Making soap: a how to guide

The trick is to buy really good quality soap base. I like the Shea butter one but you can also choose clear beeswax or honey soap bases.  Use a microwave to heat the little cubes of soap and I find 30 seconds is usually enough for an amount which looks about half a cereal bowl full.  Then it's in with the fragrance oil - my favourites are lavender and bubblegum scent. 

I also use natural flower buds like lavender. Sometimes adding oat bran is good too especially for a nice rough surface like an exfoliating soap bar. 

You can also use green tea added to the soap base. Just about anything to give the soap some colour and scent. 

As for moulds, I use a variety: I've a fairy one, Lego brick moulds, plain rectangular, one which had embossed words reading "100% hand made" and so on.  Some cake shops sell silicone moulds intended for baking. These can also be used for soaps. 

I also use little corrugated cardboard boxes for presentation. See picture. 

Happy soap making!