Long before I was introduced to Martha, I stumbled on a Do It Yourself post from Ruffled Blog [one of my FAVORITE sites] on DIY Boutique Soap Gifts. I’d been holding on to the post until I was able to block off some time and try my hand at making soap.
With my holiday happie list growing, I was in search of something I could do in bulk, still personalize, and not break my piggy bank. This is part 1 of my holiday happies – part 2 coming your way next Thursday – and after I got over my initial nerves about being crafty [my sister is the crafty one] I dove right in.
Here’s a basic run down of my supplies I used: clear glyercin block, fragrance drops – lavender & light rose, graphics & initials printed on transparency sheets to fit my soap molds, a glass measuring cup, and scissors.
I won’t run through the whole process but I’ll hit a few highlights. *You can see the full DIY post here on Ruffled – along with the great site for vintage-esq graphics & initials that I used. Once my graphics were cut and ready to go, I cut the block of Glycerin into smaller cubes and popped them into the microwave to melt. [The post suggests that you use the stove but I don't have a double boiler but I found a site that said you can microwave too!]
Once the soap was melted, I added fragrance. I filled half the mold with soap, then gently placed my graphic of choice in the mold, before pouring in more soap in to finish the block. I let it cool for a few hours and then … SHAZAM…
my first set of DIY Boutique Soaps!
The whole process was much easier than I had anticipated. The longest part of it was actually cutting out my graphics, the rest was easy-peazy. As far as my piggy bank is concerned – it was all pretty cost effective, and that was just what I was looking for! Although watch out, the transparency sheets were the most expensive part of the process, so if you have a teacher friend, I’d check with them first or try to find a paper store that sells single sheets.
While I quickly learned that I was not a scholar soap maker and my soaps weren’t necessarily going to be perfect every time, the great thing about soap is if you do mess up, you can melt the block and start all over! Which I had to do a few times. For the life of me, though, I can not figure out how to get rid of the little, tiny bubbles and such…but…mark my words, bubbles in my soap, I will get you yet!
I wrapped up my tiny soap blocks in tissue paper and marked what design or letter on the back. Red tissue paper for light rose scented blocks and green tissue paper for lavender scented blocks.
I’m super excited about my new trick and look forward to using it for hostess gifts, thank yous, no reason at all happies, and much more. Seriously .. Martha .. have your people call my people.
Stay tuned as next Thursday I take you through my Adventures in Bark. Peppermint Bark that is. I’m teaming up with a fellow Sassy Steel Magnolia, Sara, and we’re learning how to make the delicious holiday treat this Saturday. *I hope she is fully aware of what may happen by inviting me into her kitchen. Thank goodness it’s a champagne & wine friendly kitchen.
Until then, Cheers!
Thanks again to the fabulous Ruffled Blog for posting the full how to - greatly appreciated!
