DIY Network

Aromatherapy Scented luxuries to give as gifts or keep for yourself From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-106L

(Continued from page 3)

Herbal Tea Soaps

Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza mix tension-relieving herbal soaps that wash stress right down the drain.

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Herbal Tea Soaps

Materials:

1 lb. glycerin soap base
1/2 c. blend of oatmeal, lavender, rose petals and the contents of herbal tea bags (such as chamomile or mint)
1 rectangular small loaf pan
large glass measuring cup
medium-size stock pot
mixing spoon
few drops of essential oil
fork
large kitchen knife

Note: Glycerin soap base, sold in one-pound blocks or bags, is readily available at most craft stores or from Internet-based soapmaking suppliers.

1. Using a kitchen knife, cut the block of glycerin soap into 1" x 1" cubes and place into a large measuring glass (figure A).

2. Place the glass measuring cup, filled half-full of water, into the stock pot. Fill the pot with water -- this creates a double boiler. Place on the stove with medium heat.

3. Melt the glycerin cubes (figure B). Watch closely and stir as needed: the glycerin should take about 10 minutes to melt. When it has melted completely, remove the from heat and skim off any skin that may have formed on the surface of the liquid.

Figure A

Figure B

4. Pour 3/4 of the soap mixture into the loaf pan (figure C) and use a spoon to pop or remove any surface air bubbles. Set aside for 15 minutes, or until there is a solid layer on top. Place the remaining glycerin back in the pan and turn the heat down to a low simmer.

5. Once the poured glycerin has a solid layer on top, use a fork to firmly score the top of the cooling soap (figure D) (scoring the soap allows the top layer to adhere to the bottom layer).

Figure C

Figure D

6. Remove the remaining glycerin from the stove; add a few drops of essential oil and 1/2 c. dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly (figure E).

7. Pour the remaining melted soap into the loaf pan and let the mixture set for one hour (figure F). Pop the soap out of the mold (if you have trouble removing the soap, quickly run the loaf pan under warm water). Slice the soap into six bars or keep as one large bar (figure G).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

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