About Terry Knorr Expertise I can answer most questions concerning the making of handmade soaps. Those which I cannot answer, I am willing to research for you.
Experience Began making and selling handmade soaps under the name of Earth Soaps in 1994. Have since expanded under the name Good Earth Herbs to 24 different soaps. We do both retail and wholesale business. I also teach two different classes on soapmaking: a basic class and an advanced class.
What do you think about making Soap Rocks ( they look like different gems and are quite stunning). Is it possible or worth the effort. They do look a bit complex. Also, some of the in store candles like Henri Bendel seem to use very complex scents. Are these oils? Whatever info will be aprreciated.
Thanks. Jennifer
Answer Hi Jennifer!
The Soap Rocks are definately interesting soaps! It is possible for the home soapmaker to produce similar soaps. They appear to be a combination of opaque and transparent soaps. some are layered, and some are marbled. The layered ones will be the easiest, you simply pour your soap into the mold in layers. The marbled is nearly as easy. You pour your main soap into the mold and, just like making a marbled cake, you pour your secondary soaps onto the main soap and drag it into the soap with a knife or other similar utensil. You might want to pick up a copy of The Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavich. She does an excellent job covering the making of soaps and spends about a chapter talking about layering and marbling.
There will probably be a lot of waste in cutting these soaps but you might be able to use the scraps to make soap balls (possibly you can call them "marbles")
Because of the uniqueness, I suspect they will sell well!
They would also make nice gifts. Also because of the uniqueness, they might be protected by tradmark or some similar law.
The candle scents are typically fragrance oils. These are usually synthetic oils which do not change scent when burned. There are many companies that sell these oils. You might check with candle supply companies or do an internet search for fragrance oils.
I hope this information is helpful. Have a great day!
