by Tammy Winand

Created on: September 18, 2008

Glycerin soap making is simple soap making, a fun easy hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages! It's easy and affordable to get started, and the process is easily learned.

There is a wide range of molds, dyes, colorants and add-ins available, so what are you waiting for?

1) So...where do I start?

Getting started in glycerin soap making could not be easier! Go down to your favorite local craft store (in my area the best choices are A.C. Moore and Michael's) and, if you can't find it on your own, ask a sales associate to take you to the soap making supplies.

Okay. You've made it to the soap and candle making aisle. Now what?
Simple. Pick up a block of glycerin. Most large craft stores will sell several varieties, usually in 1 lb blocks. I recommend starting with PLAIN glycerin...that is, one with NO additives. You can experiment with all the other varieties later.

Next you will need molds. They come in so many cool shapes and sizes. But for your primary purpose, you will probably want to invest in a "loaf" mold, or maybe simple bar molds. Again, there's plenty of time to experiment later!

Now we comes the fun stuff! Colors and scents! You have the option to buy specialty colorants for your soap...but in all honesty, generic food coloring works just as well. Pick it up at the grocery store if you don't already have some in your cabinet waiting for next Easter! Scents are pretty much up to personal taste. You may want to buy a few of your favorites so you can play a little.

That was easy, wasn't it? Now for the fun part!

2)Soap Making Basics
Now that you have all your basic supplies, it's time to start getting dirty with getting clean!

Take your glycerin block and cut it...most of them have guidelines for cubes about one half by one inch. Each bar soap mold takes approximately 4 cubes. For the loaf mold you will need much more... look for a specified amount on the mold package.

Once you cut the block into the necessary amount, you need to melt it. This can be done in a glass container (I use a Pyrex measuring cup) in the microwave or over a double-boiler. If you are using the microwave, start with about 25 seconds. You will need to continue in increments of 10-20 seconds until your glycerin is completely melted. However, be careful not to BOIL your soap as this will add air bubbles and cause problems when molding.

When all your glycerin is melted, add 1-3 drops of coloring (more if using a large amount of soap) and stir in. Start small and add as needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it back once it's in!

Next, add 2-5 drops of your desired scent. Again, start small and add. Some scents are stronger than others. I find that for most bar soaps 3-4 drops per batch produce a good result. But that is purely personal preference.

These 2 steps should be done as quickly as possible to prevent your glycerin solidifying before you are ready to mold. Once you have thoroughly mixed your additives, POUR!

3) Finishing the Process
Once you have poured your liquid soap into the mold, tap it gently to help remove air bubbles, then allow it to sit and cool for at least 20 minutes. In my experience, glycerin hardens more nicely if you set it in the refrigerator for that length of time. This step also makes it much easier to unmold!

After the soap mold is completely cool and firm to the touch, you are ready to pop the pieces out of the mold. Carefully and gently bend the mold to release the soaps, which should come out easily.

A step I like to take, but which is not at all necessary, is to rinse the soaps just after unmolding and pat them dry with a papertowel or clean washcloth. I just find it gives them a better texture and finish.

VOILA! You are finished. You have made your own soap!

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