New Tutorial: How to Make Custom Carved Soaps

A few week ago, I was asked to participate in a diy contest for A Subtle Raverly called “So Fresh and So Clean”, where I created a tablescape for a diy party and a project to go with it: custom soap carvings.

Now that the contest is over, I am finally ready to share the project here on the blog…

You can carve words, initials, shapes, and anything else you can dream up. Use the finished soap carvings as part of a tablescape at your next diy party, and then let guests choose their favorites to take home as party favors at the end of the night. OR keep it simple, and just use them in the bathroom to add a little charm (your choice of course).

Here’s what you need: 1. Bar soap (I recommend using Ivory brand) 2. Dish Sponge 3. Pencil or pen 4. Speedball Linoleum Cutter with Handle Assortments

Here’s how you make ’em: 1. Run each bar of soap under warm water and, using a dish sponge, gently rub off the top layer of soap to get rid of the carved brand name. It will probably take a few minutes of gentle running to remove the indentation of the brand name. This will give you a smooth, clean surface to work with. 2. Let the soap dry out overnight. 3. Now, using a soft pencil, gently draw your design on the soap. This will be your guide when you are carving. Its okay if the marks dont show up very well (its kind of difficult to write on soap). A slight indentation in the soap will work just fine as a guide. 4. Using a linoleum carving tool start carving away the access soap, leaving your design raised. Id recommend using the No. 6 knife attachment for large areas. And for curved and tighter areas, use the No. 5 and No. 4 carving attachments for curved and tighter areas.

Take it further: Wrap your finished soaps in antique hankies and tie “˜em up with string. Now you have a unique (and practical) party favor for guests at the end of the party.

For more ideas for quick and easy projects, click here to visit the craft tutorials and diy page  filled with more than 50 diys. If you like this diy project, please help me spread the word by using the twitter and facebook buttons below. Thank you so much.