Simple Soap Making

A Fun Easy Hobby

Glycerin soap making is a fun easy hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages! It's relatively easy 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? Get started today!

Contents at a Glance

So...where do I start?
Soap Making Books
Soap Making Basics

Soap from The SuperStore
Great Stuff on CafePress
Soap Making Supplies

more...

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 suplies.

Okay. You are in 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 come to 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 faves so you can play a little.

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

Soap Making Books

from Amazon

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Making Candles & Soaps For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)) by Kelly Ewing

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The Natural Soap Book: Making Herbal and Vegetable-Based Soaps by Susan Miller Cavitch

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Making Transparent Soap: The Art of Crafting, Molding, Scenting & Coloring by Catherine Failor

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Transparent Soapmaking: A Complete Guide to Making Natural See-Through Soap

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Smart Soapmaking: The Simple Guide to Making Traditional Handmade Soap Quickly, Safely, and Reliably, or How to Make Luxurious Handcrafted Soaps for Family, Friends, and Yourself by Anne L. Watson

Maybe you've made melt-and-pour soap and want to m more...0 points

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Soapmaker's Companion: A Comprehensive Guide with Recipes, Techniques & Know-How (Natural Body Series - The Natural Way to Enhance Your Life) by Susan Miller Cavitch

Basic soapmaking instruction and specialty techniq more...0 points

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Making Natural Liquid Soaps: Herbal Shower Gels / Conditioning Shampoos / Moisturizing Hand Soaps by Catherine Failor

Using a simple double-boiler technique, readers wi more...0 points

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Soap: Making It, Enjoying It by Ann Bramson

How to make beautiful gift soaps at home with inst more...0 points

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Essentially Soap: The Elegant Art of Handmade Soap Making, Scenting, Coloring & Shaping by Robert S. McDaniel

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Making Soaps & Scents : Soaps, Shampoos, Perfumes & Splashes You Can Make At Home by Catherine Bardey

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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!