How to Make Glycerine Soap - Soap Making for Beginners

Have you seen those fancy 'designer' soaps at department stores selling for up to ten dollars a bar? Now you can make your own soap to give as gifts or to use yourself in minutes for literal pennies on the dollar.

Gather Your Materials

The first step in any good craft project is to make sure that you have all of your materials and supplies at hand so you do not have to wonder where you put them while you are in the middle of a project. For this project, you will need soap molds, a mold-release agent (usually found in spray form), glycerine soap, a cutting surface, a knife, a microwave-safe measuring cup, soap color, essential oils or soap scents, and a toothpick.

Cut the clear, unscented glycerine into one-inch cubes with a sharp knife. (Kids, you know the drill, get your parents help!) Many of the brands of glycerine you buy from a craft store is cubed already if you purchase it in smaller quantities.

Place the appropriate amount (most molds will give suggestions) of cubed soap into your microwave safe measuring cup, and microwave on high for 1 minute or per your manufacturer's instructions. If it is not completely melted, adjust the time accordingly.

Spray your mold with whatever mold-release agent you are using in a thin, even coat. Make sure to coat the mold (including the sides) completely. Hold the can several inches away from the mold so it is not too thick.

Pour the liquid glycerine into mold that you will be using up to the fill-line, or just under the edge of the mold. While it is still warm, and in liquid form, put one drop of soap coloring into the glycerine, and either use a toothpick to give the soap a gently marbled effect, or add multiple drops to give your soap whatever shade of color you want.

Let the soap cool for 30 minutes, and you will have a gorgeous and simple hand-made gift to give to the loved ones in your life.

Frugal Tips

If you do not want to purchase soap molds, you can use the bottom of a half-gallon milk container for a square, or an empty can for a circle. Depending on the can you use, you may even get classy looking ridges in the sides of your soap. Make sure that if you use a milk carton or can to make your soap, you have cleaned it very well on the inside before you use it as a mold.

You can use unflavored vegetable oil (in a spray can or in the bottle) as a mold-release agent if you would like to save a few dollars. Some people balk at the idea, so spending the few extra dollars for something made for the job may be well spent.