Catherine Love~ Ramblings from my Heart and Home

Rebatching or Hand-Milling Soap

OK, for those who are interested, here is my version of "Why and How" to use rebatching soap bases. 

What is rebatching?  Basically, you are taking a base of "plain" soap and adding your own oils, botanicals, fragrances, etc. to it.  Hand-Milling is the proper term, I believe. 

Why?  Well for me as a complete beginner to soapmaking, it's an easy start.  No lye to contend with, etc.  I get to do all the fun stuff without worrying about harsh chemicals and other stuff.

How?  I ordered my soap base from Brambleberry.com and they have instructions for using their base here:  http://www.brambleberry.com/rebatching.html 

If you just want the basic info.:

1. you grate the soap base

2. melt

3. add water or other liquid such as milk

4. then add your "goodies"

5. pour into molds and you're done! 

    Simple as that...sorta!

I'm still waiting to see how (if) my Gardener's Grit bars turn out.  I'll let you know!

Neat

7:42 AM, Tuesday, April 18, 2006 .. Posted by spinninggrandma

Now, THAT sounds like something my energy level can handle!!! Thank you!

Untitled Comment

7:52 AM, Tuesday, April 18, 2006 .. Posted by BackyardTreasures

The Gardener's Grits bar sounds interesting. I hope it turns out for you. Years ago I used to buy a natural soap made by Sappo Hill called, Gardener's Hand Soap, that I really liked. It had cornmeal in it and was lemon scented.

~~Anne

Untitled Comment

3:14 PM, Tuesday, April 18, 2006 .. Posted by Ilona

Rebatching sounds like fun! I've been a bit worried about working with lye too... Now I just need to find a Finnish shop that sells soap base : ) I can't wait to hear how your soap turns out!

Ilona