From Beer to Botanicals—Behind the Scenes in the Soap Studio
Sometimes soapmaking goes smoothly. And sometimes it involves a mini volcano in your mixing bowl.
This week, I’ve been working on a few new batches for the fall season—including a new turmeric soap, a restock of some old favorites, and my first-ever beer soap. That last one came with a bit of a learning curve.
I had carefully de-fizzed and frozen the beer ahead of time (as all the experts recommend), but when I added the lye… let’s just say it didn’t exactly behave. There was bubbling, hissing, and a surprising amount of drama. I caught it on video—at least the volcano part.
Shortly after that, my camera decided to quit, so the part where it accelerated FAST was cut out.
The good news? The soap turned out just fine. A bit rustic, maybe, but fully usable and now curing on the rack.
It’s all part of the process. Not every batch goes according to plan, and that’s okay. That’s one of the things I love about handmade soap—every bar tells a little story.
What’s Coming Soon
Here’s what’s happening in the studio right now:
🟡 Turmeric Soap – A golden bar naturally colored with turmeric and scented with a bright, earthy blend of lavender, lemongrass, cedarwood, and geranium. It’s a little floral, a little citrusy, and grounded by warm wood notes
🍊 Citrus Patchouli (and other favorites) Restocks – If you’ve been waiting for one, it should be back in the lineup soon.
🐉 Dragon’s Blood Scented Soap – This fall, I’m introducing this deep, resinous scent for the first time. It’s rich, a little smoky, and totally different from anything I’ve made before. This one will be part of a new line of soaps scented with fragrance oils instead of essential oils. They’ll be clearly labeled and grouped separately, so you can shop whichever style you prefer. I'm curious to see what you all think!
In the Works
I’m also planning some new fall soaps—like Spiced Chai Latte and a warm, comforting blend I’m calling Golden Harvest. I’ll be sharing scent ideas and sneak peeks soon, so stay tuned!
And if you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes here at Wild Roots… well, sometimes it’s petals and botanicals. And sometimes it’s beer volcanos.
Either way, I’m glad you’re here for the journey.
