Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen

In episode 121 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola focuses on the often-overlooked aspect of cleaning tools and methods in soapmaking. The episode starts with an introduction to the importance of maintaining clean equipment for successful soapmaking. Anne-Marie shares effective cleaning techniques and methods to ensure your tools are ready for use. She also offers final cleanu...

In episode 120 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola shares valuable insights into creating professional-looking soap. The episode begins with a warm welcome and introduction, setting the stage for Anne-Marie's expert advice. She outlines five essential tips to elevate the appearance of your homemade soap, ensuring it looks polished and expertly crafted. The episode also feature...

In episode 119 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the fun and creativity of hosting a DIY sugar scrub party. The episode begins with an introduction to the concept of crafting a Winter Gardenia Sugar Scrub. Anne-Marie provides a detailed recipe and step-by-step instructions for making this luxurious scrub. She shares tips on setting up and demonstrating the scrub-mak...

In episode 118 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola dives into the concept of trace in soapmaking. The episode begins with a welcome and introduction to the topic, explaining the significance of trace in the soapmaking process. Anne-Marie guides listeners through the various stages of trace, offering insights on how to recognize and utilize each stage effectively. She discusses...

In episode 117 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola introduces listeners to the essentials of soapmaking, with a focus on understanding and testing pH levels. The episode begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the foundational aspects of soapmaking. Anne-Marie then explains how to test pH using natural indicators, providing practical insights for soapmakers. She addr...

In episode 116 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the art of fragrance oil blending. The episode kicks off with an introduction to the categories of fragrance oils, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of blending techniques. Anne-Marie guides listeners through the process of understanding and combining fragrance notes and nuances to create harmonious blen...

In episode 115 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the art of rebatching and utilizing soap scraps. The episode begins with a warm welcome and introduction to the topic, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste in soapmaking. Anne-Marie delves into creative techniques for repurposing soap scraps, offering practical advice and inspiration for turning leftovers into...

In episode 114 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the topic of oil substitution in soapmaking. The episode begins with a welcome and introduction to the importance of substituting oils in soap recipes. Anne-Marie discusses the significance of understanding oil properties and the role of the lye calculator in achieving successful substitutions. She explores the dif...

In episode 113 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the art of substituting oils in cold process soapmaking. The episode opens with an introduction to the topic, followed by a deep dive into understanding soap making oils, their SAP values, and characteristics. Anne-Marie provides guidelines and practical examples for substituting oils in soap recipes, focusing on comm...

In episode 112 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the world of two-part silicone molds. The episode begins with a warm welcome back to listeners, setting the stage for an exploration of the advantages and applications of these versatile molds in soapmaking. Anne-Marie shares insights into the benefits of using two-part silicone molds, highlighting their flexibilit...

In episode 111 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola guides listeners through the process of creating Woodgrain Soap. The episode kicks off with a welcome and introduction to this unique soapmaking project. Anne-Marie emphasizes the importance of safety and preparation in soapmaking before detailing the necessary ingredients and tools for the Woodgrain Soap. A comprehensive, ste...

In episode 110 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola provides an in-depth exploration of soap molds, focusing on both silicone and wood types. The episode begins with an introduction and an overview of various molds used in soapmaking. Anne-Marie discusses the challenges of lingering scents and soda ash when using silicone molds and offers solutions for these issues. The episode...

In episode 109 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the benefits and challenges of crafting milk soap. The episode begins with a welcome and an introduction to the unique properties of milk soap, followed by a discussion on the importance of temperature control and the technique of using frozen milk during the lye mixing process. Anne-Marie explains the role of sodium...

In episode 108 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola tackles the intricacies of unmolding soap from plastic molds. The episode opens with an introduction to the challenges and differences faced when working with plastic molds compared to other types. Anne-Marie explores how sodium lactate and recipe adjustments can enhance the unmolding process. A detailed, step-by-step guide to...

In episode 107 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the captivating world of vanilla scents in soapmaking. The episode kicks off with a welcome and introduction to the allure of vanilla fragrances in crafting. Anne-Marie then provides an in-depth understanding of vanilla absolute and essential oils, highlighting their roles and nuances in soap creation. She addresse...

In episode 106 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the crucial topic of storing handmade bath products. The episode begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the importance of proper storage for maintaining the quality and longevity of handmade items. Anne-Marie covers specific storage solutions for various types of bath products, ensuring they remain fresh...

In episode 105 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola focuses on the essentials of melt and pour soap crafting. The episode starts with an introduction to the basic guidelines for working with melt and pour soap, ensuring a solid foundation for beginners. Anne-Marie then explores various methods for melting soap and discusses the potential consequences of improper techniques. She...

In episode 104 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the intriguing world of salts in soapmaking and skincare. The episode opens with an introduction to the role of salts and their benefits in enhancing soap and skincare products. Anne-Marie then reviews various types of salts, including Epsom and Dead Sea salts, and shares recipes that incorporate these ingredients. Th...

In episode 103 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola introduces the art of infusing oils with herbs to enhance soap benefits. The episode begins with an overview of the advantages of infused oils and a discussion of popular herbs used in this process. Anne-Marie then delves into the necessary ingredients, precise measurements, and preparation techniques for successful oil infusi...

In episode 102 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the critical aspects of temperature and insulation in soapmaking. The episode begins with an introduction to why these factors are vital for successful soap production. Anne-Marie discusses the benefits of achieving gel phase and strategies for preventing soda ash. She highlights the risks associated with overheati...

In episode 101 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the role of fragrance in soapmaking. The episode begins with an introduction to the different types of fragrances and their impact on soap. Anne-Marie then demonstrates how to use the Bramble Berry Fragrance Calculator to achieve the perfect scent balance. She discusses techniques for anchoring scents to ensure longev...

In episode 100 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the nuances of summer soapmaking. The episode opens with an overview of the unique challenges summer brings to soapmaking, such as higher temperatures affecting melting points and the risk of graininess. Anne-Marie addresses shipping challenges and gel phase concerns that arise during warmer months. She provides in...

In episode 99 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola shares insights from her early soapmaking experiences, providing a personal touch to the art of crafting soap. The episode kicks off with Anne-Marie recounting her initial ventures into soapmaking and the lessons learned from experimenting with hot processing techniques. She discusses the growth of her soapmaking journey and of...

In episode 98 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola offers a comprehensive guide to lye safety, a crucial aspect of soapmaking. The episode begins with an introduction to understanding lye and how to prepare a lye solution. Anne-Marie outlines essential safety protocols and equipment needed to ensure a safe soapmaking environment. She explains proper techniques for mixing lye wi...

In episode 97 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the critical role of temperature in the soapmaking process. The episode begins with an introduction to the importance of maintaining the right temperatures, followed by a discussion on the preferred temperature range for optimal results. Anne-Marie delves into how the temperature of the lye solution affects soapmaking,...