. travel size soaps wrapped in cigar band labels

You can chop a portion of the log up and press them into soap balls or even little Christmas ornaments. Give full size or 1/2 size bars away as stocking stuffers or presents to your co-workers and friends. Can’t beat a gift that costs a little over $2.50! And there’s always the logical reason of stocking up on handmade soap for yourself, making the purchase more cost effective.

christmas tree with raffia, lights, and small soap ball ornaments

Soap Ball Christmas Ornaments

I’m also offering cut logs for an additional $5. You’ll get 15 full size unwrapped bars, making the soap $3 a bar. Still a great deal and saves you a bit of time and money.

swirled soap stacked

Swirled Pick-Me-Up Soap - 15 Bars in a Cut Log

Watch my blog for future posts on cutting your own soap, making soap balls, soap ornaments, and shower favors. It’s really easy and a lot of fun!

So tuck this knowledge away for when you’re ready to buy stocking stuffers, or do up some favors for a shower, or just stock-up yourself on good handmade soap. Check out my bulk logs and save a chunk of change!

If you’re a local customer and want to save the shipping charge, place your order by phone or at one of my local shows/markets. You can find my contact information here.

Share
Posted in Good Deals | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!

Posted on November 2, 2011 by
pumpkings, gourds, mum

My welcome rocker with a bumpy pumpkin, gourds, and mum

There’s nothing that says American fall like a pumpkin. Most every front porch in my small town has a pumpkin or few. I love it because the pumpkin is one of our true native plants. Remember your Thanksgiving lessons from grade school? The Native Americans taught us how to garden using the “Three Sisters” : corn, climbing beans, and pumpkin.

Pumpkin is such a versatile vegetable! Decorative from late September through November. Edible in almost unending forms. And, believe it or not, excellent in skin applications!

I try to use various sizes of pumpkins on my front porch. I love the texture and deep color of the bumpy pumpkins. The bigger the better for carving. And a few tiny ones thrown in here and there, which will get used for Thanksgiving pie…and soap.

Have you made your own pumpkin puree yet? I recommend giving it a try. I can buy a pie pumpkin for $1 from my sweet neighbors at the market. And from that I get at least 1 pie. Around here there’s a shortage of canned pumpkin, so making my own puree comes in handy.

smiling jack-o-lantern

My 10 year old's jack-o-lantern

Pumpkin Puree

Wash your pie pumpkin. Cut out Stem. Cut pumpkin in half. Scoop out string and seeds. Cut each half in half again. Put in slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Should be falling off of rind and very soft when done. Scrape flesh off rind and puree in blender or with stick blender. Use in a your favorite pie recipe or freeze for later.

I’ll be making up a lot of puree these next few weeks. Not only for our favorite pie recipes, but also for my spicy pumpkin soap. It gives a wonderful orange color to the soap. I scent it with nutmeg, cassia, clove, and a lot of ginger. These essential oils not only remind us of fall memories but are great for circulation! But that’s not the only reason I like pumpkin soap.

roaster full of cooked pumpkin soap

Pumpkin Soap just out of the warm oven

orange soap

Aunt Marty's Pumpkin Spice Soap

Pumpkin is high in vitamin A, an antioxidant. Meaning, vitamin A acts as a free-radical scavenger, protecting our cells from oxidative breakdown and cancer. I can’t make any claims that my soap protects against cancer. But I like the thought of washing with all that vitamin A, coming from a native natural source.

Do you have pumpkins gracing your front porch? Branch out this year, pick up a couple pie pumpkins and try your hand at puree. And pick up a couple bars of pumpkin soap for your soap dishes this November. Your skin will thank you.

Share
Posted in Appalachian Plants, Natural Soap Additives, Soapmaking | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Lye Soap Use #12 – Acne

Posted on November 1, 2011 by
Rough cut lye soap made over an open fire

rough lye soap made over a fire

I’ve heard several customers say they, their family member, or their friend found lye soap helped with acne. People tell me of their grandma’s handing them a bar of handmade lye soap as a teenager when those first break-outs show up.

I can personally attest that handmade soap has made a big difference in the skin of all our children, no matter their skin-type. So what makes lye soap particularly good for acne? Well there’s several ways lye soap, and other handmade soaps, could be helping, here’s my theories:

First, traditional lye soap can be harsh, as I’ve explained in this previous post. Being harsh, also means it’s drying. So grandma’s lye soap could’ve been helping just by drying out that teenage skin, pulling off the excess oils.

Conversely, a lye soap recipe that’s balanced well is gentle. Lye soap contains no colors, no perfumes, no additives of any kind. Just plain, pure, white soap. Often oily skin just needs a good, pure soap to clean it well and not irritate it further. That’s exactly what a gentle lye, or handmade soap would do.

Airman Basic Weber, before flying off for Basic Military Training

Just before boarding plane for Basic Training

But even better is a handmade soap formulated for acne! And that’s where my 2nd born, Airman Basic comes in.

(Those of you know him are sworn to secrecy. He must never know his mother plastered his story all across the world wide web. If you agree, you may read further. ;)

Severe acne runs on my husband’s side of the family. The kind that comes with boils and cysts and leaves permanent scarring. We promised ourselves that the minute our children showed signs of acne, we would act quickly.

So I was prepared.

With what? Believe it or not, my Poison Ivy Soap.

My Airman is our only child, so far, who’s struggled with acne. And I immediately put him on a Poison Ivy Soap regimen. He washed with it morning and night, especially at night. If he did what mom told him, his skin was visibly clearer by the second day. It worked so well, he began asking for it when he got a break-out.

Poison Ivy Soap

Poison Ivy Soap

You did note he asked for a skin-care product? In my experience that’s quite momentous…a teenage boy asking for soap.

So why did this soap work? It’s the gentleness of pure handmade soap combined with acne, fungal, and viral fighting additives. This soap is packed with clay, witch hazel, plantain, chickweed, no extra oils or butters, tea tree essential oil, plus more. For my teenagers, and for many of my customers, this has been the magic combination to keep break-outs at bay.

Now whether my son was headed for terrible acne like his father’s, I don’t know. We never got there. I’m giving my Poison Ivy Soap at least a little credit for that.

Mother Lydia's Oat & Milk Soap

Mother Lydia's Oat & Milk Soap

For people who are bit spooked to try Poison Ivy Soap, I encourage them to try Mother Lydia’s Oat & Milk Soap first. Often an oatmeal soap is enough to take care of a mild case of acne. It’s the gentlest bar I make and I have customers bringing me wonderful stories about what it does for all kinds of skin.

But if you are dealing with a hard case of full-blown acne, give some Poison Ivy Soap a try. Compared to many of the over-the-counter treatments, you’ll be saving some money and much kinder to your skin.

Share
Posted in Appalachian Plants, Lye Soap Series, My Appalachian Family, Natural Soap Additives | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

On a Personal Note…

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

AB Joel Weber at his swearing in

I hadn’t realized it has been over a week since I posted!!

Well, I’ve been a bit distracted. We sent our son off to Lackland Air Force Base in San Anotonio, Texas, last Tuesday. My 19 year old little boy, all-grown-up big man, is now in Basic Military Training. And his mother immediately acquired ADD.

I have to say I’m very excited for my son. He’s wanted to do this since a small child. I long ago got my tears and worries out of the way, and now I can whole-heartedly cheer him on.

But I’ve just been a little distracted. And I find I repeat myself. Like I just did. My newly acquired ADD means I haven’t done so well posting blog entries. But my brain must be clearing a bit, because here I am…posting a blog entry.

I come from a long line of hardy Appalachian women. Many of us have sent our sons and husbands off to serve our country. Now I have one more thing in common with my grannies.

I wonder if they suffered from ADD…

As I shake my head briskly, to clear another trail of distraction, I’ll end by saying: I’ll be posting a new use for Lye Soap that applies directly to AB (Airman Basic) Weber up there.

And, keep in mind as you Christmas shop, that all profits from soap sales between now and December 16th will go towards getting this Appalachian Momma down to San Antonio for her little boy, big man’s Basic Training Graduation.

Share
Posted in My Appalachian Family | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Lye Soap Use #11 – Saddle Soap

Posted on October 14, 2011 by

girl with horseHere’s an interesting use for lye soap: saddle soap!

I admit I’m not an equine aficionado, but my daughter loves, loves horses. She desperately wants a horse. I get the skeptical stare-down when I say it won’t fit in our lot-sized backyard. The best we can do is run her up to Graysville every so often to ride Tough at M & D Horses.

So, somewhere in this pursuit of horse-love, I heard that you could use lye soap to make saddle soap. I mentally noted it, added it to my ever-growing list of lye soap uses, and did a bit of research.

I found this recipe from Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond.

  • 2 ounces jojoba oil
  • 2 ounces olive oil
  • 1 ounce beeswax
  • 1 ounce grated soap
  • 3 ounces water
  • 1 ounce of vodka, rum, or whiskey.

Melt the oils and wax over medium heat. Once the beeswax has melted, remove from the heat, add the water and alcohol, and blend immediately with an electric beater until totally emulsified. This product will last six months or more if stored in a glass jar with a screw top.

Now for whether lye soap is the preferred soap or another type of handmade, I would lean towards a gentle unscented bar. Some recipes call for Castille, which is a soap made from purely olive oil. If your lye soap is not terribly harsh, it should do just fine. If not, my gentlest bar is Mother Lydia’s Oat & Milk.

lye soap

Granny Slagle's 1860 Lye Soap

Mother Lydia's Oat & Milk Soap

Share
Posted in Lye Soap Series | 2 Comments

Interesting Show on Appalachia

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

Appalachian MountainsOver the weekend I stumbled onto the History Channel’s marathon of How The States Got Their Shapes. As I paused with the remote in hand, I realized the show was discussing Appalachia.

I’m a connoisseur of all things Appalachia, if you haven’t figured that out.

So I sat myself down and eagerly watched. This particular episode, Force of Nature, discussed the geography of the Appalachian Mountains, how it affected culture, state boundaries, and US History. I found it fascinating! Did you know the Appalachian Mountains are steeper than the Himalayans?

That’s why it takes forever to get anywhere in West Virgina.

Here’s a little clip for for you, a “side-trip” to the Cumberland Gap.

If you’re interested in the full episode, you can watch it online here:

How the States Got Their Shapes, Episode 3: Force of Nature

Share
Posted in Appalachia in the Media, Appalachians | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Congratulations to our Winner!

Posted on October 11, 2011 by

Congratulations to Meredith Jones, the 26th entrant in our soap give-away!

Meredith chose Mother Lydia’s Oat & Milk Soap, Grandma Bertha’s Buttermilk Lavender Soap, and Aunt Gladys’ Warm Apple Soap. Great choices, Meredith!!

This contest was such a success and great fun! I know I’ll be running another when I get to 500 Facebook fans. But I just might have to rack my brain for reasons to celebrate sooner!

Share
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Repost: Bamagilly

Posted on October 6, 2011 by

Stirring the soap kettle at the Bethel Harvestfest in Marr, Ohio

This post refers to the Bethel Harvesfest in Marr, Ohio. It was originally posted a couple years ago on my previous blog. It’s too good of a story to be lost. I hope you enjoy it!

————————————-

On Sunday, we enjoyed a visit with Great-Aunt Eileen and Great-Aunt Ruth, sister-in-laws, and great-aunts of my husband’s. My spouse comes from a large extended family that lives in Monroe County so I fully expected to run into family during the weekend. It definitely was a treat to enjoy these young at heart “sisters”.

After viewing my salves, Aunt Eileen spoke up. “Oh my, I wish I had Daddy’s salve recipe!”

My heart fluttered. Actual hand-written medicinal “receipts” are very rare. I’ve had to come up with my salve recipes from oral account, research, plus sweat and tears. Then my heart beat faster as Aunt Eileen began an oral account of Great-Grandpa’s salve.

“He picked bamagilly blossoms and boiled them in lard. It turned out dark orange and it would draw anything to the surface.”

Bamagilly? My mind is whirring. What native plant is known by that name? I listen harder for clues.

“We had a bamagilly tree in our yard. The blossoms were sticky. Those trees were common when I was a child, but now you don’t see them anywhere. That salve was really healing. Bamagilly is Biblical, too…really healing!”

While I’m taking in these words of wisdom, I’m already planning out my internet searches and what reference books I’ll consult. This is just too good of an opportunity to pass up! A family recipe using a native blossom and it’s got roots in the Bible!?!

While I mentally list alternate search terms for my Bible concordance, I hear traces of a second conversation going on behind me. My husband and Great-Aunt Ruth are quietly discussing something or other.

tree branch with bud and leaf

Balm of Gilead tree branch with bud

While rolling her eyes and in a disgusted tone…

“Bamagilly! It’s Balm of Gilead. They always said it that way in that family.” She rolls her eyes again.

After we said our good-byes to two precious ladies, and they were clearly out of hearing, we laughed and guffawed and giggled…and laughed some more.

I don’t know which is the greater treasure: the oral account of a family salve or the bamagilly story itself.

I lean towards the bamagilly.

Share
Posted in Appalachian Plants, Appalachians, Festivals, My Appalachian Family, Salve Making | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments