Matsuyama Kushi holds an "Open Factory" event two or three times a year. A popular workshop program at these events is "handmade soap making." Participants take a kettle-cooked soap base, add their preferred essential oils for fragrance, and mold the soap into shape; both children and adults alike thoroughly enjoy the process.
"Kettle-cooked soap base" is a finely granulated soap available at our online store. To use it, simply mix and knead the ingredients, then firmly pack the mixture into a mold to shape it. Even children in the lower grades of elementary school can stay focused on this activity, making it a great project for summer vacation crafts.
■ Items to prepare: 100g of kettle-cooked soap base
・Hot water (around 40 °C))1 tablespoon
・Resealable plastic bag ・Madeleine molds, baking cups, cookie cutters, etc. ・Essential oil (if adding fragrance)
■ Instructions *Small children must be supervised by an adult. Please take precautions to avoid burns from hot water, such as by wearing gloves.
(1) First, please lay paper on the work surface to prevent the soap from sticking.
*For the purpose of clearly showing the work process, the photos were taken without placing down any protective paper.
(2) Place 100g of "kettle-cooked soap base" into a resealable plastic bag. If you wish to add a scent, add essential oils at this stage. Be careful to avoid direct contact between the essential oils and your skin. To prevent irritation, limit the amount to a maximum of 1g ( approximately 25 drops ).
View the list of essential oils here >
(3) Close the opening of the container from step (2) and shake it well; then, open it and evenly sprinkle one tablespoon of hot water over the soap base inside.
(4) Knead well through the bag while breaking up any lumps until the mixture is as soft as an earlobe.
(5) Remove the mixture from (4) from the bag and shape it. Press it little by little into a madeleine mold, baking cup, or cookie cutter, packing it tightly so there are no gaps. *Tip: Lining the inside of the cup with plastic wrap makes it easier to remove the soap later.
(6) Remove the soap from the mold and let it dry for about five days in a well-ventilated, shaded area; it is then ready to use.
■Precautions for Use
Please discontinue use of the handmade soap if you experience any skin abnormalities or if it does not suit your skin. If the lather gets into your eyes, do not rub them; instead, rinse thoroughly with running water immediately. If making soap for infants or young children, please do not add essential oils. Store away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity, and use within approximately one month. * Q&A on the use of products containing essential oils
Here are the products used this time
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