o This tutorial does not include a recipe so please provide your own recipe.
o A formula containing light-colored oils was used in this tutorial.
o This tutorial is based on 44oz of oils. Longer cook and cool times will be required for larger batches.
o This tutorial includes instructions for basic one-color soap.
o Soap formula calculated using the Soapmaker Calculator
o Lye calculated using the Soapmaker Calculator
o Select Shades from TradewindsFragrance.com were used to color the soap mixture in this tutorial. Other color additives can be substituted. Follow manufacturers instructions. Color(s) achieved depends upon the product base, recipe, fixed oils and fragrance/essential oils used.
o Fragrance Oil from DaystarSoapSupplies.com was used to scent the soap mixture in this tutorial.
o Quickcut System Soap Cutter from ForCraftSake.com was used to cut the soap log in this tutorial.
o This tutorial assumes that the crafter has basic soapmaking skills.



Tools
Stainless steel pot
Stainless steel ladle
Scale
Stick Blender
Oven Mitts
Wooden horizontal log mold dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 x 12.5 inches.
      (Slab molds and vertical log molds can also be used with this technique)
Freezer Paper (or your choice of mold liner)
Rubber spatula
Small glass containers for FO's/EO's and color additives
Protective eyewear
Gloves

Getting Started
Calculate your recipe: weight of oils, lye and water using a Lye Calculator. For this tutorial water is discounted 10% and lye is discounted 7%. For a less dryer soap mixture, reduce water discount and oven temps. Use necessary safety precautions when mixing lye and water.

Weigh color additive and FO or EO.


Mixing
Pre heat oven to 215ºF

Slowly add lye to water stirring well to dissolve all crystals. Let cool. I personally like to let the water/lye mixture sit for 35-45 minutes so that its lukewarm (feel outside of container) before adding to oils. I once added the water/lye mixture to hot oils just after adding the lye to the water. It started to 'volcano', melting my stick blender!!

Measure out oils, hard oils first. Melt hard oils, then remove from heat and add liquid oils. Let cool.

When all lye crystals are dissolved thoroughly, add to oils.

Blend with stick blender until a thin trace is obtained (Fig 1.1).

At thin trace add colorant (Fig 1.2).



Blend until a thick trace is obtained (Fig 1.3). Cover pot.



The Cook
Place covered pot of soap mixture into pre-heated oven for 45-50 minutes (use timer).

Note: Longer cooking times will be required for larger batches. Temperatures vary from oven to oven.

After 30 minutes check soap mixture to make certain that it will not boil over.
Do not stir at this point. (Fig 2.1)



After cook, remove pot from the oven. Your soap will look thick like cookie dough. Stir soap mixture, making certain to incorporate the bottom portion into the rest of your soap. After stirring, your soap should look transparent and resemble applesauce (Fig 2.2)



To cool soap mixture, leave pot uncovered before including any additives especially fragrance and essential oils. The soap mixture must be cooled to a temperature below the fragrance/essential oils' flashpoint.

Note: Longer cooling times will be required for larger batches.


Additives
After cooling, add any fragrance, essential oils, herbs or botanicals to the soap mixtures. Gently "fold" additives into soap mixture to incorporate well into mixture. Work quickly to prevent the soap mixtures from drying out (Fig 3.1).



Pouring/Molding
For this particular formula the soap is dryer than usual. So I spoon, rather than pour the gloppy mixture into a lined, wooden mold. To eliminate any air pockets, tap the mold on your countertop a few times. This also helps the soap mixture settle into the corners of the mold and smoothes out the surface of the soap.

Note: If I don't take a water discount, my soap mixture is always wet enough so that I just have to tap the mold on my countertop to help the soap mixture settle into the corners of the mold. If your soap is a bit on the dry side, use a wooden spatula to "press" the soap mixture into the corners and the bottom of the mold.


Do not cover or insulate (Fig 4.1). Place mold in a cool, well-ventilated dry area.



Finish
After 8 hours, unmold and slice. Air-drying time: 7 to 14 days. (Fig 5.1 & 5.2)



Notes:
Keep in mind if you superfat or include any additives after cook, drying time may increase.
For a less dryer soap mixture, reduce water discount and oven temps.