Fragrant Hand Made Soap
Materials:
- Heatproof
mixing bowl
- 4oz (110 g) of boiling water
- Wooden
spoon
- Cheese-grater
or electric food-processor
- 1 bar of good quality non-perfume soap
- A handful of dried lavender
and/or rose petals
- 2 drops of essential oil (see
explanation below)
- A
small quantity of vegetable (not soy) or baby oil
You can add oatmeal (which acts as an exfoliant), dried mint, dried orange peel, dried herbs or flowers, etc.
Method:
- Grate
the bar of soap into the mixing bowl.
Use
the smallest holes on the cheese-grater or an electric food-processor.
When using an electric food-processor do not grate large quantities of
soap unless you have a very good quality food processor (such as a
Magimix). I used a cheaper brand and was forced to replace it. Since
then I purchased a magimix and have had no problems no matter how many
bars I grate.
- Add
a small quantity of boiling water.
- Mix
the soap and water with a wooden spoon until it forms a paste.
- Add
the oatmeal and dried flowers (lavender and/or rose petals).
- Mix
well.
- Add
the essential oil.
- Mix
again.
- Let
the mixture cool for a few minutes. Be careful not to leave it for too
long as it will start to harden.
- Apply
vegetable or baby oil to clean hands in order to prevent the soap
mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Take
a piece of the soap mixture (depending on the size you would like to
create) and roll into a round ball.
- Place
all of the balls on greaseproof paper and lightly cover with an
additional sheet.
- Leave
the balls to harden for approximately 5 days.
These
soaps will keep for up to 10 weeks.
Tip:
These soaps make great gifts! Wrap them in a nice box lined with crepe or fabric or put them in a fabric bag (see picture).