Soap making is a skill that's been passed down to generations. Because of the use of lye, many people are scared away from making soap. If you're interested in soap making but don't wish to mess with lye, there's an alternative. It's called ?melt and pour? soap making. Basically this method involves melting a ready made soap base and adding fragrances before pouring into a mold.

Melt and pour soap making allows you to make soap from the comfort of your own kitchen without using any caustic substances that may harm you or your surroundings. This method is much quicker than the old fashioned way especially since one doesn't have to wait for the soap to cure.

The soap base is purchased in blocks and which can be found at craft stores or on the internet, they cost between three and five dollars a pound. You can also buy soap making kits that come with everything you'll need. This is good idea for the beginning soap maker

To begin making soap, take your block of soap base and cut it into small pieces or cubes for melting in a double boiler or microwave oven. Once the soap is melted, color and scent is added it can be poured into a mold. An hour or two later, soap is born.

These handcrafted soaps are perfect for putting in birthday or holiday gift baskets. Who wouldn't want to receive an assortment of attractive, fragrant soaps made from the heart? This is a project that is safe, simple and doesn't take too much time. If you get the children involved it can become a fun project for the whole family.

Don't write off soap making because it's too dangerous or time consuming. Try the melt and pour method, you might just find it a fun and profitable hobby.