You will need either a glass bowl or a glass or plastic jug, cling film, stirring spoon, spritzer bottle of surgical spirits, mould and an optional cooking thermometer

Place the chopped soap base or pellets into the bowl and cover with cling film. This helps to limit moisture loss.

Melt the soap base on a low or medium setting in the microwave in short burst until melted. You will quickly learn how long your batch size needs in your microwave. Do not allow to boil . Allow to cool slightly

Add colour a few drops at a time and stir.

If using colour blocks, add small amounts of shavings at this point, allow to melt for a few seconds and then stir.

Continue to add a few drops at a time until you have reached the desired colour.

Add your fragrance oil or essential oils a few drops at a time until you are happy with the aroma. Please make sure you do not exceed the maximum amounts stated by the supplier. Always read the labels.

If the soap is sufficiently cool (approx 60 degrees C or lower), poor slowly into the mould. If the soap has developed a skin prior to pouring, pierce first.

Pour until you reach the top of the mould. Be careful not to over pour as this will make it more difficult to un-mould your soap.

You will probably have a few bubbles on the top when you have finished pouring. Don’t panic! Take the spritzer bottle containing Surgical Spirits and lightly spray the surface.

No bubbles – yippee!

The surgical spirits will evaporate harmlessly leaving no residual smell when set.

Allow the soap to set up for several hours. To test if it’s ready, press firmly in the centre of the upturned mould as shown. You should see air beginning to creep between the mould and the soap.

When the air has filled the space the soap will simply fall out of the mould. Never force this process. Do not use sharp objects. If it is still stuck after about 6 hours, pop it in the fridge for a while. It should then pop out easily. Look in the OOPS section for more help if needed, but patience usually works J

You will now have your own hand crafted bar of soap. This is useable immediately, but will last longer if you allow it to air dry for 24 hours. Wrap in cling film or cellophan