Step 1: Set up the soapmaking equipment, including

• scales
• a soapmaking pan
• a saucepan, thermometers
• a glass bowl
• and ingredient - Measure out the essential oils, preservative, and extra nutrients; set aside in separate containers.

Step 2: Line the soapmaking trays with the heavy-duty waxed paper, keeping the paper 1 inch from the top of the trays on all sides. Mitre the corners, one at a time, by pushing your forefinger along the paper and pressing deeply into the corners, using your other hand to keep the rest of the paper flat and in place. Gather the excess paper in the corners inward to form flat hospital corners. Flatten the folds perfectly flush against the frame and secure with masking tape, from the bottom corner out diagonally to the exposed area of the frame. Tape the edges of the paper to the box at intervals to keep the paper flat against the frames, without waves and wrinkles, and to prevent forming soaps with rounded edges and wavy bottoms. Do this now -- you won't have time later as things speed up.

Step 3: Put on safety goggles and gloves.

Step 4: Weigh out the sodium hydroxide (Lye) and set aside, away from the work area.

Step 5: Set a 2-quart glass container on the scale; weigh out the required amount of water.

Step 6: Carefully add the sodium hydroxide to the glass container of water, stirring briskly with a rubber spatula until it is completely dissolved.

Step 7: Place an 8- to 12-quart soapmaking pan on the scale. Add the required weights of the liquid soapmaking oils that are to be included at the start of the soapmaking process. Set aside.

Step 8: Place a 3-quart saucepan on the scale and weigh out the solid fats that are to be melted before being added to the liquid oils. Set aside.

Step 9: Wearing goggles and gloves, slowly drizzle the lye into the oils, stirring the mixture briskly.

Step 10: Continue to stir briskly, circling the pan and cutting through the middle of the pan with your spatula to keep as much of the solution as possible in constant motion. Once a small amount of soap drizzled across the surface leaves a trace pattern before sinking back into the mass, the soap is ready.

Step 11: Incorporate desired nutrients and essential oils to scent the soap, stirring swiftly and thoroughly with the spatula, without beating the mixture.

Step 12: Once the oils are evenly distributed and the soap mixture is uniform in appearance, quickly pour the soap into the frame, moving from one end of the frame to the other to evenly distribute the soap within the frame for uniform bars. Don't scrape any residue from the sides of the pan.

Step 13: Cover the filled soap frame with another empty frame (or a piece of plywood or heavy cardboard); cover with a blanket or two. Leave undisturbed for eighteen to twenty-four hours.

Step 14: Using rulers and a paring knife, lightly mark lines for cutting the mass into bars (do not cut all the way through). Once you are satisfied the lines are straight and uniform, cut through lengthwise and crosswise to the bottom of the frame.

Step 15: Carefully peel the bars from the paper. Slice a thin sliver off the top of each to remove the powdery white soda ash, and trim any uneven edges.

Step 16: Lay the bars in a single layer on plain brown paper grocery bags, or wicker or rattan placemats.