First step in making any item is to prepare all your ingredients and tools. Have everything you need on hand. Measure out your ingredients so you don't have to pause when you get to a particular stage.
Keep a journal of your ingredients so you can remember the formula for next time!
Cut up the soap into cubes (about 1"). This makes it faster to melt. (Here I have about 1.5 pounds of goat's milk soap).
Put in a microwaveable jug and microwave for 30 seconds. Then give a stir and if necessary microwave for 10 more seconds. Again, check it and give stir. Only microwave at 10 second intervals as overcooking your soap can ruin it. If there are tiny lumps left, usually just stirring it will melt them.
You can of course, melt your soap in a double boiler (like we do with wax).
Once your soap is melted you want to add your colour and fragrance.
Use dyes specially made for soap and add a tiny bit at a time to get the colour you desire.
Generally for fragrance I use about .25oz per pound to start - you can add a little more until you get the strength you want.
Pour your soap into your molds or loaf pan (as in the picture). For the loaf pan I usually give it a light coat of vegetable oil by dipping a paper towel in the oil and then wiping the mold with it.
After you have poured into the mold, if there are bubbles on top of the soap, spray it with either witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. (I got my spray bottle at Home Depot - I think in the garden centre).
Let cool and remove soap from molds. If you are having difficulty, pop the mold in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
Wrap soap up in cellophane as soon as possible. The glycerin will dissipate from the soap otherwise.
On the left are the soaps made in the individual mini loaf pan and the soaps on the right are from the larger loaf pan and then cut into slices.
