The way I create soap...

Above is a photo of my assistant, Rambo, awaiting the next batch of soap. He looks tired, doesn't he?  We have been working very hard to fill orders. Our partner-in-business, Chandra, also pitches in. We depend on Chandra for his invaluable help, primarily the marketing, sales and public relations end. He also whips up batches of cold process soap when needed (no small feat). Chandra is responsible for the photos and documentation of our products. What would we do without him?!
There is another show coming up on Saturday, November 7 in Valley Ranch. The facility is at the corner of Valley Ranch Parkway and MacArthur in Irving. This show benefits the USO, a very worthy cause. Please stop by! Price of admission is a child's book. The show is from 9 - 4 this Saturday. Stop by and say hello!  We have some new "birthstone soaps" to unveil. They are quite lovely. In fact, I am bedazzled by them! Special pricing for these soaps! Get them while they are available!
Rambo, Chandra and I need to have some coffee, or a nap. Rambo thinks that he needs a snack, or a dozen, or two dozen....

I make handmade soaps with premium ingredients that are beneficial to skin and senses. My soap is designed, made, cut and packaged by hand - from start to finish.
The cold process soaps start with food grade oils and fats, preferably organic. From there, I add various luxury ingredients such as exotic butters (mango, shea, avocado, almond) and  amendments to enhance the particular recipe at hand. Some amendments include calendula, rose petals, French clays, coffee, green tea leaves, herbs, honey, yogurt, nuts, seeds, oats. All of these additional items are carefully chosen to enhance and enrich the soap's purpose and meaning.
The soap is aged from 1 - 24 months to ensure mildness. The cold process soaps are usually made in limited editions of very small batches (1-2 lbs). These soaps can be custom-ordered, allowing enough time for the cure (minimum of 1 - 2 months).
Most of my soaps are suitable for vegans, as the base is typically olive, coconut and other food grade vegetable oils. I also make milk-based soaps (goat, cream, half and half). There is also a lard-based recipe that is excellent for winter use (non-vegetarian).
Personally, I find myself returning to that last soap again and again in the bath. It is "old fashioned" with lard, olive and coconut oil, oatmeal and orange oil. I cut it into oversized wedges, like an oat and honey cake. It is nice to have on hand.

For special occasions, I will produce novelty soaps that are usually glycerin-based, melted and poured into molds. There are many themes to choose from - angels, peace, holiday, valentine's day, Celtic (see above photo of Celtic Knot), gardening soaps, floral, wine grapes, gemstones, sea salt and crystal birthstone/geode soaps. I have wine and chocolate soaps ( a romantic choice for St. Valentine's Day), as well as beer soap for St. Patrick's Day. I typically have fun with this last soap by using Irish stout, goat's milk and Irish oats! Very good for the skin!
If you have a particular event in mind, I can suggest some soap varieties. These soaps usually have a 1-2 week turnaround, depending on the amounts ordered.
What you will not find in my soap: Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Artificial Colours, Propylene Glycol and Parabens. I use natural and food grade colorings. I use essential oils for scent, but sometimes the cold process "eats" up the some of the pricey essential oils at an alarming rate. Then, I may turn to fine, yet skin-friendly fragrances for a stronger scent.
None of the soaps are ever tested on animals, although Rambo tries to nibble the packaging from time to time (especially if it is shiny).The soaps are put to the test on Chandra and myself. The dogs and cats get shampooed with the products after quality control. The cold process Triple Mint with mint leaves and parsley swirls is especially good for summer. The pets enjoy the emollient properties of an Oat (both rolled oats and colloidal) Cake with honey, citrus and emu oil (not for vegetarians!) in the cooler months.
All of these fine products are made in America.

Please visit my weblog:
http://criticalalchemy.blogspot.com/