Handmade Soap

My Mom and I wanted to make soap for years, but I guess we were a little intimidated by the whole process. Well, about six months ago we decided to step out of our comfort zone and go for it. We spent some time collecting supplies and doing lots of research on the internet and in books as well as talking to more seasoned soap makers for advice. We found a great site full of detailed instructions and lots of recipes that was very helpful. www.millersoaps.com.

The first batch of soap that we made was quite an adventure. My mom was pretty nervous about using the lye and right before we got ready to start, she looked at me and said," I don't know if I can do this!" But, we did it and I think it turned out beautifully and we had a great time laughing at ourselves and each other. We looked like the two mad scientists with our goggle, masks, and rubber gloves on. I'll never forget asking Mom a question and she turned around a looked at me and she hadn't realized that her glasses had gon wackadoodle under her goggles and the goggles themselves were all steamed up because she was having a hot flash. I totally cracked up!!!

Well, six months and about 12-15batches of soap later I am feeling ready to get the Lamarguerite Farm name out there. I am going to sell my products in some stores in our area and there is a local tea room that wants to carry it. During the spring and summer I will open our place to the public to sell handmade soaps, herbs, and fresh eggs. You can see more of my product at http://LamargueriteFarm.etsy.com.

All of my soaps are made with natural and organic products. The scents I have made are Rosemary-Mint(most popular), Lemongrass and clary Sage, Lavender Flower, Soothing Oatmeal, and Vanilla Lemon. For spring I am going to add a rose infusion soap, peony, garden scrub bar, and farmgirl garden. I am also working on a rich peppermint foot balm made with shea and cocoa butter.

I have also added a line in honor of my Granny. It's called Granny's Country Kitchen. It was created after the women before us that used everday items from their gardens and pantries to make simple skin care and basic rememdies. The first aid ointment is wonderful. I had a customer tell me that it helped clear a cold sore and is great for minor burns in the kitchen.

One thing I have decided with the life experiences I have had is that I won't let things that I'm afraid of or intimidated by stop me from making the best of every minute of life that I am given. If you are afraid to take that first step, that's all the more reason to do it anyway. Whether you succeed or fail, it's what you took from that experience while you were there!!