Soap Shenanigans

The first soap creation of The Branch & Vine Soap Co.

The beginning.

The number one question I am asked when on the subject of soap is, "How did you become interested in soap?" My answer is simple-my husband. He introduced the idea to me as a means of making money on the side. I honestly dismissed this idea until looking further into it. The process of soap making fascinated me and I couldn't wait to give it a go. I was raised by an extremely crafty mother so it seems to have suited me well and I took to it surprisingly fast. It's not for the faint of heart though and you have to be extra cautious with the ingredients used to make soap. Think of the movie, "Fight Club" and you'll be along the lines of soap making.... except it's no way near as gruesome and does not involve human fat. But, I broke the first rule of Fight Club so I'll move on...

The next step in my soap shenanigans came naturally-back yard homesteading. It almost seems perfect to be able to use animal fat to make soap. Back in the day, soap was almost exclusively made at home by your Grandma or Great Grandma. A trade that has since almost diminished except for the few that don't mind to get their hands dirty. I'm one of those people...My ultimate goal is to use the Lard from my pigs and the fat from my ducks to supplement part of the ingredients I use to make soap. Keep in mind the only way to make soap is with fat, oil, and sodium hydroxide (yes, that is lye). All other commercial methods do not produce soap but what they have to label as "Beauty Bars". Not the same thing. Not even in the same ball park. Ingredients matter and that's why I'm a back yard homesteader.

I currently have 10 Muscovy Ducks and 4 plump happy pigs. They are the easiest animals we could think of to raise on the half acre of land we have in the country portion of Utah. So far, we absolutely love it. As I've told others it makes me feel complete letting pigs be pigs and ducks be ducks. They live a much happier life than if they were raised in confined spaces on factory farms. It's the way it should be and it sets my soul on fire. I do not apologize for letting animals do what they were designed to do-provide meat/eggs/fat, etc. Aside from our dogs, all animals on our homestead serve a purpose.

This life I have been given serves a purpose and I firmly believe its to create and provide for others through a more natural means than what we are used to. Soap making takes time, patience, skill, and determination. I'm excited to continue to showcase my love of soap to you all!