I started making soap a year and a half ago when my kids were working on Science projects in school. With 7 kids, I told them that they were going to investigate something MOM was interested in (remember science projects? MOM is the one who HELPS the most?)
My oldest chose the chemistry of soap making. We started with simple olive oil recipe. We have not used "store bought" soaps since. I love the way you can be creative. My favorite is a coffee soap. It is supposed to be a kitchen soap...but we use in the shower, too. It is great!
