Last modified: Monday, February 25, 2008 12:24 AM EST Linda Alger's rosemary and lavender soap is just one of the varieties you can make using the easy-to-follow instructions. (Staff photo by Tom Maguire) How to make your own soap BY LINDA ALGER/FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE I've always wanted to make soap, but it seemed like an arduous task and a little risky because you have to use lye, which is caustic. I'm sure that many older readers will remember their grandmother making soap from scratch. Soap is the end product when you mix fats with lye using water as a catalyst. Soap has been around since Egyptian times, but not until recently, has a very easy and quick way to make soap called "melt and pour" been developed. "Melt and pour" soap base is already processed and safe, just like a bar of soap you'd use to wash your face. All the ingredients Local craft stores carry all of the supplies that you will need, and don't forget to bring your 40 or 50 percent off coupon. There are also many Web sites that give instructions and also carry supplies. You can also visit a store that sells natural products, such as herbs and oils. that can be used in soap making. The "melt and pour" soap is sold in large, medium and small blocks (from 2 to 20 pounds), and is available in glycerine clear and white base, Goatsmilk and Olive bases to name a few. The best way to start is to purchase a beginner book that will give you loads of ideas on different the kinds and shapes of soaps. Basic materials that you will need are a soap block, microwave, measuring cup, fragrance, soap molds, colorants, drying rack, microwave bowls, a sharp knife, measuring spoons and craft sticks. There are recipes for every kind of soap - natural cleansers and emollients, for sensitive, oily and inflamed skin; soaps for healing, relaxing, warming, and moisturizing; and decorative soaps of all shapes, colors and sizes. There are oatmeal, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, buttermilk, cornmeal, avocado and aloe soaps. Soaps can also be made for children that have a surprise toy inside. This is a very, very simple craft that is not time consuming and very forgiving. If you are not happy with your bar of soap, simply cut it into cubes and start the process over again. Have a great time making soap - it's good clean fun! Supplies needed: 1 cup of melted white soap base, ground lavender and rosemary herbs, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of water, lavender fragrance, red colorant, wire whisk, soap mold, microwavable measuring cup. Instructions to make lavender and rosemary herbal soap, as shown in photo: Step #1 Start by buying and crushing dried lavener and rosemary. A mortar and pestle helps with that task. Then, cut the soap base into 1-inch pieces and place in a microwavable measuring cup. Step #2 Place the container with the soap block in the microwave and heat at 40-second intervals until the blocks are completely melted. Step #3 When the soap base has stopped steaming, pour the melted base into a bowl. Step #4 Add the crushed lavender and rosemary, as well as the lavender fragrance and red color mixture. You can add as much or as little as desired, it's up to you. Step #5 Using a wire whisk, vigorously beat the soap and additive until the mixture is fluffy and has the consistency of egg whites. Then, carefully pour the soap mixture into plastic molds in the desired shapes. Let the soap harden in the mold. Step #6 When hard a few hours later, remove the soap from the molds onto a drying rack. It takes a couple of weeks to completely air dry the soap. Linda Alger is the administrative assistant to the Attleboro Municipal Council and is a local artist who is very involved in the Attleboro art community. She can be reached at BEAKERALG@AOL.COM (please include the word "CRAFTS" in subject block). Any letters she receives may be used in future columns, so please include your name and daytime telephone.