How to Make Scented Loofah Soaps

Everyone appreciates the thoughtfulness of a handmade present, especially if it looks like the giver went to a lot of trouble. Scented loofah soaps can be an elegant and impressive gift, and they are simple to make. Fat, round slices of loofah sponge are suspended in aromatic disks of tinted glycerin soap, mimicking fresh orange and lime slices. Arranged on a complementary piece of pottery, or wrapped in colorful paper and ribbons, these soaps make a delightful and welcome presentation. Follow these steps to make your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 8 oz. glycerin soap base Four 2.5 oz. round soap molds Large glass measuring cup Mixing spoon A symmetrical loofah sponge Sharp knife Red colorant for soap (not food coloring) Yellow colorant for soap Blue colorant for soap Lime scent for soap Ginger scent for soap Orange scent for soap Bergamot scent for soap Clove scent for soap

1. Cut the loofah sponge into 1-inch slices with a sharp knife. Place one loofah slice in each of the four soap molds.

2. Mix the lime and orange colors separately. Put 4 oz. of glycerin soap base in a large glass measuring cup and microwave according to the package directions. Do not overheat.

3. Add 12 drops of lime scent, four drops of ginger scent, eight drops of yellow colorant and one drop of blue colorant to the melted soap base. Mix thoroughly but do not allow the soap to cool.

4. Pour the melted soap into two molds to cover the loofah slices.

5. Wash all of the soap residue from the glass measuring cup and stirring spoon. Dry thoroughly.

6. Put the remaining 4 oz. of glycerin soap base in a glass measuring cup and microwave according to the package directions. Add 12 drops of orange scent, six drops of bergamot scent, two drops of clove scent, one drop of red colorant and six drops of yellow colorant to the melted soap base. Mix thoroughly but do not allow melted soap to cool.

7. Pour the melted soap into molds to cover the two remaining loofah slices. Allow all four soaps to cool until hard.

8. Carefully remove the hardened soaps from the molds. Package according to your own imagination.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a beautiful gift, loofah soaps may be arranged on a pretty serving plate or soap dish, individually wrapped in tissue paper, or neatly stacked and tied with ribbons.
• Only use scents or colorants approved for soap-making. Do not use food coloring, candle scents or food extracts as they can cause skin irritation.