Here is what we used:
Supplies
1. Glycerin blocks (unscented)
2. Microwave safe measuring cups
3. Skin-safe coloring
4. Skin-safe scents (in droppers)
5. Plastic mold trays
6. Vaseline
7. Alcohol (in spray bottle)
8. Small plastic toys (to fit in mold)
9. Patience
10. More Patience
How to make your own soap.
1. Cut Glycerin Blocks into Cubes: Glycerin comes in large blocks. You want to cut your blocks into small pieces, like cheese cubes. We had 18 participants, and used two large blocks of glycerin. (Each block at 2 lbs each.)
2. Grease Plastic Mold: Take the plastic mold you will pour your liquidized glycerin in, and coat the inside of the mold with a thin layer of Vaseline. This will prevent the hot glycerin from clinging to the walls of the plastic mold.
3. Melt Glycerin in Microwave: Melt glycerin in microwave safe measuring cups. Melting time will depend on the amount of glycerin blocks/microwave wattage. Your best bet for effectively melting the blocks (without overheating) is setting the microwave for a minute, and watching the blocks crumple, and melt. Once the blocks are liquidized, wait a few seconds. Then press STOP.
Do not allow the glycerin to boil.
4. Choose Scent, Color. and Animal for Soap: While the glycerin heats, students should choose a scent, color, and small plastic toy to go inside their soap bar.
5. Pour Glycerin into Soap Mold: Pour liquid glycerin into mold. Work quickly to incorporate about ten drops of the skin-safe scent, and 2-4 drops of skin-safe color. Stir in mold.
6. Place plastic toy in soap: Wait until film develops on the top of soap. Spray the plastic toy that will go inside the soap with alcohol, to eliminate air bubbles that can form around it. When a firm but thin film develops, use a plastic knife to push film aside, and insert toy into soap, and under the film.
7. Finishing Touches: Spray top of soap (lightly) with alcohol to eliminate air bubbles. Alcohol can also be sprayed between multiple colors of glycerin, for a layered soap.
8. Drying: Allow glycerin to dry, and do leave mold to rest for several hours. The hardening process can be sped up by refrigeration.
MD
Note: 1. The best way to know how much glycerin to melt is to get a measurement of how much liquid your soap molds can hold. Pour water to fill your soap mold,, and then transfer that water to a measuring cup. This will give you an idea of how many glycerin cubes you must melt.
2. Liquid glycerin solidifies quickly. Work fast!
8. Drying: Allow glycerin to dry, and do leave mold to rest for several hours. The hardening process can be sped up by refrigeration.
MD
Note: 1. The best way to know how much glycerin to melt is to get a measurement of how much liquid your soap molds can hold. Pour water to fill your soap mold,, and then transfer that water to a measuring cup. This will give you an idea of how many glycerin cubes you must melt.
2. Liquid glycerin solidifies quickly. Work fast!