Liquid colorants such as Crystal Colors produce a vibrant effect in melt and pour soapmaking and don't morph, unlike with cold process soapmaking. One drop is plenty to color a pound of base. Too much colorant may stain your washcloth. If you add too much colorant by accident, increase the amount of base to compensate.

Micas create a magical impression in clear melt and pour soap. They reflect the light and shimmer beautifully. Begin with an eighth of a teaspoon per pound of base and stir it well to disperse lumps. You can also mix the mica into a small amount of base first, then incorporate it into the larger batch.

If you want a "wow" effect in your soap, try cosmetic glitter. A tiny amount goes a long way. Add it when the melted soap begins to thicken and stir it continually before pouring to prevent the glitter from sinking to the bottom of the mold.

When the soap is melted, remove it from the microwave and stir it gently with a spoon. Stir occasionally until the side of the measuring cup feels warm, not burning hot. When the soap is about 130 degrees (don't worry if it 's slightly more or less), add the colorant and stir. Then put in any additives, and finally the fragrance. Stir, stir, stir! Then pour the soap into a mold and spray it lightly with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles.

Let the soap set for at least a half hour before you attempt to move it. The soap will need to cool down for several hours before you unmold it, especially if the mold is detailed. When you are ready, press firmly on the underside of the mold with your thumbs. If the soap does not release easily, give it more time. If it is still stubborn after several hours, you may place the mold in a freezer for five to ten minutes at a time, after which it should fall out of the mold. Do not freeze the soap for a longer time or it will begin to sweat as it defrosts.

Use Deep Amethyst, Brightest Blue, Juicy Green Pear, Sunny Yellow, Sweet Orange, Ruby Red, and Wineberry (or Crystal Colors of your own choice).

Choose a single fragrance such as Mardi Gras and measure out .5 to .7 ounces, depending on your preference for strength of scent. Place 1 lb of chopped clear Olive Oil base in a heatproof glass cup and melt it, then stir in the first color and add the fragrance. Pour the soap into the Ultra Mold (it will look very sparse for this layer) and spray heavily with rubbing alcohol.

Immediately melt the second batch and choose the second color, then add fragrance. Don’t pour this layer until the first one sets up, like the skin on gelatin. You should be able to touch the molded soap with your finger without the liquid layer oozing through. On the other hand, don’t wait until the first layer is completely hard or it might separate later. After you have poured this second layer, spray again with rubbing alcohol and prepare the next layer, and so on.

With proper timing, the layers will stick together nicely, creating a prismatic effect. After you have poured the last layer, don’t forget to spray it with alcohol, to avoid bubbles on the surface.

The soap mold will be quite heavy (7 lb). Cover the top lightly with plastic wrap to keep out dust and dirt, and place the mold in a cool and dry place. It may take several days before you can remove the dividers, since melt and pour soap clings to plastic. If you encounter difficulties after a few days, place the mold in a freezer for no more than 15 minutes at a time, and try to remove the dividers. Mine slid right out without this step. You’ll be fascinated by the beauty of the finished bars!