A Brief History Of Soap Making
Today, handmade soaps are found at craft shows, specialty
stores, on the internet and in some retail outlets. Many people
enjoy making novelty soaps that both look beautiful and work to
keep your skin feeling fresh. Though it is readily available
now, this wasn't always the case.
Records indicate that soap making may have existed as far back
as 2800 B.C. There are records that indicate both the Ancient
Greeks and Romans both started experimenting with olive oil in
their initial soap making. During it's earliest years of
creation soap was considered a luxury and was only available to
the richest individuals and families. Soap makers were hired to
create their products and were paid well by their wealthy
employers. Because of its' rare status, it took years before
handmade soap became accessible to everyone. But, one thing that
remained unchanged through the years is the fact that, like its'
current use, soap was used to wash skin and clothes when it was
first discovered.
As the years progressed, Europe established a soap making
industry as did America. While handmade soap was generally made
by women during the colonel American era. Each year, usually
before spring, women would gather together and make soap from
the ingredients that were saved from the winter months.
Generally colonial soaps were made from lard.
Since large industries took over the process of soap making, the
quality has suffered immensely. Soap making has been quite
profitable to large corporations. However, these large
corporations do not offer handmade soap and, therefore, lose
control over the special touches that only handmade soap can
offer. Rather than a luxury item, as it was earlier considered,
soap has become an everyday must-have household item. The
availability of regular soap lead to the inventions of other
things, including detergent, dishwashing liquids, stain
removers, liquid soaps, etc.
Today, handmade soaps are created by talented crafters
worldwide. Unique designs, scents, colorations and styles are
among the many characteristics found in today's handmade soap.
>From lavender soap to soap loaves, handmade soap is still very
much considered a luxurious item, but not anywhere near as
unattainable as in it's earliest years. Soap loaves, much like
the name implies, can be cut down to make bars of any size of
shape. Many soap makers show their creations at various craft
fairs throughout the year, as well as specialty stores.
Handmade soap is thought to be wonderful for your skin. Because
each bar contains healthy ingredients that help to rejuvenate
the skin, many users swear by its' effects. Today, everyone from
amateurs to small business owners are experimenting, selling and
enjoying their own handmade soap. Vanilla, lavender, floral and
practically any other scent imaginable is available. The next
time that you find yourself peeking in and out of quaint stores
lining the streets or browsing the aisle at a local craft fair,
snoop around and see if you cannot find someone who is offering
handmade soap. Otherwise, there is always the internet where a
variety of handmade soap is right at your fingertips.