Worldwide, thousands of people can be found making soap in their kitchen, basement, garage or barn.
For some it's one of the most enjoyable pastimes.
It is a task particularly suited to adults and children, who love to make and decorate things.
Children especially like to make soaps that are shaped liked animals.
Soap-making is a fun activity that can be performed by children aged 4 and up, as long as a microwave rather than a stove is used.
It's also wise to have them use a method that involves no use of lye.
When their product is finished it is the perfect gift for teachers, mom, grandma or almost anyone.
If giving to a teacher, mark the gift with the child's name and class for maximum impact.
To really make the teacher's day, you could include a letter.
This is one gift that won't sit in a closet, unused and forgotten.
A soap-making kit can be the centerpiece of a party where the skill is taught.
Gather a bunch of youngsters together and have a teacher come in to demonstrate and oversee their efforts.
Many books have been written to teach soap making to children.
People get hooked after one batch.
The best soap recipe for children to us is the melt-and-pour method.
The soap base is melted in the microwave, then additives like color and scent are added, and the soap is then poured into molds.
Soap-making kits can be obtained from a craft store like Hobby Lobby or Michael's and a multitude of them are available online.
Melt and pour is as close to instant gratification as you are likely to get, yielding results in an hour.
The kits are very inexpensive and make a perfect gift.
No special skills and little patience are required, and an adult may never feel a need to progress to cold process soap-making.
Cold process soap making is not recommended for children because caustic and toxic lye is used.
Soapmaking kits have occasionally been recalled so make sure the one you purchase is suitable.
One to watch out for is the ones with the Bobbie Bear Stacking Rings made by International Playthings, whose plastic knobs can detach and pose a choking hazard.
In recent years, two soap-making kits have been recalled, by Pace Products and Rose Art Industries.
The US consumer Product Safety Commission received three reports of burn injuries in the first case, and ten in the second.
Rose Art Industries, maker of crayons, markers and various art kits, was fined $300,000 for their failure to report the defect in their soap-making kit until almost four years after the kits were first sold.
Second- and third-degree burns were caused to children.
Soap-making isn't just for children.
In the US, programs exist to teach it to women who would like to learn as well as programs that discuss how to start your own soapmaking business.
This is a great little cottage industry that has been thriving of late.
Having their own business gives women greater financial independence as well as providing some extra income.
Although the economy is lagging, people always seem to find the money to buy this special treat.
Many women have also taken to selling their soap products online in their own store or even on Ebay.
There are also many ways to sell it locally, especially to friends and family as well as small inns such as bed and breakfasts.
For more information about making your own soap using a soap making kit, visit our website where everything about soap making is discussed.
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