Reforming Soap Bits

We had a ton of soap bits left over from our first art project of Carving Soap and Artist Spotlight of Michelangelo this week, with the Build Your Masterpiece Class and we decided to try to reform it all! We learned it was pretty simple to do, so we are giving it a try because the kids were really eager to see what it was like. I thought I would share the experience, in case you guys wanted to give it a try as well, after carving your own soap sculptures while learning about Italy and following the Build Your Masterpiece Class. Reforming Soap Bits

Reforming Soap Recipe

Supplies Needed:

leftover soap bits
water, just enough to cover the soap in the pot
a pot
spatula
muffin tin
release sprays, like Pam or Olive Oil Spray

Let's see the method for making your own reformed soap:

I gathered up all of our soap bits after finishing the soap carving art project. Reforming Soap Bits I placed all of the soap bits into a large pot and added in just enough water to cover the soap. I turned the stove to a medium-high heat and let it come to a soft boil.As it started to gently boil away, I was trying to get the rest of the mess from the art project cleaned up, but when I came back to it, it was looking really good. Reforming Soap Bits We want the water to boil and heat the soap bits to melt them. You will see nice bubbles start to form and the bits stick together. I did add a bit more water to the mix, and it boiled away nicely. The directions we read on the original post said to strain it after this but we did not need to at all. It came together simply, and I was very happy with it. It looked like a mix of butter, and cream with a sheen of egg whites. Reforming Soap Bits I was pleased and surprised that it was so easy to do. Next up, I decided on using my muffin pan and I sprayed it to prep it before I put in the warm soap.I took the pot off the stove, set it beside my muffin pan, grabbed my largest spoon and the Butterfinger Spatula that I love, and went to town filling up the muffin tins with this lush soap. Reforming Soap Bits It was not as difficult as we thought it might have been and now we have 10 new soaps for the kids to carve up again the next time, or use at the kitchen or bathroom sink for washup time. I think I want to try this again, and use some lavender essential oil, and mix it in at the end of the melting process, before I let it harden.

My kids had a Brilliant Idea

The kids had a brilliant idea of adding surprises into the middle of each soap, and we want to do this next time, however this time we weren't able to find anything in time for this batch. Maybe after they carve these down again, we will melt them once more, and add lego men to carve out and find next. If we do, I will let you know. Reforming Soap Bits The next step is the cleanup and it was easy. My secret weapon in this department is borax.A little bit of borax added to your dish soap can really help the most difficult cleaning tasks. I added a few teaspoons in the pot with some sunlight dish soap, and very hot water.It cleaned up so simply, I do not know why I was so worried about it. Maybe it was the blog post I had read, learning the steps. She seemed to think it was a nightmare. But, it's soap, right? Tell me in the comments below if you have ever tried to make your own soap from leftover bits? Reforming Soap Bits We are waiting for the soap to harden and store away for another fit of creative inspiration. Now for cleaning up the school table of the other soap bits...But I'm sure I will have some helpers ...Till next time,Breathe deeply and enjoy building your masterpiece with scissors and glue,~Alexandra