I love all kinds of crafts. But it is always nice to create something that can be used in your daily life. Melt and pour soap is really fun and easy to make! I think it is something you can do with kids as long as they take precautions and are aware of the hot soap (imagine it like melted candle wax). Once you pour the soap into the molds there is the coloring and add-ins that is perfect for creative kids!
Let's get started!
What You'll Need
1. You will, of course, need some melt and pour soap. You can buy clear melt and pour soap typically in 2lb, 5lb or 10lb quantities. You can also purchase a cream-colored or white soap that will give your creation a different look!
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| Here's an example of the clear soap base |
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| Here's an example of the white soap base |
2. You will need soap molds! This is one of the really cool parts because you can go in any direction with these!
You can get:
-Some simple squares.
-A large rectangle block that you can cut into slices.
3. Now that we have our soap and our shape it's time to think about color and add-ins! As you can see in my images above I went for a swirling tie-dye pattern in most of mine and included some basil leaves in another. There are several options and endless combinations!
Any kind of soap or bath fizz dye will do the trick. They come in larger packs or small sets if you want to just get a little at first or if you find a color scheme you really like! I personally prefer liquid dyes because it allows me to create the swirling patterns you see above. They also make powdered dye similar to what is used in resin, this would be good if you want an entire batch of soap one consistent color.
For add-ins check out these dried flowers! Imagine a purple lavender soap bar with little bits of real lavender! This leads us to the most important part of the soap, the scents! If you buy a clear base the smell is very mild, depending on the white base you purchase it may have a scent already in it! So that is something to keep in mind when buying the base as well, whether you want to buy a base which is already scented or create your own!
Now that we have all the supplies, let's go over how to make it!
How to: The Basics
1. Remove the soap base from the packaging and cut it into small cubes about 1-inch x 1-inch. Next, find a microwave-safe container, I use a pyrex glass measuring cup! I prefer it because it has an easy pour spout. Set out the molds you will be using.
2. Place the desired amount of soap into your microwave-safe container. If you're not sure how much you need that's okay! You can always start small and add more as needed. Smaller amounts will melt quicker too. Microwave soap for intervals of 30 seconds - 1 minute, taking out in between to stir.
3. When all the soap is melted remove it carefully from the microwave with an oven mitt or potholder. With your molds flat on the table, begin to pour! If you see any bubbles in the surface, which is common, an easy trick is to get some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and spray the surface a few times after pouring. This will help get the bubbles out!
These are the basic steps to creating a bar of soap. You could stop here, let the soap dry, and in a couple of hours have a beautiful patterned or perfectly square bar of soap! Now that you have these steps down you can start playing around with it and make some really beautiful projects!
How to: Getting Crafty
For Color: If you want all the soap in your microwaved batch one color, add the coloring dye directly into your microwave-safe bowl and stir until you've reached the desired color. For individual bars, pour the undyed soap into the mold and then add a few drops of color and stir. For the entire microwave batch, I use a spoon, and for individual molds, I use a popsicle stick or toothpick!
If you want a swirling pattern like above, fill the mold completely with undyed soap. Add drops of color (multiple or one color depending on the look you are going for) on the surface. Immediately, to avoid the surface drying, take a toothpick and pull each drop around the liquid soap. Move around and gently stir until you are satisfied with the color and then let sit!
For Scents: If you want all the soap in your microwaved batch one scent, add the liquid scent directly into your microwave-safe bowl and stir making it as strong or subtle as you'd like. For individual bars, pour the soap into the mold and then add a few drops of scent and stir.
For Add-ins: Play around with the layering of your soap. You may choose to fill the mold 1/4 of the way, let it dry, place your add-ins, and then add more soap on top! Remember to spritz with rubbing alcohol in between layers to avoid pesky bubbles!
You also have the option to fill the mold completely, sprinkle your add-ins on one side only and let it dry or mix them into the entire bar!
Wrap up!
The best part about making soap is the clean up is easy. Everything is already covered in soap - all you need is water!
Now that your soap is dried and successfully taken out of the mold how do you store it?
If you are giving them as gifts or selling them you can opt to store them in cute little plastic bags with twist ties. They come plain as well.
If you are keeping them at home, find an airtight container and some wax paper or plastic wrap. With the wax paper, you can layer the soap in the container, or with the plastic wrap you can wrap them up individually.
Congratulations! You now have beautiful custom soap that you can enjoy and use every day!
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