Mid June 2020

I wanted to take a little time to easily explain the process of making our handcrafted soaps. Here, at Graceful I use the Cold Process Method mixing the Oils with a Lye Solution. Firstly I choose different oils, depending on what properties I want the soap to have. Being a huge Extra Virgin Olive Oil fan, all of my recipes tend to start with EVOO. Other oils I reach for include; Coconut, Grapeseed, Palm, Castor, Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel and Shea & Cocoa Butters. When a soap is planned well in advance, I like to take the time to infuse the chosen oils with botanicals & herbs. Some of my handmade infused oils are still steeping months after making them!

Next, I make a solution using Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) and Liquid (Usually Water). After mixing the oils and lye solution, the magic happens! Chemical reactions occur and that is how soap is made. The mixed ‘batter’ is poured into a mold and allowed to harden overnight. 18-24 hours later, the soap is unmolded and cut. As the newly cut bars of soap cure, they evaporate water. The more time given to cure, the less water in the soap = a longer lasting bar of soap. That is why every single bar of soap is given a minimum of 4 weeks to cure. Even longer for recipes with a very high EVOO content (Castile Bars).

Of course that was a very simple explanation, there are tons more steps and decisions to be made for every creative idea that happens in my studio. But now you have an idea of the process :) 

Upcoming Drops & Dates:

1. Goddess Luxury - June 18th
2. Honey Massage Bars - July 5th
3. Pineapple Sorbet - July 9th
4. Mermaid (Name might change) - July 10th
5. Apple Jax - July 12th 

Updates

• Have you checked out our recently added Add-on items? Natural Sponges & Little Gems
• 31 weeks Pregnant with #2! I will be making these soaps as fast as I can for the next 8 weeks....
• Due to high demand, I have Pineapple Fragrance Oil en route, to make more tiny soap pineapples.
• I will also be working on making a new batch of Birthday Soap, using a new Fragrance Oil / Color Scheme.
• Secret Dessert Soap . To Be Announced 
• I will start unveiling Gift Baskets, and Gift Wrapping soon. 
• I have a few ideas for a contest/give-away in the works, so keep an eye out for that!!

And lastly, I just wanted to thank everyone for all the love you have shown. It makes me so happy to share my passion of Soapin’ with you all. 

-Katrina