DIY Gifts, Post #1

     If like everyone else I know, your holiday budget is looking a little lackluster, may I suggest homemade gifts this holiday season? Here's the first of a number of shares I'll post, as now is the time you're going to want to start making gifts. (Really, if you're smarter than me, you've already begun.)


First up: Homemade Herb and Spice Glycerin Soaps from Hello Natural (http://hellonatural.co/diy-herb-spice-homemade-glycerin-soap/ )

DIY: Herb + Spice Homemade Glycerin Soap for the Holidays

November 13, 2014 by Lindsey Johnson 1 Comment

My favorite gifts to receive are those made by hand, and they are also my favorite to give to others. Pretty homemade soap is the perfect little gift to give to a friend, co-worker or anyone, really. They look stunning in a soap dish by the side of the bathroom sink or stored in a decorative jar on a shelf.
If you’ve ever wanted to try homemade glycerin soap, take note! It’s easier than you ever imagined it could be.

Herb + Spice Homemade Glycerin Soap

 Supplies needed

• Block of glycerin soap base, available at most craft stores
• Essential oils
• Dried flowers, herbs, spices, and leaves
• Soap molds – small cups or trays in various sizes (silicone works best)

I used some dried hibiscus and rose petals (mostly because I wanted a pink/red color), green tea, dried rosemary, dried eucalyptus, dried juniper berries and dried lemon peel. (Note: some dried flowers will change color. The hibiscus turns blue!)

STEP ONE

Chop the glycerin into cubes for easier melting.

STEP TWO

Melt the soap base. This can be done using a double boiler, a small pan or a glass measuring cup. (I like the measuring cup because it’s easier to pour.) Melt over medium-low heat or on 50% power in the microwave. Be careful – it will be very hot! Remove the measuring cup from the microwave when the soap is almost melted and stir it gently. Add the essential oils to the base. Use about 5-10 drops per ounce of soap. Stir slowly to prevent bubble formation. (There will still probably be a few bubbles.)

STEP THREE

Arrange the desired petals, herbs, and leaves in the molds. Carefully fill the molds with the melted soap base. Let them sit for about an hour to solidify. Then pop them out and package them or store in a jar. Super easy!

Print

Holiday Glycerin Soap

Author: Lindsey Rose Johnson

 

Ingredients

• Dried flowers and/or leaves, such as rosemary, eucalyptus, hibiscus, juniper berries, dried citrus peels
• Solid glycerin soap base (available at craft stores)
• Essential oils - eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, orange, etc.
• Molds - cups or trays in various sizes (silicone works best)

Instructions

1. Cut the glycerin soap into pieces. Melt according to package directions.
2. Carefully and slowly add the essential oils, about 5 drops per ounce of soap used. Stir gently and slowly to prevent bubbles from forming. Gently rap the jar or container on the countertop to release any larger trapped air bubbles.
3. Place the dried flowers or herbs into the mold and carefully fill each one with the melted soap base.
4. Let cool completely, about 1 hour. Pop out of the molds and store in an airtight container or package to give as a gift.

Read more at http://hellonatural.co/diy-herb-spice-homemade-glycerin-soap/#Rr2QmjgcHfGWoehW.99