Making Herbal Soap

Materials:

fresh herbs, such as lavender and mint
cooking oil spray
scented oil
cookie cutters
knife for cutting soap
dipper
spoon
paintbrush
glycerin-based soap
grater (in case the soap is hard and needs grating)
crock pot (used to melt the glycerin soap)

Grate the soap into the crock pot and melt it. If you don't have a grater, cut up the glycerin soap into smaller chunks, then pop it into a crock pot. Let it melt slowly for about 15 to 20 minutes--don't stir it.

Once the glycerin is melted, add a few drops of scented oil to the soap mixture. Add herbs for color, fragrance and texture. Pour the soap into molds that have been treated with cooking oil spray. For a more decorative touch, try adding a flower in the center of the soap before it sets up. For kids, put little trinkets or toys in the center. Place the molded soaps in the refrigerator so they'll set up quickly.

If you want cookie-cutter-shaped soaps, pour the melted soap into a flat pan or plate that has been treated with cooking oil spray. Make sure the soap layer is at least an inch high. Allow it to set up somewhat, then push the cookie cutter into the softly-formed soap to cut out the shape. You can always remelt and reuse the leftover glycerin. Don't worry if your soap shape isn't perfect when you pop it out of the cookie cutter. A damp sponge can help smooth out the edges.

Not only do these soaps look good, they also smell nice because of the herbs. Pressed lavender and rosemary make nice decorative additions. Coat over the top of the imbedded decorative items with leftover melted glycerin.