Soap Making

Several years ago I loved making soap for gifts. This last holiday season, I decided to share my secret with my group of friends and teach them how to make soap for loved ones. All supplies can be found at Michaels or another craft store. The main things you will need are:

• glycerin soap brick
• soap molds
• soap scent
• soap dye (or watercolors)
• a microwave
• a stirring utinsel (I like using a wooden skewer I can just throw away)
• Microwave safe bowl
• sharp knife and cutting board
• plastic wrap

First slice the soap into cubes cutting along score lines. It depends on how many soaps you want to make with the same scent and color. If you are making a lot, use lots of soap, if you are just making one only use about three depending on the size of the mold. It's all about experimenting.

 Place the cubes in your microwave safe container and stick in the microwave according to the directions on the package. I believe it is generally 30 second interval, stirring occasionally.

Once completely melted carefully remove from microwave. You will then mix in your color using the desired amount. There are specific soap colorants at the craft store but I have also found that using watercolors creates beautiful colors as well.

Next add several drops of soap fragrance (depending on how big your batch is).

Make sure you have completely mixed in your scent and colorant using the skewer or knife, whatever works! Slowly pour mixture into mold filling to the top. If you decide to only fill it halfway it will be very difficult to get it out. I learned this the hard way.

Allow the soap to cool completely for easy removal. If you get to anxious, you may be able to get some of the soaps out, you also may crack your mold. I learned this the hard way as well. Here is the finished product!

Now wrap the soaps up individually in plastic wrap to hold in their scent. They are ready to give as gifts!

There are many different things you can do in making the soap.

•  insert objects in soap such as a small toy or a ring
• create two toned soaps by layering the soap colors
• holiday soaps
• put in additives into soap-herbs, coffee beans, oatmeal

I hope you enjoyed reading the simplicity of making soap!