tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41775855305718929032024-02-20T05:01:53.448-05:00Sweet Creek Soap MakingThis is a blog I'm creating for the sole purpose of soap making and skin care product making. A business blog to introduce my new products, experiment with new soap making techniques, ingredients, recipes, etc., and other skin care products, too.Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-81940173707663902862011-06-01T09:26:00.000-04:002011-06-01T09:26:33.776-04:00Making Cherry Preserves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIutOVer3wndzgMIgQyNs5yyBQGHFC-7pp0z1mMJ20st_zkWm9ll7cKZzTrwdpNKHK_wvJgGgo5gP3fDPvDgfu84slhG-0LsqUASqWT_SP1auciv5nR91__zfNID8P4LrDgGxP6fa93a5S/s1600/cherry+jam+blog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIutOVer3wndzgMIgQyNs5yyBQGHFC-7pp0z1mMJ20st_zkWm9ll7cKZzTrwdpNKHK_wvJgGgo5gP3fDPvDgfu84slhG-0LsqUASqWT_SP1auciv5nR91__zfNID8P4LrDgGxP6fa93a5S/s320/cherry+jam+blog+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2nv-qWJ5rqVNZOq-CETxX1tL7YzndIzw2woX5I4LgAfcJGNkK_RAgNWosj48CO-g-ZC4TBmYDuyrEMVBUguGmrQzUt4qkCg0abGEcyGIxzvluVFkZDiPW1V1v9dguz7OUCnmyJGmPQ_d/s1600/cherry+jam+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2nv-qWJ5rqVNZOq-CETxX1tL7YzndIzw2woX5I4LgAfcJGNkK_RAgNWosj48CO-g-ZC4TBmYDuyrEMVBUguGmrQzUt4qkCg0abGEcyGIxzvluVFkZDiPW1V1v9dguz7OUCnmyJGmPQ_d/s200/cherry+jam+blog.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Good Morning! I made Cherry Preserves yesterday and took pictures with you in mind. I thought some of you may enjoy and try for yourself this recipe and procedure for making yumminess out of sour cherries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVNMDW2Lqsi9_crs648wG1zt5tBvv21VHes8bGazeOJ9OnzrCHEN-JSVn0ZMhmCQou4WsitdEq4ErNs73L97w1uYBcY0yCjt1Wf9M7nvS_jXrRj94iElimDLetCWzjBLDnHZVfBHlkLlF/s1600/cherry+jam+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVNMDW2Lqsi9_crs648wG1zt5tBvv21VHes8bGazeOJ9OnzrCHEN-JSVn0ZMhmCQou4WsitdEq4ErNs73L97w1uYBcY0yCjt1Wf9M7nvS_jXrRj94iElimDLetCWzjBLDnHZVfBHlkLlF/s320/cherry+jam+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>First, you get the cherries. :) I grow Bing Cherry trees, so it is relatively easy for me. You may consider Orchards where you know the grower. Or, just pick some up at your local produce stand. Make sure you get the sour or pie cherries. Sweet cherries will not work.<br />
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Once picked or bought, cherries need to be pitted. I squeeze the seeds out one at a time. Some own tools that pit the cherries for you. After I hand pit my cherries, I feed the pits and bad cherries to my chickens - it is a treat for them.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuqPNET-ojODHza_x1K4Wf3_PM-IrEiE8wZerSkSB80k0JYwayVa80o4KBVrOr7XerInxOEzf22DHk1ahEHxaZReraNyCs_2QaSarK_h3BAn8lCxJyAjkQwIM3oNBqRH0goZ2qRnJJyIM/s1600/cherry+jam+blog+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuqPNET-ojODHza_x1K4Wf3_PM-IrEiE8wZerSkSB80k0JYwayVa80o4KBVrOr7XerInxOEzf22DHk1ahEHxaZReraNyCs_2QaSarK_h3BAn8lCxJyAjkQwIM3oNBqRH0goZ2qRnJJyIM/s200/cherry+jam+blog+5.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4se9fwTHJASDPBYkL0YP5_cMIwObW_OAG4fGl-2xABf81gStPwwqts9y023vtkaBNYxzJUl2KkKxCma8Y5NS6Q4QmThony5hdlGqCxJvesUMH1W-O3oWQKY7SwQgXqjJCc9qT8R9X_u-v/s1600/cherry+jam+blog+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4se9fwTHJASDPBYkL0YP5_cMIwObW_OAG4fGl-2xABf81gStPwwqts9y023vtkaBNYxzJUl2KkKxCma8Y5NS6Q4QmThony5hdlGqCxJvesUMH1W-O3oWQKY7SwQgXqjJCc9qT8R9X_u-v/s200/cherry+jam+blog+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Once pitted and culled, measure out 4 1/2 - 5 cups cherries. Put this in your 4 quart saucepan. I am making preserves using whole fruit. If you want to make jam, cut up the fruit into very small pieces. If you want to make jelly, cook the fruit a few minutes and then strain for several hours until you have all the juice you can get out of the fruit. General rule of thumb is to add as much sugar as you have fruit and/or juice. I usually drop it a bit as that is a bit too sweet for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY3BSNBKvQLSECb9dmhjhP1dxMfYNhmkefzWrEJ9FxLDfoVhYZg3hvrkuSXYCJfzchKTQigDS2htS8yJsfA-XlsGIrx5I1X6Sd0IzHtCinrAoZ1kaZ9VlbW74Ygjv7_M2H0_j6FeTzWrg/s1600/cherry+jam+blog+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY3BSNBKvQLSECb9dmhjhP1dxMfYNhmkefzWrEJ9FxLDfoVhYZg3hvrkuSXYCJfzchKTQigDS2htS8yJsfA-XlsGIrx5I1X6Sd0IzHtCinrAoZ1kaZ9VlbW74Ygjv7_M2H0_j6FeTzWrg/s200/cherry+jam+blog+6.jpg" width="200" /></a>Before doing anything else, select your jelly jars and get them in water to gently boil and sterilize. I use 1/2 pint mason jars, but I think those wide mouth round 8 oz. jelly jars are so cute (but expensive at $1 each). I boil the jars and the sealing lids, but not the twist lids in a blue enamel canner pot. I also sterilize a ladle. I set a clean towel out on my counter to keep my counter "sterilized" and the tools needed to work the jars (jar grabber, paper towel to wipe off the jars, canning funnel, etc.).<br />
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I then measure out 4 cups sugar into a bowl and get my 1 package of pectin out. I am now ready to make some preserves. I follow the directions on the pectin package - adding my package of pectin to my fruit and bringing it to a rolling boil on medium high heat. The package described "rolling boil" as a boil that does not stop when you stir it. That helps to know that! <br />
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Once the fruit is at this rolling boil, the package tells us to quickly add the sugar, stirring it in and allowing it to come to a rolling boil again never changing the heat. Then, boil for one full minute. I set the timer. And, I stir it a couple of times in the interim while I'm pulling out my sterilized jars, lids, & ladle from the canner pot. When the timer goes off, I put the cherries on a cool burner and begin to ladle the mixture into the jars. As careful as I am, I always need to wipe of the jar rims and then place the seals on the jars and twist the lids on pretty snug. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwhlU3hU5LWq4MTasj-5RIFUoHvmERUOvp8XTgWhRn_OYq-FHbK5C-zPamgpxTZqT8keivS4ICtIjT_N1id-CUCpIYnxQO08b_tE4ekubNFiKrrBjcfWEpVuxqB1QlTnNfNXdrtuhG0ST/s1600/cherry+jam+blog+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwhlU3hU5LWq4MTasj-5RIFUoHvmERUOvp8XTgWhRn_OYq-FHbK5C-zPamgpxTZqT8keivS4ICtIjT_N1id-CUCpIYnxQO08b_tE4ekubNFiKrrBjcfWEpVuxqB1QlTnNfNXdrtuhG0ST/s320/cherry+jam+blog+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When this is done, I gently ease the jars back into the canning pot and gently boil for 10 minutes. Pulling them back out, I invert them on that towel for 5 minutes (wearing a mitt when handling these hot babies). I set the timer because I do get distracted quite easily. When the timer goes off, I set them back right side up and they almost always within seconds to minutes. When they have cooled and using a permanent marker, I write the item and date on the lid.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms1qGS__Sd3ylVrFWdL67XO2PwFueMZ_5Eu2WjBLH51IYYddMvlYHGlXqcZxR9Hgcl9CYJ7DaeGMAFlzaFpO46Goo6YcoglEn_dq46BfvQdeWs6D6BQK4oADB1dv7cIqJkclurGmrZ1XL/s1600/cherry+jam+blog+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms1qGS__Sd3ylVrFWdL67XO2PwFueMZ_5Eu2WjBLH51IYYddMvlYHGlXqcZxR9Hgcl9CYJ7DaeGMAFlzaFpO46Goo6YcoglEn_dq46BfvQdeWs6D6BQK4oADB1dv7cIqJkclurGmrZ1XL/s320/cherry+jam+blog+9.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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And, this recipe made 7 1/4 jars for me. Enough to share a couple and eat through the winter. Yum.<br />
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:)kathleen<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EjoOGuPPOGl1npwyW1u-mMy9gQYOAmjeHlwfmtGjsgOr6jj_jt7susCtxmv82oXVt521mfIP6aoW8M7hqSb5mWkzrC_GfuGSlEGBNHUMMhE_TLCu_f8Iq1G5oCs3r7hILDzy3alH1DyB/s1600/cherry+jam+blog+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EjoOGuPPOGl1npwyW1u-mMy9gQYOAmjeHlwfmtGjsgOr6jj_jt7susCtxmv82oXVt521mfIP6aoW8M7hqSb5mWkzrC_GfuGSlEGBNHUMMhE_TLCu_f8Iq1G5oCs3r7hILDzy3alH1DyB/s200/cherry+jam+blog+10.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-34275618218582615282011-01-31T15:37:00.014-05:002011-01-31T17:48:33.171-05:00Simply Baking BreadGood evening, folks.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are faring well. I'd like to share a simple pleasure, if you will allow it.</div><div><br /></div>Winter time finds me with only the one job - my online shop. Summer has me doing that and my farmer's market job, which is much like two full time jobs - so little time left over. But, in the winter, I bake bread. I make a very simple recipe that is sooooooo very good. You will love it. I've been making this bread twenty plus years.<div><br /></div><div>Here is the recipe:</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh9KhP8XDYBB9Is0b38R6sVSq2mMQZlOyoTuvVNNgpk390OdPxQj0eaDhzLn2zbodz6Z6FNAC6BkYdtZzvYIoa98QCkEkGyyQif9SkItaU-pYKwrSfxPpHaa900mMPso8q8Psjba_3SJE/s200/2010+baking+fresh+mini+loaves.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568475390074612242" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>5-6 cups flour</div><div>1 tablespoon salt</div><div>2 tablespoons shortening</div><div>3 tablespoons sweetener</div><div>2 pkgs. yeast (3 1/4 tsp.)</div><div>2 1/4 cups warm (about 110 deg. F) water</div><div><br /></div><div>To be less vague regarding the ingredients...when I say flour, I mean good flour - not a cheap brand. This really makes a difference in the taste and texture of your bread. My favorite flour is Kings flour, but Hodges is good, too. And, I'm sure there are other brands. I don't care if I have bread flour or regular flour, but I do care if it is a good flour. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I use sea salt, old-fashioned lard (NOT ultra refined - yuck!), and usually brown sugar. I've also used honey and molasses. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I live in an area of limestone hard water. So, I used distilled water for my bread. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Before you begin, use an olive oil spray or some shortening and coat 2 loaf pans or 2 cookie sheets and 1 large mixing bowl. You also need a lightweight towel (I use cloth diapers I purchase</div><div> for this purpose) big enough to cover the bowl and the 2 pans.</div><div><br /></div><div>I get a big stainless steel bowl (about 6 quart size), and measure 2 cups flour into the bowl. I add all the ingredients except the yeast and water.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5kdn8h3p_0Mn3iGEQRed4NzsIq0vnsk7pyNYTdiVfsPbn6N-ZSlnn5zc-iwmUQx1NWmpgQt2fvkydP5sJLJOVYtuDady-mn0uFVes7Qyk9zpWbE8Ls4HSbvg7POt_Ei1kNXmBoMHJy5Q/s320/2009+bread+making+focaccia+bread+3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568472409208898482" /><div>When the water is warm, I add the yeast and then quickly add the measured water. I stir vigorously with a whisk for one minute. Then, I switch to a spoon and start adding the flour 1/2 cup at a time until I reach a dough that will come out of the bowl fairly easy. Using the spoon and a bit extra flour, I scrape the dough onto a floured surface and knead this dough while adding flour until I get a fairly firm dough - one that will turn in a bowl with little stretching.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEkUzub-jzcji4p_XKU6kPvg_mYq6iUzaPtGb6luMrdvG_K3H667cu5FiLSyWJdum9zEla1H5FCBRg7s3z640-XAfol_AWSwmcJEoF33oS7yywqj8R1eJP9YUhog7GumNC1s5bCiHT_SX/s320/2009+bread+making+focaccia+bread+5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568470666394212594" /><div>This will take a few minutes, even up to 10. Then, I put this dough into the bowl and turn it over once to coat the whole dough with the oil/shortening coating. Then, I</div><div>place this bowl in a warm draft free spot for about an hour, covered with a lightweight cloth. We want the dough almost doubled. If you poke it with your finger, it should leave a hole where your finger was - it is ready.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5QH5mB6HnLiZLEzCZ79qsrDfxqgM4U-_g_R1EbBZ6IehFpIN6q-My665zRV-51J4DTvHLaVKwSRDMmvWUXgFUty14Hs2CQIfUdYRInf9TMrn5rFw5x50pH07o9XE7kJUs8VEqPmGC0N8/s200/2009+bread+making+focaccia+bread+7.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 141px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568465151213649858" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hour is up, and I punch down the dough while simultaneously pulling it out of the bowl onto a newly cleaned and re-floured surface. I split it in two - cover one half and work the other. I enjoy most individual rolls, so I elongate the piece with my hands, much like the shape of a French or</div><div>Italian bread, and then using my dough cutter, I cut 1 1/2 inch slices off, dip them in flour on each side, and lay them on a cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. I can get 18 on each sheet. I do this with both sides. But, you may choose to shape each into a loaf shape and place it in your loaf</div><div> pan. </div><div><br /></div><div>It must now rise. I cover it and set my time for 45 minutes. When that goes off, I turn my </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1MCeACWuCdPCeOoYhPnyuV3a656Z09xIzXMOFyfFmFzvr8ZNGf0lfs3QGYI23FjFYdOmGmS3aqflaYTDfSpg6SxWXKt8iCvE5SB4bLCB7KgDcbkigRlAFitbtAWSVw_MzpnJ5bgf__Cf/s320/making+bread+rising+909.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 122px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568464208396038738" /><div>oven on between 375 and 400 deg. F. When preheated, I bake one pan at a time for 16-17 minutes. For a loaf bread, bake both loaves together and check for doneness beginning 22-23 minutes. You should be able to tap it and it sound hollow. For the mini breads, you want a top that is starting to brown.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Slide them off the sheet when done, and cool them on a rack. You can then place them in freezer bags and thaw one at a time for use. They usually take 15-20 minutes to thaw. Very convenient.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlIjiMa-Q0s6DrBLGFI1ZMaxsHz5Jt1SStcwhNZj941NJX8fr1nOhpvkPUThDu2CB3q6_OlaCyXshVdtqWWKRGIwdZIGdYTBLsIhgKSMbzCatC2D48AHcek7ZO6TrCwF3MN_iN2gUfRmC/s320/making+bread+909.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568463512866853714" /></div><div>Or, take the loaf out of the pan immediately and cool it on a rack. Loaves may be frozen, too. I have to wrap mine in plastic as there were no sizes of resealable bags big enough for the loaf. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, that is it! It is so easy if you have a few hours to spare and ingredients on hand - what a lovely thing to do for yourself and your loved ones. Healthy and economical, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks again, kathleen</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTibyxhBiRI1JYU4xM7sU_oPx-gSI2SckXkg8cti8E0-3iFwiNZBvskMFpCdR6f-q2MboFgiH-tNiLFekBIKpd2p3pj1lNlujCAHJNVf45m2Q5lPx86GOpGOYNrlVY1Nt0MNBvDZxQUsk/s320/2010+baking+english+muffins.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568474271306058594" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Notes: </div><div>1. The bread dough in the pics from the steel bowl to the glass bowls is focaccia bread.</div><div>2. Additives are many and varied. Watch amounts only with respect to the bread holding together. Ground sausage, cinnamon and sugar, dill and rosemary, substitute 1 cup wheat flour - no one will ever know, etc.</div><div>3. You can make English muffins with a few variations to this standard recipe.</div><div>4. Prepare to eat the first one out of the oven with some butter - best food!</div><div><br /></div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-59082489270752260222010-06-07T07:56:00.013-04:002010-06-07T11:27:45.303-04:00Follow Up On Making Comfrey SalveHi <div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmIlyTVPcrKmqBYc-A0K_8ghFlyJKinqsg55vv1UBSRmuoF2VngXIkg5uD_YPFXLxigMgJtve7u0iWs7RoI6q2J5GRTWDbdsmnNz95ird7NGTHvZex_fcXQ5HjZGw5iID3ZoJRAidz7iu/s1600/2009+comfrey+salve+10.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480020401398500754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmIlyTVPcrKmqBYc-A0K_8ghFlyJKinqsg55vv1UBSRmuoF2VngXIkg5uD_YPFXLxigMgJtve7u0iWs7RoI6q2J5GRTWDbdsmnNz95ird7NGTHvZex_fcXQ5HjZGw5iID3ZoJRAidz7iu/s200/2009+comfrey+salve+10.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div>In my comfrey salve post, I never got around to explaining how to make it. Instead, I got involved with the government's involvement in herbs and their uses. Fortunately, I have a reader who reminded me I never explained how to make the salve. So, today, I'm going to do just that. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UTh6iSbq9b9hcotccVb_psgpCsbic2TgVubCyk2OCZC4WIn_tAufBWfbtJCbPXSapwRXpb3bk5A3hK9nVyNfrF2BXCcSwU4joc50p293_V4r7H1UYelOvfxCXKFtQYlWNsVO2KSnhfrI/s1600/comfrey_CD1_small.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 75px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480019541260974994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UTh6iSbq9b9hcotccVb_psgpCsbic2TgVubCyk2OCZC4WIn_tAufBWfbtJCbPXSapwRXpb3bk5A3hK9nVyNfrF2BXCcSwU4joc50p293_V4r7H1UYelOvfxCXKFtQYlWNsVO2KSnhfrI/s200/comfrey_CD1_small.jpg" /></a></div><div>Let's talk a bit about comfrey. It is a perennial herbaceous herb that "contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, C and B12 and more protein in its leaf structure than any other known member of the vegetable kingdom"(1). It is agriculturally grown in many countries for its substance.<br /></div><div>As a pain salve, we are concerned with comfrey's leaves and roots. Here we find allantoin. Allantoin is a protein that is said to promote healing. Check out these very few (out of thousands available) sites on allantoin. It is found in sufficient quantity in comfrey and sugar beets. :)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.cosmedicine.com/catalog/cosmedicine_ingredients_glossary.php&sa=X&ei=l-IMTL2rL8H38Ab92MyJBw&ved=0CBEQpAMoBQ&usg=AFQjCNFGCdZATLL8cAa4_hrM6rIF1k0QfQ">http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.cosmedicine.com/catalog/cosmedicine_ingredients_glossary.php&sa=X&ei=l-IMTL2rL8H38Ab92MyJBw&ved=0CBEQpAMoBQ&usg=AFQjCNFGCdZATLL8cAa4_hrM6rIF1k0QfQ</a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.terralina.com/Glossary-A.php&sa=X&ei=l-IMTL2rL8H38Ab92MyJBw&ved=0CBIQpAMoBg&usg=AFQjCNGhJTgPHL-1sQ7NUmE4R_z-irZ47g">http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.terralina.com/Glossary-A.php&sa=X&ei=l-IMTL2rL8H38Ab92MyJBw&ved=0CBIQpAMoBg&usg=AFQjCNGhJTgPHL-1sQ7NUmE4R_z-irZ47g</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://beautyblitz.com/glossary/list.aspx&sa=X&ei=l-IMTL2rL8H38Ab92MyJBw&ved=0CBMQpAMoBw&usg=AFQjCNF0_dxX32tFf5Uu2YaH06C9Wdkx-A">http://www.google.com/url?q=http://beautyblitz.com/glossary/list.aspx&sa=X&ei=l-IMTL2rL8H38Ab92MyJBw&ved=0CBMQpAMoBw&usg=AFQjCNF0_dxX32tFf5Uu2YaH06C9Wdkx-A</a></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>That said...let's make a salve with it. First, we need to make comfrey oil. After I harvest a whole 2nd or 3rd year comfrey plant (you may not get the whole taproot), I take the leaves off and dry them flat on nylon mesh. I clean the roots and cut them up into pieces and dry them in a very warm and dry spot a couple of weeks to a month. The leaves are dried in a few days.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When all is dried, place a few chopped roots in the bottom of a 2 quart size pot, and then add your crumbled leaves on top of that. Pour in extra virgin olive oil until you have about an inch <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4W3OYxYdVJK1IlIdm7ZeaxdizGJWVIsqnhik8Qg6jCMG3m1M66ofRurnQoOgyKNy_twJdDzDTazrVVDpAsWDaZUSvYs4Xduu0IPQMLIXriywpF8Tyl1lwnpgjZ3tTZOZd3NlTOe5orIr/s1600/2009+blog+herbal+oils.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480018169221247410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4W3OYxYdVJK1IlIdm7ZeaxdizGJWVIsqnhik8Qg6jCMG3m1M66ofRurnQoOgyKNy_twJdDzDTazrVVDpAsWDaZUSvYs4Xduu0IPQMLIXriywpF8Tyl1lwnpgjZ3tTZOZd3NlTOe5orIr/s320/2009+blog+herbal+oils.jpg" /></a>over the herb. Place on stove top range at low heat (you should be able to touch the pot throughout the whole 6 or more hours you are steeping the herb), stirring about every 15 minutes to help release the properties of the herb. After 6-8 hours, strain the oil through cheesecloth into a glass container.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to forgo the salve, you may use this oil in place of it. It will keep properly stored (cool and dark) up to a year. If you want to make a salve, read on...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I like to add ingredients to a salve that help the purpose of the salve. If this is for joint pain, and I use it for such, then I add ingredients that are said to sink in and help with pain. I add shea butter to my salve, as well as aloe butter for any topical pain. I add emu oil on the liquid side with a bit of tocopherol for a longer shelf life. Then, I add a blend of essential oils that are also said to aid in deep seated and/or joint pain. In my particular salve, I use a couple more herbs in the herbal oil process, as well. I add spicebush berry dried and ground, and I add meadowsweet herb that is said to contain salicylic acid. But, you may or may not add other herbs to your oil. I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdNqLa1ETakyWH3-VFjCw5svPqwYmzYyOu3GhvHCMX9LlPZgIgifbcE1xxODatlF8mRLo9MCXXZzS3pR0kMBorBLgD4TQ4F1J4lGrr25iZcXSoUQThceFWfnEcwvpRl_hactVeWHyKyjl/s1600/2009+making+comfrey+salve+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480016118896993826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdNqLa1ETakyWH3-VFjCw5svPqwYmzYyOu3GhvHCMX9LlPZgIgifbcE1xxODatlF8mRLo9MCXXZzS3pR0kMBorBLgD4TQ4F1J4lGrr25iZcXSoUQThceFWfnEcwvpRl_hactVeWHyKyjl/s200/2009+making+comfrey+salve+3.jpg" /></a>don't think it is necessary for pain relief.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I like my wax to be around 15%. Sometimes I'm a little more or less (gardener's salve to First Aid salve), but comfrey is about 15%. I add butter at about 30%, blending a combination of two butters. You may choose to use another butter. Or decrease the butter, and increase your wax up to 10%.<br /></div><div>My herbal oil is at 33%, emu oil at 10% and wheat germ oil at 3% with a bit of tocopherol (.1 ounce per total of 7 ounce of product.<br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzp4KIOqHntWb0boZ81As9p-yZBzNZYwfntMaGJfQdMyG3mOUwK6For4pfysCzF7w_PC-3R7DiucDfkSUAnyaulFMKG0iXPgOq03dpyPHO8e8ukZT3Od2IwBfdEssf6wOVjhDoldfbre_/s1600/2009+making+comfrey+salve+4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480015421913968946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzp4KIOqHntWb0boZ81As9p-yZBzNZYwfntMaGJfQdMyG3mOUwK6For4pfysCzF7w_PC-3R7DiucDfkSUAnyaulFMKG0iXPgOq03dpyPHO8e8ukZT3Od2IwBfdEssf6wOVjhDoldfbre_/s200/2009+making+comfrey+salve+4.jpg" /></a>And, because this salve is a liniment salve, I add 18 drops of essential oil blend per ounce of salve. This is the maximum allowed in using aromatherapy but often recommended for use in a liniment. </div><div><br /></div><div>I use two pyrex measuring cups. I use a postage scale. I make my recipe by weight, and I weigh out the wax and butters in the larger of the two cups. I heat the wax and butter in an open oven, there are many ways to do this. The main goal is to do it thoroughly but not overdo it. If any of these ingredients overheat, you lose a lot of precious properties of the oils and herbs.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpNycrE_2syglK0xk5UIFbojk633LQizxK2_JQKBBvrW0li3dYyXItn0O0buN3z_ksl81Uh8xYxEwVdl8UXbU_dPdHI1aOodugJ478vQbej_0VtloTH0jNkkhG6z2vZmjq1ru6jEfmEfn/s1600/2009+making+comfrey+salve+6.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480013833550780690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpNycrE_2syglK0xk5UIFbojk633LQizxK2_JQKBBvrW0li3dYyXItn0O0buN3z_ksl81Uh8xYxEwVdl8UXbU_dPdHI1aOodugJ478vQbej_0VtloTH0jNkkhG6z2vZmjq1ru6jEfmEfn/s320/2009+making+comfrey+salve+6.jpg" /></a>I measure the liquid ingredients into the smaller of the two cups while the wax and butter are melting. I place this cup in the oven a very few minutes before the wax and butter are melted. I often take out the wax just before it is all melted and stir it to melt it completely. This helps me keep an eye on it and not let it overheat. Then, I take out the warmed liquid oils and slowly pour it into the wax stirring constantly with a wooden skewer stick to incorporate it fully and keep it from solidifying. When I place a drop on my wrist and it doesn't burn (lol), I add my essential oils in the same way I added my liquid oils. I stir, stir, stir. Now it is ready to pour into your prepared containers.<br /><br /></div><div>I often read to let it co<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS__vZswS0952mCK-QEDRD-GInjjKJDXOWGs2a6yG9_xWu2ykjNS3-030WzSeUrlXxuLJzhnQSo4crjEC0O1bnXVxY7jYIioKnw6cbWrh0-OzqwYCSHIg_GV6sKh2EAEkogkQDiXvf9ZK0/s1600/2009+comfrey+salve+12.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480012118648369122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS__vZswS0952mCK-QEDRD-GInjjKJDXOWGs2a6yG9_xWu2ykjNS3-030WzSeUrlXxuLJzhnQSo4crjEC0O1bnXVxY7jYIioKnw6cbWrh0-OzqwYCSHIg_GV6sKh2EAEkogkQDiXvf9ZK0/s400/2009+comfrey+salve+12.jpg" /></a>ol completely before you cap your containers. I do not do this. I cap mine while still warmed but solid.<br /></div><div>And, now you have made comfrey salve. You may apply this technique to any salve you would like to make...using different herbs and oils in the herbal oil process to using different ingredients in your salve recipe and different essential oils to top it off.<br /></div><div>Thanks for reading...Kathleen</div><div> </div><div>(1) <u>Herbs</u>, contributing Editor Lesley Bremness, RD Home Handbooks, Reader's Digest, Pleasantville, NY, 1990.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-72382267697834105562009-12-02T11:28:00.001-05:002009-12-02T11:28:02.226-05:00Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps<a href=http://shar.es/aE9Yh>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-24160048161844205962009-12-02T11:27:00.005-05:002009-12-02T11:27:59.232-05:00Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps<a href=http://shar.es/aE9Yh>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-35998048352811712912009-12-02T11:27:00.003-05:002009-12-02T11:27:58.973-05:00Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps<a href=http://shar.es/aE9Yh>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-86813544340765362962009-12-02T11:27:00.001-05:002009-12-02T11:27:24.259-05:00Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps<a href=http://shar.es/aE9Yh>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-30189685357595598112009-11-16T13:19:00.013-05:002009-11-16T13:59:56.191-05:00Re Batching Cold Processed SoapHi again.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdFRFqxGhek2LWXVHBn5bVdftWA_eMoNBN94ps9lGIMBAfj9HKKCx_9zQr2f-14Eh40CUMGYbjvMKI_cLrV_rcNrPsHGw-zmuQBiVd8RMuaarU6XUz-WwNtvTFT6x28DGQK7RTvHKJ9PN/s320/ablog+909+rebatching+olive+oil+2.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404776647451786914" /><div><br /></div><div>What attracted me to cold process soap making was the idea of re batching this soap. </div><div><br /></div><div>Re batching is taking cold or hot processed soap, melting it down with some liquid, and re molding it for another cure time.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu8poNT1wg0LE0u6RPIxwqSYf3yr0P_Og9yOpKOyYkc41ayqE2mXIk4pc3oFxH0t-rA2DmpfmP50b4Bd912T9FDdgdQHNNFDReRrSQDBENGFKnPZQFr4UcCRszrtaSNjXXq0lFWwdTpgR/s200/ablog+909+rebatching+olive+oil+4.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404775554634885058" /></div><div>Many wonder at those who do this, and most do it to fix a batch of soap they think has gone wrong according to their expectations. The rare person who enjoys this process, because it takes so much longer to have it available for sale, and it takes a lot more involvement with the soap. I was attracted to it to make soap in pretty molds and to be able to scent with more expensive oils.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2Fam8tJMeBk-BOlnZ6NNWMH2oYqIit4qeBP-K6nQCpWdURhz-GY3sKfit8s_I2ibqulPB88sJe-L5s8x8NCzHA2szVBMmEDFwzGSg9zuQHbZiSt2otW8HkhPQ1jBltAz50ZSjq0T742g/s320/ablog+909+rebatching+olive+oil+5.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404774993619172690" /><div><br /></div><div>So, my first 6 batches of loaf soap were unscented so that I could re batch it all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Was I crazy? Then? Because, that is a lot of soap to re batch not knowing what I was getting into. Now? Because, I still try to re batch. With frustrating results, still. Re batching takes so much longer to re cure and seems to lose scent along the way. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next time, I'm using milk...I've heard such good things about using milk with which to melt it down.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnWqFwZm5zbIW9ZWRrGVKVwQciUh5liVfDxi4c7qLHHP-PEcNWDYqZKdyyG1pJJis7oRTCdmyUu_UNfFGxH_qGCKdF3cm41QcOcOtxKLAdzeH7Zt5mniHKCevoYP8E5K2gqZk5jKb8MX4/s320/ablog+909+rebatching+olive+oil+7.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404774467653667042" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Re batching is difficult, because according to how dry your soap base is is how much liquid you add. So, often it is guesswork. You want it to liquefy enough to pour into a mold and allow it to fill all crevasses.</div><div><br /></div><div>My last recipe involved taking a pound of soap to 9 oz. liquid. Still seems a bit much on the liquid end. It melted down and most I was able to pour.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCs_iYl3Bbqo_eWYwcvXVJRXD52fGP-NIawunJ4EEoCsAoyJ1pAFZ0AqjLL9njNJ5zIBIpCCIpEmLDSpD6mO0C0rSVGNOvOi7u4wqPyS6jOspU3L7EnlW47slWmDuej2ztRTimLUlb9zRN/s320/ablog+909+rebatching+olive+oil+8.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404773434529339938" /><div><br /></div><div>This is my first success as far as very hard bars go. The scent is good in some, less in others. But, I am disappointed in the lather of the bar. I guess adding water to a completed soap might mess the lather properties up. It is harder than cold processed soap, but doesn't lather as well. I like my soap to lather and smell good.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGx2BzXd214G9oqbwkKCzqFtNPDQOfIENopVpLbuglyQ_KL5Y8GYsvFez6kMI4QztC08wQ-Xz7koPKXkwbs092t3hcSX3JYHGANSBAZ7vTcKjOExU2KDBYezpkqMzoS2o3v-BupYDfOI5/s320/ablog+909+rebatching+olive+oil+10.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404772798881217682" /></div><div>So, it is back to the drawing board once again, because I would like to be able to tell someone how to re batch soap with some measure of confidence.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWUc7QDmvSy9XPtAYjvYUDa8fRt6HBM5IL0Ll1ed-7nZJuHoqIBwft7bqTLfp4jLkO_bks3DD-cqhd93aMDbvwIe3-FS-U2xdTUdgtBdE-FeF2dupVfFUbHK1moP5P7mo7GwYwYYaN-4j/s320/ablog+909+rebatching+olive+oil+12.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404772226646816130" /><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading. :)SCH</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-72842956261397256012009-11-04T13:42:00.015-05:002009-11-04T15:37:29.785-05:00Making Comfrey Salve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccuD8JPFVLWBp_YVqwVddh2EHmXc1dZKNxBH7_lFnpo6FusQk33h03mSoXjgVePDd13uWTE9nHJgbGV7dIxCRK6T-r_bLU50aGsN4K7wB1-vIpQcNPlxZr9mAJauuBExs9bIImHPGoafD/s1600-h/2009+making+comfrey+salve+2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccuD8JPFVLWBp_YVqwVddh2EHmXc1dZKNxBH7_lFnpo6FusQk33h03mSoXjgVePDd13uWTE9nHJgbGV7dIxCRK6T-r_bLU50aGsN4K7wB1-vIpQcNPlxZr9mAJauuBExs9bIImHPGoafD/s200/2009+making+comfrey+salve+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400350064534849682" /></a><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAzd5AB7sAq9dVldVdbsmtLnTbhHe9r31sPX0bebXRqLNby3qE8IRtGOvjo1qfub_n3ESV6nbiPxVf6Fn0tDffue5BqeAJTEnVp8E-fUyER2z6P4iW6fLMrQGxyU04xUQdhYDWYig1QiW/s200/2009+making+comfrey+salve.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 122px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400347946158581186" />Hi Salve makers and those who want to learn:<div><br /><div>I make a lot of salves that sell extremely well, especially locally. I make a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">calendula</span> salve that is fragrance free, uses herbs of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">calendula</span>, st. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">johnswort</span>, and chamomile, that is often used by Moms and Dads for their young ones as a first aid salve of yore.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is my most popular selling salve. I suppose</div><div> this equates, in large measure, to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">arnica</span> salve. Both herbs are traditional pain relieving herbs.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDtryx2kal6Dho1BmL8MX-8cdSNWhxtOzChx0I7t_M17uqK-Zg8yOkd1p0UDq0WD6nzOmSV2g00_Jt6_oIE5vR0mXLoqFEX_F-bN_v7QnQtoYSm68CpnkM0goHmP6sBVE2BOiwSVyOcrh/s200/2009+making+comfrey+salve+3.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 162px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400347256037478034" /><div>Now, I just left the FDA site on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">do's</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">don'ts</span> as far as claims of drugs v. cosmetics v. soap. It kind of reads like so many synthetic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">otc</span> drugs and cosmetics - what the heck is it saying? I come away</div><div> thinking I am not to make any claims for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">comfrey</span> or other herbs </div><div>as far as their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">treatabilities</span>. Not a word, I know, but doesn't it make sense?</div><div><br /></div><div>Supposedly, the FDA is protecting us from those who would sell us a product that doesn't do a thing it's claimed to do. But, now there are studies out on some herbs that actually validate some old </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEQlQAEKxfp8c_RgC80vf-p1Vpmn8s8h1bRuJZBCiRZZOUVCRPvYZF9VxhdFf0uv4xIuQAjnBtTW8K_JKzjGF3Cniv8t84nnYStBSTJHSHunnytne1uYgmrMjioMeBapsixh5VBpcMNWL/s200/2009+making+comfrey+salve+4.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 154px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400346814716219154" /><div>traditional claims.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd like to say it's not my war; but, </div><div>you see, it is. I make a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">comfrey</span> salve, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">calendula</span> salve, a lavender salve, etc. This is my question to the FDA: what do I tell my customer when they ask me why I make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">comfrey</span> salve?</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPygZHETXpegO71Ym4oFWFofAU_Hw2Vma_Jqkg5eCbCkWPNSVxi-1cjs_DasBfC11WvguPlsnzVK5jpMk4NOq82urMjt0xAIhREvBCpe5jhwH5YhC7AetydcRdz4oykWEr8T7BwuCtJCB2/s200/2009+making+comfrey+salve+6.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400348961158762834" /><div><br /></div><div>This is what it boils down to, though, for you and me...it boils down</div><div> to being responsible for your own treatment. It means doing the research and finding those sources you trust and learning</div><div>your own body's responses to certain treatments. And, if we could count on all of us to be that</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPSPID3wAhtlZCbi2xyTWquIYTRZIlmZUKW-C4HIEQmArtcFKtQiy934l2LL6Px0cHjSyauPzBcg4zJPSL2mq8iqtw8Aicc1c60ol9Qr6tCBxDgs-arwNUMNlbIZq0sSbjDmS5fcKpH-s/s200/2009+comfrey+salve+10.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400336590044426354" /><div> way, we wouldn't need an FDA!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, this is a post on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">comfrey</span> salve making. Ha ha...I forgot to tell you how to make the salve.</div><div>:)k</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFidJx9baw6QjdNmTkr9jQM0Jaxya7xb-yz1yh4heiT5kQ1DS4ANB_Qd4DEOPejHCwPAJ_9RJNwwHLsO8GkzXk1qBJx2HJPbr4caAQ2w3iIleFijSVYmQPovc5rbMMThe0EIDQv8iiac7/s200/2009+making+comfrey+salve+7.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400331955772753042" /></div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-63240259767920872372009-11-01T08:02:00.011-05:002009-11-04T09:52:40.399-05:00Dead Sea Mud PakHi<br /><div><br /></div><div>I am going to be writing my next few posts on new products I'm introducing in my Etsy shop. In my posts, we are going to be writing about how it is made and why. I'm not giving my recipes away, but I am going to point you in the right direction in the making of them.<br /></div><br /><div>Also, many home persons enjoy making their own skin care products as a hobby - this is also for them.<br /></div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399158521463547618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9oPmhxEAVnJ-OTfwf464pFbgLVohJvtODMf0FFhggmJ1jm6xWByGMMOktGiCDrDanSIeTPkhAaJq-QG92bfPqpDMt4htF3rDqzRefFbClOgUZVt529TvstOsk1SDFeVNyx4VRdVwXVHu/s200/2009+mask+dead+sea+3.jpg" /> <div>The first item I would like to introduce and write about is my Dead Sea Mud Pak. This product or raw ingredient is good as is. It does not need an add; however, it is what I do. I thought hard about what exactly to add - I wanted my mud to be enhanced and not overwhelmed by other ingredients.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since my targeted market is maturing, dry, and menopausal skin, I chose aloe vera and carrot seed essential oil as adds to this lovely mud.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/aloe-vera-gel-juice-decolorized-p-530.html">New Directions Aromatics</a> writes this about aloe: "<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 16px;font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Aloe Vera is well respected for its application as a moisturizing agent. It contains vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene (a precursor of vitamin A)."</span></span></div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 118px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 89px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399157964384039298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCKVHk2jbhgOe4fM08I924jVgUJWyqUK_ne9C-aT-Jzjy61ERG4SbPLpY8QWh9Vn1YTpFxRrzoEh63e5S7rOc9DYB-2P8qu-pMI5zoPih8Wnj5DHdc_Aptv6iBsysfIAGc3mxPP0Nw8bA/s200/aloe+plant+3.jpg" /> <div><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 16px;font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal;font-family:Georgia, serif;" class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-aloe-vera.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Herb Wisdom</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> writes:</span></span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16;" class="Apple-style-span" > <span style="COLOR: rgb(104,104,104);font-family:tahoma, helvetica;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">loe vera contains protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and is naturally rich in:</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(104,104,104);font-family:tahoma, helvetica;font-size:11;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Vitamin C</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> which helps maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation and is essential to the health of the adrenal gland which supports our body in times of stress.</span></span> <div><span style="COLOR: rgb(104,104,104);font-family:tahoma, helvetica;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Amino acids</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> which are chains of atoms constructing protein in our body. </span></span></div><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(104,104,104);font-family:tahoma, helvetica;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Enzymes</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, which are the life-principle in every live, organic atom and molecule of natural raw food, rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.</span></span> <div><span style="COLOR: rgb(104,104,104);font-family:tahoma, helvetica;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Germanium</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> which is a mineral that some health authorities claim therapeutic benefits for: immunodeficiency, pain, cardiac disorders, circulatory disturbances and eye problems.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:tahoma, helvetica;color:#686868;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><div>So, this is a lot of good reason to include aloe vera in my Mud Pak. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also add carrot seed essential oil. This is considered one of the most potent and</div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 121px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 101px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399156191873549058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWF5ys2sgAN8DOkmBI1fzKD3hroh2zABKQMu9dSoIfIPhCyIqlqJSwg1OgVcwqZ0RWFwa4e8BJ-YZ8CfwLiJSrxOMg4CHjlN7JYX8xDrM0S86aN_OXj32Vhwk1ahIRIIsz-G4Kj3I6jxe/s200/carrots.jpg" /> <div>effective maturing skin care essential oil as it is rich in beta carotene, a much needed chemical for our glowing and thriving skin. I give several reasons to use carrot seed oil in my product under my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33431262">description</a> listing at the shop.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you are making your own Dead Sea Mud Pak product, this is what you may want to consider:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Use very little of each add so as not to disrupt too much the consistency of Dead Sea mud.</div><div>2. Do not include many adds for the same reason.</div><div>3. Attempt to use ingredients that enhance the consistency, like gels, thick rich skin care oils, a touch of powder, etc.</div><div>4. The natural aroma of Dead Sea Mud is actually quite refreshing. I thought the carrot seed oil would enhance this aroma if used minimally. You can get a whiff of the carrot, but the aroma of the mud still comes through - cool.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for reading! Now, go and put some mud on your face and enjoy those benefits!!!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-45077312246705077802009-08-22T10:45:00.021-04:002009-08-23T20:30:34.944-04:00Sea Salt Soap?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42tOe5xRA9k-fdJI5R8IlH19NkZ8c3vw5R8OAc0rfkbpLPf-vFcOt6p3WtCDG2a_5IHEPNg71yEx_saxK0bMDMuAQnlJ7GvPKqEDmjQ4j8NLIQiSemUR_GMu1iAR8Mof7OZ1RCB7xj-tN/s1600-h/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42tOe5xRA9k-fdJI5R8IlH19NkZ8c3vw5R8OAc0rfkbpLPf-vFcOt6p3WtCDG2a_5IHEPNg71yEx_saxK0bMDMuAQnlJ7GvPKqEDmjQ4j8NLIQiSemUR_GMu1iAR8Mof7OZ1RCB7xj-tN/s320/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373302346913198898" /></a>A new soap for Sweet Creek Herbs, sea salt soap.<div><br /></div><div>I learned all about this soap online. I own several soap books, but none of them mention this soap. And, in my opinion, they are missing one heck of a soap.<div><br /></div><div>The concept of this soap is to add just about as much salt as you do oils. Most use as much, some use 80% as much. I used 100% weight of the oils. A 3 1/2 lb. batch of soap oils uses 3 1/2 lbs. fine sea salt. Actually, I used 3 lbs. 5 ounces with 3 ounces of Celtic grey salt, a slightly bigger grain salt. But, it equaled 3 1/2 pounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>In order to make a salt soap that lathers well, you have to use a lot of coconut oil. Coconut oil produces big bubbly lather in soap, even in cold sea water (filled with salt). This is why it is used in salt soap and at a high percentage. I use 75% coconut oil in this soap, along with 25% blend of avocado and castor oils. I superfat at 16.5% to make up for the huge amount of coconut oil, and discount my water 20% (using 20 ounces purified water).</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObXrY6d0yOiMlBoFP2yBRCXI7O127-7PLeTcyS4WP86Yjj1beFDqA1OiVY4KlitTzZ5Mk5R-ILQodzIdaWP-dCjUYnxAgJJQeSsuztSUbgmqWAN7lp1c6ZG7HQwPMNbvhtv38ODu3vuTw/s1600-h/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObXrY6d0yOiMlBoFP2yBRCXI7O127-7PLeTcyS4WP86Yjj1beFDqA1OiVY4KlitTzZ5Mk5R-ILQodzIdaWP-dCjUYnxAgJJQeSsuztSUbgmqWAN7lp1c6ZG7HQwPMNbvhtv38ODu3vuTw/s320/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373301797715596738" /></a>After the soap has lightly traced, and the colorant and essential or fragrance oils have been added, stick blend or stir until the soap comes to a medium trace. Add the salt at a steady rate while hand stirring. Add all of the salt and mix it in well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuu-hKl7kxB_tdmXYn4c3i39PArkyOuJnnQTwpzRqQB5rkCXZWNQ9wBhXuI-TOjrvU_j4dW5KMt95uWmDcH6tkXvEEbxBfz45jMCFAwCc8TuEVaKbZuBS0Pc9f22kLcHMS-vZXBtPlfIJ/s1600-h/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuu-hKl7kxB_tdmXYn4c3i39PArkyOuJnnQTwpzRqQB5rkCXZWNQ9wBhXuI-TOjrvU_j4dW5KMt95uWmDcH6tkXvEEbxBfz45jMCFAwCc8TuEVaKbZuBS0Pc9f22kLcHMS-vZXBtPlfIJ/s200/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373299991345633810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS57R6cvhIcY8PffLMsUO1MwQzqD7LXBgP46ut-MwoZiYrycn3ltJ5aLMpGlbP1l28rhT68Oe9FZ-dvyjVVsSF6UsNKdDVhEHnB9OIoXHSMZ2tja81iFNX7jb6DWYOhi8z_fE69ygUkom/s1600-h/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+7.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></a><div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After the salt soap is completely mixed well, pour it into your prepared molds. I line my molds with plastic trash bags, and after the soap is poured, I cover it with saran wrap plastic. I was a little bit concerned about the plastic wrap the first time I made this soap, because for the first time in my soap making experience, I'm putting a soap in the oven.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR-2YKQ9EhUYEH1zhjMS9oYOROc1xIKKyrmZRbmK3dx01jUR52JaTTxz-LYXPvdsVxFuNjRSnpAfc7I1QoNZCOs2CfCkZSGST1B2CiJ2D2IPLX9RY34uywRxrOIBsxYuw515jZhHE1674/s200/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+7.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 96px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373300770258501554" /><div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHayjUgJToL2JnqZCwu6Nf-a5fJfWLAPyUR7x6O1Qx-bz6NDxa0VE05IaS4CWaMHWBwsAmMDie_jqr50TvWLky_zDP5ZRTGxkl4moPKT0y2BDArmXUzwQBQ29H1CVJYE3JqtMVIn_LBUI/s200/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373298909424869458" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /></div><div>The first time I made a salt soap, I did not do this, and it was a tough job cutting it without crumbling on me. So, I read this advice of putting it in a low temp. oven (I use "warm"), and then shutting the oven off for two hours. Then, take the soap out and immediately cut it.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that's what I did the second and subsequent times, and it works very, very well. No crumbling, beautiful cut salt bars. The soap is quite warm when I cut it, but it handles superbly.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQUtxsCAvkSmDpzrVj183Sst2y3o2ZU8KMbrkcYBhoAYIxXpWP20wokSA-0tGKtj-K41lNU8Rje2-Sz2rUZM1OccFc-R0HqkF8Eg8Za1oA7jV2uQ2ah2YHYnoA98GWqIv6f4NCZYV5pi0/s1600-h/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+11.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQUtxsCAvkSmDpzrVj183Sst2y3o2ZU8KMbrkcYBhoAYIxXpWP20wokSA-0tGKtj-K41lNU8Rje2-Sz2rUZM1OccFc-R0HqkF8Eg8Za1oA7jV2uQ2ah2YHYnoA98GWqIv6f4NCZYV5pi0/s320/making+soap+lavender+salt+aug+2009+11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373298455729219666" /></a>And, this recipe and process produces an awesome soap. This one has two different ultramarines to make this color, as well as lavender and rosemary essential oils. It is my favorite sea salt soap so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've just listed this soap at my Etsy shop. I'm taking it out to the Appalachian Fair tomorrow, too. It has cured for over three weeks, (I've been using it for two of those weeks:), and I'm excited to introduce this new product among my other wares.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would love to hear about your salt soap making experiences. Thank you for reading mine.</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177585530571892903.post-575936321398696252009-08-10T15:50:00.011-04:002009-08-10T16:52:50.103-04:00Olive Oil Soap MakingI come to soap making with these skills...self-taught baker, crocheter, recent college grad, some knowledge and practice of herbs, patience, and curiosity. And, after browsing the web 24/7 since March 2008, I consider it lucky I didn't use the web to learn soap making. There are more don'ts than dos, and I have learned in my life that just because it is written doesn't make it right.<div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDfFrg9PlGr9Elj7YEnUJQqj9mgsha5v2NALgHV9m3SYq_96zqvpFQpDa1QZa29C0G1Q2I_iZXuJA-4dMVqz8ZEA9T4fEn36HiaGiuduy91qSK_DIgKdsTtBwBRzi1G1BAcCAiwgCR4Kj/s200/making+soap+olive+oil+aug+2009+2.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368440250450808514" /><div>That being said, I make my unscented olive oil soap with 100 and 2 1/2 percent extra virgin olive oil. According to much of Internet reading, that is a no-n0.</div><div><br /></div><div>The reason for this, mostly, is because it takes a bit to trace. When a soaper gets used to a stick blender, they are used to a soap that traces rather quickly, in a matter of 2-3 minutes. I have created two recipes in which I must stir the soap from beginning to end, it traces so quick. This soap I make with extra virgin olive oil takes more than 2-3 minutes, but not more than 10, which is a long time to stick blend to trace, but I can get it to medium trace in that time. This</div><div>creates an awesome, the most awesome, soap anywhere.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh6hvVwWKoR3FANkLZ8b2wiLsyAk1YkTGnf4ffoOM02nbGUppyGmI99l0jmWLzjGTMBfcf_wH6Sw-HqgFFq4RTSLop7bMGztzLFuUYdSNTlWy-A8YcYMImwto9FAzjiEqjrfTaHUOBrn7/s200/making+soap+olive+oil+aug+2009+3.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 190px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368439377296780018" /><br /></div><div>I have learned that some soapers use grade A olive oil, pomace olive oil, or a mix of the two with some extra olive oil thrown in. Pomace oil traces rather quickly for an olive oil. I've learned since that some soapers call their soaps olive oil soaps and there is not even a majority of olive oil in the soap! Another reason these soaps are a no-no, they are considered non-lathering. Well, grate a few pinches and put it in your dishwater - bubbles galore.Then, I've learn that my attitude toward olive oil soaps makes me a soaper snob. So be it!</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkktC24WZHBHWNjk7bVDmvuqXR73MBBcMrGlnwFw7e0hiXjZWJKsr70dvgqSRY4kcjiWXaMg484-AVM3X9m64l0_HD9yTxxARIoEjKRmM3TRt8uDoF7BjqG2J1rQTtVIcV7glrk3xZeE0J/s200/making+soap+olive+oil+aug+2009+5.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368438981438778514" /><div>I will tell you I've tried them all, even the olive oil soaps with other oils used to make the soap. I have read that some think that soap is soap no matter what is used to get there. That may be true - I've not discovered a chemical breakdown in differently made soaps...still looking, though. If you have tried more than one recipe of soap in the bath/shower, I think you will also think that different oils makes different types soap; whether it be more lathering, longer-lasting, less drying, more creamy, or any other adjective used well with soap.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8uDfrmWurvyLplsVDp5OVCv1ClrMQln99hRko-FDcc4RvCJFMJOfoPqaxVS7bViO1crAMxtP77r5szK-LlKePKGWMw4KAu9kosXoJU3-ul6QzCOLY5mDFan515IpS_T09i-sxkKNtzxQ/s200/making+soap+olive+oil+aug+2009+6.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368436229528198194" /></div><div>I think olive oil soaps using any olive oil is a good soap, most especially if it is all olive oil. This is my experience. I also think the extra virgin olive oil soap is a superior soap for acne, eczema, rashes, babies, sensitive skin, and other conditions. This seems to be the experience of my customers.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW19FLTfCV111CoQxYONqtdGzqgfGY02rxHO4muIiVbo3epN_xaup-8KK1qySe82k2JrFtZ5YFAwjVZlODka6Ka17D31caEwuXE7EvqzNeIh57JLmBKlav8sUMpY1zjlb4_rgipHylM8aE/s200/olive+oil+soap+6.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 162px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368438190707209106" /><div>So, run (don't walk - because your personal soaper may change her mind about making this soap with the expense and little known information about this type of soap) to your personal soaper and buy a bar from her or him right now. You will be so glad you did! :D</div><div><br /></div><div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaps</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Sweet Creek Herbal Soaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15911399889720667046noreply@blogger.com2