Projects: Toys in soap

Hen and I became soap makers after deciding to have soap as party favors for Hen's upcoming party. Since it is a relatively simple process that doesn't involve working with lye - thanks, glycerin melt-and-pour soap base - Hen was very eager to assist. He actually did most of the work with me micro-managing the production line to ensure the melted soap went where it was supposed to go and not on my floor. To keep our soap on theme we bought small plastic reptiles from Schleich to add so once the soap is gone the kids will have a toy to play with.

I'm documenting the process so we know what to do should we ever want to make more soap, which we probably will since Christmas is coming and I'm becoming a huge fan of homemade gifts that Hen can make for family members.

Cut up the melt and pour soap base.

Put your small pieces in a microwave safe container, unless you're using a double boiler. 

Heat the soap base for 30 seconds, stir, heat for 10 seconds, stir, and continue to heat 10 seconds at a time until it is all melted. Add scents and coloring if using now.

Pour melted scented glycerin into soap molds. If using toys, add them in now. If you make layers, squirt the hardened layer with isopropyl alcohol before continuing on with the additional layer(s). This helps keep the soap from separating between layers later on.

Wait a few hours for the soap to harden and pop soap out of the mold. Do not place them in the fridge to harden faster.

Note: We bought all of our materials for soap making at Michaels for around $20.