Have you always wanted to give your family and friends gifts that you made yourself, but you never really felt you had the talent, time or know-how to make anything they would like and enjoy? Even if you think you are all thumbs when it comes to crafting, I've got the perfect project for you! Making personal gifts of melt-and-pour soaps is fun, inexpensive, not too time consuming and lets you give customized gifts that are impressive and will actually be used.
What You Need to Get Started
The first step is to gather your supplies. You can purchase blocks of melt-and-pour soap base from your local craft shop. There are several types available, ranging from clear glycerin, to goats milk, to butter type bases, just to name a few. Some of the bases will say “suspension type”. These are excellent if you choose to incorporate natural additives. You'll also need soap molds. These, too, are available from the craft shop or, candy molds work great for small guest soaps in a wide variety of shapes. While you're shopping, pick up your favorite fragrances and dyes to personalize your project; just make sure they say they are soap safe. Beautiful soap glitters and paints are also available. If you choose, there are natural additives you can put in for exfoliates or special effects. I particularly like lavender, lemon verbena, chamomile, oatmeal or mint. Other items you'll need are a microwaveable measuring cup or glass bowl, something to stir with, a sharp knife and a small spray bottle filled with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
Let's Make Soap
Now you are ready to start! Normally, soap bases come in 2-pound blocks marked off in cubes. Most soap molds hold 3 or 4 ounces of melted base, and there are usually 3 to 4 cavities available in a mold tray. Use a sharp knife and cut off the amount you'll need, chop them into smaller pieces and put them into the measuring cup. Cover the cup with plastic wrap to keep the excess moisture from evaporating. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir until any unmelted base dissolves or, if necessary, microwave in 20 second intervals to melt the remaining pieces.
It's now time to add your fragrance and color. As a rule, .25 ounce of fragrance per 1 lb. of soap is enough to add an irresistible scent, so just pour it into your melted base. Add color to suit your taste. If you've chosen a suspension formula base, now's the time to pour in a small amount of your additive and a touch of glitter. Stir it all together, working quickly before the soap begins to harden. Be gentle, though. If you stir too hard, you'll create bubbles in your soap. Next, pour your base into the molds. Remember, the liquid is hot, so be careful. Once you have finished pouring, lightly spray a coat of alcohol over the top to remove any bubbles.
Now all you have to do is wait just a little bit. Your soap will harden up in a few hours, of if you're in a hurry, you can place it in the fridge and it will be ready in about an hour. When it is completely firm, just pop it out of the molds and your soap is finished. Let it sit in the open air for a day or two, then wrap it in plastic wrap and admire the luxurious, moisturizing soap you created. Dress up your soap with a pretty ribbon tied around it. You can even add a little silk flower or tiny toy to give it a finishing touch.
This very simple craft can quickly become addictive. As you gain experience, you'll probably want to try more difficult recipes, like layered soaps or embedding projects. Soon you could decide to add making shampoos, body lotions, bath salts or other luscious concoctions to your repertoire.
Learn To Take a Compliment
Hand-made soaps are a wonderful gift for anyone on your list, from grandma to little nephew Joey. There's even a recipe available for an easy to make flea-repelling soap for your favorite canine. By the way, you'll feel absolutely pampered when you use these soaps, so go ahead! Treat yourself! You can find hundreds of free project instructions on the internet or there are many books on soap making available. If you really are hooked, you can order supplies in bulk online and save some money. Give melt-and-pour soap making a try and you'll soon be lathered with compliments when people open your very special handmade gifts. Now aren't you clever?
