Today I took advantage of the time inside to make some herbalicious bars of soap!
The weather in Northeast Ohio has left a bit to be desired. While there are many arguments for and against raised beds, it seems that we have stumbled upon the most incredible reason-- mind-numbing downpours for months on end!
Mr. RC Homestead and I were inspired by our European travels last fall and we decided to model our herb garden after the terraces we saw through-out Germany. Over the winter, we fashioned 18" frames from 2" X 6" 's. We stained them to protect, then set them out in the weather to take some of the chemical residue from the boards before we started planting.
As soon as the ground was soft enough to turn, we organized the boxes in a somewhat chaotic manner on a small hill behind the garage. In each of the frames, we added soil and a variety of herb or two.
The photo above was taken just after planting. I will try to follow-up later this week to show you how incredible the herb garden has done since early spring!
Today I trimmed off some chamomile flowers and decided it would be a good idea to get started on some soap making. I was so refreshed by the scent of the chamomile soap, that I decided to up the 'anty' and I made another set of bars with lemon balm and sage-- refreshing!
*This is not only helpful for household uses, but also makes a great addition to any gift-- seasonal or otherwise!
How to Make Your Own Herb Soap
Supplies:
- Container or soap mold (PatCatan's, Michael's, JoAnne's or Hobby Lobby)
- Soap base of your choice (I L-O-V-E the goat milk base and my skin has had zero issues with it!)
- Glass measuring cup with pouring spout
- Spoon
- Herbs
- Scissors
What to do:
- First, head out in the morning when the essential oils are at their best.
- Trim off fresh leaves from your sage, mint, lemon balm or other fragrant herb (remember that lavender and chamomile will require their flowers!)
- Rinse herbs, if necessary. Blot dry
- Using scissors or herb snips, finely chop leaves. Flowers from chamomile or lavender are sometimes better left whole, but it is nice to experiment, so chop them if you like
- Take the soap base and slice off an inch or two
- Microwave the soap base in 30 second increments, stirring between heating
- Once the soap base is entirely liquid, add your herbs
- Stir the chopped herbs until they are well blended in the soap base
- Pour the soap/herb mixture into the molds
- Let cool
- Wrap with plastic wrap, add a label, if you like
****Alternatively, if you like, pour a thin coat of soap base in your mold. Let it cool. Next add your herbs/flowers. Add another thin coat of soap to coat the flowers. Let it cool. Finally, fill the mold to the top. This will keep your flowers suspended in the middle of the bar.
By leaving bits of the herb or flower in the bar, you offer a bit of texture which always help to clean grubby hands!
Finely chopped herbs
Add to Soap Mixture
Pour mixture into molds
Let cool!
Don't feel like making your own soap? Jump on over to our Etsy page and we'll send some of ours out to ya!
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