Spicy Soap

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1018 -- More Projects »
Crafter Kathleen Taylor suggests adding outdated spices to homemade soap for a fragrant addition to the bathroom.

Cinnamon Sage Soap

Materials:

1 lb. transparent glycerin base (available at most craft stores)
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. dried sage

Steps:


  1. Melt down glycerin cubes by placing them in the microwave for 20-second intervals.

  2. Let the mixture cool until a skin forms on the surface.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • While the mixture is cooling, prepare the mold. Almost anything hollow can be used for a mold--something like a corn chip canister will work just as well as a corn-chip canister. If your mold is open on both ends, close off one end with plastic wrap and masking tape. Drape the plastic over the end of the mold and secure with tape (figure A). For extra insurance, tape across the opening as well.
    • PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C
    PHOTO

    Figure D
  • Add the sage and cinnamon to the melted glycerin and stir with a wooden a frozen ice cream stick. Stir well until the spice is dispersed (figure B).

  • Pour the mixture into the mold (figure C).

  • Let the mixture harden. It should take about an hour. You can place in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

  • After the soap hardens, slice with a crinkle cutter (figure D).

    Buttermilk Paprika Soap

    Materials:

    1 1b. transparent glycerin base
    2 Tbs. powdered buttermilk
    1 tsp. paprika

    Steps:


    1. Prepare as above, melting the glycerin and stirring in the buttermilk and paprika.

    2. Decant into the prepared mold, harden and slice.

    Kitchen Odor-Eater Soap

    Ingredients:

    1 tsp. coffee grounds
    1 tsp. lemon peel
    1 tsp. cinnamon

    Steps:


    1. Add ingredients to melted base, pour into a prepared mold, and harden.

    2. Use this soap to wash your hands when you have been working with fish, onions or other smelly things.

    Other Ideas


    • For layered soap, prepare mixtures as above. Pour the first color of soap into the mold and let it harden. Before adding the next layer, spritz the first layer with rubbing alcohol so that the next layer will stick to the first one. Repeat the spritzing for each new layer.
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    Figure E
  • For chunky soap, melt clear glycerin. Cut up pieces of old soap and add pieces to the mold. Spritz the pieces with rubbing alcohol and then cover with the clear melted glycerin. Harden. The pieces will float in the clear base (figure E).
    • Resources
    Knit One, Felt Too
    by Kathleen Taylor
    Storey Publishing, 2003
    Order this title from Amazon.com.

    Guests
    Kathleen Taylor
    E-mail: kmtaylorcnvc.net
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1018
    •Maternity Wardrobe
    •Spicy Soap
    •Wallpapering Tips
    •Smart Solution of the Day