Quote:
Prepare lye solution by slowly adding lye to the water (be sure to use a heat proof glass container). Mix gently (I use a silicone spatula) to incorporate the lye into the water. Set aside in a safe place to cool to about 115 degrees F.
Place all oils in a large heat proof container, like a Pyrex glass container, and melt in the microwave in bursts until the oils and butters are melted and fully incorporated. Alternatively, you can heat the oils on your stove in a pot until the butters and oils are well incorporated.
When the oils and lye are approximately the same temperature (115 degrees), slowly add the lye solution to the oils while mixing with a stick blender. You can try this by hand but it will take foreva! It's definitely worth investing in a cheap stick blender from Target or Walmart for this job.
Continue mixing with the stick blender until the mixture comes to "trace". Trace is where it begins to thicken like pudding - like when you drag a spoon through the mix, it leaves a light trace. Be careful however not to let it get too thick or you may have trouble pouring it into the mold.
Add your fragrance and mix on low to incorporate. This all takes a bit of time to get the hang of but after a couple of experiments, you will start to get a feel for when the mixture is blended enough. Once the fragrance is added, be sure to fully incorporate it, but don't over mix or the soap may begin to seize.
While the soap is still liquid and pudding-like, pour into a prepared soap mold that has been lined with parchment paper.