The Art of Soaps

" Anyone's life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit." -- Lillie Langtry

There are many ways to make soap. Some methods are

• Cold Process Soap Making
• Hot Process Soap Making
• Melt and Pour Soap Making
• Hand Milled Soap Making

The simplest and the easiest of them all is the Melt and Pour Soap making process. 

Wanna learn how to make decorative soaps using Melt and Pour soap making technique?  Read further....

Get This:

--2 cup  measuring cup ( preferably glass i.e Pyrex)

--Spoon

--Dishtowel

-- Soap Base

-- Fragrance/Essential Oils

-- Soap Dyes/Color

-- Molds

-- Heating Source ( I used microwave)

-- Some embellishments/ embedded object

-- Rubbing Alcohol  ( optional)

Note : The Soap base that i used is Clear Glycerin Soap Base easily available in most craft stores.

Try This:

1. Select 3-4 cubes of glycerin soap to your dedicated measuring cup. 3 cubes will be enough for a small mold and 4 cubes for a large mold.
2. Heat in the microwave for 40 seconds. Microwaves will vary depending on wattage so you may have to add additional time. If not melt add 10 second intervals until completely melted.
3. Add 2 drops of color to the melted soap. If you add too many drops you will not see your embedded objects. You may choose to go with a solid color with no embedded objects or if you want to leave your soap clear with an embedded object then skip this step.
4. Add 3-4 drops of your favorite scent.
5. Add your embellishment:

• Fill your mold approximately half way.
• Spritz soap with water and alcohol mixture to pop bubbles.
• Wait approximately for 10-15 seconds or until weight of item can be supported by soap. If you wait too long then you will develop an unsightly seam.
• Place item. If it is a silk flower or a piece with a design then place it face down.Flowers tend to float, in that case just hold them with a toothpick until item will no longer float.

    6. Add rest of the mixture. If the mixture has started to harden then reheat. If necessary spray  with water and alcohol mixture to pop any remaining bubbles.

   7. Let soap harden. During  this time do not move the mold.This will prevent any spilling or shifting of embedded items which could ruin your project.This process can last up to an hour or longer. It is best to let the soap rest until it is completely cooled.This makes it a lot easier to remove from mold.If you take out too soon, then you will develop dents in your soap.

8. Wrap the soap using  cellophane wraps.

These are pictures of Soaps that I crafted using Melt and Pour Soap making process. These also make great  and unique holiday gifts.