ot-making soap
Faith Void
I was wondering if someone could recommend a good book or website? I have
been looking but there is so much out there I feel lost.
Me and the kidlets want to try it out.
thanks
Faith
--
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
been looking but there is so much out there I feel lost.
Me and the kidlets want to try it out.
thanks
Faith
--
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Stacey Grimm
I'll get on that. I made a batch of castille bar soap but I'm going to
have to start over as I misidentified the "trace."
~Stacey
have to start over as I misidentified the "trace."
~Stacey
On Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 8:54 AM, Faith Void <littlemsvoid@...> wrote:
> I was wondering if someone could recommend a good book or website? I have
> been looking but there is so much out there I feel lost.
> Me and the kidlets want to try it out.
> thanks
> Faith
>
> --
> http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
> www.bearthmama.com
k
If you haven't already, try posting your question here too:
http://familyrun.ning.com
~Katherine
http://familyrun.ning.com
~Katherine
On 10/6/08, Faith Void <littlemsvoid@...> wrote:
>
> I was wondering if someone could recommend a good book or website? I
> have
> been looking but there is so much out there I feel lost.
> Me and the kidlets want to try it out.
> thanks
> Faith
>
> --
> http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
> www.bearthmama.com
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Paul H. Beaulieu II
Whatever you do dont take the movie fight club as your soap making
textbook!!!! ;)
p
textbook!!!! ;)
p
Debra Rossing
If you are just wanting to play with colors, shapes, scents, you can buy
pre-made glycerin at Michael's and other craft places. Pop some chunks
into the microwave and melt it as directed. Then add colors, scents, etc
and pour into molds. Let harden per instructions and you're done. It's
really easy. Michael's also has several 'guides' like Soapmaking 101
type things that are inexpensive and lay it out easily. I don't know
that I'd go whole hog with lye and all when working with small kids. The
melt-and-mold stuff seems to be just fine for playing around with for us
(including DS).
Deb
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pre-made glycerin at Michael's and other craft places. Pop some chunks
into the microwave and melt it as directed. Then add colors, scents, etc
and pour into molds. Let harden per instructions and you're done. It's
really easy. Michael's also has several 'guides' like Soapmaking 101
type things that are inexpensive and lay it out easily. I don't know
that I'd go whole hog with lye and all when working with small kids. The
melt-and-mold stuff seems to be just fine for playing around with for us
(including DS).
Deb
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Stacey Grimm
That's true. One could do just that, but one would really miss out on
the science of how soap becomes soap - how a caustic chemical such as
lye, when mixed with heated oil and mixed can produce some of the
mildest soap available. Plus there's a satisfaction that comes from
making soap from scratch that doesn't come from melting premade chunks
and mixing them with fragrances. And kids stand to learn so much from
the "from scratch" process - safety, chemistry, crafts, I could go
on...
Not putting your suggestion down, just adding my own thoughts.
~Stacey
On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 11:28 AM, Debra Rossing
<debra.rossing@...> wrote:
the science of how soap becomes soap - how a caustic chemical such as
lye, when mixed with heated oil and mixed can produce some of the
mildest soap available. Plus there's a satisfaction that comes from
making soap from scratch that doesn't come from melting premade chunks
and mixing them with fragrances. And kids stand to learn so much from
the "from scratch" process - safety, chemistry, crafts, I could go
on...
Not putting your suggestion down, just adding my own thoughts.
~Stacey
On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 11:28 AM, Debra Rossing
<debra.rossing@...> wrote:
> If you are just wanting to play with colors, shapes, scents, you can buy
> pre-made glycerin at Michael's and other craft places. Pop some chunks
> into the microwave and melt it as directed. Then add colors, scents, etc
> and pour into molds. Let harden per instructions and you're done. It's
> really easy. Michael's also has several 'guides' like Soapmaking 101
> type things that are inexpensive and lay it out easily. I don't know
> that I'd go whole hog with lye and all when working with small kids. The
> melt-and-mold stuff seems to be just fine for playing around with for us
> (including DS).
>
> Deb
Steph
If you are dead set on making soap from scratch the book soapmakers
compainion is a great place to start another good visual is
http://www.millersoap.com/ but I highly recommend reading the
companion books thouroughly before diving in. Please keep in mind the
the chemicals used in soapcrafting can be very dangerous and the
measurments are precise to insure a safe end product. I have been
crafting soap for a very long time including as a buisness. I have
also seen what can happen when in a moment of distraction a fellow
soaper's young child was doused over the head with a full pitcher of
lye water when little hands got too close. You can read their story
here... http://www.teachsoap.com/lyeburn.html Now I am not trying to
scare anyone off from learning this wonderful craft, I actually
encourage it. I have just seen too many people attempt it without
enough information and taking dangerous risks by not having the
proper informtion and skipping necessary safety precautions when
working with lye.
--- In [email protected], "Faith Void"
<littlemsvoid@...> wrote:
compainion is a great place to start another good visual is
http://www.millersoap.com/ but I highly recommend reading the
companion books thouroughly before diving in. Please keep in mind the
the chemicals used in soapcrafting can be very dangerous and the
measurments are precise to insure a safe end product. I have been
crafting soap for a very long time including as a buisness. I have
also seen what can happen when in a moment of distraction a fellow
soaper's young child was doused over the head with a full pitcher of
lye water when little hands got too close. You can read their story
here... http://www.teachsoap.com/lyeburn.html Now I am not trying to
scare anyone off from learning this wonderful craft, I actually
encourage it. I have just seen too many people attempt it without
enough information and taking dangerous risks by not having the
proper informtion and skipping necessary safety precautions when
working with lye.
--- In [email protected], "Faith Void"
<littlemsvoid@...> wrote:
>I have
> I was wondering if someone could recommend a good book or website?
> been looking but there is so much out there I feel lost.
> Me and the kidlets want to try it out.
> thanks
> Faith
>
> --
> http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
> www.bearthmama.com
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Meredith
--- In [email protected], "Stacey Grimm"
<taboulichic@...> wrote:
My 15yo started learning to cook by making jello. No kidding,
straight from the box. He even made it in the microwave. Making
something from scratch was too intimidating to him for a loooooooong
time. Now he cooks from scratch and is starting to bake, but it all
started with a box of lime jello.
My 7yo, otoh, came to me one day, about a year ago, and asked how to
set the oven to 350 degrees. Why? She'd pulled a cookbook down,
found a cake recipe and made it. She's not intimidated by much. She
loves to bake, and will invent her own recipes, but she's not
interested in cooking unless its mac-n-cheese from a box. Something
magical about that.
From a radical unschooling perspective, its important to *not* go
into projects with kids with an agenda around learning. Because its
impossible to know exactly what another person is learning from a
given activity - heck sometimes *I* don't know what I've learned
until later. I have no idea when I learned to carve, for example. I
suspect from hand-quilting, but can't say for sure. I *am* sure that
the lady who taught me to quilt didn't have "carving skills" on the
learning plan, though.
happens in everyday things, and in valuing the joy we see even when
we can't see the learning, to step away from statements like this in
our minds. When we de-value something our kids want to do by
say "just that" we miss the value our kids see. I want to see the
value my kids see! Even if - maybe especially if - its not something
I would have thought to value, myself.
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
<taboulichic@...> wrote:
>And kids stand to learn so much fromIf that's what the kids want to do.
> the "from scratch" process - safety, chemistry, crafts, I could go
> on...
My 15yo started learning to cook by making jello. No kidding,
straight from the box. He even made it in the microwave. Making
something from scratch was too intimidating to him for a loooooooong
time. Now he cooks from scratch and is starting to bake, but it all
started with a box of lime jello.
My 7yo, otoh, came to me one day, about a year ago, and asked how to
set the oven to 350 degrees. Why? She'd pulled a cookbook down,
found a cake recipe and made it. She's not intimidated by much. She
loves to bake, and will invent her own recipes, but she's not
interested in cooking unless its mac-n-cheese from a box. Something
magical about that.
From a radical unschooling perspective, its important to *not* go
into projects with kids with an agenda around learning. Because its
impossible to know exactly what another person is learning from a
given activity - heck sometimes *I* don't know what I've learned
until later. I have no idea when I learned to carve, for example. I
suspect from hand-quilting, but can't say for sure. I *am* sure that
the lady who taught me to quilt didn't have "carving skills" on the
learning plan, though.
>One could do just that...It helps a whole lot, both in terms of seeing the learning that
happens in everyday things, and in valuing the joy we see even when
we can't see the learning, to step away from statements like this in
our minds. When we de-value something our kids want to do by
say "just that" we miss the value our kids see. I want to see the
value my kids see! Even if - maybe especially if - its not something
I would have thought to value, myself.
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
Debra Rossing
Oh it's definitely a worthwhile science exploration but, for me, having
caustics such as lye around small kids makes me really nervous. I guess
it just depends on what the individual wants from the experience.
Deb
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caustics such as lye around small kids makes me really nervous. I guess
it just depends on what the individual wants from the experience.
Deb
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Stacey Grimm
It depends on the age and maturity level of the small kids too.
Additionally, it also will depend on how closely the parent or
"teacher" is willing to monitor the kids.
So, yeah. A lot of things have to be taken into consideration when making soap.
It's almost like cooking with small kids. Y'know? I was once cooking
with my very small son (the elder son who is now 12) when he decided
he wanted to know what that bright red thing that I kept putting pots
and pans on was. He reached out to show me. I was closer than arm's
length away, mind. Time stood still at that moment and I could not
catch his hand fast enough. He actually touched with his pointer
finger a glowing hot electric burner (aka "hot stove").
See what I'm saying? *Any*thing can be very dangerous without proper
precautions, and even with those precautions bad things can still
happen - soapmaking, cooking, baking, wood working, etc...
~Stacey
On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 7:53 AM, Debra Rossing
<debra.rossing@...> wrote:
Additionally, it also will depend on how closely the parent or
"teacher" is willing to monitor the kids.
So, yeah. A lot of things have to be taken into consideration when making soap.
It's almost like cooking with small kids. Y'know? I was once cooking
with my very small son (the elder son who is now 12) when he decided
he wanted to know what that bright red thing that I kept putting pots
and pans on was. He reached out to show me. I was closer than arm's
length away, mind. Time stood still at that moment and I could not
catch his hand fast enough. He actually touched with his pointer
finger a glowing hot electric burner (aka "hot stove").
See what I'm saying? *Any*thing can be very dangerous without proper
precautions, and even with those precautions bad things can still
happen - soapmaking, cooking, baking, wood working, etc...
~Stacey
On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 7:53 AM, Debra Rossing
<debra.rossing@...> wrote:
> Oh it's definitely a worthwhile science exploration but, for me, having
> caustics such as lye around small kids makes me really nervous. I guess
> it just depends on what the individual wants from the experience.
>
> Deb
Stacey Grimm
You should have seen me suit up when I made my first (and as of yet,
only) batch of castille soap. Goggles, long "chemical" gloves,
industrial face mask, long sleeves, etc.
only) batch of castille soap. Goggles, long "chemical" gloves,
industrial face mask, long sleeves, etc.
On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 4:03 PM, Steph <rainedaywoman@...> wrote:
> If you are dead set on making soap from scratch the book soapmakers
> compainion is a great place to start another good visual is
> http://www.millersoap.com/ but I highly recommend reading the
> companion books thouroughly before diving in. Please keep in mind the
> the chemicals used in soapcrafting can be very dangerous and the
> measurments are precise to insure a safe end product. I have been
> crafting soap for a very long time including as a buisness. I have
> also seen what can happen when in a moment of distraction a fellow
> soaper's young child was doused over the head with a full pitcher of
> lye water when little hands got too close. You can read their story
> here... http://www.teachsoap.com/lyeburn.html Now I am not trying to
> scare anyone off from learning this wonderful craft, I actually
> encourage it. I have just seen too many people attempt it without
> enough information and taking dangerous risks by not having the
> proper informtion and skipping necessary safety precautions when
> working with lye.
Stacey Grimm
On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 7:37 PM, Meredith <meredith@...> wrote:
I mean, hell! Why not do something with the kids. Talk about radical!
;-)
~Stacey
> --- In [email protected], "Stacey Grimm"How about just going into a project with a kid to spend time together?
> <taboulichic@...> wrote:
>>And kids stand to learn so much from
>> the "from scratch" process - safety, chemistry, crafts, I could go
>> on...
>
> If that's what the kids want to do.
> From a radical unschooling perspective, its important to *not* go
> into projects with kids with an agenda around learning. Because its
I mean, hell! Why not do something with the kids. Talk about radical!
;-)
~Stacey
k
Lye is a time honored base for making soap.
Isn't there any other? Even if some other substance is not effective it
might be a way for people with young children to enjoy soap making.
~Katherine
Isn't there any other? Even if some other substance is not effective it
might be a way for people with young children to enjoy soap making.
~Katherine
On 10/8/08, Steph <rainedaywoman@...> wrote:
> If you are dead set on making soap from scratch the book soapmakers
> compainion is a great place to start another good visual is
> http://www.millersoap.com/ but I highly recommend reading the
> companion books thouroughly before diving in. Please keep in mind the
> the chemicals used in soapcrafting can be very dangerous and the
> measurments are precise to insure a safe end product. I have been
> crafting soap for a very long time including as a buisness. I have
> also seen what can happen when in a moment of distraction a fellow
> soaper's young child was doused over the head with a full pitcher of
> lye water when little hands got too close. You can read their story
> here... http://www.teachsoap.com/lyeburn.html Now I am not trying to
> scare anyone off from learning this wonderful craft, I actually
> encourage it. I have just seen too many people attempt it without
> enough information and taking dangerous risks by not having the
> proper informtion and skipping necessary safety precautions when
> working with lye.
>
> --- In [email protected], "Faith Void"
> <littlemsvoid@...> wrote:
> >
> > I was wondering if someone could recommend a good book or website?
> I have
> > been looking but there is so much out there I feel lost.
> > Me and the kidlets want to try it out.
> > thanks
> > Faith
> >
> > --
> > http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
> > www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Stacey Grimm
I think French Milling might be a good alternative. And of course, the
chunks @ Michael's, as mentioned by another poster (you? who?), is an
excellent way of getting one's feet wet.
...my intro will be forthcoming... *sheepish grin*
~Stacey
chunks @ Michael's, as mentioned by another poster (you? who?), is an
excellent way of getting one's feet wet.
...my intro will be forthcoming... *sheepish grin*
~Stacey
On Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 5:45 PM, k <katherand@...> wrote:
> Lye is a time honored base for making soap.
>
> Isn't there any other? Even if some other substance is not effective it
> might be a way for people with young children to enjoy soap making.
>
> ~Katherine
Laura Beaudin
Glycerin
At 03:45 PM 09/10/2008, you wrote:
Visit Practical Homeschooling and view our OCTOBER contest for a
chance to a moveable alphabet and the Montessori pink reading level!
Practical Homeschooling: http://www.practical-homeschooling.org
CanPath Designs X-Stitch patterns and kits: http://www.canpath.com
Works in Progress: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Laura.Beaudin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
At 03:45 PM 09/10/2008, you wrote:
>Lye is a time honored base for making soap.Don't let school get in the way of your education!" --unknown
>
>Isn't there any other? Even if some other substance is not effective it
>might be a way for people with young children to enjoy soap making.
>
>~Katherine
Visit Practical Homeschooling and view our OCTOBER contest for a
chance to a moveable alphabet and the Montessori pink reading level!
Practical Homeschooling: http://www.practical-homeschooling.org
CanPath Designs X-Stitch patterns and kits: http://www.canpath.com
Works in Progress: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Laura.Beaudin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
k
I see glycerin soap at Whole Foods store all the time, colorfully displayed
and cut with some crenelated cutter. Cool stuff. I wasn't sure if it could
be made without lye or not. Glad to hear that it can! So maybe I will try
making some soap one of these days. :)
~Katherine
and cut with some crenelated cutter. Cool stuff. I wasn't sure if it could
be made without lye or not. Glad to hear that it can! So maybe I will try
making some soap one of these days. :)
~Katherine
On 10/9/08, Laura Beaudin <laura.beaudin@...> wrote:
> Glycerin
>
> At 03:45 PM 09/10/2008, you wrote:
>
> >Lye is a time honored base for making soap.
> >
> >Isn't there any other? Even if some other substance is not effective it
> >might be a way for people with young children to enjoy soap making.
> >
> >~Katherine
>
> Don't let school get in the way of your education!" --unknown
> Visit Practical Homeschooling and view our OCTOBER contest for a
> chance to a moveable alphabet and the Montessori pink reading level!
> Practical Homeschooling: http://www.practical-homeschooling.org
> CanPath Designs X-Stitch patterns and kits: http://www.canpath.com
> Works in Progress: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Laura.Beaudin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Laura Beaudin
Stacey,
All of this is very true, but please bear in mind that he probably
recovered very well from that burn. One of my classmates at Guide
Dogs for the Blind (long story, and no, I am no longer blind) never
saw again since the lye she was using just happened to splash back up
into her face. She's a nurse and she has personally seen what lye can
do. But even with her best intentions, an "accident" did happen and
she paid for it with her eyesight.
We also have a duty as parents to protect her children and even if my
daughter were the most cautious person in the world, that is one
thing that I'd call off limits.
Laura
At 09:19 AM 09/10/2008, you wrote:
Visit Practical Homeschooling and view our OCTOBER contest for a
chance to a moveable alphabet and the Montessori pink reading level!
Practical Homeschooling: http://www.practical-homeschooling.org
CanPath Designs X-Stitch patterns and kits: http://www.canpath.com
Works in Progress: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Laura.Beaudin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
All of this is very true, but please bear in mind that he probably
recovered very well from that burn. One of my classmates at Guide
Dogs for the Blind (long story, and no, I am no longer blind) never
saw again since the lye she was using just happened to splash back up
into her face. She's a nurse and she has personally seen what lye can
do. But even with her best intentions, an "accident" did happen and
she paid for it with her eyesight.
We also have a duty as parents to protect her children and even if my
daughter were the most cautious person in the world, that is one
thing that I'd call off limits.
Laura
At 09:19 AM 09/10/2008, you wrote:
>It depends on the age and maturity level of the small kids too.Don't let school get in the way of your education!" --unknown
>Additionally, it also will depend on how closely the parent or
>"teacher" is willing to monitor the kids.
>
>So, yeah. A lot of things have to be taken into consideration when
>making soap.
>
>It's almost like cooking with small kids. Y'know? I was once cooking
>with my very small son (the elder son who is now 12) when he decided
>he wanted to know what that bright red thing that I kept putting pots
>and pans on was. He reached out to show me. I was closer than arm's
>length away, mind. Time stood still at that moment and I could not
>catch his hand fast enough. He actually touched with his pointer
>finger a glowing hot electric burner (aka "hot stove").
>
>See what I'm saying? *Any*thing can be very dangerous without proper
>precautions, and even with those precautions bad things can still
>happen - soapmaking, cooking, baking, wood working, etc...
>
>~Staceycover other
>
>people who can help.
>Moderator Central
>
><http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=13o6qo27q/M=493064.12016262.12445669.8674578/D=groups/S=1705081972:NC/Y=YAHOO/EXP=1223606890/L=/B=0BfXEELaX9M-/J=1223599690054642/A=5028924/R=0/SIG=11e3tma2a/*http://new.groups.yahoo.com/moderatorcentral>Yahoo!
>Groups
>
>Join and receive
>
>produce updates.
>.
>
>
Visit Practical Homeschooling and view our OCTOBER contest for a
chance to a moveable alphabet and the Montessori pink reading level!
Practical Homeschooling: http://www.practical-homeschooling.org
CanPath Designs X-Stitch patterns and kits: http://www.canpath.com
Works in Progress: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Laura.Beaudin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Steph
*All* soap in made starting from a very precise mixture of lye and
oils even glycerine soap starts from lye and is processed down with
high ammounts of alcohol and cooked down until it takes on a clear
form. If someone tells you soap can be made without lye they are
seriously mistaken.
But, glycerine soap also known as melt and pour is the same kind you
see in craft stores that you can melt down and add colors, fragrance,
etc then pour into moulds, etc. as craft projects. Melt and Pour is a
great craft and learning tool (hygene, science (solid, liquid), color
theory, etc.) You definatly could incorporate learning about how soap
in made traditionally and eventually results in the glycerine soap
you and your children can safely craft with. I have a shortened to
the point explaination (on the "About Us" page under FAQ's at
www.kissingmoons.com) on my website on how soap is made, History of
Castille soap, what is in commercial soaps and how it is different
from traditional handcraftred soap, etc if you would like to use that
information. More detailed information can be found at the website
and book I posted previously.
oils even glycerine soap starts from lye and is processed down with
high ammounts of alcohol and cooked down until it takes on a clear
form. If someone tells you soap can be made without lye they are
seriously mistaken.
But, glycerine soap also known as melt and pour is the same kind you
see in craft stores that you can melt down and add colors, fragrance,
etc then pour into moulds, etc. as craft projects. Melt and Pour is a
great craft and learning tool (hygene, science (solid, liquid), color
theory, etc.) You definatly could incorporate learning about how soap
in made traditionally and eventually results in the glycerine soap
you and your children can safely craft with. I have a shortened to
the point explaination (on the "About Us" page under FAQ's at
www.kissingmoons.com) on my website on how soap is made, History of
Castille soap, what is in commercial soaps and how it is different
from traditional handcraftred soap, etc if you would like to use that
information. More detailed information can be found at the website
and book I posted previously.
--- In [email protected], k <katherand@...> wrote:
>
> I see glycerin soap at Whole Foods store all the time, colorfully
displayed
> and cut with some crenelated cutter. Cool stuff. I wasn't sure if
it could
> be made without lye or not. Glad to hear that it can! So maybe I
will try
> making some soap one of these days. :)
>
> ~Katherine
Steph
I am all for avoiding learning agendas when but when it comes to the
area of making soap it is not something a person can jump into without
educating ones self. I speak from experience here, this is one area
that lines are drawn. My children are not even allowed near room if I
am working with lye. It is too big of a risk to their health and
safety. We are parents first and our first responsibility is the health
and saftey of our children. I do not think people realize how dangerous
it can be to make soap from scratch. You mave to educate yourself in
all aspects before even considering doing this and with the desire to
share it with children even more so. If one measurment is off even by
and ounce you run the risk of ending up with a caustic bar of soap or a
liquid run off of pure lye. Mix the lye wrong or heat it too much
during the process and you could have an explosion of 100+ degree heat
caustic chemicals and a release of toxic fumes. Use the wrong tools
made with certain metals can cause a chemical reaction that can release
toxic fumes or in some cases an explosion. Lye also releases toxic
fumes that can burn, blind, cause serious breathing problems and damage
to the lungs if the proper precautions are nor taken. Sure with the
proper knowledge it can be a really fun and rewarding task to make your
own soaps but it is not something you go into lightly.
--- In [email protected], "Stacey Grimm"
<taboulichic@...> wrote:
area of making soap it is not something a person can jump into without
educating ones self. I speak from experience here, this is one area
that lines are drawn. My children are not even allowed near room if I
am working with lye. It is too big of a risk to their health and
safety. We are parents first and our first responsibility is the health
and saftey of our children. I do not think people realize how dangerous
it can be to make soap from scratch. You mave to educate yourself in
all aspects before even considering doing this and with the desire to
share it with children even more so. If one measurment is off even by
and ounce you run the risk of ending up with a caustic bar of soap or a
liquid run off of pure lye. Mix the lye wrong or heat it too much
during the process and you could have an explosion of 100+ degree heat
caustic chemicals and a release of toxic fumes. Use the wrong tools
made with certain metals can cause a chemical reaction that can release
toxic fumes or in some cases an explosion. Lye also releases toxic
fumes that can burn, blind, cause serious breathing problems and damage
to the lungs if the proper precautions are nor taken. Sure with the
proper knowledge it can be a really fun and rewarding task to make your
own soaps but it is not something you go into lightly.
--- In [email protected], "Stacey Grimm"
<taboulichic@...> wrote:
>
> On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 7:37 PM, Meredith <meredith@...> wrote:
> > --- In [email protected], "Stacey Grimm"
> > <taboulichic@> wrote:
> >>And kids stand to learn so much from
> >> the "from scratch" process - safety, chemistry, crafts, I could go
> >> on...
> >
> > If that's what the kids want to do.
>
> > From a radical unschooling perspective, its important to *not* go
> > into projects with kids with an agenda around learning. Because its
Steph
LOL! I have been crafting soap for years and I still suit up. DH thinks
I look halarious and knows what I am up to as soon as I pull out the
gloves and set gallon of vinegar near the sink. I am actually about to
have to go into overdrive pretty soon because I committed to setting up
a booth at a womens conference in April.
I have been sitting here thinking because of all the discussion on how
I can include the kids in this since I will be very busy the next few
months getting ready for this. I was thinking that a great way to
include the kids would be to have a scent making session and have them
help by creating their very own fragrance for a special batch of soap.
We could discuss fragrances and how each makes them feel, what it
smells like, what the combinations make them think of, why they like
it, etc... I think it sounds like fun.
--- In [email protected], "Stacey Grimm"
<taboulichic@...> wrote:
I look halarious and knows what I am up to as soon as I pull out the
gloves and set gallon of vinegar near the sink. I am actually about to
have to go into overdrive pretty soon because I committed to setting up
a booth at a womens conference in April.
I have been sitting here thinking because of all the discussion on how
I can include the kids in this since I will be very busy the next few
months getting ready for this. I was thinking that a great way to
include the kids would be to have a scent making session and have them
help by creating their very own fragrance for a special batch of soap.
We could discuss fragrances and how each makes them feel, what it
smells like, what the combinations make them think of, why they like
it, etc... I think it sounds like fun.
--- In [email protected], "Stacey Grimm"
<taboulichic@...> wrote:
>
> You should have seen me suit up when I made my first (and as of yet,
> only) batch of castille soap. Goggles, long "chemical" gloves,
> industrial face mask, long sleeves, etc.
>
Schuyler
David makes soap. He uses lye. He does most of the work in the kitchen, but when adding the lye he goes outside to mix the lye in. There isn't a lot of fear involved. There is caution, but not fear. We have fairly accurate scales and use a thermometer to make sure the temperatures are the same in the lye mix and the oils when they are combined. I'm going to make the next batch. I'm quite excited. I just need to get some Sweet Almond oil. We have gloves and goggles all set.
Schuyler
http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
I am all for avoiding learning agendas when but when it comes to the
area of making soap it is not something a person can jump into without
educating ones self. I speak from experience here, this is one area
that lines are drawn. My children are not even allowed near room if I
am working with lye. It is too big of a risk to their health and
safety. We are parents first and our first responsibility is the health
and saftey of our children. I do not think people realize how dangerous
it can be to make soap from scratch. You mave to educate yourself in
all aspects before even considering doing this and with the desire to
share it with children even more so. If one measurment is off even by
and ounce you run the risk of ending up with a caustic bar of soap or a
liquid run off of pure lye. Mix the lye wrong or heat it too much
during the process and you could have an explosion of 100+ degree heat
caustic chemicals and a release of toxic fumes. Use the wrong tools
made with certain metals can cause a chemical reaction that can release
toxic fumes or in some cases an explosion. Lye also releases toxic
fumes that can burn, blind, cause serious breathing problems and damage
to the lungs if the proper precautions are nor taken. Sure with the
proper knowledge it can be a really fun and rewarding task to make your
own soaps but it is not something you go into lightly.
--- In unschoolingbasics@ yahoogroups. com, "Stacey Grimm"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Schuyler
http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
I am all for avoiding learning agendas when but when it comes to the
area of making soap it is not something a person can jump into without
educating ones self. I speak from experience here, this is one area
that lines are drawn. My children are not even allowed near room if I
am working with lye. It is too big of a risk to their health and
safety. We are parents first and our first responsibility is the health
and saftey of our children. I do not think people realize how dangerous
it can be to make soap from scratch. You mave to educate yourself in
all aspects before even considering doing this and with the desire to
share it with children even more so. If one measurment is off even by
and ounce you run the risk of ending up with a caustic bar of soap or a
liquid run off of pure lye. Mix the lye wrong or heat it too much
during the process and you could have an explosion of 100+ degree heat
caustic chemicals and a release of toxic fumes. Use the wrong tools
made with certain metals can cause a chemical reaction that can release
toxic fumes or in some cases an explosion. Lye also releases toxic
fumes that can burn, blind, cause serious breathing problems and damage
to the lungs if the proper precautions are nor taken. Sure with the
proper knowledge it can be a really fun and rewarding task to make your
own soaps but it is not something you go into lightly.
--- In unschoolingbasics@ yahoogroups. com, "Stacey Grimm"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Schuyler
I would be very wary of going into soap making with the desire to use it as a teaching moment. Then again, I'd be wary of going into anything with the desire of making it a teaching moment. You can sublimate the joy of making the soap spending a lot of time reading about how pioneers used to make soap, or whatever it is. I make a really nice cold cream using borax and beeswax and olive oil and rose water. It's supposed to be from a 2000 year old Greek recipe: http://www.grouprecipes.com/28386/galens-cold-cream---2000-yrs-old.html. I wouldn't make it while talking with Simon about the dry skin that the Greeks must have suffered 2000 years ago, unless I thought he might enjoy the information. I certainly wouldn't follow it up with a treatise on who Galen was: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galen. Knowing it is fun, and maybe it would come up in a different conversation, or not. But I wouldn't make cold cream with the plan that it would lead to a discussion
about a Greek physician.
Schuyler
http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
---------------------------------
. I have a shortened to
the point explaination (on the "About Us" page under FAQ's at
www.kissingmoons. com) on my website on how soap is made, History of
Castille soap, what is in commercial soaps and how it is different
from traditional handcraftred soap, etc if you would like to use that
information. More detailed information can be found at the website
and book I posted previously.
about a Greek physician.
Schuyler
http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
---------------------------------
. I have a shortened to
the point explaination (on the "About Us" page under FAQ's at
www.kissingmoons. com) on my website on how soap is made, History of
Castille soap, what is in commercial soaps and how it is different
from traditional handcraftred soap, etc if you would like to use that
information. More detailed information can be found at the website
and book I posted previously.
--- In unschoolingbasics@ yahoogroups. com, k <katherand@. ..> wrote:
>
> I see glycerin soap at Whole Foods store all the time, colorfully
displayed
> and cut with some crenelated cutter. Cool stuff. I wasn't sure if
it could
> be made without lye or not. Glad to hear that it can! So maybe I
will try
> making some soap one of these days. :)
>
> ~Katherine
__._,_._
R
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Schuyler
So here I am reading through the wikipedia entry and discover that Galen was a Roman physician. He was born in Greece, but Greece was part of the Roman Empire. So, a Roman.
Schuyler
http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
----- Original Message ----
From: Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, 10 October, 2008 8:10:31 PM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Re: ot-making soap
I would be very wary of going into soap making with the desire to use it as a teaching moment. Then again, I'd be wary of going into anything with the desire of making it a teaching moment. You can sublimate the joy of making the soap spending a lot of time reading about how pioneers used to make soap, or whatever it is. I make a really nice cold cream using borax and beeswax and olive oil and rose water. It's supposed to be from a 2000 year old Greek recipe: http://www.grouprec ipes.com/ 28386/galens- cold-cream- --2000-yrs- old.html. I wouldn't make it while talking with Simon about the dry skin that the Greeks must have suffered 2000 years ago, unless I thought he might enjoy the information. I certainly wouldn't follow it up with a treatise on who Galen was: http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Galen. Knowing it is fun, and maybe it would come up in a different conversation, or not. But I wouldn't make cold cream with the plan that it would lead to a
discussion
about a Greek physician.
Schuyler
http://www.waynfort h.blogspot. com
------------ --------- --------- ---
. I have a shortened to
the point explaination (on the "About Us" page under FAQ's at
www.kissingmoons. com) on my website on how soap is made, History of
Castille soap, what is in commercial soaps and how it is different
from traditional handcraftred soap, etc if you would like to use that
information. More detailed information can be found at the website
and book I posted previously.
Schuyler
http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
----- Original Message ----
From: Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, 10 October, 2008 8:10:31 PM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Re: ot-making soap
I would be very wary of going into soap making with the desire to use it as a teaching moment. Then again, I'd be wary of going into anything with the desire of making it a teaching moment. You can sublimate the joy of making the soap spending a lot of time reading about how pioneers used to make soap, or whatever it is. I make a really nice cold cream using borax and beeswax and olive oil and rose water. It's supposed to be from a 2000 year old Greek recipe: http://www.grouprec ipes.com/ 28386/galens- cold-cream- --2000-yrs- old.html. I wouldn't make it while talking with Simon about the dry skin that the Greeks must have suffered 2000 years ago, unless I thought he might enjoy the information. I certainly wouldn't follow it up with a treatise on who Galen was: http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Galen. Knowing it is fun, and maybe it would come up in a different conversation, or not. But I wouldn't make cold cream with the plan that it would lead to a
discussion
about a Greek physician.
Schuyler
http://www.waynfort h.blogspot. com
------------ --------- --------- ---
. I have a shortened to
the point explaination (on the "About Us" page under FAQ's at
www.kissingmoons. com) on my website on how soap is made, History of
Castille soap, what is in commercial soaps and how it is different
from traditional handcraftred soap, etc if you would like to use that
information. More detailed information can be found at the website
and book I posted previously.
--- In unschoolingbasics@ yahoogroups. com, k <katherand@. ..> wrote:
>
> I see glycerin soap at Whole Foods store all the time, colorfully
displayed
> and cut with some crenelated cutter. Cool stuff. I wasn't sure if
it could
> be made without lye or not. Glad to hear that it can! So maybe I
will try
> making some soap one of these days. :)
>
> ~Katherine
__._,_._
R
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Steph
I think my point is being missed completely. It isn't about setting
out to teach the kids about the boring facts of history or what not.
If the intrest arrises then there is some simple to the point
information that can be shared. If the parent is not sure if this is
something they want to venture in then I am sharing from my
experiences and knowledge. I am posting all this information for
those inquiring about this area of interest. My intentions are to
bring awareness that there is alot more to this than many seem to be
aware of. It would break my heart to see someone dive into making
soap without the proper knowledge and someone end up hurt. I have
seen it happen. There are real dangers involved not just percived or
what ifs.
--- In [email protected], Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>
wrote:
anything with the desire of making it a teaching moment. You can
sublimate the joy of making the soap spending a lot of time reading
about how pioneers used to make soap, or whatever it is.
out to teach the kids about the boring facts of history or what not.
If the intrest arrises then there is some simple to the point
information that can be shared. If the parent is not sure if this is
something they want to venture in then I am sharing from my
experiences and knowledge. I am posting all this information for
those inquiring about this area of interest. My intentions are to
bring awareness that there is alot more to this than many seem to be
aware of. It would break my heart to see someone dive into making
soap without the proper knowledge and someone end up hurt. I have
seen it happen. There are real dangers involved not just percived or
what ifs.
--- In [email protected], Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>
wrote:
>use it as a teaching moment. Then again, I'd be wary of going into
> I would be very wary of going into soap making with the desire to
anything with the desire of making it a teaching moment. You can
sublimate the joy of making the soap spending a lot of time reading
about how pioneers used to make soap, or whatever it is.
Steph
I apologize if I seem like I am coming off confrontational, I am really
not trying to. It is just a subject I am passonate about one because I
love crafting soap and because I have seen and heard of way too many
people get into this without the proper knowledge and end up in a
dangerous situation. I am not saying that people shouldn't try it. It
is a dying art that needs to be passed on and so much fun once you get
going with it. It defintaly not something to be fearful of but also not
something to go into blindly.
I guess I just have this vison in my head of someone avoiding the
teachy/learning parts and attempting to do this without the proper
knowledge necessary to do so safely and someone getting hurt. It is
probably because I see this happen too often because soapcrafting has
recently become popular in the crafting segment.
--- In [email protected], Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>
wrote:
There isn't a lot of fear involved. There is caution, but not fear. We
have fairly accurate scales and use a thermometer to make sure the
temperatures are the same in the lye mix and the oils when they are
combined. I'm going to make the next batch. I'm quite excited. I just
need to get some Sweet Almond oil. We have gloves and goggles all set.
not trying to. It is just a subject I am passonate about one because I
love crafting soap and because I have seen and heard of way too many
people get into this without the proper knowledge and end up in a
dangerous situation. I am not saying that people shouldn't try it. It
is a dying art that needs to be passed on and so much fun once you get
going with it. It defintaly not something to be fearful of but also not
something to go into blindly.
I guess I just have this vison in my head of someone avoiding the
teachy/learning parts and attempting to do this without the proper
knowledge necessary to do so safely and someone getting hurt. It is
probably because I see this happen too often because soapcrafting has
recently become popular in the crafting segment.
--- In [email protected], Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>
wrote:
>kitchen, but when adding the lye he goes outside to mix the lye in.
> David makes soap. He uses lye. He does most of the work in the
There isn't a lot of fear involved. There is caution, but not fear. We
have fairly accurate scales and use a thermometer to make sure the
temperatures are the same in the lye mix and the oils when they are
combined. I'm going to make the next batch. I'm quite excited. I just
need to get some Sweet Almond oil. We have gloves and goggles all set.
>
> Schuyler
> http://www.waynforth.blogspot.com
Kelly Lovejoy
-----Original Message-----
From: Steph <rainedaywoman@...>
I apologize if I seem like I am coming off confrontational, I am really
not trying to. It is just a subject I am passonate about one because I
love crafting soap and because I have seen and heard of way too many
people get into this without the proper knowledge and end up in a
dangerous situation. I am not saying that people shouldn't try it. It
is a dying art that needs to be passed on and so much fun once you get
going with it. It defintaly not something to be fearful of but also not
something to go into blindly.
I guess I just have this vison in my head of someone avoiding the
teachy/learning parts and attempting to do this without the proper
knowledge necessary to do so safely and someone getting hurt. It is
probably because I see this happen too often because soapcrafting has
recently become popular in the crafting segment.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
At this year's conference, my parents came for the first time. My father, after sitting through three or four speeches, said that he thought the most important ingredient in this unschooling schtick was that the parents need to be smart.
I laughed.
He was dead serious.
The "ingredient" HE seemed to be missing is that a parent doesn't even enter IN to such a venture without giving it a lot of thought. It *takes* a lot of thought to be an unschooling parent. It takes *more* though to STAY an unschooling parent! <bwg>
I truly think it's safe to assume, with this crowd, that they will think it through a bit.
I have done lots of, seemingly to others, dangerous things. Horses, bees, sky-diving, laying tile, ...cooking and driving! <G> But I never did any without thinking about my and my family's safety.
There are lots of risks. This is NOT a "go-into-it-blindly" crowd.
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From: Steph <rainedaywoman@...>
I apologize if I seem like I am coming off confrontational, I am really
not trying to. It is just a subject I am passonate about one because I
love crafting soap and because I have seen and heard of way too many
people get into this without the proper knowledge and end up in a
dangerous situation. I am not saying that people shouldn't try it. It
is a dying art that needs to be passed on and so much fun once you get
going with it. It defintaly not something to be fearful of but also not
something to go into blindly.
I guess I just have this vison in my head of someone avoiding the
teachy/learning parts and attempting to do this without the proper
knowledge necessary to do so safely and someone getting hurt. It is
probably because I see this happen too often because soapcrafting has
recently become popular in the crafting segment.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
At this year's conference, my parents came for the first time. My father, after sitting through three or four speeches, said that he thought the most important ingredient in this unschooling schtick was that the parents need to be smart.
I laughed.
He was dead serious.
The "ingredient" HE seemed to be missing is that a parent doesn't even enter IN to such a venture without giving it a lot of thought. It *takes* a lot of thought to be an unschooling parent. It takes *more* though to STAY an unschooling parent! <bwg>
I truly think it's safe to assume, with this crowd, that they will think it through a bit.
I have done lots of, seemingly to others, dangerous things. Horses, bees, sky-diving, laying tile, ...cooking and driving! <G> But I never did any without thinking about my and my family's safety.
There are lots of risks. This is NOT a "go-into-it-blindly" crowd.
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ren Allen
~~My father, after sitting through three or four speeches, said that
he thought the most important ingredient in this unschooling schtick
was that the parents need to be smart.~~
Well dang. I agree with him. Not smart as in
containing-a-certain-body-of-knowledge, but willingness to learn, to
be curious and have that certain sparkly energy (which LOOKS quiet in
some people but is bubbling underneath all the same).
The really great unschoolers I know are not some dullards waiting
around for life to happen. They are grabbing life by the horns and
DANCING with it. Even when life gets rough, there is a certain
embracing of it all and the curiosity is remains.
Ren
he thought the most important ingredient in this unschooling schtick
was that the parents need to be smart.~~
Well dang. I agree with him. Not smart as in
containing-a-certain-body-of-knowledge, but willingness to learn, to
be curious and have that certain sparkly energy (which LOOKS quiet in
some people but is bubbling underneath all the same).
The really great unschoolers I know are not some dullards waiting
around for life to happen. They are grabbing life by the horns and
DANCING with it. Even when life gets rough, there is a certain
embracing of it all and the curiosity is remains.
Ren
k
>>>>This is NOT a "go-into-it-blindly" crowd.<<<<Well holy schmoly I haven't been offline in years because of all the
unschooling research I'm doing. I am not going blinding into it. I want to
*know* what I'm doing.
Others aren't likely to be doing much unschooling if they're uncommitted to
knowing what it is. What they're doing is something else with a thought or
two of unschooling here and there.
~Katherine
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Meredith
--- In [email protected], "Stacey Grimm"
<taboulichic@...> wrote:
I love to invite my kids to join my fun. But they're busy people
with their own projects going on all the time, so more often I'm the
one joining in on their projects, doing a little extra reading or
prep for them, maybe, or going along for the ride if they'd rather.
There's an implication, there, that parents have to create projects
or make a special effort to spend time with children. Its an
expectation that comes from more conventional parenting, where kid
life is largely separate from adult life.
That may be the case if you're still deschooling, but longtime
radical unschoolers are doing things with our kids all the time,
whether its making something or watching tv or playing a computer
game or reading Lego Club magazine or gardening or.... you get the
idea. My kids are pretty independent, but I and my partner move in
and out of their company all day long, checking in, touching base,
taking time to connect and hang out and chit chat, or jump on the
trampoline, or share a snack, or work on a project, or play
together.
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
<taboulichic@...> wrote:
>> How about just going into a project with a kid to spend timetogether?
I love to invite my kids to join my fun. But they're busy people
with their own projects going on all the time, so more often I'm the
one joining in on their projects, doing a little extra reading or
prep for them, maybe, or going along for the ride if they'd rather.
There's an implication, there, that parents have to create projects
or make a special effort to spend time with children. Its an
expectation that comes from more conventional parenting, where kid
life is largely separate from adult life.
That may be the case if you're still deschooling, but longtime
radical unschoolers are doing things with our kids all the time,
whether its making something or watching tv or playing a computer
game or reading Lego Club magazine or gardening or.... you get the
idea. My kids are pretty independent, but I and my partner move in
and out of their company all day long, checking in, touching base,
taking time to connect and hang out and chit chat, or jump on the
trampoline, or share a snack, or work on a project, or play
together.
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
Meredith
--- In [email protected], Laura Beaudin
<laura.beaudin@...> wrote:
for ways to make what they want to do safer.
When Mo was 3, for example, we made candy. If you've never made
candy, the liquid sugar solution gets up above the boiling point of
water, and its sticky, so getting it on your skin is Bad. Its not
the safest activity for a 3yo, but she wanted to make hard candy so
we talked about the safety factors and she agreed to stay out of the
range of being splashed and just watch. It turned out to be less
exciting than she had hoped, and I ended up drizzling most of the
candy solution into containers of cold water and making "candy
string" rather than the lollipops we had been anticipating.
If I had a kid who wanted to try lye soap, I'd probably look for a
movie on the subject, first, since my kids are pretty visual. I'd
want them to know the steps involved, talk about safety and
precautions and make some firm agreements in that area. I might look
for another adult who'd done it before to walk us through the
process or just let us watch sometime. Eventually we might even make
our own soap! But I wouldn't be attatched to that outcome, since my
kids don't tend to take well to lots of preparations before actually
doing anything. I'm not saying I'd *set up* a lot of obstacles
between talking and doing, but I'd take the safety issue seriously,
all the while saying "yes, yes, yes, lets make soap!"
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)
<laura.beaudin@...> wrote:
>> We also have a duty as parents to protect her children and evenif my
> daughter were the most cautious person in the world, that is oneI tend to avoid calling things "off limits" around my kids. I look
> thing that I'd call off limits.
for ways to make what they want to do safer.
When Mo was 3, for example, we made candy. If you've never made
candy, the liquid sugar solution gets up above the boiling point of
water, and its sticky, so getting it on your skin is Bad. Its not
the safest activity for a 3yo, but she wanted to make hard candy so
we talked about the safety factors and she agreed to stay out of the
range of being splashed and just watch. It turned out to be less
exciting than she had hoped, and I ended up drizzling most of the
candy solution into containers of cold water and making "candy
string" rather than the lollipops we had been anticipating.
If I had a kid who wanted to try lye soap, I'd probably look for a
movie on the subject, first, since my kids are pretty visual. I'd
want them to know the steps involved, talk about safety and
precautions and make some firm agreements in that area. I might look
for another adult who'd done it before to walk us through the
process or just let us watch sometime. Eventually we might even make
our own soap! But I wouldn't be attatched to that outcome, since my
kids don't tend to take well to lots of preparations before actually
doing anything. I'm not saying I'd *set up* a lot of obstacles
between talking and doing, but I'd take the safety issue seriously,
all the while saying "yes, yes, yes, lets make soap!"
---Meredith (Mo 7, Ray 15)