Glycerin Soap Instructions Basic Materials: Transparent or opaque melt & pour soap base Glass measuring cup or bowl Soap molds Fragrance: essential oils or fragrance oils Any additives, such as herbs, flowers, aloe vera, vitamin E, honey, or powdered ingredients, such as oatmeal or apricot meal, etc. Soap colorants: cosmetic grade (liquid dyes work best) Wooden stirs or craft sticks for stirring Small spray bottle of alcohol Microwave oven (preferred), or double boiler Directions: Cut soap into 1" (Unless using Craftlobby's convenient glycerin soap flackes) chunks and place into your glass measuring cup. Microwave at 20-30 second intervals until all the chunks are melted. Add your colorant a small amount at a time until you've achieved the desired color and stir slowly to prevent bubbles. Set aside for a few minutes to prepare your mold, fragrance and any additives. Set your mold on a level surface and be sure its clean and dry. Begin adding your additives and fragrance (about ¼ - ½ tsp. per cup of M&P) to the melted soap. Never add the fragrance while the soap is too hot or the scent may burn off from the heat of the soap. However, waiting too long will cause the soap to begin to set up and form a top skin. Once you've incorporated your additives and fragrance, pour the soap into your mold. If you have bubbles forming on the surface, spritz them lightly with the alcohol. Let cool for 30 minutes and remove from mold. Putting the mold in the freezer for a few minutes will help the soaps release easier. Air dry on a rack or wax paper overnight and wrap in plastic bags or decorative paper to preserve the fragrance. Note: When the soap is melted you can add up to 1% water by weight to slow the curing process and to make the soap slightly more clear. |