Article written by Sarah Freeland

How to Make Soap

First, you’ll need soap molds in order to shape your soaps. You’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of shapes and designs. Some have flower imprints; some have graphic designs such as Egyptian or celestial motifs. Go ahead and choose whatever your heart fancies. There are Three Dimensional Soap Molds, which are a two-part fold, which can cast a double-sided look on your soap.

Once you’ve chosen your soap molds, you’re ready to get started. Boil the glycerin soap base. At this stage, if you want to add an essential oil or soap fragrance, just stir it in; if you want to color the soap, go ahead and stir in the dye to give the color you want. Pour the mixture into the mold that will give you the shape you want. Let the mold cool, before you remove the bar of soap.

There is another soap making process; it’s called a ‘cold process’ because it doesn’t rely on an external heat source. If you choose a cold process, you’ll use lye, which will heat up when mixed with liquids. Be careful with lye, however; it’s a dangerous substance. Read the directions attentively, and it’s a good idea to consult a lye calculator to determine exactly how much you’ll need. Mix lye with the right amount of fat or oil, and the saponification process will begin without your having to heat the mixture. Then Lye is used to be mixed with the right amount of fats or oils, which leads to the saponifcation process, that results to soap. (In such cases when lye is being used it’s good to consult a lye calculator used to determine how much lye should be mixed in the ingredients).

About the Author

For more on homemade organic soap making as well as candle making and other do-it-yourself crafts visit the soap making resources center at Pure and Natural Soaps where you'll find articles, recipes, instructions, ideas and tips.

To discuss these and other craft projects visit the Soap Making Message Board - a community forum for soap and candle making as well as other crafts and do-it-yourself projects. Discuss techniques, share ideas, learn new methods, post your favorite recipes and meet new friends.

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