Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Just a harmless CP "fix"...

[caption id="attachment_909" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Almond & Amyris CP Soap -with Oatmeal and Honey"][/caption]

With all the inventory-boosting CPOP (Cold-Process-Oven-Process) and HP (Hot Process) homemade soaps I've done in the last month, I was craving a session of plain ol' CP (Cold Process) soap-making.  Since this is officially still Christmas Vacation, and really only the Third Day of Christmas -we're taking it way easy here....

However, the soap room called....little dude was wii-ing....surely I could sneak a little time for a harmless CP "fix"....

What a lovely and relaxing 45 minutes!  Got to release a bit of creative energy, minus the crazed "gotta get this done" attitude of the last 8 weeks and (of course, because it didn't really matter) the soap turned out just as I envisioned.  I was in The Soap Zone....relaxed and enjoying the process instead of treating it as a task that must be done.   Amazing how much attitude affects the soap making, isn't it?  Do you all find this to be true, or is it my imagination? 

Hope you're enjoying any "down time" you have as much as we are! :D  ~Becky

15 comments:

Michelle said...

The soap looks great. Yes, I agree that if you are really relaxed and enjoying the process the soap turns out wonderfully. I'm enjoying my time off from work.

Jan said...

Love the look of this one Becky, so yummy!! I agree totally, soap always seems to come out so much better when you can take your time and enjoy it, I've had a few turn out not very good, when I've been in a rush or making it when I really don't feel like it, so not your imagination, tis very real:) and yes, I'm so enjoying not having to rush around like a mad rat trying to get everything done, it is so nice just to sit back and relax for a while and do things because I feel like it and not because I have to, don't suppose it will last too long, so we better enjoy while we can LOL Have a wonderful New Year Becky!

Jennifer Young said...

This one looks AMAZING. Can't wait to see it cut!!! xo Jen

cocobong said...

Totally agree on the rushed batch topic. Fortunately I have never really had to rush a soap batch, but I have been edgy and impatient at times just because...and because of that, well..the soap mirrored all that edgyness. Remember my post about zen soaping? It's just like that. I was supposed to remind you of the early on soaping I do - soap when there is no rush, soap between now and Spring. Get as much of your soaping done, all in the zen spirit. Your soap will show it!
And your A&A soap is looking ever so fine!

Maggie said...

The soaps look so lovely! I love the way you did to the top, that's some skill I wish I had.
Somehow soaps reflect our emotions at the moment, and these ones certainly spell "relaxed"!

thesoapsister said...

Hey Maggie! Thanks for the kind words....the tops are super-easy and fun to do....I use a plastic "meat fork". (I'm sure we all improvise with whatever is around) and make "c"'s along the edges. Like this: start at the top, scrape down the side about 1/2 inch and then make the end of a cursive "c" in an upward motion. Boy, I wish I could show you....I'm left handed, though, so if you're right-handed you would make a counter-clockwise "c".....hope that makes sense. I think the critical part is waiting until the soap is firm enough to really hold the shapes that you make. It's lots of fun and not difficult. Good luck, kiddo!

thesoapsister said...

Thanks Jen, I wish you could smell it! I'll try to post pics later....I'm pretty excited about seeing it cut as well! Happy New Year!

thesoapsister said...

Jan, I love the "mad rat" phrase! LOL! That's EXACTLY how I felt last week... (and I think I looked like one, too....the crazed, darting eyes....trying to remember what was on that list that I left on the kitchen counter....LOL!) Looking foreward to making soap and hopefully selling at a steady, manageable pace in 2011! All the best to you in 2011 as well!

thesoapsister said...

Edgy and impatient are bad?? LOL! (Uh-oh!)

Yes, I do remember your post! I guess I got all zen the other day and didn't know it! :) It was really nice. Thanks for the reminder...(you know I'm easily distracted!) I'm going to "soap early - soap often" in 2011. I also remember your saying how much nicer CP soap is when it's aged a LONG time....right again!
I ran across a couple of "old" bars the other day (probably at least 8-9 months old) that I had overlooked, and they are fabulously hard and the lather is really nice. I'm even more motivated to adopt your early-soaping plan!

I think I'm going to try to create the peaceful atmosphere everytime I soap....I loved Jen's insights regarding positivity with regards to ingredients that she left on your blog....very interesting stuff. It sure can't hurt, right?

Happy New Year Cocobong!

thesoapsister said...

I love a good bit of "down time". I think we may bake some bread today. It's gloomy and yucky outside, so the board games are definitely coming out! I'll be missing this r & r time next week, I'm sure! Happy New Year, Michelle!

Char said...

Wow! That looks good enough to eat! You are a real crafts(wo)man.

thesoapsister said...

Hi Char,

Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. I love reading your blog, and hope you have a wonderful and blessed 2011. Wish you lived close, I would send Angus over for some good spoilin' time! You would be his new "Best Friend Forever" -guaranteed!

Maggie said...

Thanks so much Becky for the instructions! I'll certainly give it a try someday - only I won't expect it to come out as good as these babies!
Happy New Year to you and your family!

Michele said...

Nothing like a good soap"fix." I hope 2011 brings you many, many days of happy soaping. :))

Ambra said...

Happy New Year, Becky! I love that soap, there is something so sophisticated about the light colour. Reminds me of one other one you did. With gold, if I remember rightly. Jummmm, it looks fab. All my best to you in the New Year. I look so much forward to following you in the New Year :)