How Do You MAKE Handmade Soap?
Handmade soap is made by buying blocks of soap that are scored for an easier and more even cut. One row of soap equals four ounces. When looking at vendors soaps many will quote their soap as three and a half to four and a half ounces for this very reason. Next the row of soap material needs to be melted down. This can be achieved by using a boiling pan or a microwave. The soap will boil down to a liquid. While still in liquid form scents, colors, herbs, oils or combinations of these are added. The items are stirred, sprinkled or cut into the liquid soap. Cutting into will achieve an uneven look.
Bar Soap
The liquid soap is then poured into its soap mold. Cooling the soap can be achieved by either leaving the soap in room temperature or flash freezing the soap for a few minutes in a freezer. Soap is ready to be removed from the mold within twelve to twenty four hours. A thin knife is used to release the soap from the walls of the mold.
Ball Soap
The liquid soap is left to semi-cool in the pan or microwave container. Keep touch testing the soap until it feels real warm to the touch. Scrape soap from its container and roll into a ball using your hands. Latex gloves can be used so hand oils will not be mixed in with the soap. Or the soap can be rolled using a clean, flat surface while rolling with one hand. Once the shape is achieved allow the soap to completely cool.
Although lye is very important in soap making, many novice crafters wish to experiment with making their own soap without using this harsh chemical. Repurposing a batch of Ivory soap by adding your own herbs and essential oils is a fun and easy way to create soap with handmade appeal. By experimenting with the many different decorative molds available at your local craft store, you can make beautiful soaps to fit almost any occasion. This semi-handmade approach to soap making may also help build your confidence so you feel ready to tackle the job of making soap from scratch. • Pour boiling water over your herbs. • Add five or six drops of essential oil. • Bring to a boil, stirring regularly. • Pour mixture over the shredded Ivory soap. • Mix well. • Wait 20 minutes. • Divide the mixture into several small balls or press into the selected soap making mold.
