Cold Process Soap Making Basics Infographic | merchant and mills tutorials

Craft / DIY infographic titled "Cold Process Soap Making Basics". Archetype: SEWING TECHNIQUE STEP-BY-STEP adapted for a beginner craft process infographic. Craft-magazine instructional illustration in technical schematic style with a vintage pattern book palette, clean panel layout, precise callouts, anatomically correct hand positions, no tool brand logos. Show 6 numbered visual steps with a clear technique diagram in each panel, short heading in English, one-line caption in English, and small tool icons.

Step 1: "Prepare Tools" — diagram of a tidy work surface with digital scale, heat-safe pitcher, mixing bowl, spatula, stick blender, soap mold, thermometer, gloves, goggles. Caption: "Measure all ingredients and set up safety gear before starting." Tool icons: scale, thermometer, gloves, goggles.

Step 2: "Measure Oils" — diagram of beginner-friendly weighing and combining solid and liquid oils in a heat-safe container, hands carefully pouring. Caption: "Weigh oils accurately and warm gently until fully melted." Tool icons: scale, pitcher, spatula.

Step 3: "Mix Lye Solution" — diagram of water container and lye being added slowly, with safe distance and careful hand posture, clear caution symbol. Caption: "Add lye to water slowly and stir carefully in a ventilated area." Tool icons: goggles, gloves, stirring spoon, caution triangle.

Step 4: "Cool And Combine" — diagram of checking both containers with thermometer, then pouring lye solution into oils at suitable temperature. Caption: "When both mixtures are in range, pour lye solution into the oils." Tool icons: thermometer, pitcher.

Step 5: "Blend To Trace" — diagram of stick blender used correctly with stable grip, mixture thickening to light trace, schematic texture inset. Caption: "Blend in short bursts until the batter reaches light trace." Tool icons: stick blender, spatula.

Step 6: "Pour And Cure" — diagram of pouring batter into mold, smoothing top, then cut bars curing on a rack with airflow arrows and calendar symbol. Caption: "Pour into the mold, let harden, cut bars, and cure for several weeks." Tool icons: mold, cutter, drying rack, calendar.

Include a small side safety panel in English with icons: gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, ventilation, and sharp tool caution where relevant; no power tool emphasis unless shown. Visual language should feel like an elegant workshop manual or heritage craft booklet. The composition should prioritize process clarity, labeled ingredients and tools in English, consistent numbering, subtle arrows, legend, and metric references. Do not include any leatherworking content despite the conflicting attribute; the infographic must clearly depict cold process soap making. All text MUST be written in English (array). Every heading, label, caption, legend and metric name in the image must be in English — not English. Spell each English word correctly using English characters and diacritics. Numbers stay as digits, no watermarks Anatomically correct hand positions. No tool brand logos. Safety tip for power tools / sharp implements where relevant.