Intro to Soap Making

Have you ever thought about trying your hand at making soap, but you weren’t quite sure where to start? That’s ok, we’ve all been there! Today, we’re going to look at the most common methods of soap making.

The three processes we’re going to look at are hot process, cold process, and melt and pour. Hot and cold process soaps use lye + fat + liquid to make the soap, while melt and pour comes with all of that already done for you.

Cold Process

In cold process soap mixing your lye, liquid (water, but sometimes milk, which takes a few additional steps to work with), and fat (generally vegetable oils) together, which causes a chemical reaction called saponification. You pour your liquid “soap” into a mold and allow it to set up and then you can either leave it in the mold or cut it after 24 to 36 hours. Whichever you choose to do, leave in the mold or cut; your soap then needs to sit for 4 to 6 weeks to cure.

Hot Process

Hot process is very much like cold process in that you’re still mixing lye, liquid, and fat together. In hot process though, you use a heat source to make the saponification reaction happen much more quickly. Generally, people like to use crock pots as their heat source for this. The rest of the process is identical to cold process in that you pour the liquid into molds and allow it to set up. Hot process soaps don’t need as long to cure as cold process, but you should still leave them to sit for a week or two – you’ll find the texture is a lot better after this time.

Melt and Pour

Melt and pour soap is hands-down the easiest way of making soap because you start with a soap base that has already gone through the processing and is ready to use immediately. All you need to do is simply melt down the soap base in a crockpot, double boiler, or even a microwave, pour it into molds, let it cool and set, and voila, you’ve got your very own handmade soap!

There’s no right or wrong method to choose when getting into soap making, it’s all in what you like and what’s most enjoyable to you. I personally always suggest starting out with melt and pour soap because it takes the least amount of equipment and time to get started. It’s a great way to see if you like the process and if it’s something you want to dive deeper into. Either way you go though, you’re sure to impress your friends and family with your very own, handcrafted soap creations.

Happy Crafting!

Indulge in the cozy essence of the holiday season with your very own Mulled Wine Soap. This handmade creation captures the rich aromas of cinnamon, orange, and star anise, evoking memories of fireside gatherings and festive celebrations. Using a clear melt and pour soap base, you’ll be able to showcase the natural beauty of the ingredients while infusing your soap with the comforting scents of mulled wine.

Ingredients:

1 lb clear melt and pour soap base
1 teaspoon dried cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon dried orange peel pieces
3-4 whole star anise
10-15 drops of cinnamon essential oil
5-8 drops sweet orange essential oil
Soap-safe colorant (optional, for a warm hue)
Soap mold
Heat-safe measuring cup or bowl
Wooden stirring stick
Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol (to prevent air bubbles)
Knife or soap cutter
Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace

Ensure your workspace is clean and organized. Set up all your ingredients, utensils, and equipment within easy reach.

Step 2: Preparing the Dried Ingredients

Gently break the dried cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces using your hands or a mortar and pestle. You want the pieces to be roughly the same size for even distribution in the soap.
Similarly, break the dried orange peel pieces into smaller bits.
Step 3: Melt the Soap Base

Cut the clear melt and pour soap base into small cubes for easier melting.
Place the soap cubes in a heat-safe measuring cup or bowl.
Microwave the soap in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted.
Step 4: Adding Essential Oils and Colorant

Once the soap base is melted, add 10-15 drops of cinnamon essential oil and 5-8 drops of sweet orange essential oil. Adjust the number of drops based on your preference for fragrance strength.
If desired, add a soap-safe colorant to achieve a warm hue reminiscent of mulled wine. Mix well to ensure even color distribution.
Step 5: Assembling the Soap

Place the dried cinnamon stick pieces and dried orange peel pieces into the soap mold. Distribute them evenly to create a visually appealing design.
Carefully pour the scented and colored soap base into the mold, covering the dried ingredients. To avoid air bubbles, you can lightly spray the surface with rubbing alcohol.
Step 6: Decorating with Star Anise

Before the soap sets completely, gently press the whole star anise onto the surface of the soap. You can arrange them in a decorative pattern.
Allow the soap to cool and harden completely. This typically takes a few hours.
Step 7: Unmolding and Cutting

Once the soap has completely hardened, carefully unmold it by gently pushing on the edges of the mold.
Place the soap on a cutting surface and use a knife or soap cutter to slice it into desired shapes. You can cut them into bars or any other shape you prefer.
Step 8: Curing

Place the cut soap bars on a drying rack or parchment paper and let them cure for about 1-2 weeks. This allows any excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a harder and longer-lasting bar.

Your handmade Mulled Wine Soap is now ready to bring the warmth and comfort of the holidays to your daily routine. With its aromatic blend of cinnamon, orange, and star anise, this soap not only cleanses but also indulges your senses in the spirit of the season. Enjoy the process of creating a festive treat for yourself or to give as a thoughtful, handmade gift to your loved ones.

Here are some suggestions for gift wrapping –

1. Rustic Elegance:

Wrap your Mulled Wine Soaps in brown kraft paper or tissue paper. Tie them with a natural twine or raffia ribbon for a rustic touch. Add a sprig of dried orange slices or a small cinnamon stick for an extra festive element. You can also attach a handwritten gift tag with a warm holiday message.

2. Festive Pouches:

Place each soap in a small fabric drawstring pouch in a rich, deep red or burgundy color. The pouches can be adorned with gold or silver accents to add a touch of elegance. Tie the pouch closed with a coordinating ribbon or cord and attach a small star anise or cinnamon stick to the knot.

3. Winter Wonderland:

Wrap the soaps in white tissue paper and tie them with a silver or icy blue ribbon. Create a small winter scene on top by attaching a miniature pinecone, a tiny faux snowflake, and a sprig of artificial evergreen. This combination will evoke the magic of a snowy winter day.

4. Shimmer and Shine:

Wrap the soaps in gold or silver metallic paper to add a touch of luxury. Use a satin ribbon in a complementary color and tie a bow on top. Glue on a small decorative snowflake or star ornament to give the package a festive and glamorous feel.

5. Vintage Charm:

Wrap the soaps in vintage-inspired patterned paper, such as damask or toile. Tie them with a lace ribbon or a piece of vintage lace trim. Attach a vintage-style key charm or a small antique-looking ornament for a nostalgic touch.

6. Nature’s Bounty:

Place the soaps in a small wooden crate or box lined with natural shredded paper or straw. Tie the crate with a jute ribbon or twine and tuck in a sprig of dried orange slices, a cinnamon stick, and a few star anise. This presentation showcases the organic and warm nature of the Mulled Wine Soap.

7. Cellophane Gift Bag:

Place the soap in a clear cellophane gift bag and tie it closed with a satin ribbon in a deep red or burgundy hue. Add a small gift tag with a cozy holiday greeting. The transparent bag allows the recipient to see the beautiful soap inside.

No matter which gift wrapping style you choose, each one will accentuate the festive spirit and thoughtful nature of your handmade Mulled Wine Soaps. Tailor your presentation to the recipient’s preferences and the occasion, and your beautifully wrapped soaps will surely bring joy and appreciation.

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