Soap Making

 

Today Claire Bookhoop came to our class again!  The girls were so excited.  She and her brother, Cal Bookhoop, came and taught the girls the process of how to make glycerin soap two months ago.  Unfortunately, no pictures were taken!  So we were all excited when she agreed to come back and give us more hands on instruction.  We made sure to have a camera ready this time!!!

 

The first thing is to melt the glycerin.  This can be purchased at any craft store (Statesboro-Hobby Lobby) and may be purchased in small or large amounts, big blocks or chunks.  There are many types of glycerin to choose from: moisturizing, bubbling, etc.  She brought in a crockpot and was melting the glycerin in this for us.

She brought in her big bin of molds.  You can purchase molds at a craft store, but we also learned we can use most anything that will hold up under the heat.  For instance, she had candy molds, muffin tins.  She also brought in many varieties of additives.  Colors and scents may be added to enrich the soap.  You can purchase these in droppers seen in the pics, but she also suggested oatmeal, cinnamon, and glitter.  The possibilities are endless. Last visit, they brought marbles to be added, and this time pennies!  

I even brought a foam number from a bath playset to be added in my daughter's soap.  

Note:  Don't try to add anything that floats.  This creates a problem!

Once the glycerin was thoroughly melted, she dipped in  her ladle and scooped about a cup into a measuring cup.  The girls could then add the fragrance and coloring of their choosing.  Mix well, then pour into desired mold.  Creativity abounded!

They also taught us a neat marbling effect.  Instead of adding coloring to the entire mixture before pouring, you add drops of color after you pour into the mold, and then swirl with a dowel stick.

Let the molds cool, wait...pick out more molds, make more soap, cool, wait...patience is a virtue.  Ohh and Ahh over other creations.  Finally pop out your mold, and voile!  Beautiful handmade soap!  I was impressed with the girls, most of them were giving them away as gifts.  Wonderful to see such giving spirits!

Even some of the older girls got curious and asked to make some soap!

A big thank you to Claire Bookhoop (and Cal last session)  You have taught us a wonderful art!  What a wonderful teacher you are!

The Girls have completed all the requirements to earn the Soap Making Keeper's Badge!