Materials: Bars of soap (regular or glycerin)
Ordinary kitchen grater
Heatproof bowl
Warm water
Plastic candy molds, empty clamshell or other molds (shallow molds work best with this project)
Nonstick cooking spray or mineral oil - Grate a bar or a mixture of bars of soap into the heatproof bowl (figure A ).
- Add water 1 teaspoon at a time, scrunching it into the grated soap. Only 1 or 2 teaspoons usually work, but the amount of water needed will vary, depending upon the density of the soap used.
- Quickly, before the water is totally absorbed into the soap, press it into the greased candy molds, being careful not to leave air pockets (figure B).
- Allow the soap to harden and dry thoroughly (overnight is best).
- Gently remove the hardened soap from the mold and package attractively (or use it in your own bathroom).
Tips: - You may add color to soaps by using small amounts of food coloring when you're mixing them with water.
- You may also make herbed soaps by adding finely ground bits of dried herbs such as lavender, rosemary or lemon balm as you're mixing. If the soap is unscented, add fragrance oil of your choice.
- These simple soaps make wonderful gifts. Package two or three in a small cellophane candy bag and tie the top with raffia, or make a home spa basket by including these soaps along with a fluffy cotton facecloth, sea sponge, loofah and scented bath salts.
Products: The molds are available in craft, art-supply or home-improvement stores.
RESOURCES :
Melt & Pour Soapmaking
Model: 0806929987
Author: Marie Browning
Soapmaking for the First Time
Model: 0806966378
Author: Linda Orton
Essentially Soap
Model: 0873418328
Author: Dr. Robert McDaniel
Frugal Luxuries
Model: 0553378864
Author: Tracey McBride
(August, 1997)
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing
Website: www.randomhouse.com
Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons
Model: 055337995X
Author: Tracey McBride
October, 2000)
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing
Website: www.randomhouse.com
Making Soaps & Scents: Soaps, Shampoos, Perfumes & Splashes
Model: 1579120598
Author: Catherine Bardey
(September, 1999)
Black Dog & Leventhal Publications
Making Natural Liquid Soaps
Model: 1580172431
Author: Catherine Failor
(April, 2000)
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
The Soapmaker's Companion
Model: 0882669656
Author: Susan Miller Cavitch
(July, 1997)
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
GUESTS :
Tracey McBride
PO Box 5877-d
Garden Grove, CA 92845
Phone: 562-498-7024
Email: mcbridetracey@earthlink.net
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