Hullo there, I am brand new to this forum and after having a nosey-about I think I am in love- what a lovely community with so many talented people!

I am considering learning how to make soap and have some ideas kicking about in my head but ultimately I want to start my own business somewhere down the line when I am confident and making good quality soaps (which I am pretty sure will be a long way off)!

I still can't fully decide on which to learn but I think it would be smart to start with M&P and when I am braver move on to CP (I have 4 crazy cats and the world's tiniest kitchen with one window that won't open- not good conditions for working with CP heh)!

The rules and regs are a giant headache, plus there's this rule I've heard about soap shaped like food which is a no go (this surprises me as I can think of several online soapsellers that still make cupcakes, lollies, etc so maybe my interpretation of foodysoaps is completely wrong, I truly hope so because I'd love to make soaps that look like cakes) so I am very confused about which route to take. If I decide to stick with M&P it will be aimed for the more fun soaps, like the foody soaps because I am concerned that I won't be able to target the natural homemade market like you can with CP, and if I decide to opt for CP then I will need to work out a way to make it safely in regards to fumes, storage and whatnot. My poor head go bang!

Anyway I am waffling on too much... it's lovely to meet you- I am looking forward to making new friends, learning all I can, and maybe one day soon actually deciding on which route to take in my soaps

Hello Lenne, welcome to the forum and it is the friendly forum.

Many people start with MP before trying CP/HP.

It's not always possible to find a topic which has answered a query (very many topics now and they often suffer from thread drift) so if you get stuck ask.

A few people here are owned by multiple cats and they cope.

As for storage...

Hello and welcome, looking forward to seeing some of your creations

Hello Lenne and welcome to the forum.  Thank you for that lovely intro.  I can't really advise on which route to take, but I would guess you can have fun and be creative with M&P and while you do this, you could be exploring and planning your first CP 

Anyway, I am sure you find your feet with it and then there'll be no stopping you  :buttrf:

Hi Lenne, and a big welcome.................this is a really friendly and advice/support packed forum, you'll fit right in...... :buttrf:

You will just love making soap, so enjoy the journey and plunge right in..

Hi Lenne welcome to the best and friendly forum on the web.  :buttrf:

Hi Lenne! Welcome to the forum that really is friendly and helpful!

Hi and welcome!  :buttrf:

Hello and welcome.

Thankyou very much, you've all made me feel very welcome indeed!  I'm just hoping that my questions won't be too annoying- I'm currently using the search to see if I can find previous questions/answers and the ones I can't find I will toss your way- thanks again!

Hello Lenne

Hi ya Leanne,

You are very welcome to this wonderful fun place!!

Dont be afraid at all at all to ask questions!! There are plenty of very talented soapers here - so you wont be stuck!!

I just jumped right in to the CP/HP!! I still havent made any M&P - mainly cos I am too addicted to cp/hp now!!!  :mwaha:

Start thinking ahead - where will you store your ingredients? where will you cure your soaps? etc - look for every nook and cranny in your home to find places to store your goodies!!! Your home wont feel the same again!!! It is now going to be a home for soap!!!
Good luck and enjoy the ride, the learning and the excitement of it all!!! No worrying about regs etc for now - common sense goes a long way!! Just get stuck in - and think of obstacles as challenges!!!  :buttrf:

Hi Lenne, welcome!  

Hello and welcome.

Hi Lenne! Welcome! I'm sorry I missed welcoming you in a more timely manner. I don't know where my head has been. You're going to love it here. I'm really new, too. Everyone here is wonderful. You couldn't have found a better place to learn.  : )