What You'll Need
- Clear glycerin or beeswax (hopefully not petroleum-based parafin!)
- Heating source (stove)
- Pot/pan
- Water
- Big pyrex container
- Waxy cup, pyrex cup or old film canister
- Essential oils of whatever smell you prefer: juniper, lemon, rosemary, sage, citrus, cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Heat a pot 1/3 to 1/2 filled with water to almost boiling, then keep it on simmer
Step 2: Add a pyrex container to the pot, then slice chunks of glycerin or beeswax into it
Step 3: In a cup mold, pour in whatever oils you'd like to use to give your soap a scent
Step 4: Optional: add bits of herbs or flowers to the cup for an interesting visual effect
Step 5: Add the now liquid, heated glycerin to your mold. Do in layers and add food coloring if you want to.
Step 6: Wait for the soap to cool to a solid, then remove. Voila: ready to use soap that smells great!
Diana Budds says:
We had a little soap-making shindig here at SustainLane where everyone had a blast and left with great gifts for friends and family. These soaps are incredibly fun and easy to make. It's a great way to get creative, get unique, and get crafty.You can easily make a dozen of these in under and hour, which makes for perfect last-minute stocking stuffers. Just be sure to let them set overnight before unmolding.
Jordana G. says:
I used clear glycerin with some yellow soap paint, lemon oil, and calendula... and it is a really nice little boutique soap. Already gifted it to my friend, and she loves it.
Adam W. says:
I have to admit i was very amazed at how easy this whole soap making thing is, once you have the right ingredients. We brought in a ton of essential oils and colors - which i promptly ignored and just started grabbing things form the pantry! I made a coffee-vanilla soap, a mate-honey soap, and a sea salt exfoliating soap. Seriously, once you have the glycerin/beeswax you can really make it up as you go!