Layered Soap,

1 pound glycerin soap base 1 color chip 1/2 ounce essential oil soap mold (if not a standard commercial mold, line with plastic wrap) 1/2 cup rolled oats or lavender flowers, or 1 cup rose petals 1. In a double boiler, melt the glycerin soap base.

2. Add the color chip and essential oil. Stir well, then pour three quarters of the soap mixture into the mold. Return the unpoured soap to the heat and allow the poured soap to set for 5 minutes.

3. Add the botanicals to the unpoured soap and stir well. Pour the remaining soap into the mold.

4. Leave the soap to set for 30 minutes, then place in the freezer for another 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes, then pop the soap out of the mold.

Fragmented Soap

1 pound glycerin soap base 1/2 color chip, first color 1/2 ounce essential oil soap mold (if not a standard commercial mold, line with plastic wrap) 1/2 color chip, second color 1. In a double boiler, melt half of the glycerin soap base.

2. Add the first color chip and half the essential oil. Stir well, then pour into the mold.

3. Once cooled and unmolded (as described above), cut the soap into small strips.

4. Follow steps 1 and 2 with the remaining ingredients.

5. Quickly stir in the soap strips, leave to set, and unmold as above.