Making your own soap may seem like an odd project to try. Still it is something that you should consider if you are looking for a hobby. While you can purchase soap pretty inexpensively at the store, you will find that by making your own soap, you are creating something wonderful that you can give to friends or enjoy yourself. You have the ability to create something that will be personalized and just as you like it.
To get started making soap, you will need some basic supplies. For your first project, you should just pick up a block of soap at a craft store. You will not be buying Ivory. Instead you will be buying a soap block. It is made of glycerin and is ready to be turned into soap. You will need to select the mold you want for the soap. Although you can create your own molds, you really should consider beginning with a basic mold. You can get cheap plastic molds in most art stores, and that is probably your best bet in the beginning.
Your first batch should be pretty basic, but you will be able to experiment as you go. You can add scents or colors to the soaps to make them work within a theme or to match the color scheme of your bathroom. Soaps with oils in them are called aromatherapy soaps, and they can help to soothe the mind and body.
You will use what is called the melt and pour method when you begin with the soap block. You have little control over the substance of the soap, but it is very easy to learn with this type of soap block. In fact, you can even begin by using your microwave to help you make the soap. While you probably will want to try out a different method later on, you can begin by working on a number of melt and pour soap to get a feel for the process of melting and using molds.
Once you have created a batch of soaps, you will find that you will want to use the soaps or give them to friends as gifts. Either way, they will be perfect for setting out in decorative dishes in your home. If you will be using them, get a small decorative dish. Add a couple of the bars you have made. Even if you go with basic bars, they will work as decorative pieces because of their shape and homemade nature.
These little soaps may great gifts for friends. You can put them into a small mesh bag with a tie around the neck. They work well as shower favors as well. You can give out baby-scented ones at a baby shower or beautiful flower aromas at a wedding shower.
Soap-making is a truly interesting hobby. There are a number of methods you can employ for making soap. Over time, you are sure to try all of them to see which one works for you. During your soap-making process, you also will find that you are able to experiment with scents and colors to see what looks the best to your eye.
You need only a few bowls, a stirrer, open counter space, and the desire for fun to begin making soap. You will be able to begin and have your first batch made within hours of getting together all of the supplies. You can make soap-making into something that you do frequently or just something that you do when the mood strikes. The hobby is suitable for either desire. You will be able to store all of the supplies that you need so that you can return to soap-making whenever you would like.
If you are looking for an interesting hobby, then you really should give soap-making a try. Sometimes, as with soap, although you can buy an inexpensive model in the store, you really will be doing yourself a service if you try making it on your own. You will find that soap can be soothing to the skin and that it is something you can thoroughly enjoy.
So, the next time you are out and thinking about a hobby, try picking up a soap block and some scents.
By Julia Mercer
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