Learn how easy it is to make shaped bars of soap using cookie cutters and soap scraps.

• Age Guideline: 8 Years and Up
• Time Required: 60 minutes (Does not include drying time)

The above age and time guidelines are estimates. This project can be modified to suit other ages and may take more or less time depending on your circumstances.

Materials:

• Mild Bar of Soap (I prefer Ivory)
• Warm water
• Cookie cutters

Instructions:

Grate 1 cup of soap off the bar. Pour it in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Start with 1/2 cut of warm water. Pour into the grated soap and knead to mix. Add more warm water, a little at a time, and continue to knead until all soap mixes in and it is the consistency of thick dough. If you want to make colored bars of soap that will be used for display only, experiment with mixing food coloring in with the water. If you want to color soap you can use, look for colorant at your craft store. Wear rubber gloves if you are using any sort of colorant.

Once your water and soap is well blended, press mixture into cookies cutters. Set the cookie cutter on it's side so the soap dries on both sides, or flip it often. Put in a dry place to dry for about 24 hours. Gently pop your soap out of the cookie cutter.

Note: Instead of using cookie cutters, you can make miniature bars of home-made soap by pressing your mixtures into ice cube trays. You can also roll them into balls.

For a simple gift, tie a ribbon around the homemade bars of soap, or fill a small gift basket.