From time to time I like to dabble in new crafts. It’s lovely to escape the world and make something special, after all, creativity is a great mental health boost! You might not think that making soap qualifies as a craft but you’d be surprised how much goes into making a simple (or not so simple) bar. That being said, making your own soap at home doesn’t have to be hard; you can find all the supplies you need online or from hobby stores and you can make something that looks and smells amazing within a few simple steps.
You can make your own soaps using any combination of ingredients. This honey, lavender and oatmeal soap is extremely moisturising due to the honey, and hydrates even the driest of skin whereas oats act as an exfoliant removing dirt and oil that clog the pores. Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy and is believed to promote calmness and wellness by reducing stress and anxiety. The perfect combination of ingredients for promoting a soothing cleansing experience.
Supplies:
1 lb goat’s milk melt and pour soap base
1 tsp honey
1 tbsp dried lavender petals
2 tbsp quick oats
¼ tsp lavender mica powder
25 drops lavender essential oil
3 x 4 cup microwave-safe measuring cups with a spout
4-inch silicone soap mould
Wavy soap cutter
Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol
Method:
Cut soap into 1×1 inch cubes and divide evenly between 3 measuring cups.
Heat one soap-filled measuring cup in the microwave for 30 seconds, remove and stir well. If not fully melted, heat for additional 30-second increments, stirring between each heat session, until fully melted.
Add honey to melted soap base and stir very well.
Pour into the soap mould and spray the top with rubbing alcohol to help the next layer adhere together.
Spray or pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into a small bowl, add mica powder and stir well.
Repeat step 2.
Once the soap base is melted, let set for a few minutes, stirring every 20 seconds or so. When the temperature has dropped a bit, add the liquified mica powder and lavender essential oil. Stir very well.
Your first layer of soap should be starting to set now, so very slowly pour the lavender soap mixture on top of the first layer of soap.
Sprinkle dried lavender petals onto that second layer of soap you just poured, and spray with alcohol.
Crush 1 tablespoon of the oats in a plastic baggie with a meat tenderiser, or another method like a Ninja or food processor.
Repeat step 2.
Add crushed oats to melted soap base and stir very well.
Your second layer of soap should be starting to set now, so very slowly pour the oatmeal soap mixture on top of the lavender layer of soap.
Immediately sprinkle remaining oats down the middle of the soap, push in lightly, and spray with rubbing alcohol.
Let the soap sit for about 4-5 hours and remove it from the mould. Cut into four 1 inch bars using the wavy soap cutter.
