Making Soap

For some strange reason, I've had it in my head that I want to try my hand at soap making. I'd looked at a few blogs that had done so, and the whole caustic soda bit put me right off. But then I read that home made soap contains less harsh chemicals, and I've noticed that my hands and legs seem to be getting drier and drier, so over the past few weeks I've been putting together my "soap making kit". And last night I gave it a go, and it was much, much easier than I imagined.

 It now has to cure for another few weeks, otherwise it will be too soft and won't last very long.

I used these blogs for inspiration, but I know I did a few things wrong (not drastically wrong, but I'll know for next time).

• I think I over-mixed it, as it was too thick to pour.
• I should have banged the air bubbles out.
• I should have had all my ingredients ready to go at the start as it was a pain to try and open containers with rubber gloves on.
• I think I've cut the blocks too big.

I don't think soap making is going to become a regular event, but I'll definitely have another go. Next time I'm going to add some oatmeal (is this the same as oatbran????) for a bit of a loofah effect.