Yesterday was a rarity, dear reader. I was in the studio alone, which never happens, and I worked on a little side project that has been on the back burner for quite some time. My bib overall wearing wonder buns is a work-a-holic. He works tirelessly on the farm, with the goats, and in the studio to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. However, this allows very little time for me to work independently in a quiet space, doing what I love: creating.
There was a time when making soap was relaxing and therapeutic for me. When this journey began, I was home alone, The Bean was in school, and The Bibbed Wonder was working away most of the week. With my empty nest, I had the time to create, research, experiment, and grow as a soap maker. This time was one of the most enjoyable periods of my soap-making journey. I listened to music that I enjoy and find relaxing and inspiring. I could work at my own pace and didn't feel rushed, pressured, or like I was on a hamster wheel to get things done. It was inspiring and rewarding to figure out a recipe, master a new technique, and push myself creatively. It also gave me something positive to focus on during a difficult time.
Those days are long gone. Working with my husband is delightful, mostly. We are a good team and bring out the best in each other. However, with his logical, math-based approach to life and my creativity, there are no boundaries to what we can do attitude, we don't always see eye to eye. My ideas, impulsivity, and creativity often make my husband twitch and squirm. His rigidity, methodical approach, and inflexibility to change frustrate me to no end. Regardless, we make this work, and we balance each other. I need him to keep me focused and on point. He needs me to get him out of his comfort zone and allow the creative process to flow.
While he trimmed the goat's hooves, I had the rare opportunity to work alone in the studio, trying my hand at a simple soap dough recipe. I have wanted to master soap dough and hand-sculpt soap dough for soap tops for quite some time. After trying to make my original soap recipe work with lackluster results, I had to put the project aside for the holiday season. I finally have the time and opportunity to work with a recipe formulated explicitly for soap dough. There is a woman in England who is the soap dough goddess. This woman is a true artist and has mastered the technique for creating embeds, three-dimensional creations, and the most gorgeous soaps I have ever seen. I took a play from the master's handbook and tried my hand at making soap dough using her published recipe.
Working alone on a small batch of soap was delightful. I could create something from beginning to end without anyone else's help. I worked through the process on my own time, in my way, without any input. I listened to classical music, enjoyed the process, and felt good about the results. It was like revisiting the soap-making process from the beginning of my journey. I will find out if the recipe is a success later this morning. Fingers crossed, the soap will be soft and pliable. If it is, I have big plans for soap embeds, beautiful soap tops, and limited-edition luxury soaps. The Bibbed Wonder has agreed to my using soap dough in our seasonal soaps in limited quantities on my own time.
I will be sure to keep you posted about the success of the recipe and the soaps I plan to create if the recipe works. Stay safe, be smart, enjoy the process, get creative, and keep washing your hands on this gloomy winter's day.
Comments