Don't Think You Can Make Handcrafted Gifts? Think Again!

by Delores Baugher
(Kokomo, IN)

Have you always wanted to give your family and friends gifts that you made yourself, but you never really felt you had the talent, time or know-how to make anything they would truly like and enjoy? Well, even if you think you are all thumbs when it comes to crafting, I've got the perfect project for you! Making melt-and-pour soaps is fun, inexpensive, not too time consuming and lets you give customized gifts that are impressive and will actually be used.

The first step is to gather your supplies. You can purchase blocks of melt-and-pour soap base from your local craft shop. There are several types available, ranging from clear glycerin, to goats milk, to butter type bases, just to name a few. I think it's fun to start with the clear because then you can really see how you can change your plain soap into fabulous soap. You'll also need soap molds. These, too, are available from the craft shop or, for small guest soaps in a wide variety of shapes, candy molds work great,too. While you're shopping, pick up your favorite fragrances and dyes to personalize your project; just make sure they say they are soap safe. For an extra touch of glamor, you can also include natural additives. I particularly like lavender, lemon verbena, oatmeal or mint. Other items you'll need are a microwaveable measuring cup, something to stir with, a sharp knife and a small spray bottle filled with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

Now you are ready to start! Normally, soap bases come in 1 lb. blocks marked off in cubes. Most soap molds hold 3 or 4 ounces of melted base, and there is usually 3 to 4 cavities available in a mold tray. Use a sharp knife and cut off the amount you'll need, chop them into smaller pieces and put them into the measuring cup. Cover the cup with plastic wrap to keep the excess moisture from evaporating. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir until any unmelted base is liquefied or, if necessary, microwave in 20 second increments to melt the remaining pieces.

It's now time to add your fragrance and color. As a rule, .25 ounce of fragrance per 1 lb. of soap is enough to add an irresistible scent, so just pour it into your melted base. Add just enough dye to obtain the shade you want. Stir it all together, working quickly before the soap begins to harden. Be gentle, though. If you stir too hard, you'll create bubbles in your soap. Next, pour your base into the molds. Remember, the liquid is hot, so be careful. Once you've finished pouring, lightly spray a coat of alcohol over the top to remove any bubbles.

If you want to add an herb or other ingredient to your soap, wait until it begins to thicken slightly. Skim off the very top layer with a spoon, sprinkle in a small amount of your additive and swirl gently. A wooden skewer works nicely for this job. Once you've done that, spray it again with isopropyl alcohol.

Now all you have to do is wait. Your soap will harden up in just or a few hours, of if you're in a hurry, you can place it in the fridge and it will be ready in about an hour. When it is good and firm, just pop it out of the molds and your soap is finished. Wrap it in plastic wrap, add ribbons or other embellishments, if you choose, and admire the luxurious, moisturizing soap you created.

This is a very simple craft that can quickly become addictive. As you gain experience, you'll probably want to try more difficult recipes, like layered soaps or embedding projects. You can paint soaps, add glitters, or create innumerable designs of your own. Soon you'll probably decide to add making shampoos, body lotions, bath salts or other luscious concoctions to your repertoire.

Hand-made soaps are a wonderful gift for anyone on your list, from grandma to little nephew Joey. There's even a recipe available for an easy to make flea-repelling soap for your favorite canine. By the way, you'll feel absolutely pampered when you use these soaps, so go ahead, treat yourself. You can find hundreds of free project instructions on the internet or there are many books available. If you really get hooked, you can order supplies in bulk online and save some money. Give melt-and-pour soap making a try and you'll soon be lathered with compliments when people open your very special handmade gifts. Now, aren't you clever?