Discovering the World of Cold Processed Soaps: Everyday Essentials and Artisanal Treasures
Have you ever wondered about the fascinating world of cold process soaps? There are two main types you should know about: the everyday "daily use bar" and the enchanting "artisan bar." Let's dive in and explore what makes these soaps unique!
Daily Use Bars: A Practical Approach
Imagine your favourite soap – the one you use in your daily routine. That's a "daily use bar." To create it, soap makers blend together base oils, additives, and a lye solution in one pot. This mixture is then poured into a block-shaped mould. Depending on the size of the soap bar, this process can yield anywhere from 300 to 1000 bars in a single pour.
Artisan Bars: A Touch of Creativity and Love Now, let's talk about artisan bars. These are special soap creations that tell a story, crafted by skilled artisans. The process begins with the soap maker combining base ingredients, additives, and lye. Unlike the daily use bar, artisan soap is poured into either a loaf or a slab mould, limiting the number of bars to around 20 to 80 per batch. But the magic doesn't stop there. After mixing the soap batter, the soap maker gets to choose how to pour it, creating mesmerizing patterns and designs. They might even make additional batches to create decorative elements or use a piping bag to add a frosting-like touch. Usually against time as the soap starts to cure inside the bag. And the finishing touch? Artisans may adorn the soap with intricate patterns, embellishments, or even botanicals, making each artisan bar truly unique and a work of art.
What Sets Artisan Bars Apart When you receive an artisan bar of soap, it's like receiving a heartfelt gift. These bars are brimming with love, passion, and creativity that the soap maker pours into each one. They hold a story behind them, connecting you to the artist's journey. While daily use bars also have their stories, they offer a different experience. With simple instructions, anyone can make a daily use bar – it's like a familiar tune played repeatedly. But artisan bars are a symphony of individuality; no two bars are the same. This is the key difference between artisan and daily use soap makers – both contribute greatly, offering you an amazing bathing experience.
Embracing the Experience Using a daily use bar is part of your everyday routine – it's your trusted companion for cleansing. On the other hand, an artisan bar is a more personal affair. You might choose to use it, display it as a work of art, or even keep it unopened because of the deep connection you feel. It's a tangible expression of the love and care invested in its creation.
Crafting with Purpose In the world of soap making, you'll find different types of creators. There are true artisans who pour their heart and soul into their craft, and then there are those who focus on practical cleansing. Artisan soap makers, like me, create these unique bars not only to support our families but to foster collaboration within our community. It's about finding like-minded individuals who share our passion, forming a tribe where creativity flows freely.
The Power of Art Art has an incredible ability to bring people together and let them express themselves. Creating an artisan soap bar is a form of art, and it's a testament to the artist's dedication. Each bar is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, not mass-produced, and that's what makes it special.
So, whether you're drawn to the everyday simplicity of a daily use bar or captivated by the artistry of an artisan bar, remember that both offer their own kind of magic. They enrich your bathing routine, make you feel pampered, and connect you to the hands and hearts behind their creation. In the end, it's all about embracing the diversity of soap making and finding the perfect match for your unique preferences and style.