Holiday Gift Soap

glycerin soap base
clear soap base
green colorant
pine fragrance
silk holly leaves
clear Chinese takeout container to package the petals
photo printed on embossing paper (use computer and printer)
text printed on embossing paper (use computer and printer)
cello for wrapping the gift basket
basket container or napkin covered plate
bow
double boiler
stove or microwave
stirring tool
square soap molds
spray bottle with alcohol
scissors or shears
ladle
bowl with water
platter covered with wax paper

1. Melt soap base in double boiler on the stove or in a microwave. Add color by stirring in a few drops of green liquid colorant. Stir in a few drops of pine fragrance.

2. Ladle the soap into the molds (figure A). Be sure the molds are on a flat surface. Spray the surface with alcohol to remove the bubbles. Let set for 24 hours.

4. On a computer, design images or text and print them on embossing paper. Cut them out. Soak the images in water for 30 seconds. Slide the images off the paper onto the top of the soaps (figure B). Let dry.

6. To make the holly leaves, melt clear soap base in a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave. Add fragrance and stir.

7. Cut the individual silk holly leaves from the stem. Drop them into the melted clear soap.