In episode 66 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola tackles the challenge of troubleshooting lye heavy soap. The episode begins with an introduction to understanding and identifying lye heavy soap, followed by methods for testing it. Anne-Marie discusses remedies and safe disposal options for batches that can't be salvaged. She explores factors affecting soap texture and shares techniques for rebatching to improve consistency. The episode also offers preventative tips to avoid lye heavy issues in future soapmaking endeavors. A brief mention of the sponsor, BrambleBerry.com, is included, providing listeners with resources for quality soapmaking supplies.

(0:00) Introduction to troubleshooting lye heavy soap

(0:29) Identifying and Testing for Lye Heavy Soap

(1:53) Remedies and Disposal of Lye Heavy Soap

(2:35) Factors Affecting Soap Texture and Rebatching Techniques

(3:30) Preventative Tips for Lye Heavy Soap

(3:48) Sponsor: BrambleBerry.com

In episode 65 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the art of handmade soapmaking. The episode kicks off with an introduction to the process and its unique qualities compared to commercial soap. Anne-Marie explains the FDA's definition of soap and highlights the benefits of glycerin, a natural byproduct of the soapmaking process. She discusses how to customize soap with various oils for different skin needs. Safety tips are provided, along with ways to personalize soap with unique additives. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the benefits of soapmaking, offering final thoughts and resources for further exploration.

(0:00) Introduction to Handmade Soapmaking

(0:27) Commercial vs. Handmade Soap & FDA Definition

(1:32) Benefits of Glycerin & Customizing Soap with Oils

(2:24) Safety and Customization in Soapmaking

(3:26) Unique Additives and Benefits of Soapmaking

(4:22) Final Thoughts and Resources

In episode 64 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola introduces the essentials of soapmaking. The episode begins with a warm welcome and an overview of the soapmaking process. Anne-Marie guides listeners through the preparation phase, emphasizing the importance of thorough research, selecting the right ingredients, and setting up a suitable workspace. She offers encouragement for newcomers, reassuring them that mistakes are part of the learning journey. Practical advice is given on handling common errors, and additional resources are suggested for further learning. The episode concludes with a supportive note, inspiring confidence in aspiring soapmakers.

(0:00) Welcome and introduction to soapmaking

(1:04) Preparing for soapmaking: Research, ingredients, and setup

(3:12) Encouragement, handling mistakes, and additional resources

In episode 63 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola addresses the issue of cracking in cold process soap. The episode starts with a welcome and an introduction to the topic of soap cracking. Anne-Marie explains the factors that contribute to cracking, including temperature variations and the role of specific ingredients. She offers insights into how to prevent this common issue, ensuring a smoother soapmaking process. The discussion also covers the usability of cracked soap, providing reassurance and practical advice for salvaging such batches. The episode concludes with a wrap-up of the key points discussed.

(0:00) Welcome and episode introduction

(0:30) Understanding and Preventing Cracking in Cold Process Soap

(1:48) Temperature factors and ingredient impacts on soap cracking

(2:54) Cracked soap usability

(3:13) Episode wrap-up

In episode 62 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores cost-saving strategies in soapmaking. The episode begins with a welcome and introduction to budget-friendly practices. Anne-Marie shares tips on saving money by using recycled molds and opting for cost-effective oils. She emphasizes the importance of using tested ingredients and making small test batches to avoid costly mistakes. The discussion includes salvaging failed batches and buying in bulk for savings. Anne-Marie highlights versatile ingredients, including those found in the kitchen, and advises on proper storage of ingredients and products. The episode concludes with resources from Bramble Berry and closing remarks.

(0:00) Welcome and episode introduction

(0:31) How to save money on soapmaking, including using recycled molds and cost-effective oils

(2:11) Importance of tested ingredients and making small test batches

(2:59) Salvaging failed batches and buying in bulk

(3:46) Versatile ingredients and using kitchen ingredients in soap

(4:30) Proper storage of ingredients and products

(4:50) Bramble Berry resources and closing remarks

In episode 61 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the sweet world of honey in bath and body products. The episode kicks off with a warm welcome and an introduction to the topic. Anne-Marie discusses the numerous benefits and uses of honey, highlighting its moisturizing and soothing properties in soaps and other body care items. She also addresses the challenges of incorporating honey into various products, providing practical tips to overcome them. The episode wraps up with Anne-Marie's closing remarks and a mention of the episode's sponsor.

(0:00) Welcome and episode introduction

(0:39) Benefits and uses of honey in soap and body products

(2:38) Challenges of using honey in various bath and body products

(3:43) Closing remarks and sponsor mention

In episode 60 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the creative use of tea and coffee in soapmaking. The episode begins with a welcome and an introduction to the theme, exploring how to incorporate coffee grounds and tea leaves into soap for exfoliation and texture. Anne-Marie discusses the benefits of coffee butter and its applications in soapmaking. She explains the use of brewed coffee and tea as a liquid base for cold process soap, offering unique properties and aromas. The episode also covers coloring techniques using titanium dioxide and mica, and enhancing soap with tea or coffee fragrance oils from Bramble Berry. Anne-Marie concludes with additional resources available on BrambleBerry.com.

(0:00) Welcome and introduction to using tea and coffee in soapmaking

(1:02) Incorporating coffee grounds and tea leaves into soap

(1:59) Benefits and uses of coffee butter in soapmaking

(2:25) Using brewed coffee and tea as the liquid in cold process soap

(2:57) Coloring soap with titanium dioxide and mica

(3:19) Enhancing soap with tea or coffee fragrance oils from Bramble Berry

(3:51) Conclusion and resources from BrambleBerry.com

In episode 59 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola focuses on the crucial topic of working with lye in soapmaking. The episode begins with a warm welcome and introduction to the podcast's theme. Anne-Marie then delves into understanding and respecting lye, emphasizing its role and importance in the soapmaking process. She discusses the necessary safety gear and precautions to take when handling lye, ensuring listeners are well-prepared. The episode covers the proper techniques for mixing and storing lye, sharing Anne-Marie’s personal safety experiences to provide practical insights.

(0:00) Welcome and introduction to the podcast

(0:35) Understanding and respecting lye

(1:58) Safety gear and precautions for lye

(2:20) Working with lye: Mixing and storage

(3:03) Anne-Marie’s lye safety experiences

In episode 58 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola explores the fundamentals of melt and pour soapmaking. The episode starts with an introduction to the basic principles of this method, followed by a discussion on its benefits and limitations. Anne-Marie then compares melt and pour soap to cold process soap, highlighting the key differences. Listeners will gain insights into various decorating techniques and tips specific to melt and pour soap. The episode also covers the use of fresh ingredients with melt and pour bases. Anne-Marie concludes with guidance on transitioning to cold process soap for those seeking more options and flexibility, followed by her closing remarks and farewell.

(0:00) Welcome and introduction to melt and pour soap basics

(1:21) Benefits and limitations of melt and pour soap

(1:58) Cold process vs. melt and pour soap comparison

(3:12) Decorating techniques and tips for melt and pour soap

(4:00) Using melt and pour bases with fresh ingredients

(4:42) Transitioning to cold process soap for more options

(5:05) Closing remarks and farewell

In episode 57 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola shares her personal journey into soapmaking and provides an overview of various methods. The episode kicks off with an introduction to the series before diving into the drawbacks of cold process soap. Anne-Marie then introduces the melt and pour method, followed by a discussion on the advantages and drawbacks of hot process soap. She highlights the rebatch soap method and its role in the soapmaking world. The episode wraps up with Anne-Marie revealing her favorite soapmaking method and offering her closing remarks.

(0:00) Welcome to Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen

(0:32) Anne-Marie's soapmaking journey and overview of methods

(1:35) Drawbacks of cold process soap

(2:11) Introduction to melt and pour soap

(3:16) Advantages and drawbacks of hot process soap

(4:04) Rebatch soap method and its place in soapmaking

(4:52) Anne-Marie's favorite soapmaking method and closing remarks