Pressed flowers and floral soap

Fresh flowers are fantastic for decorating your home and office. Of course, your beautiful bouquet will eventually perish and this is why you should be prepared to make the most of each bloom before they deteriorate too much. Pressed flowers can be used in various crafts – including floral soap. If you have never tried making your own soap, you will soon find out just how easy it is.

Things you need:

  • Clear melt and pour base
  • Fragrance oil or essential oil of your choice. You will need 0.25 ounces for each pound of melt and pour.
  • Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle
  • Glass bowl for melting the base
  • Soap molds
  • Pressed flowers of your choice

Directions:

  • Begin by placing the melt and pour base in a glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Place the bowl in your microwave and heat for a minute.
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave and discard the plastic wrap.
  • Mix to dissolve any unmelted pieces.
  • Add essential oils according to the ratio mentioned above. For a stronger scent, add a few extra drops.
  • Mix thoroughly and make sure that it remains clear. It should not become opaque.
  • Pour a thin layer of your soap mixture into the molds and allow it to set at room temperature for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Add your pressed flowers to each of the molds and press gently to set in place.
  • Spray lightly with rubbing alcohol.
  • Fill the mold with more of the soap mixture.
  • Spray lightly again with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any bubbles.
  • Allow to harden completely before you remove your beautiful soap from the molds.

Remember, if you use anything other than a clear base, it will most likely result in cloudy soap and you will not be able to appreciate the beauty of your pressed flowers. You can also add some colourants if you like. Just make sure that the colours you use are safe for your skin. The last thing you want is to end up tinting your skin!