A little pampering goes a long way! These colourful soaps are one our most requested craft projects.


You'll need
Block of glycerin (250-500g)
Saucepan
Pyrex jug
Plastic or metal spoon
Liquid food colouring
Plastic moulds (or ice-cube trays)
Plastic loaf pan
Eye-dropper
Sharp knife
Essential oil (optional)

To make single-coloured soap
Step 1Half-fill a saucepan with water, bring to the boil, then let it simmer. Cut the glycerin into chunks, place in the jug and sit the jug in the pan. Stir the glycerin while it melts, then remove from heat.

Step 2 Use an eye-dropper to add the food colouring, drop by drop. Three or four drops per 250g glycerin should do. Add in 2-3ml (or 1 teaspoon per 250g glycerin) of essential oil. Work quickly before the glycerin has a chance to set. If it sets too soon, remelt it. Pour into moulds and leave for about 24 hours.

To make multicoloured soap
Step 1Melt glycerin and add the colour. Pour into a plastic loaf pan to a depth of about 10mm. Allow to set for about four hours. Turn out and slice horizontally into 10mm-wide strips. Repeat process, using a variety of colours, until you have the desired quantity of soap strips. Layer the soap strips in a plastic loaf pan.

Step 2 It's difficult to determine exactly how much clear glycerin you'll need to cover the coloured strips. Err on the side of caution by melting more than you think you'll need. If you underestimate the amount and have to pour a second layer of clear glycerin, the two layers won't adhere. If you melt too much glycerin, simply leave the excess to set and use it later. After melting the clear glycerin on a low heat, carefully pour it over the coloured strips until they're just covered. Set aside for about 24 hours. Turn out and slice cleanly with a sharp knife.

Froth and bubble
* To embed objects in clear soap, melt a batch of clear glycerin. Line up objects, such as fabric rosebuds, in a loaf pan, with spaces in between so you can slice the soap. Pour glycerin over the top. If objects float, push them back in.
* Surprise house guests with novelty soaps. Shell and starfish shapes look great!

Shopping (mail order available)
Aromatherapy in the Raw, (02) 9653 3600 or visit www.candlemaking.com.au