How to Make Glitter Soap

Making soap is relatively easy, especially when using melt-and-pour soap. The melt-and-pour soap usually comes in blocks that you cut into chunks in order to melt. Try to find soap that comes in two-pound packages because this is easier to cut and it is easier to judge how much soap you are going to need. Generally, one pound gives you approximately three or four bars of soap, depending on the size of your mold.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knife or grater
• Glass or microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl
• Stirring utensil
• Measuring spoons
• Melt-and-pour clear glycerin soap base
• Body safe fragrance oil
• Body safe dye, optional
• Cosmetic grade glitter
• Rubbing alcohol
• Sprayer bottle
• Soap mold

1. Cut or grate your glycerin soap base into small pieces and place them in the microwave-safe container.

2. Microwave for 15 seconds. Remove the soap and stir. Continue at 15 second intervals until the soap is completely melted, making sure that it does not boil.

3. Remove from the microwave and add the fragrance oil of your choice. You need 1 ½ teaspoons per pound of soap. Stir thoroughly. With a dropper, add the optional dye, one drop at a time. Generally, you only need two drops, depending on the color you desire.

4. Let the soap sit for a minute or two and stir. You want the soap to get a film on the top of it. Stir again; by this time, the soap should start to thicken. Add your cosmetic grade glitter, approximately one tablespoon per pound. Stir.

5. Put some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spray the insides of your mold. This makes it easier for the soap to release from the mold. Pour the soap into the mold filling it completely but not overflowing. Gently spray the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol to remove any bubbles that appear in your soap.

6. Let the soap sit until it starts to harden. Put it into the freezer for 20 minutes. This helps to harden the soap and makes for easy removal from the mold.

7. Remove from the freezer and let it sit for approximately one minute. Gently unmold your soap. If you have done it correctly, the glitter will appear throughout your soap. Wrap your soap tightly in plastic wrap.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent the glitter from sinking to the bottom of the soap, wait to add it until the soap gets a little thicker. However, you don't want it to be so thick that you cannot pour it.
• Purchase separate containers and utensils that you use for soap making only--never reuse them for food preparation.

References

• Crafter's Touch - Basic Melt & Pour Soap
• Crafter's Touch - Glitter Soap

Who Can Help Sponsored

• DO NOT Bleach Teeth. Learn 1 simple trick, discovered by a mom, that dentist DON'T want you to know. www.consumertipsweekly.com

[usmcmom]

on 9/14/2009 WTG Linda!

[lauracriado]

on 9/13/2009 Awesome eHow article!!! well done friend!!

[rmvanlieu]

on 9/13/2009 Great article!! Easy to follow.