1st time soapmaking

[Bryelee]

Okay that's not completely true, I bought a kite years ago. I liked it but with young children I had to stop and haven't done much since. My question is I want to get serious into making my own soap but I don't want to go crazy with spending money to start. How much do you think I can expect to spend without making elaborate soaps but still a nice bar I can show off.

I really hope that makes sense. I can buy more as I do more I am talking about making soap that is nicer than a white bar with no smell.

[hawkeyes_girl]

Depending on your oils and such, I would expect to spend maybe up to $40.

I spend almost $4 for lye (16 oz)

If I use EVOO, it can cost up to $20 for 101 oz.

Coconut oil costs about $5 in Walmart.

I just found pomace oil, a lower grade of olive oil that is only $13 for the same amount as above.

I can make a very big batch using 3/4 of the lye, 74 oz of olive oil, and up to 8 oz of coconut oil at a time. I worked it out to about $1 per bar. Scents and colors cost extra. I'm sure others work it out better.

Check out restaurant suppliers-that's where I found the pomace oil. 

[MissingWillow]

hawkeyes_girl, what section in WalMart do you find the coconut oil?  I've always ordered it and the shipping is pretty expensive. 

[hawkeyes_girl]

It's in the baking aisle, with the other cooking oils. Luann brand in an white opaque jar.

[smittenheart]

hawkeyes_girl, what section in WalMart do you find the coconut oil?  I've always ordered it and the shipping is pretty expensive. 

but what you also should look at is..even though  you are picking up something locally and perhaps saving on shipping break it down to price per ounce sometimes some places are cheaper per ounce even when you add in shipping..

thatll usually matter a lot to you when ordering more than just a small amount of oils..
have fun..