When I was a little girl, I had a grandma we called “Grandma Out the Road” because we had to drive a few miles in the country to get to her house. Makes sense – right? One of the many things Grandma could do was make soap as in real soap with lye. I remember seeing her stir her soap concoction and being fascinated that soap didn’t always have to come from a store. My whole life I have wanted to make my own soap but didn’t want to deal with lye. I thought it would be one big mess. In the past, I did some research to find a DIY lavender soap recipe and found out it is really easy.
And then last week, I was gifted some lavender on two separate occassions. My mother gave me a bunch from her garden, and the favors at a fashion show I attended were lavender. I took it as a sign and decided to get to work!
I did a little research and learned that all I needed were a block of glycerin/goats milk soap from here, oil of lavender, which I already had, and lavender blossoms. I simply cut the block of lavender into small pieces, and microwaved it at 20 second intervals until it was melted. (The directions were on the package.) Then I stirred in some oil of lavender and lavender blossoms. I just guessed on how much of each to add.
Molds are available for purchase, but I wanted my soap to look rustic. So, I poured the liquid into a cake pan that I had lined with waxed paper. The directions said to allow it to harden for about an hour. Then I simply cut out rectangular blocks of the what had become lavender soap. It was so easy that I actually feel guilty saying I made it. It was more like assembling something that someone else had done the work on.
Never the less, I am enjoying the wonderful aromas coming from the various sink areas in our home where I have put it. It makes my hands feel so soft and smell so good. I can hardly wait for the rosemary in my herb garden to grow because I already have plans to make some rosemary soap. Lavender is my favorite fragrance, and I have also used it to make these shortbread cookies and this lavender linen water.
How about you? Have you ever made soap or thought about making it?
By the way, Jordan’s bathroom storage shelf is featured in the latest issue of Canadian Home Trends magazine. I am excited for her. We had a condo in Toronto for a few years and are familiar with the magazine. Check it out.
Thanks for stopping in.
Take care.
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TwoPlusCute says
This is gorgeous. Would give such an elegant note in any bathroom.
I imagine the perfume. 🙂
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Lavender soap is my favorite…I have never attempted to make soap….Sounds like a great summer project with my granddaughter…Congrats to Jordan…will hop over and see the article!!
Lauren says
Oh! I have to try this. Lavender isy favorite and I grow it and bake with it but soap would be awesome!