Adding chunks or shredded bits of already finished soap to a fresh batch of soap is a really easy method to add some neat variety to your soap bars, give them a unique look, recycle a batch of soap - or all of the above. The concept is the same as with Chunk Candles, or my Morning Mint melt and pour soap recipe, but with a few changes and a little bit more math. But it's worth it. You can get colors, scent blends and designs that just aren't possible with a plain "one-batch" soap.

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern.

Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.

Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.

Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.

Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.

Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.

Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.

Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.

Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Usually I only rebatch soap when I've made a mistake on a batch, or need to incorporate some persnickity ingredient. But there are suppliers that sell a product which is made with the intention of rebatching:

• SoapCrafters sells a product called Soap Noodles
• BrambleBerry sells grated rebatch base

They're real cold process soap, finely shredded, that is intended to be used to make rebatched soap. You just add your own fragrance and color. SoapCrafters has a great oven-process tutorial on using their Soap Noodles, and Bramble Berry has got a step by step tutorial on rebatching soap that uses the "plastic bag" technique on her Soap Queen blog too. Check them out!

I got an email recently from Slatkin & Co. with some holiday candle burning tips. I didn't agree with all of them (like never trim your wicks,) but it had a link to Harry Slatkin's blog, which had a link to this video clip of Slatkin appearing on Fox news. In the interview, Slatkin, one of the most prominent fragrance/candle makers in the country, tells the story of how he got into the "home fragrance" industry and tells some of his core business principles like "If I won't use it, I won't put it on the marketplace." Those are wise words for a home candle maker making candles for friends as well as a multi-million-dollar company. If you don't have the passion and delight and fancy and confidence in the product you're making, then you won't convey that to your customers...and you won't make the sale. Slatkin's passion for his products comes through clearly. He says, "...everything inspires me...my nose never sleeps..." and says he finds inspiration for fragrances wherever he goes. Here's to finding the same passion and inspiration in your own candle making and fragrance creations.