What do handcrafted soaps have in common with poetry? Both are made up of simple ingredients, which, when combined skillfully and creatively, are transformed into something beautiful.
"Poets … are conductors of the senses . . .” (Karl Shapiro) Just as poetry is an alchemy of language, resulting in grace and beauty, soapmaking by hand transforms simple oils, lye, and water into creamy, luxurious soaps and other products that love your skin. Add in evocative scents and natural botanicals, and the possibilities are endless. I make my soaps using the time honored cold process method, in small batches, and each bar is handcut.
I pursue soapmaking as a creative endeavor, making use of pure ingredients, indulging in precious essential oils and fragrances, and appreciating the marvels of natural substances such as herbs, spices, and plant materials. I hope you will enjoy the small indulgences found in the humble bar of soap, lovingly crafted.
Why buy handcrafted soap? Many commercial “soaps” are actually synthetic detergent bars. Manufacturers remove the naturally occurring glycerin and replace it with chemicals that can be harsh on your skin. In contrast, handcrafted soap retains all its natural glycerin. Glycerin is a natural emollient that boosts lather and is gentler to skin. Because of the natural glycerin, handcrafted soap is mild and wonderful to your skin. Once you try a handmade soap, you will never go back to commercial bars.
My handcrafted cold process soap is made in small batches, with each recipe tailored to achieve specific qualities meant for your skin. I use high quality oils, botanicals, essential oils, and fragrance oils. I choose and combine specific oils to create bars that are mild for all skin types. Olive and canola oils make wonderfully moisturizing soap for mature skin; tea tree oil, jojoba, and aloe vera work to heal and soothe problem skin; coconut oil and castor oil are added to most of my soaps for their rich lathering properties; palm oil contributes to a hard, long lasting bar. Specialty oils and butters, such as mango butter, shea butter, cocoa butter, rose hip oil, avocado seed oil, and sunflower oil, are added for their emollient and cleansing properties. Botanical additions such as ground oatmeal, rose hips, and calendula contribute skin soothing qualities. Goat’s milk and cream make luxurious moisturizing bath soaps. Specialty bars, such as shaving and shampoo bars, are formulated for high lather and conditioning properties.
Need more reasons? Handmade soap is also environmentally friendly; it is made with sustainable resources. And it is long lasting. A bar of handcrafted soap can last for months if properly cared for (kept dry between uses by storing on a well-draining soap dish).
