Soaps, Lotions and Potions

[kiowa]

I've been really inspired by Scott Cunningham's "Incense, Oils and Brews, and Kate Wests "The Real Witches Kitchen" but haven't attempted anything yet. I'd love to make my own (ritual soaps, and incense, also lotions for various purposes sound good) but it seems a daunting task! Any tips from anyone who has, would be most welcome!! Also, if anyone uses the same regularly, what have been the results? Are they worth the effort, or is it more time/cost effective to buy things ready made?

Thanks
Blessings.

[WulfcwenStar]

All I have tried is making loose incense that is easy and works well. Soap is something I have not attempted. I have heard it can go very wrong so I tend to buy that rather than make it.

[Goth]

I'm going to try my hand at soap making in the next few weeks. I'll let you know how I get on ;D

I'm going to use the 'melt & pour' method. Basically, you melt the soap base in a saucepan and add your own ingredients to it. The mixture then gets poured into moulds and left to set overnight.

I fancy trying these combinations:

Lemon Balm essential oil, honey and oatmeal
Bergamot essential oil and poppy seeds
Lavender essential oil and dried lavender flowers

I'm making these predominantly for Christmas presents (that's if I have any left by Christmas LOL).

I usually buy my soaps, but there's something a bit special about making your own isn't there...especially if it's going to be a gift, or used before a ritual. They may be a little more expensive to make, but they're customised to your needs, it's your own energy that's gone into making them...and it's a real gift from the heart

[Jen]

You've made me want to have a go at soap making too now ;D
I LOVE the sound of bergamot and Poppy Seeds - that sounds so good. Oatmeal in Soap is very good, leaves your skin feeling silky soft.
I've got a few ideas of my own for recipes but they're not tried and tested as yet.

Sunflower and Loofah - used with sunflower oil, bits of Loofah ( great for exfoliating ), and Sunflower Petals.

By the by goth - have you tried ebay for melt and pour?
Very good deals to be had.