1. Cut out the soap into a heart shape.
2. Trace a circle in the soap with a cookie cutter, or draw about 3.5 cm (1-1/2 ") circle with a toothpick.
3. Divide the circle into five equal parts by marking five lines. Then carve a inverted cone shaped hole in the center.
4. Holding the carving knife horizontally, make a shallow dent in each part.
5. Cut a flower shape. Each petal is placed inside the dent. Then cut off the soap around the flower shape.
6. Cut a wedge in each petal. A cherry blossom shape is done. Then evenly cut off the soap around the cherry blossom.
7. Cut a flower shape along the cherry blossom shape to make double petals. Cut off the soap around it.
8. Cut a wedge in each petal of the outer flower.
9. Evenly cut off the soap between the petals. Then, cut five small round petals between the petals.
10. Cut a wedge in each petal.
11. Evenly cut off the soap around the petals, then cut five outer petals.
12. Cut a wedge in each outer petal. A double-flowered sakura is done.
13. Flatten the area around the flower, cutting single, flat piece of soap.
14. Cut three small hearts out of the piece of soap.
15. Flatten the area around the blossom further and round the edge of the soap.
16. Make three V-shaped holes in the top of the soap.
17. Apply a little water to the three hearts, then place them in each hole.
18. Place a bead to the center of the blossom.
19. Make small holes along the edge of the soap with a toothpick. Done!
20. (Optional) Carve ten straight lines and make ten small holes for stamens in the center of the cherry blossom.
21. (Optional) Paint the petals with food coloring. I used a light shade of red.
