In episode 26, Anne-Marie Faiola dives into the topic of glycerin dew in soapmaking, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of this common phenomenon. The episode begins with an introduction to the subject, setting the stage for a detailed exploration. Anne-Marie explains the causes of glycerin dew and shares practical tips for preventing it, particularly when using low-condensation point (LCP) bases. She discusses effective cooling and wrapping techniques to maintain the quality of soap. The episode also covers moisture control methods, such as using dehumidifiers, to combat glycerin dew. It concludes with an invitation for listener engagement, encouraging soapmakers to share their experiences and solutions.

(0:00) Introduction to the episode

(0:34) Understanding Glycerin Dew in Soapmaking

(1:29) Tips for Preventing Glycerin Dew with LCP Bases

(1:55) Cooling and Wrapping Techniques for Soap

(2:27) Moisture Control: Dehumidifiers and Other Methods

(2:50) Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In episode 25, Anne-Marie Faiola provides valuable insights for soapmakers looking to sell their products at farmers markets. The episode begins with a warm welcome and introduction, offering tips for a successful market experience. Anne-Marie emphasizes the essentials needed for comfort and sales, such as a floor mat, credit card reader, and power bank. She shares strategies for engaging customers through samples, meaningful interactions, and providing business cards. Listeners learn about effective setup techniques, including tent arrangement, product protection, and weather preparedness. The episode wraps up with final advice on inventory management, the importance of having helpers, and enjoying the market experience.

(0:00) Welcome, Introduction, and Tips for Selling at Farmers Markets

(1:00) Essentials for Comfort and Sales: Floor Mat, Credit Card Reader, and Power Bank

(1:54) Engaging Customers: Samples, Interactions, and Business Cards

(2:32) Setting Up: Tent, Product Protection, and Weather Preparedness

(3:11) Final Advice: Inventory Management, Helpers, and Enjoying the Market

In episode 24, Anne-Marie Faiola takes listeners on a unique journey into the world of whey in soapmaking. The episode begins with an introduction and overview of the podcast, setting the stage for an experimental approach to soap crafting. Anne-Marie delves into her experiments with incorporating whey into soap recipes, sharing the process, challenges, and creative insights. She provides a thorough analysis of the results, comparing the outcomes of whey soap experiments to traditional methods. The episode concludes with closing remarks, inviting listener engagement and encouraging soapmakers to explore and innovate with new ingredients in their soapmaking endeavors.

(0:00) Introduction and podcast overview

(0:34) Experimenting with whey in soapmaking

(2:06) Results and comparisons of whey soap experiments

(3:11) Closing remarks and listener engagement

In episode 23, Anne-Marie Faiola welcomes listeners to Soapmaking 101, setting the stage for an informative session on creating cold process soap. She shares valuable insights, tips, and advice from her experiences, aimed at guiding both beginners and seasoned soapmakers in their craft. Anne-Marie's practical suggestions cover essential aspects of soapmaking, emphasizing sustainable and natural methods. The episode concludes with closing remarks, offering encouragement to listeners to explore and experiment with soapmaking, fostering creativity and growth in their soapmaking journey.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome to Soapmaking 101

(1:36) Insights, tips, and advice from the team

(2:39) Closing remarks and encouragement

In episode 22, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the world of soap colorants, providing a comprehensive guide for soapmakers. The episode kicks off with an introduction to the various types of colorants, distinguishing between natural and synthetic options. Anne-Marie offers an in-depth exploration of micas, both natural and synthetic, and discusses the use of herbs and botanicals for soap coloring. She explains the concept of bleeding colorants and their impact on soap design. Listeners receive valuable tips for incorporating pigments and micas in cold process and melt and pour soap. The episode also introduces LabColors, with techniques for using natural colorants highlighted. It concludes with encouragement to experiment with colorants in soapmaking.

(0:00) Welcome and introduction to soap colorants

(0:28) Overview of colorants including natural vs. synthetic

(1:10) Deep dive into natural and synthetic micas

(1:31) Exploring herbs and botanicals in soap coloring

(1:47) Understanding bleeding colorants and their effects

(2:07) Tips for using pigments and micas in cold process soap

(2:36) Best practices for pigments and micas in melt and pour soap

(3:55) Introduction to LabColors and their use in soap making

(4:24) Techniques for using natural colorants in soap

(5:07) Conclusion and encouragement to experiment with colorants

In episode 21, Anne-Marie Faiola dives into the art of soap texturing techniques. She begins with an introduction to various techniques that add visual interest and depth to handmade soap. The episode covers the concept of soap trace and its significance in achieving desired textures. Anne-Marie discusses essential materials needed for successful texturing. Listeners are guided through basic techniques like spoon, fork, and ridge swirls, before exploring advanced methods such as feathered, wave, linear, mica, and side textures. The episode wraps up with tips on finishing touches, including sculpted tops, and practice advice, concluding with final thoughts on mastering soap texturing.

(0:00) Introduction to Soap Texturing Techniques

(0:25) Understanding Soap Trace and Its Role in Texturing

(0:51) Essential Materials for Texturing Soap

(1:20) Techniques for Texturing Soap: Spoon, Fork, and Ridge Swirls

(2:08) Advanced Texturing: Feathered, Wave, Linear, Mica, and Side Textures

(3:08) Finishing Touches: Sculpted Tops and Practice Tips

(3:54) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In episode 20, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the role of exfoliants in soapmaking. She starts with a warm welcome and introduces the concept of adding exfoliants to cold process soap for enhanced texture and benefits. Anne-Marie guides listeners on how to effectively incorporate exfoliants into their soap recipes, covering both medium and large exfoliant options. She discusses the variety of textures and exfoliating properties these ingredients bring to handmade soap. The episode concludes with closing remarks and an invitation for listener interaction, encouraging soapmakers to share their own experiences and questions about using exfoliants in their creations.

(0:00) Welcome and introduction to soapmaking exfoliants

(1:06) How to incorporate exfoliants into your soap

(2:18) Exploring medium and large exfoliants

(3:22) Closing remarks and invitation for listener interaction

In episode 19, Anne-Marie Faiola shares valuable insights gained from past soapmaking mistakes. She begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the episode, setting the stage for a candid discussion on the lessons learned from common missteps in the soapmaking process. Anne-Marie emphasizes the importance of embracing these mistakes as learning opportunities and offers practical advice for avoiding them in the future. The episode concludes with closing remarks, encouraging listeners to approach their soapmaking journey with resilience and creativity, inspired to learn and grow from their experiences.

(0:00) Welcome and introduction to Episode Nineteen

(2:51) Lessons learned from soapmaking mistakes

(3:16) Closing remarks and inspiration for listeners

In episode 18, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the captivating world of soap scents. She begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the art of selecting and blending fragrances in soapmaking. Emphasizing the importance of personal preference, Anne-Marie encourages listeners to experiment with different scent combinations to create unique and personalized soaps. Throughout the episode, she shares insights on how to trust one's nose and embrace creativity in the soap scenting process. The episode concludes with closing remarks, inspiring listeners to explore and enjoy the endless possibilities of scenting their handmade soaps.

(0:00) Welcome and Introduction to Soap Scents

(2:13) Personal Preference and Experimentation with Scents

(2:57) Episode Conclusion and Closing Remarks

In episode 17, Anne-Marie Faiola dives into the art of scenting cold process soaps. She begins with a welcome and an introduction to the world of soap scenting, setting the stage for an exploration of both essential and fragrance oils. Anne-Marie discusses the extraction processes, benefits, and precautions associated with essential oils, followed by an examination of the composition and selection of fragrance oils. The episode encourages listeners to experiment with different scents, emphasizing personal preferences and creativity in their soapmaking journey. The episode wraps up with a conclusion and sign-off, leaving listeners inspired to craft uniquely scented soaps.

(0:00) Welcome and introduction to soap scenting

(1:09) Essential oils: Extraction, benefits, and precautions

(1:56) Fragrance oils: Composition and selection

(3:00) Experimentation and personal preferences in soap scents

(3:17) Episode conclusion and sign-off