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So, you want to
make your own soap?
What
could be more fun than making your own soaps? Your soaps will be unique to
you. They are cheaper and better for your skin than store-bought brands. And,
don’t forget, you will know exactly what ingredients each bar of soap contains.
You
can involve the entire family in your soapmaking craft. It is a fun and safe
project for kids of all ages. There are no harsh chemicals used and the
temperatures are low enough that even small children can handle the product
safely.
You
can create your own recipes to customize your soap or use one from the many you
find on the Internet or in various books. You have the freedom to choose your
own ingredients, scents, colors, and more!
You
only need a few instructions to get you started on your way to making your own
homemade soaps!
Basic Melt & Pour Instructions
Tools needed:
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Microwave-safe glass measuring cup
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Wooden craft
sticks (stirring your soap and swirling colors)
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Knife (cut
base in small pieces)
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Eyedroppers
(add colors, fragrances, etc.)
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Molds (soap,
candy, candle, loaf pan, etc.) – you will find yourself using anything in the
kitchen that looks like a possible mold. Some crafters have used Pringles cans,
tuna fish cans, PVC pipes, and other similar forms. I have used Rubbermaid
containers, as well as, loaf pans for soap loaves.
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Melt soap
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Slice your melt & pour soap into small pieces. Place soap in a microwave
safe, glass-measuring cup (I use a 32-ounce Pyrex measuring cup).
Microwave in 40-second intervals. If soap is still lumpy, microwave
another 40 seconds. Stir until soap is completely melted and ready to
pour.
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Add color, herbs, and fragrance
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COLOR: Add drops of liquid colorant, mica powder, or colorant chips until
you have the color you desire for your finished soap.
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HERBS: Add a small pinch of embedding herbs to the melted soap to add
texture and variation. When using herbs, remember some of them change the
color of your soap.
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FRAGRANCE: Add a few drops at a time of a fragrance or an essential oil
until you have the strength of fragrance you desire in your finished soap.
Some essential oils, such as peppermint oil, are strong, so be cautious about
how much you use.
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Pour soap into mold
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Set soap mold on a level surface. Pour melted soap into the soap molds.
Do not overfill the cavities.
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Chill soap
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Once soap has set up, place mold into the freezer for 20 minutes. Invert
molds and give the mold a gentle twist. The soap will release from the
mold just like ice cubes.
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M&P Instructions written by
www.hollyhobby.com
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