Soap Made Simple And Soap Add-Ins

Basic Soap

What you need:

* Approximately 15 ounces of glycerin soap
(Clear or opaque
* Soap dyes or food coloring
* Essential oils and add-ins
* A microwave safe measuring cup or a double broiler
* 16-ounce dishwasher safe food container
(This is your mold)
* Petroleum jelly
* Knife
* Spoon

How to do it:

1. Spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the inside of the food container, be sure to get the bottom and the corners well coated, be sure it is dishwasher safe so that it can take the high heat of the melted soap.
2. Cut the soap into chunks with a knife and put them in the measuring cup, microwave in 20-second intervals until melted. If you don't have a microwave put the chunks in the top of a double broiler, put water in the bottom and heat over low heat until the soap is melted.
3. Carefully stir the soap with a spoon and add in a few drops of color and essential oils, stir in any other ad-ins, pour slowly into the food container mold.
4. Let cool completely and unmold, push down on the bottom of the mold to help it along.
5. Slice into bar size shapes with the knife.

Add-Ins

Cinnamon - Ground cinnamon adds a warm smell and brown speckles to soap

Citrus Zest - Use a zester or vegetable peeler to scrape away the colored skin of lemons, oranges and limes and add to your soap for color and scent.

Cocoa -  Cocoa makes a yummy smelling and chocolaty brown soap.

Cocoa Butter - Is super moisturizing and adds a chocolate smell.

Honey - Honey adds a pretty color and smell to soap but may make it slightly softer and harder to unmold.

Milk - Powdered milk is good for all skin types and will make a clear soap opaque.

Oatmeal - Oatmeal is moisturizing and exfoliating , grind regular (Not instant) oatmeal in a food processor and add to the liquid soap.

Sugar - Sugar makes soap lather better.

Super fine glitter - Very pretty but check the label and make sure it is food-grade glitter.

Tea - Adds a nice fragrance

Vitamin E Oil - Adds moisture and acts as a natural preservative, pierce a few capsules and add to liquid soap.

From The Book: D.I.Y. Girl
By: Jennifer Bonnell

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