Over the past few years, I have experimented with soapmaking. So far, I have yet to work with lye because melt-and-pour soap is such a simple option. I appreciate the thorough process and handiwork that goes into making soap from lye, yet for those days when I need a quick gift or feel like being crafty, working with a soap base makes more sense for me. Handmade soap can be practical and beautiful at the same time, like this glycerin soap that glows when the light hits the dried bits suspended in the glycerin just right. It’s great for gift-giving too — simply wrap a few bars together with twine. For more soapmaking knowledge, be sure to check out the first ever The Soapmaking Issue by Willow and Sage, set to hit newsstands on July 1st.

A Flower-Filled Soapmaking Adventure

by Danielle Williams from Willow and Sage Summer 2019

You Will Need

• • Soap cutter
• • Glycerin soap base
• • Glass measuring cup
• • Spoon
• • Soap molds
• • Dried wildflowers & herbs
• • Toothpick

To Make

Using a soap cutter, cut the glycerin soap base into 1-inch cubes, and place in a glass measuring cup. Melt the soap base in the microwave for 15-second intervals until just melted, stirring in between each one. Pour the soap base into the molds of choice, filling only halfway. Gently place dried wildflowers and herbs into the molds, and use a toothpick to arrange them as desired. Finish filling the molds with the remaining soap base. Use a toothpick to move the dried elements around as needed and to remove any unwanted air bubbles. Let harden for a few hours before removing from the molds.

Note

The dried elements I used kept floating to the top, regardless of how many times I pushed them back down with a toothpick. Instead of filling the mold all the way to the top after placing the elements, you can try letting it harden at three-fourths full for 15 minutes before pouring the remaining soap base. This should help keep the elements suspended in the middle of the soap, if desired.

Find more unique soap recipes in our upcoming The Soapmaking Issue.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.