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Handmade soap with a personal touch
Print
Kids and soap don't always have the best relationship. Just think about how many times you've asked your kids, "Did you remember to wash your hands?"
One way to get children more interested in the sudsy stuff is to involve them in the process of making soap from scratch. Plus, when you make your own soaps at home, you can feel confident they contain only safe, all-natural ingredients. The finished product can make a thoughtful holiday gift-one kids can proudly say they helped make.
The traditional soap-making process uses fats, water and lye (a dangerous chemical). When working with kids, I recommend using the safer and easier melt-and-pour method instead.
Materials
- 8 ounces melted clear or white soap base (You can find a good selection of melt-and-pour bases from the online retailer Bramble Berry).
- About 1/2 tsp. lavender essential oil
- 1 Tbsp. dried lavender flowers (available from a florist or natural food store)
- Soap/candy molds or cupcake tins
- Small plastic bags, ribbon and gift cards (optional)
Directions
- Work together with your child to cut about 8 ounces of the soap base into small pieces. Melt the pieces in a double boiler over low heat or in the microwave in a heat-proof bowl. If you are using a microwave, heat the base on a medium power in 30-second time intervals. Stir frequently. Supervise children closely because the base will get very hot.
- Allow the melted soap to cool slightly.
- Then add in the extra ingredients (lavendar oil, flowers, etc.) and pour the mixture into the mold of your choice. Silicon baking or candy molds are ideal. You can also use a regular or mini cupcake pan.
- Allow the soap to sit overnight and set in the molds. Carefully remove the soaps from the molds.
- If you are giving the homemade soaps as a gift, package them in small plastic bags tied with a pretty ribbon and include a note identifying the ingredients.
