New - Need Help!

:) Hi Everyone :)

I am new to the crafting game and have been playing around and experimenting with paper crafts for the most part. I would really like to learn how to make soaps and things related to bath and body -- Does anyone have a good beginners project they would recommend? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Jb and welcome. Go to the candle and soap making forum.
You can find it easily by going to the top of the page and click on craft projects in the orange bar.
Go to candle and soap making and click on it.

I started making soap and other bath products a year or so ago. I made gift baskets at christmas and had a lot of fun. Go to Hobby Lobby or your local craft store and check out their soap making section. You should be able to buy melt and pour soap, molds, fragrances, and dyes. You can also use essential oils and other things like oatmeal, flavored teas, and powdered clay. There are other additives that one can use, but I'd start small and build up. Another tip is the glass measuring cup. I use a two-cup pyrex one with a spout and handle. I melt the soap in the microwave, add fragrance and dyes, and pour into mold all with the same measuring cup. It makes clean up easy. As far as the soaps go, I like the glycerin and use the olive oil soap when making shave soap for my husband. This craft is also kid friendly. I've made soap on several occasions with nephew since he was four. It was a great way to learn about colors and he loved adding the dyes and mixing. The soap is hot so of course a child should be supervised. A good website to check out is Soap Making Instructions | Soap Making Recipes and Tutorials | Teach Soap. It has lots of instructions and project ideas. You can also email questions and you will receive answers. I have ordered supplies from GloryBee Foods Natural Foods, Crafts and Gifts. They have a wide variety of additives, essential oils, and melt and pour soaps as well as candle and candy making supplies and a variety of books. You may also be able to find essential oils at your local health-food store. Hope something I've said is helpful. Remember to experiment and most important have fun!

This is one of the most fun, perplexing and creative crafts you can take up. It is one you can involve the whole family in and can even turn into a business if you are so inclined! It is fun to create and have people buy and come back for more.

There are many resources and avenues available via the Internet and even books at the library.

Even though there are alot of crafters out there who do this - you can definitely turn it into your own!!

Good Luck to you :D

Hi jb!
I have been making soaps, lotions, massage oils and much more for about 10 years. The web site that I found the most helpful when I first started was www.millersoap.com. It is excellent for information, ideas, recipies and has a message board as well. Good luck!!
Myrna