Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen 4453e

In episode 135 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola introduces listeners to the critical topic of working safely with lye, specifically focusing on Potassium Hydroxide in soapmaking. She provides a comprehensive understanding of lye, including proper storage and handling techniques to ensure safety in the soapmaking process. Anne-Marie emphasizes the importance of essential safety gear and tools when working with lye to prevent accidents. She also offers practical advice on how to respond effectively to any incidents involving Potassium Hydroxide. The episode includes a segment highlighting Bramble Berry, the sponsor, offering resources for soapmakers. (0:00) Welcome and episode introduction (0:28) Lye in soapmaking: Understanding, storing, and handling Potassium Hydroxide safely (2:31) Essential safety gear and tools for working with lye (3:29) Responding to accidents with Potassium Hydroxide (4:37) Sponsor: Bramble Berry

In episode 134 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola welcomes listeners to a new session focused on the essentials of preparing soapmaking ingredients and exploring various colorant techniques. She provides detailed guidance on selecting and preparing ingredients to ensure a successful soapmaking process. Anne-Marie also discusses different methods for incorporating colorants, offering tips to achieve vibrant and consistent hues in soap. The episode includes a resource spotlight on BrambleBerry.com, highlighting valuable tools and materials available for soapmakers, enhancing their ability to create beautiful, customized soaps. (0:00) Welcome and Introduction (0:28) Preparing Ingredients and Colorant Techniques (1:40) Resource Spotlight: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 133 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola welcomes listeners to a practical discussion on managing common challenges in soapmaking. She addresses issues such as acceleration, ricing, and discoloration, offering insights into handling these problems effectively. Anne-Marie shares valuable tips for ensuring good soapy behavior, helping soapmakers achieve consistent and successful results. The episode concludes with closing remarks and highlights resources available from Bramble Berry, providing listeners with additional and tools for their soapmaking projects. (0:00) Welcome and episode introduction (1:08) Handling acceleration, ricing, discoloration, and other soap issues (3:06) Tips for ensuring good soapy behavior (3:32) Closing remarks and Bramble Berry resources

In episode 132 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola begins by welcoming listeners and providing an overview of the distinctions between natural and organic in the context of soapmaking. She delves into the nuances of "natural" and "organic" labels, clarifying their meanings and implications for soapmakers. Throughout the episode, Anne-Marie offers key takeaways on using these accurately and responsibly in soapmaking practices. The discussion aims to equip listeners with a clearer understanding of these labels, empowering them to make informed choices in their soapmaking endeavors. (0:00) Welcome and Overview of Natural vs. Organic in Soapmaking (1:51) Understanding "Natural" and "Organic" Labels in Soapmaking (3:07) Key Takeaways on Using Natural and Organic

In episode 131 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola welcomes listeners to an informative discussion on the role of olive oils in soapmaking. She dives into the nuances of testing and using store-bought olive oils, offering practical advice for soapmakers. Anne-Marie shares her recommendations and conclusions from various olive oil tests, emphasizing the importance of choosing reliable vendors. The episode also explores all-olive oil recipes, highlighting their unique qualities. It concludes with a sponsor message from Bramble Berry, featuring their Castile soap products, providing listeners with additional resources for their soapmaking endeavors. (0:00) Welcome and introduction to olive oils in soapmaking (0:24) Testing and using store-bought olive oils in soapmaking (2:24) Recommendations and conclusions from olive oil tests (3:23) The importance of reliable vendors and all-olive oil recipes (4:06) Sponsor: Bramble Berry's Castile soap products

In episode 130 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola opens with an introduction to the episode's focus on creating an efficient soapmaking environment. She explores the importance of organizing your workspace and shares practical decluttering principles to enhance productivity. Anne-Marie discusses the benefits of decluttering, emphasizing how a tidy workspace can improve the soapmaking process and overall creativity. The episode provides listeners with actionable steps to streamline their work area, fostering a more enjoyable and efficient soapmaking experience. (0:00) Introduction to the episode (0:23) Organizing your workspace and decluttering principles (2:09) Benefits of decluttering

In episode 129 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola opens with a warm welcome and sets the stage for a math-focused exploration of soapmaking. She delves into the importance of math, guiding listeners through calculating usage rates and understanding parts and ratios essential for crafting soap. The episode progresses into working with scent blends and the application of percentages in recipes, providing practical insights for soapmakers. Anne-Marie introduces the Lye Calculator, sharing valuable shortcuts and tips for soapy math. The episode concludes with closing remarks, equipping listeners with the mathematical tools to enhance their soapmaking journey. (0:00) Welcome and episode introduction (0:25) Importance of math in soapmaking; Calculating usage rates; Understanding parts and ratios (2:08) Working with scent blends; Using percentages in recipes (3:34) Using the Lye Calculator; Soapy math shortcuts and tips (4:09) Closing remarks

In episode 128 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola begins with a warm welcome, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of lip product crafting. She introduces the "spoon trick," a handy technique for creating lip products, providing listeners with detailed step-by-step instructions. The episode includes a demonstration using Coral Mica and a Lip Balm Base, enhancing the learning experience with practical examples. Anne-Marie encourages listeners to share their own tips and experiences, fostering a sense of community. The episode concludes with a sponsor message from BrambleBerry.com, offering resources for further exploration in soapmaking and beyond. (0:00) Introduction and welcome (0:23) The spoon trick for lip products and step-by-step instructions (1:13) Demonstration with Coral Mica and Lip Balm Base, additional resources, and invitation to share tips (2:13) Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 127 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola kicks off the episode with a warm welcome and an introduction to the day's topics. She takes on a cleaning challenge, addressing the tricky task of cleaning oily and waxy containers using a melt and pour soap base. Anne-Marie highlights the environmental benefits of this approach, sharing tips on how to repurpose soap scraps effectively. Listener engagement is encouraged throughout, adding a community feel to the episode. The episode wraps up with closing remarks, leaving listeners inspired to incorporate sustainable practices into their soapmaking routine. (0:00) Welcome and introduction to the episode (0:32) Cleaning challenge with oily and waxy containers and using melt and pour soap base (1:47) Environmental benefits, repurposing soap scraps, and listener engagement (2:11) Closing remarks

In episode 126 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola welcomes listeners to an exploration of exfoliants in soapmaking, alongside highlights from a recent conference. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of preparing the lye and oil mixture, a crucial step in cold process soapmaking. Anne-Marie then delves into the art of layering soaps with exfoliants and natural colorants, offering tips for achieving beautiful results. Listeners are treated to a showcase of finished soaps and insights from conference attendees. The episode concludes with a dose of inspiration and additional resources for soapmakers eager to expand their craft. (0:00) Welcome and episode introduction (0:26) Overview of exfoliants and conference highlights (2:00) Lye and oil mixture preparation (2:24) Layering with exfoliants and natural colorants (3:28) Finished soap showcase and attendee insights (3:50) Inspiration and additional resources

In episode 125 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola introduces listeners to the art of creating beautiful swirl designs in soapmaking. The episode begins with a discussion on various swirl tools and techniques to enhance soap aesthetics. Anne-Marie provides a video demonstration on resizing swirl tools and explores additional creative projects. She also shares valuable resources on essential oils and DIY projects, offering inspiration for soapmakers looking to expand their repertoire. The episode wraps up with a sponsor message from BrambleBerry.com, guiding listeners to supplies and resources to elevate their soapmaking journey. (0:00) Welcome and introduction to swirl tools and designs (0:59) Video demonstration on resizing swirl tools and additional projects (1:37) Resources on essential oils and DIY projects (1:53) Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 124 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola introduces the world of body butters and scrubs, providing an overview of their benefits and uses. ing her is Marla Bosworth, who shares insights into the formulation of these luxurious skincare products. Listeners are treated to a detailed recipe for a sugar scrub featuring Black Amber and Lavender, perfect for a home spa experience. The discussion extends to understanding oil absorption rates and the art of scenting body butters to achieve the desired aroma. The episode concludes with a mention of BrambleBerry.com, offering resources and supplies for crafting body care products. (0:00) Introduction and overview of body butters and scrubs (0:27) Benefits and formulation of scrubs and body butters with Marla Bosworth (1:46) Recipe: Sugar scrub with Black Amber and Lavender (2:11) Understanding oil absorption rates and scenting body butters (2:58) Conclusion and Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 123 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the historical significance and modern use of tallow in soapmaking. The episode opens with a warm welcome and explores the roots of tallow in traditional soap crafting. Anne-Marie shares guest insights into the unique properties of tallow, followed by a discussion on its production and the benefits it brings to soap formulations. She also covers tallow substitutes and alternatives for those seeking different options. The episode concludes with a mention of additional resources and a sponsor message, providing listeners with tools to enhance their soapmaking experience. (0:00) Welcome and historical insights on tallow in soapmaking (1:00) Guest insights and properties of tallow (2:14) Tallow production and benefits in soapmaking (3:25) Tallow substitutes and alternatives (4:12) Additional resources and sponsor mention

In episode 122 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola emphasizes the importance of safety and organization in the soapmaking process. The episode starts with a warm welcome and essential safety tips to ensure a secure environment while crafting soap. Anne-Marie then delves into the necessary tools and equipment, along with guidance on preparing additives for your soap creations. She highlights the significance of an organized workspace, offering practical advice for efficient setup. The episode concludes with a message from BrambleBerry.com, directing listeners to resources and supplies to their soapmaking endeavors. (0:00) Welcome and Safety Tips (1:17) Tools, Equipment, and Preparing Additives (2:18) Workspace Setup and Organization (3:33) Conclusion and Sponsor Message: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 121 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola focuses on the often-overlooked aspect of cleaning tools and methods in soapmaking. The episode starts with an introduction to the importance of maintaining clean equipment for successful soapmaking. Anne-Marie shares effective cleaning techniques and methods to ensure your tools are ready for use. She also offers final cleanup tips and encourages listeners to contribute their own cleaning strategies. The episode wraps up with a mention of resources and supplies available from BrambleBerry.com, aimed at enhancing the soapmaking experience. (0:00) Introduction to the episode (0:31) Cleaning tools and methods in soapmaking (2:03) Final cleanup tips and call for listener contributions (2:59) Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 120 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola shares valuable insights into creating professional-looking soap. The episode begins with a warm welcome and introduction, setting the stage for Anne-Marie's expert advice. She outlines five essential tips to elevate the appearance of your homemade soap, ensuring it looks polished and expertly crafted. The episode also features a segment highlighting resources and supplies from BrambleBerry.com, providing listeners with access to tools and materials to enhance their soapmaking journey. (0:00) Welcome and introduction (0:19) Five tips for professional-looking soap (2:49) Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 119 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the fun and creativity of hosting a DIY sugar scrub party. The episode begins with an introduction to the concept of crafting a Winter Gardenia Sugar Scrub. Anne-Marie provides a detailed recipe and step-by-step instructions for making this luxurious scrub. She shares tips on setting up and demonstrating the scrub-making process at your party, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests. The episode also touches on incorporating food and drinks to enhance the party atmosphere. Listeners are directed to BrambleBerry.com for additional soapmaking resources and supplies. (0:00) Introduction to Soapmaking 101 with Anne-Marie Faiola (0:33) Hosting a DIY Sugar Scrub Party and Crafting a Winter Gardenia Sugar Scrub (2:03) Detailed Recipe and Step-by-step Instructions for Making Winter Gardenia Sugar Scrub (3:23) Setting Up and Demonstrating the Scrub-making Process at Your Party (4:09) Including Food and Drinks at Your DIY Party (4:31) Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com for More Soapmaking Resources

In episode 118 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola dives into the concept of trace in soapmaking. The episode begins with a welcome and introduction to the topic, explaining the significance of trace in the soapmaking process. Anne-Marie guides listeners through the various stages of trace, offering insights on how to recognize and utilize each stage effectively. She discusses factors that affect trace, including false trace, and examines how ingredients and temperature play a role. The episode concludes with encouragement and practical tips for mastering trace, along with a segment featuring resources and supplies from BrambleBerry.com. (0:00) Welcome and introduction by Anne-Marie Faiola (0:28) Understanding Trace in Soapmaking (1:39) Recognizing and Utilizing Various Stages of Trace (3:54) Factors Affecting Trace and False Trace (5:17) How Ingredients and Temperature Influence Trace (7:10) Encouragement and Tips for Mastering Trace (7:22) Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 117 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola introduces listeners to the essentials of soapmaking, with a focus on understanding and testing pH levels. The episode begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the foundational aspects of soapmaking. Anne-Marie then explains how to test pH using natural indicators, providing practical insights for soapmakers. She addresses the common issue of lye-heavy soap batches, offering solutions to correct them. The episode also includes a segment featuring resources and supplies from BrambleBerry.com, equipping soapmakers with the tools they need to succeed in their craft. (0:00) Welcome and Introduction to Soapmaking 101 (0:17) Understanding and Testing pH in Soapmaking with Natural Indicators (2:15) Addressing Lye Heavy Soap Batches (2:35) Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com Resources and Supplies

In episode 116 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the art of fragrance oil blending. The episode kicks off with an introduction to the categories of fragrance oils, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of blending techniques. Anne-Marie guides listeners through the process of understanding and combining fragrance notes and nuances to create harmonious blends. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating and adjusting fragrance blends to achieve the desired scent profile. The episode wraps up with additional resources for further exploration and closing remarks, offering a comprehensive overview for soapmakers interested in mastering fragrance blending. (0:00) Introduction to fragrance oil blending and categories (1:29) Understanding and blending fragrance notes and nuances (2:30) Evaluating and adjusting your fragrance blend (3:44) Additional resources and closing remarks