Making Soap....

[ambersparks]

I'd love to learn to make soap... actually I'd like to learn with my older dd's (7 & 8 yo) how to make soap. We homeschool and I only have room for so many arts and crafts projects. I have about 50 paper lunch bag puppets (which ARE cute) in the closet right now.... Anyway, I want them to learn 'real' crafts, things that are useful (like knitting of course! ;)) So, I was looking at the soap making kits they have at Michael's and wondering if they are any good. I wonder what the "fragrance" is made of!!?? And if there is a simple, easy, natural way of making soap that we can do together?? Does anyone know of a tutorial or website, etc.. that can get us started?
Thank you so much!! :sunshine

[Seylah]

I wish I did but I dont :( i would love to make soap too. I know someone who has offered to teach me if I teach her to spin. Maybe one day loL!

[ambersparks]

Ahhh... spinning, that would be fun too! I'm sure they would love that. I'll have to add that to my list along with dyeing..... so much to learn, so little time!! :lol

[marnie]

they made soap at maya's school this past year - they used heat & pour base from a soapmaking website and added essential oils from the health food store.

google soapmaking and you'll find lots of info.

[momto2]

I make soap from lye. I can't remember the websites, but google soap making lye you will get tons (the miller website is great). I don't know if I would allow them to do it at that age though cuz it is very toxic and can burn the skin. Just be very cautious and you will be fine. Oh and it can also teach them about chemistry.
I use essential oils for fragrances.

[ambersparks]

google soapmaking and you'll find lots of info.

You're not kidding... wow!! :lol I found a lot of great stuff! Thank you!! :)

[ambersparks]

I make soap from lye. I can't remember the websites, but google soap making lye you will get tons (the miller website is great). I don't know if I would allow them to do it at that age though cuz it is very toxic and can burn the skin. Just be very cautious and you will be fine. Oh and it can also teach them about chemistry.
I use essential oils for fragrances.

I did learn that it can be quite dangerous. I think with the kids I'd have to do the "melt and pour" method instead of from scratch because of that!! Thank you for the info!! :)

[~Jo~]

The kids will enjoy making melt & pour soap. You can even embed some small toys for them to discover as the soap gets used. ;)