Finally, I poured the first batch. (Left
) It worked great except for the huge crater resulting from very high tempuratures. I encountered production issues I had not considered, but that is the nature of manufacturing and while I have increased
output the soap is still very handmade! My equipment is from Willow Way:
Big Batch Production
Our business is growing and to keep up we have graduated to a big batch
production system. After some research and planning I finally ordered our new equipment, set up shop out in the studio and worked out some of the production issues with making hundreds of bars of soap at a time. I had to rethink all my
methods that worked fine for small batches but were too time consuming for larger ones. And I had to buy bigger tools from the restaurant supply and the home improvement center!
Soapmaking Guilds
The Texas Soapmakers Associationhas members from all over this great state. Are you looking for a soap specifically from Texas? Go towww.txsoapmakers.org/ and click on the button that says "Buy Soap in Texas." This
association also has an annual convention which rotates around larger Texas towns and is always well attended by soapmakers willing to share and learn together. The convention is open to visitors if space allows. We'd love to see
you there whether you make soap or just want to learn. Just be sure to pre-register to reserve your space.
The Handcrafted Soapmaker's Guild functions as a networking hub for soapmakers from all over planet Earth. The
Guild advertises and promotes the benefits of using handcrafted soap and its members who make it. Information about soapmaking is available to members and the public and the Guild serves as a forum for lifers (like me) to
interact with each other.
When the soap you choose really does matter -
look for the member seal.
Online Member Roster: www.soapguild.org
The Handmade Beauty Network, created by Donna Maria, a lawyer and maker of natural skin treatments, is a highly informative site that discusses the positive aspects of using handcrafted toiletries. Anyone can visit the site and learn why handmade toiletries are good for you. Look at the member directory to find a producer that meets your specific needs. www.handmadebeautynetwork.com
The Farmer's Market at
Ardovino's Desert Crossing
In summer Cactus Mary's Soap has a weekly booth in Sunland Park, NM. The Farmer's Market on Saturdays from
7:30 am to noon has grown and become a very cool place to be on the weekend. You can get fresh, locally-grown produce, organic vegetables, art and photos, as well as Mary's soap, incense and loofahs. Most weeks, you can also
find salsas, dried herbs, painted gourds, jewelry and free-range eggs. There's live music and ocasionally a rainstorm
or two to cool things off. I want to thank Robert and Marina for all their hard work creating this wonderful marketplace!
For info and directions call: 505-589-0653
mary fountaine - soapmaker
mary@cactusmary.com 915-565-7825
buy / contactcactus mary
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