It’s sometimes a challenge finding just the right gift for someone special in your life, so what’s more thoughtful than a homemade present? Whether you’re preparing for the holiday season rapidly approaching or you’re just feeling crafty, why not try these unique soap making recipes using Art of Tea blends.

Most soap making recipes require lye, but lye is often times dangerous and challenging to use by less experienced soap makers. Here are some easy recipes that use the melt and pour method instead, which is also known as using glycerin as a base for your soap. This method is kid-friendly with the supervision and assistance from an adult and easy for any beginner soap maker to learn.

*Chamomile and Citrus Soap using Chamomile Clementine

You will need:

• 4 oz. Glycerin Soap or soap base (found at most craft stores)
• ¼ cup of Grated Orange Peel
• Orange Soap Colorant (optional)
• 2 heaping tsp. of Art of Tea’s Chamomile Clementine (un-steeped)
• Soap Mold lightly coated with Olive Oil

*Lemongrass and Ginger Soap using French Lemon Ginger

You will need:

• 4 oz. Glycerin Soap or soap base (found at most craft stores)
• 2 tsp. Citrus Essential Oils in lemon or orange flavor
• 2 heaping tsp. of Art of Tea’s French Lemon Ginger (un-steeped)
• Soap Mold lightly coated with Olive Oil

*Green Tea and Honey Soap using Moroccan Mint

You will need:

• 4 oz. Glycerin Soap or soap base (found at most craft stores)
• Green Soap Colorant (optional)
• 3 tbl. All Natural Honey
• 3 tbl. Essential Oil in lavender or peppermint flavor
• 2 heaping tsp. of Art of Tea’s Moroccan Mint (steeped and completely dried)

• Soap Mold lightly coated with Olive Oil

Directions:

First, slice the block of glycerin soap into smaller pieces, so it’s easier to melt. Place the soap pieces in a microwavable bowl if you choose to microwave, or place in a double boiler pot for stove boil. Melt the soap using whichever method you prefer—microwave or stove boil until it is completely liquefied. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Mix thoroughly until it’s smooth. As it cools, the soap base will thicken to a pudding-like consistency. Slowly and carefully, pour the melted mix into the olive oil coated-mold. Let it sit, and completely harden. Remove from mold, and let it air dry for 24 hours before use or packaging. We hope you enjoy your customized soap bar infused with tea and herbs!

Gift Packaging Ideas:

• Wrap the soap in wax paper. Tie a ribbon around it into a bow.
• Place the soap in a brown soap box. Decorate the box using paint or markers.
• Make a gift basket. Individually wrap the soap in decorative cloth. Package them together in a basket. Add other bath accessories such as bath salts, loofah, scrub, etc. Add a bow for a finishing touch.
• Tie twine around the soap. Display on a nice ceramic soap dish.

-MELISSA CHUA