Very basic learner's recipe

I have been asked several times for a small batch formula for beginning soapmakers to learn with so I thought I would post the recipe we followed when I took my soap making class many years ago.

Unlike today's formulas, this one is measured out by volume rather that by weight which also makes it a bit easier for beginners.  This will make a one pound batch.

Here is the recipe:

1 cup tallow
1/2 cup distilled water (or rain water)
2 TBSP. lye

(If you do not like using beef tallow you may substitute a vegetable shortening but the result will be a softer soap.)

Follow the normal soapmaking procedures (http://www.islandartisansupply.ca/soapmaking/instruction.html) and allow to cure 4 weeks before using.

This is what got me hooked on making soap!

New Lip Balm Tubes

We are happy to announce that we now have natural lip balm tubes in the store. They are an opaque plastic which allows the colour of the contents to show through nicely - great for coloured balms!

New on the Shelf

Burgandy Scarf

Cream Scarf

Liquid Laundry Detergent

I finally had time to try out a recipe for liquid laundry detergent and I am happy to report that it works really well. The formula makes 5 gallons of detergent with just one bar of pure soap and a little bit of borax and washing soda - all available at the grocery store. I will give you more details a little later.

Coconut oil prices

Did you know...

• from May 2010 to May 2011 coconut oil rose in price by 125%
• over the past 5 years it has increased by 259.69%
• over the past 10 years - up by 610.85%
• and from May 1986 - May 2011 we have seen a whopping increase of 800.00 %!!!

Hmmm... I wonder what we paid for a bar of soap in 1986. We should not be surprised if we pay 800% more today!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Here is an inexpensive alternative for dishwasher detergent from Money Talks. We have not tried it yet but it is next on our own 'to do' list.

Dishwasher Detergent

1 cup of borax
1 cup of baking soda
¼ cup of table salt
2 packets (half an ounce) of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid

The amounts listed above will last for 16 loads using one tablespoon for each load.

Bee Balm

This recipe is for a vaseline type jelly which contains no petroleum. It is fantastic for those tender baby bottoms, and we use it ourselves for our own dry, chapped skin. Kelly says it seems to penetrate deeper and last longer than anything else he has tried for his cracked thumbs, and it seems to be the only product which actually gives him relief and healing.


This is adapted from a recipe I found years ago, and is about as easy to make as you can get.


4 ounces sweet almond oil
1 ounce beeswax  (pure beeswax, not the refined white kind)
Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils

Melt the oil and beeswax together using a bain marie or double boiler. When completely melted remove from heat and allow to cool, stirring often. Add the EOs, just a few drops of each, and pour into a jar. Leave the lid off until the product is completely cool.


You can add vitamin e if you want, and change the essential oils to whatever you prefer.   If you are making this product for babies though, and want to use different EOs, be sure to check the safety profile of the essential oils you plan to use first! Lavender and tea tree are both safe, and very healing.


When making this as a baby balm, I like to first infuse the almond oil with calendula petals. You can also change the oil used to olive, grapeseed, apricot, or nearly anything else, or you can use a blend of oils. The sky is the limit!


Have fun with this, and let us know how it works for you!