Keeping my Great Grandma’s Legacy Alive 🧼
The other day I was having a conversation with my mom about soap. I was telling her about an inexpensive soap that we liked, happened to have a good rating for non toxic ingredients. She joked about how when the news got out, we might not be able to find it anymore. I chuckled, and thought about the hassle it can be to make homemade soap. I told her, “Its not that it’s not worth it, it’s just that it’s only really worth it to make 20-30 bars at a time”. This is because the to make it oils aren’t the cheapest, then when you start to add essential oils, herbs, for fragrance, color, etc. it can get expensive. She nodded in agreement and we moved on to another subject.
Of course I got introspective after the phone call. I thought about my great-grandmother, affectionally known as Mother. She would babysit me a lot when I was a little girl. I would sit at her feet and listen to her tell me stories about running a farm with her husband. How she would gather the ashes from the fire-burning stove and soak them in water to make lye. She would then render the fat from beef or pork, and add that lye to it to make soap. I remember asking her if it took a long time. She said yes, you had to stir for ages until the mixture became thickened and finally turned to soap. It then had to sit for sometime before it could be used. She later let me know that after she moved to Chicago, Ivory soap was the closest (ingredient wise) to what she used to make. I’m not sure it’s the same now, but If you knew her, she wouldn’t use anything else…ever.
Those memories are what sparked the desire to make my own bars when I got older. Her recollections became the steps to a recipe and were a guide to help me begin the formulation and curing process. Now, I’ve probably made 1000 bars of soap by hand. Every time I start the process, I inadvertently think about her and thank God for the memories.
I will probably never stop making soap. This plus gardening, making natural remedies or reading my bible. It’s not only a labor or love, but it’s a big part of my effort to keep Mother’s legacy alive.
#Lemon8Diary #embracevulnerability #MyLemon8Diary #businessowner #soapmaking
Soap-making is more than just a craft; it's a way of preserving family heritage. Utilizing natural, non-toxic ingredients in soap can be an enriching experience. Homemade soap can be tailored to personal preferences through the use of essential oils and herbs, often resulting in unique and skin-friendly products. To start, gather necessary ingredients such as lye, oils, and optional natural additives for color and scent that resonate with personal memories or family traditions. You don't need to produce large batches right away; small quantities can help refine your technique. Traditional methods, like those used by many ancestors, often prioritize safety and quality by using simple yet effective ingredients from nature. As you embark on this soap-making journey, remember to document your successes and even failures to share with future generations. Embrace the imperfections, and find joy in the process of rekindling these family bonds through craft and creation. #soapmaking #familytraditions #homemadesoap
I read it as soup😭😭😭