Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen

In episode 21, Anne-Marie Faiola dives into the art of soap texturing techniques. She begins with an introduction to various techniques that add visual interest and depth to handmade soap. The episode covers the concept of soap trace and its significance in achieving desired textures. Anne-Marie discusses essential materials needed for successful texturing. Listeners are guided through basic techn...

In episode 20, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the role of exfoliants in soapmaking. She starts with a warm welcome and introduces the concept of adding exfoliants to cold process soap for enhanced texture and benefits. Anne-Marie guides listeners on how to effectively incorporate exfoliants into their soap recipes, covering both medium and large exfoliant options. She discusses the variety of textures...

In episode 19, Anne-Marie Faiola shares valuable insights gained from past soapmaking mistakes. She begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the episode, setting the stage for a candid discussion on the lessons learned from common missteps in the soapmaking process. Anne-Marie emphasizes the importance of embracing these mistakes as learning opportunities and offers practical advice for a...

In episode 18, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the captivating world of soap scents. She begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the art of selecting and blending fragrances in soapmaking. Emphasizing the importance of personal preference, Anne-Marie encourages listeners to experiment with different scent combinations to create unique and personalized soaps. Throughout the episode, she sha...

In episode 17, Anne-Marie Faiola dives into the art of scenting cold process soaps. She begins with a welcome and an introduction to the world of soap scenting, setting the stage for an exploration of both essential and fragrance oils. Anne-Marie discusses the extraction processes, benefits, and precautions associated with essential oils, followed by an examination of the composition and selection...

In episode 16, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the diverse world of soapmaking oils and butters. She discusses their unique properties, essential for crafting quality soaps, and covers alternative oils for affordable and luxurious products suited to different skin types. The episode highlights the role of solid oils and butters in enhancing soap hardness and lather, and introduces specialty oils for sk...

In episode 15, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the intriguing topic of vanilla discoloration in cold process soapmaking. The episode begins with a welcome and introduction to the concept of discoloration, particularly when using vanilla fragrances. Anne-Marie delves into the factors that contribute to this phenomenon, using Vanilla Sandalwood Fragrance Oil as a case study. She discusses discoloration c...

In episode 14, Anne-Marie Faiola addresses the common issue of soda ash in cold process soapmaking. The episode opens with a warm welcome and introduction, setting the stage for an in-depth look at understanding and preventing soda ash formation. Anne-Marie explores various strategies to minimize soda ash, including both preventative measures and effective cleaning methods for existing ash. She sh...

In episode 13, Anne-Marie Faiola offers a guide to cold process soap recipes. Starting with soapmaking basics, she explores key factors for successful recipes. Anne-Marie discusses essential base oils and introduces the 30/30/30/10 formula, ideal for beginners. She covers general soapmaking rules, single-oil soaps, and their unique properties. The episode also looks at blending oils and suggests s...

In episode 12, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the nuances of creating lotion and body butter, two essential skincare products in the soapmaking world. The episode begins with an introduction to the differences between lotion and body butter, setting the foundation for understanding their unique characteristics. Anne-Marie then explores the key ingredients used in both products, providing insights i...

In episode 11, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the crucial topic of preservatives in soap and body products. The episode begins with an introduction and an overview, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of preservatives. Anne-Marie explains the importance of preservatives in maintaining the safety and longevity of lotions and body butters, discussing their specific roles in these products. S...

In episode 10, Anne-Marie Faiola introduces the concept of Quick Mixes in soapmaking, highlighting their benefits for both beginners and experienced soapmakers. The episode starts with an overview of Quick Mixes, explaining how these pre-mixed oil blends can simplify the soapmaking process. Anne-Marie then delves into the practical aspects of using Quick Mixes, discussing the different types offer...

In episode 9, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the creative world of soap design, sharing both the joys and the hurdles encountered through multiple attempts. The episode kicks off with an introduction, setting the stage for a discussion on the artistic side of soapmaking. Anne-Marie delves into the fun aspects of designing unique soap creations, while also addressing the challenges that soapmakers migh...

In episode 8, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the topic of dreaded orange spots (DOS) in soapmaking. She begins by introducing DOS and exploring the causes behind this common issue. Emphasizing the importance of using fresh ingredients and proper storage techniques, Anne-Marie provides insights into how these factors can influence the appearance of DOS. The episode also examines the role of superfat...

In episode 7, Anne-Marie Faiola addresses common challenges in soapmaking, offering insights and solutions. The episode begins with an introduction to frequent soapmaking hurdles. Anne-Marie discusses issues such as lye-heavy and soft soap, providing tips on how to avoid and correct these problems. She then covers cracking, overheating, and errors with fragrance oils, highlighting ways to manage t...

Episode number 6 focuses on DIY winter skincare tips and essential care practices. Anne-Marie Faiola introduces the episode with basic winter skincare advice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining skin health during colder months. The discussion moves to exfoliation with a highlight on the Golden Sugar Scrub project, offering a simple yet effective way to rejuvenate the skin. Anne-Marie then s...

Anne-Marie Faiola introduces the fifth episode by exploring the use of clay in bath and beauty projects. She discusses the benefits of incorporating clay into cold process soap and shares methods for doing so effectively. The episode features soap recipes that utilize clay in both cold and melt and pour processes. Anne-Marie also covers how clay can enhance scrubs and bath bombs, providing added t...

Anne-Marie Faiola welcomes listeners to the fourth episode, where she delves into the fundamentals of soapmaking with a focus on glycerin rivers. She explains the science behind glycerin rivers and how they occur in soap. The episode provides strategies for preventing these rivers in your soap batches, ensuring a smoother finish. Anne-Marie also shares valuable tips on managing temperatures and in...

Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the intricacies of gel phase in soapmaking in this episode. She starts by introducing what gel phase is and its importance. The episode then explores the benefits of forcing gel phase and various methods to achieve it. Anne-Marie also covers the reasons some soapmakers may want to prevent gel phase and shares techniques for doing so. The episode concludes with encoura...

Anne-Marie Faiola welcomes listeners to the second episode, focusing on essential soapmaking techniques. She covers choosing the right mold and formulating a hard soap recipe. The benefits of using water discount and sodium lactate are explained in detail. Anne-Marie also discusses how to force gel phase and the best practices for unmolding your soap. The episode concludes with closing remarks and...

Anne-Marie Faiola introduces the basics of soapmaking, discusses choosing the right mold, shares tips for a hard soap recipe, explains water discount and sodium lactate, and covers gel phase and unmolding techniques. She wraps up with a teaser for the next episode.