Thanks everyone, you've all made me feel really welcome, especially has I haven't yet made one soap bar!

I'll be sure to keep you posted though when I do. I've decided I can't wait till Xmas to start so I'm ordering a melt and pour kit this week.

Keilly, thanks for replying - i appreciate that at this time of year, soapers are all really busy 

Polly

Welcome I hope you enjoy your course.

Hi Pollyanna   
Welcome to the friendliest forum around..........in no time at all you will be making boat loads of soap!!
I am just about to go public, (well..teetering on the edge a bit) and  having been practicing and playing for 2 years or more.

Soaping is great for those Mums who need some "me time".  I have a 21 yo who left home then came back, a 16 yo and as if that wasn't enough decided to start again and have a 6 yo! Shouting is his favourite past time, and there is NO peace here!!!  Hiding in my SK works well for me LOL.........

Hello!
I'm new too, and in Scotland! I've done a little m&p but none of the scary lye chemical reaction stuff  I'd totally be up for a little crash course, but am on the east coast... anyone else around here?
I know there is one soapy stall at the farmers markets, can't remember their names though. Are you here?  :mwaha:

BTW they are lovely round here. I've been looking for a knowledgeable uk forum for ages, and I'm so glad to be here!

Hi Walnut grove - I'm in East Ayrshire (not the most scenic of places).

I know what you mean about the scary lye stuff - I'm going to be trying M&P first before i get into that! Though from the piccies I've seen on here, it's definetly worth the effort.

Have you made much M&P yet? How easy is it getting the colour/fragrance right? What moulds do you use?
(Sorry, loads of questions - I'm tired but can't sleep and my brain is going into overdrive.)

Polly

Oh dear! This is a bad sign that you can't sleep for thinking about soap before you've made any!
If you are going to start with M&P, I have a lot of stuff, moulds, colours, FO's that you'd be welcome to have. They are cluttering up my soap cupboard. Let me know if you are interested.

That's a lovely offer, Corrie, and very much appreciated. 
If you would like to send a PM with your details and what you would like for the goodies, please do so. I can;t make it on Dec 5th to the Craft fair in Glasgow as I'm helping my sister with hers (her business partner is busy). I was really looking forward to meeting you.

And thinking about soap? Let's just say my son has seen far more CBeebies the past few weeks than he should as I spend time looing at the internet! As long as it's not Postman Pat, we're both happy (for some reason he HATES that programme).

Thanks again Corrie.

hi there, welcome and glad to meet you!

I am in Spain, formerly of the UK, and before that, was born and raised in the US. I have really learned a lot on this forum. Everyone is very friendly and encouraging.

sigh, i've just deleted my whole post so i've got to do it again 

Right. I'm in Dundee, which isn't too picturesque either 

My 1 attempt at m&p was not a success. I added some eo to the base and it was pretty rank. I wasn't too impressed with the lather either, but didn't know if I was supposed to add something else to it. I used some massage bar moulds which was ok though 
But I've been inspired by this forum to give it another go! Especially instructions for a harlequin soap for the kids Christmas presents

Do you, or anyone else, know if m&p is a glycerine soap? I see adverts for grycerine soap and wondered if that's what its called in the outside world  :buttrf:

That's right WG, it is glycerin soap 

Keep at it because I am sure you will have loads of fun once you have mastered it 

lol @ WG
Dundee isn't that bad! Have some relatives in Kirriemuir, though have to say I don't know Dundee that well, so won't argue 
Polly, will dig out the M&P stuff I have over the weekend and give you a shout.