For those that still use bar soap, here is a quick and easy idea to make a soap holder. A soap holder, a bar of local homemade soap and a homemade crochet facecloth would make a lovely gift.
I realize that many people use liquid soap now, but I still prefer a homemade bar of soap from local Canadian entrepreneurs. Supporting small local business is very important at this time. The big box stores that sell soap don’t need your money but the small, independent person appreciates all the help they can get.
These are easily made from small pieces of wood, preferably a hard wood like maple or cedar. Pine does work but it is more absorbent.
The wood is cut into blocks, 6.5×10.5 cm. The top of the block has 4 cuts/slits made in it and the bottom has 2 cuts/slits. The slits are about 1 cm in depth. Where the top and bottom cuts cross a small hole is drilled for drainage. The above and below photos show how a circular saw was used for making the recessed slits (hard to get a clear photo while the saw was in motion). The bottom image above shows the drainage hole when the holder was held up to the light.
After cutting and drilling a sander was used to smooth away any rough edges.
This bar of soap was made by the Manitoulin Soap Factory and sold in a local store. By purchasing this soap I was supporting a local business and a Canadian soap company.
With the encouragement to wash your hands all the time during this covid19 crisis I’m using more soap.
In a regular soap dish the water drains off the soap and sits in the bottom of the dish and then the bottom of the soap gets mushy. This soap holder won’t let your soap get mushy.
I originally saw this item for sale at a craft show a few years ago and used the idea to make some for myself.
Other soap projects:
- a soapy incentive with hidden money
- a soapy incentive with hidden sea glass
- felted soap
- liquid soap
- soap holder
The soap holder has been featured at:
Linda
Your talents never cease to amaze me Linda, that is amazing and you make it sound so easy, unfortunately woodwork is something I have never tried and I haven’t got any of the equipment. I wish they had taught us girls woodwork at school when I think of all the stuff I could have made through the years. xx
Crafty Gardener
I learned to use tools with my dad, who was a carpenter in his early years. I get to use tools quite a bit, but my husband did the cuts on the soap holders for me and I took the photos. Have a lovely day.
Anita Holland
What a great idea, very clever.
Crafty Gardener
Thanks Anita.
Myrtle
I love your soap holders Linda but I am a liquid soap person. If I have special bars of soap I put them in my bedroom dresser drawers.
Crafty Gardener
My grandkids use liquid soap all the time too Myrt. I even make my own liquid soap, but do prefer a bar of soap for beside the kitchen sink and for use in the bath. I always think you get more for your money from a bar of soap, but that is just my way of thinking. No rain in our area last night or this morning, still hoping for a good soaking. I’d even be willing to use the dryer instead of the clothes line if it would rain!!!
Jennifer Jilks
We have one of those soap holders!
Crafty Gardener
I knew my friend and I weren’t the only ones with a soap holder made of wood. 🙂
Jo (A Rose Tinted World)
So simple, yet so effective. A great idea!
Crafty Gardener
Thanks for visiting Jo.
Michelle
Very cool soap holder! (Cool soap you’re using too.) Look for your soap holder to be featured in this week’s Creative Compulsions.
Michelle
Crafty Gardener
Thanks for the feature in your link party Michelle. It is appreciated. Have a great day.
Margie
What a great gift idea! It can also be used hold sponges?
Julie
This looks so cool! What a lovely gift this would be with a bar of a locally made soap. Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Handmade Monday.
We have a fb group and a pinterest board is you’d ever like to join and share your projects there too. (details are on any Handmade Monday post)
Crafty Gardener
Hi Julie, I was following the Pinterest board, and just applied to join as well. I’ll check out the Facebook page, though I’m not a great Facebook user.
Pamela @ DIY Vibes
This is so clever and so easy. Looks like something out of a kitchen catalog!