How to Make Perfumed Decorative Soaps

Luxury items continue to rise in price. Even some of the simplest things that we once took for granted are now out of the price range of many people. One example is perfumed decorative soap. Once a staple in many bathrooms, today these cute and sweet smelling soaps are missing in action in more places than they are found. However, that need not be the case. It is relatively simple and inexpensive to make decorative soaps right at home. As a bonus, it allows the maker to choose exactly the right shapes and colors to suit her bathroom’s theme.

Things You'll Need

• Soap base
• Soap molds
• Cosmetic grade dyes or food coloring
• Essential oils
• Cooking spray
• Plastic wrap
• Wax paper
• Glass bowls
• Microwave

Instructions

1. Determine the shapes, sizes, colors and scents of the soaps to be made. Shapes can range from the standard “bar” to designs like seashells, roses or geometric shapes. All of these designs can be accomplished easily with the help of soap molds. Soap can be made in almost any color that can be mixed. While some recommend that only cosmetic grade dyes be used, food coloring will also generally work. Additionally, soap can be made in almost any scent with the use of essential oils.

2. Decide if the soaps will be decorated. Items that can be used for this purchase include jewels (including pearls), seashells, small charms, tiny silk or dried flowers and leaves, herbs and coffee beans as well as certain types of confetti and glitter that is designed to mix with liquids.

3. Purchase the supplies identified as a result of the decisions made in Step 1 above. Soap base, molds, the proper type of dyes and scents can be purchased in many craft and some discount department stores. These items can also be purchased on-line through several different retail sites.

4. Cut up and put the soap base–white or clear–into a glass or ceramic bowl. Microwave on medium to high heat until the soap is completely melted.

5. Spray soap molds with a common cooking spray to ensure they will release the soap easily from the mold. Put any top decoration planned for the soap into the bottom of the soap mold so that the soap will adhere to the items as it dries.

6. Add coloring , scent and glitter or confetti to the melted soap in that order. Stir thoroughly after each addition to make certain the proper color, scent and decor is achieved as planned.

7. Pour the melted soap mixture into the prepared soap molds. Add any additional planned décor to the bottom of the soap as desired.

8. Let the soap cool. This process will take about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.

9. Turn the soap out of the mold onto a sheet of wax paper and let dry thoroughly before wrapping.

10. Wrap the soap in plastic wrap until it is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Use cosmetic grade dye for the most vivid color ranges.

• Add essential oils sparingly since they are very strong in scent.

• Confine extra decor to bar soaps since it will more than likely ruin the integrity of sculptural designs.

• Marbleize soap by using white soap base and simply scrambling in a hint of color just as the soap begins to form a skin over the top.

• Take caution with hot items directly from the microwave. Hot soap can cause a severe burn just as easily as touching a hot utensil, bowl or appliance.