The discs are trimmed into shavings for use, while the powders and liquids can be added directly to melted base. Soap molds can be bought pre-made, or you can develop your own. Make one by lining a cardboard box with wax paper, or buy one in the baking, candle or soap aisles of craft stores. Pre-made molds, usually made of plastic or metal, leave less room for error. A large, shallow saucepan to create a double-boiler for soap melting Anything you want to add.
Fine cornmeal creates a scrub soap, and finely ground coffee removes kitchen smells from hands.
Other ideas include citrus peels, dried herbs, chamomile leaves, and small amounts of oils like cocoa butter or olive oil. You can even drop beads, small toys or chunks of other soaps into the hardening base. The candle mold will have holes in the bottom, so cover them with sealant. Cut the soap base into small chunks with a knife. Fill the saucepan with about 3 inches of water and place on a stove over medium heat.