Crafted Bliss
My handmade soap journey began as a humble fascination with the science and creativity behind cold processed soap making. After following the captivating creations of a premium soap maker in Manila on Instagram and being drawn to the meticulous craft in 2016, I enrolled in one of her basic soap making classes the following year.
Many people already know my deep love for sewing but, as life often unfolds, I also find joy in exploring adjacent hobbies. My initial fascination with soap making gradually evolved into a passion project on self-care and artisanal craft.
I have gone through many batches of soaps since then, both good and bad. After what felt like a substantial stretch of time, I recently made new ones this month in anticipation of the upcoming holiday season.
Say hello to the fruits of my labor: the intensely layered Lavender Soap, the soothing Chamomile and Oatmilk Soap, and the nourishing Charcoal Butter Swirl Soap.
From top: Charcoal Butter Swirl, Lavender, Chamomile and Oatmilk
The Lavender Soap has been a journey of its own. I have crafted countless batches, refining my recipe with each attempt. This particular loaf is a masterpiece of lavender, with layers infused with lavender tea, freshly ground lavender, and essential oils of both lavender and geranium. It's a fragrant, multi-layered delight that soothes the senses and nourishes the skin.
The Chamomile and Oatmilk soap is my favorite to make because it always results in a creamy and nourishing bar. I start off with fresh oatmilk that I personally extract from rolled oats. It is then blended with oils infused with both calming lavender and chamomile, shea butter, lavender hydrosol, and essential oils of vetiver, cedarwood, lavender, and orange. It is as heavenly to smell as it is to use.
The Charcoal Butter Swirl Soap, on the other hand, represents a bit of an experiment. While I've worked with charcoal before, I've tweaked the recipe to maximize its benefits. This soap combines the moisturizing properties of shea butter with the deep-cleaning power of activated charcoal, promising clearer skin, smaller pores, and reduced oiliness. With scents of lemon, tea tree, and elemi, it's a delightful experiment in progress, as I continue to refine my swirling technique.
These three loaves of soap have been cut into bars and they are currently covered in cloth and curing for the next 6 weeks. By then, they will be safe and ready for use.
My fragrant and refreshing journey into the world of handmade cold processed soap making has led me to carefully selecting ingredients to make certain that each bar I make is infused with nourishing goodness. It is also true that once you know the process of the products you consume, you make more mindful choices, including in what we feed our skin. I also like to think of how these little bars of handcrafted soap make me indulge in a little luxury each day, creating a small piece of everyday bliss.
