I must admit that I've always been wary of giving soap as a gift. Am I insulting the recipient by handing them something that basically says "Here, go wash yourself, Smelly?" Certainly this is a question that will perplex scholars for ages. In the meantime, here is an easy way to customize your own soap, or soap for that special someone who smells.

What you'll need:
- Soap bars
- Paraffin wax
- Saucepan
- Empty coffee can
- Spoon
- Craft brush
- Gluestick
- Design ideas and materials (you may want to use photos, magazine clippings, dried flowers or leaves, rubber stamps, paint....)

Instructions:
- Apply your design to the soap (decoupage photos and magazine clippings with the gluestick, paint or stencil an image, etc. etc.)
- For the protective layer: cut paraffin into chunks and place it inside the coffee can.
- Place the coffee can into a saucepan that is filled halfway with simmering water. (Paraffin is flammable so use low heat and NEVER leave it unattended.)
- Use the spoon to slowly stir the paraffin as it melts.
- With the craft brush, apply a thin layer of paraffin on top of your design. Add a second layer, then let dry.