Thursday, August 16, 2012

CRAFT: Citrus and Herb Soaps


Summer isn't over yet! There's still plenty of time to enjoy all the yummy citrus scents out there before fall rolls in -- and fall is my favorite season, so I can't wait to break out my boots and make something with pumpkin in it :) There's just something wonderfully refreshing about citrus in the summer, especially when it's in soap-form!

I've been trying my hand at melt and pour soaps for a few months now (I've tried honey oatmeal soap and heart soap so far). Soaps are great for gifts because they're SO customizable. There are tons of different essential oils and additives that you can find online or at your local craft store. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can grab some ingredients you have on hand like citrus and fresh herbs and make some homemade soaps with me!


Gather up all of your ingredients and  make sure your fruit peels are well-washed and dried beforehand.




Supplies: citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or grapefruits, fresh herbs of your choice -I used basil, mint and rosemary, soap mold (any silicone mold will work, or you can grease up some glass bowls like I did), glycerin melt and pour soap, food processor.



First, wash and grate the rind of your citrus. Use your food processor to process your herbs into small pieces. For the rosemary, you'll have to cut it into very fine pieces by hand.

 

Next, melt your glycerin soap in the microwave and mix in your citrus and herbs. I used 1/2 cup glycerin soap with 1 teaspoon citrus and 1 teaspoon of the herbs. Mix well.


Pour your soap into your soap mold. If you don't have a soap mold, never fear! You can use pretty much anything. Washed plastic yogurt cups work well, but this time I decided to use some small glass bowls I got from the Dollar Store. If you're not using a mold that is pliable, make sure you use vegetable oil to coat your mold well before pouring the soap in so it comes out easily.


Let your soap sit out for an hour, and then finish with an additional 20 minutes in the freezer to set. Carefully push your soap out of the mold. If you're using a glass dish like I did, you may need to use a butter knife to carefully loosen the edges some.

Enjoy your pretty soaps!


The finished soaps smell like a day at the spa. I think the lemon basil is my favorite, but I really love all of them.


Note: These soaps are best when used immediately. Since they are made with fresh herbs, they will eventually go bad if not used within 1-2 months. 

Happy soap making!




Check out our link party page to see where we link up each week!
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11 comments:

  1. I bet these smell very refreshing!! They look lovely.

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  2. I was thinking of making soap for Christmas presents so this is very timely. Definitely pinning it! Found you through Show and Tell Saturday!

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  3. What a great idea. I'll bet these smell wonderful. I think they would make great gifts too.

    I would love it if you would share this at the Smart Solutions linky party. You can link up here:

    http://theprudentpantryblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/prudent-projects-smart-solutions-week-7.html

    Have a great day!

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  4. Umm girls, your blog is freaking adorable. I saw that you just started it and I read your intro. and I am SO happy for you two! I hope it just gets bigger and bigger and that the whole world reads it because you two are great and talented and so stinking cute. Best of luck on all of your adventures and I'm excited to be following along! :)

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  5. This looks amazing! I want to make my own citrus soaps. I love the smell of citrus in my kitchen.

    If you get a chance I would love for you to come link up at my Pin Party.

    http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/pintastic-monday-link-party-5.html

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  6. A great way to extend shelf life is adding some vitamin E, this one works as anti oxidant when using fresh herbs

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    Replies
    1. Can you use vitamin E out of the capsule. If so, how much?

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  7. So awesome! I gotta try it! :)

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  8. Great... Besides herbs essential oils are very important ingredient when it comes to creating natural soaps.. Use less drops, or combine with soothing oils for a more balanced recipe.

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  9. Thanks for sharing... When I started making soap, I was very intimidated. But I now I feel is is most amazing thing to do.. :)

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