Jasmine Green Tea Soap
Walking into my grandmother’s bathroom was akin to visiting a shrine to femininity. All the surfaces were decorated to suit her sense of beauty and womanhood; lavish flowers, sensual perfume bottles, fragrant soaps, and distinctly female-inspired art on the walls. However, it was never too much, always just enough. Every visit, I thought, this is what its like to be a woman, this is what she keeps for herself; aside from raising children, supporting her life-partner, and keeping the home. My mother continued in keeping her bathroom a demonstration of her feminine identity. Naturally, for me, this tradition has become synonymous with a wedded woman; the giving her identity unto a union of two.
I’ve been scouring the internet looking for a favor I would like to receive at a bridal shower that I would gladly add to my own collection of womanly things. I love the idea of making soaps, in all different shapes, sizes, and scents. For an upcoming bridal shower I am providing the favors for, I wanted to serve the modern and holistic sensibilities of the bride. A tea-scented soap is exactly what I was looking for!
The method is quite simple -which I loved- because it allowed for more energy spent in adorning each favor. I saw soaps done with Earl Grey tea and Chai tea (great for Christmas, I’m sure), but I am nuts about the scent of my favorite, Jasmine Green Tea. To me it’s a truly feminine scent of just enough fruit and floral.
Jasmine Green Tea Soap
• 10 oz Unscented Melting Soap Base (I used opaque white)
• 20 bags of Jasmine Green Tea – This tea is fragrant but delicate, so I used quite a bit.
• Wax Paper
In a small bowl, empty the contents of each tea bag and set aside. Line a baking pan with wax paper (just for easy clean up). In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the soap base for 30 seconds at a time. After 2 or 3 cycles in the microwave, add the loose tea to the soap base. Continue the increments of heat for 30 seconds, until fully liquid. I used a toothpick to stir every once in awhile. Pour the liquid into your pan of choice and allow it to set for at least an hour before cutting. Cut the soap into any shape you like; I sliced mine into 1”x 2.5” rectangles, to bare the oval label on each soap.
I am particularly fond of the Casablanca design I chose for the hang tags and labels. I came across a really sweet way to fashion tissue paper like an authentic tea bag over on Cucumbersome– Perfect! I finished my favors with some scraps of ribbon to wrap around the tea bags, and to attach the hang tag.
Helpful Links
- Oval Labels • I chose the “Casablanca” style in Gold.
- Oval Labels • I chose the “Casablanca” style in Gold.
- Circle Hang Tags • I chose the “Casablanca” style in Gold.
- Cucumbersome • DIY tea bag packaging tutorial.
More homemade gift ideas from Zoe…
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Zoe is born and bred in Portland, Oregon and recently moved to Orlando, Florida. She studied sociology and philosophy at University of Oregon, and is currently employed at a law firm. Presently, she devotes her time to being lost in the tropical vegetation of her backyard, sun-scorched bike rides, repurposing everything she can think of, quirky cooking, and promoting the creative lifestyle that she loves.
Hi – This is a great idea. How were you able to set the soap in several layers as it is in the picture?
Hi Joe,
I think its beautiful how the soap turned out, alas, this was not planned. While cooling, the tea leaves settled to the bottom. I’m glad you like the idea, when you try this– let me know how it sets for you!
Happy Gifting!
-Zoe
Hi Zoe- Beautiful idea! How many bars of soap did this recipe make? Thanks! -Jaclyn
Thank-you Jaclyn! I love how it turned out. I lined a 9″x9″ baking pan, and that portion rendered about 18 bars. They were quite small as to fit into the cute tea bag! In order to measure how much I wanted, I simply filled the baking pan with water, and used the same amount of soap. When the soap liquifies, it does not change in amount. Have fun with it! Please let me know what you decide, I’d love to hear how yours turns out!
-Zoe
I love the look of the soap, and I’m sure it smells lovely, too. I’ve never made soap before, and I’m wondering if you simply cut it with a regular knife or if there is a special implement you use.
Thanks!
Erica
Hi Erica!
To make this batch of soap, I wanted it to look a bit rough and undeniably homemade, so I used a regular kitchen knife. If you prefer a softer edge, you can use just about anything as a mold. I’ve also seen people make soap in cupcake tins with cupcake liners! Another idea is to grab a piece of fine grit sandpaper, round the edges a bit, then use a wet paper towel to smooth and buff the corners. It’s a fun project and gift, I’m glad you’re getting into it!!
Thank-you for asking,
-Zoe
I’m confused! I’m attempting to make 300 bars as a Mother’s Day giveaway. I’ve never made soap before, so maybe this was too big of an undertaking. I just made a batch and it’s a mess. Can you help me know what step I might be missing? I have a 9×9 baking pan. I filled it with 20 oz of water, but I’m threw out the water. We don’t use that, right? I have a 32 oz container of melting soap base and I pulled out 2 squares which should equal 20 oz. I melted it in the microwave then added the tea after 2 cycles. Now it looks literally like poop and it made a very small amount. What have I missed? Does the water go in it? I feel like a dope. Any help would be great!
Hi Jodi! I hope I can help. I did not add any water in the recipe. Using the tea leaves helps the fragrance, however, you can just as easily steep the bags, rather than open them like I did. You might be surprised, the tea leaves will fall to the bottom of the soap, like mine did, and create an earthy layered effect. I hope I answered your questions- good for you for taking on such a noble project! Lucky mothers 🙂
-Zoe
hi zoe
what would be another name for melting soap i live in australia so i think it would be called something else and where do you buy it from / tracey
hi I am just wondering if you added any colorant? I love the purple effect on the surface but I am not sure how you did it. I am trying to make soaps as gifts for the holidays please help, I’ve been browsing for days and I really fell inlove with the outcome of yours love the color! <3
Hi Mel! I struggled whether or not to include the actual tea leaves in with the soap- because otherwise they are easily strained out. However, I agree, the color and texture turned out exceptional and earthy, so I love it! Even better, if the soap is left for display, it continues to change and become more fragrant as the soap oxidizes. I say, try it with the leaves! Thank you for mentioning you like it!
Thank for sharing your ideas which help inspire others! Have you tried jasmine tea in CP? I wanted you
try it to see if it retains its smell which would be lovely! Thanks again!