Floppy Batch :(

*waves good morning to everyone* Hey y'all, short post this morning about the cut soap from yesterday's batch. I wish I had good news about how it turned out, but I don't really care for these bars. I am a bit bummed about it to be honest with you. I unmolded it and there was soap ash (I didn't use plastic wrap to prevent it due to the top, which was a mistake), and the sides have an almost translucent gelled look to them. There really wasn't enough of the colored soap batter in there, but you live and learn.

The top color design is cute, but thats the extent of it. There didn't seem to be enough scent in it either unfortunately because I only scented the colored part and there wasnt't enough of that in the loaf. The soap is usable after shaving it and shaping it up a bit. Altho I may just rebatch it, just haven't decided yet.

I have a feeling that other than the soap ash issue, this was due to the lye and oils not being hot enough and hitting a false trace. So lesson learned, and I will keep trying until I get this worked out. :) As for the two little sample bars...

Sorry the lighting is off a bit in this picture. There's a slight fading of color which makes it look interesting, but other than that its a nice smooth bar. I like the color personally. The scent is fairly good as well.

Ok folks, errands to run and soaps to make. Later today I am doing a goats milk test run based on suggestions and advice from some other soapmakers about my first batch of soap. So stay tuned!
Suds & Bubbles,
Soapy