milady's lavender soap recipe

This couldn’t be easier to make but never fails to impress! For an extra special touch, wrap each soap in a scrap of cloth tied with a bit of homespun. Tip: A muffin tin makes the perfect tool for molding soap. Makes 6 bars or rounds

1 pound olive oil melt-and-pour soap
1 tablespoon whole dried lavender flowers
1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers, crushed†
1 teaspoon lavender essential oil

Place the soap (chop up if in brick form) in the top of a double boiler and heat gently until melted. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the dried lavender and essential oil until well mixed. Pour into molds lightly greased with olive oil. (Tip: You may find it easier to pour from a measuring cup at this point.) Spray the surface of each soap with rubbing alcohol to eliminate bubbles and create a smooth surface. Let soap cool for 48-72 hours, or until fully hardened. Remove soaps from molds, wipe gently with a towel, and package as desired.

Discover more information about
A Mother's Day of Your Own Making: History, Tradition, and DIY Herbal Spa Ideas
in the archived edition of our April 2018 email.