With the encouragement to wash your hands all the time and the arrival of gardening season I’m sharing my felted soap and homemade liquid soap.
I hate to throw things away, even the slivers of soap. I only use Ivory Soap, no additives and no perfumes, and keep the little pieces in a big jar. So why not use all those little bits and pieces and and make more soap. I’ve been making liquid soap for a very long time. It sure is a lot cheaper than buying the ready made stuff, plus there are no added perfumes to it.
- save all the small pieces
- soak in a container of water till soft
- add to an old blender and mix well
- add more water if necessary
- pour into containers once it is a smooth consistency
- fill soap dispensers
Once the mixture is a smooth consistency it is time to pour it into various containers. It will also keep well in the jar, but some times you just need to add a bit more water and give it a good shake before using.
This liquid soap is fantastic for use out of a dispenser for hand washing, add a blob to the bath for lots of bubbles, or give in a nice dispenser with a wash cloth as a gift.
See lots of patterns for dishcloths/washcloths so you can add it to your gift.
Making felted soap is a fun project and kids or grandkids love making it with you.
- natural wool for felting
- bar of your favourite soap
- warm water
Wrap your soap in the felting wool. Wash in the warm water to get the soap to bubble and the wool wet. When it dries it forms a coating over the soap. This must be the only craft project that lets you wash your hands while crafting and you finish with clean hands!
This extends the life of the soap if you use it frequently. The felted part shrinks as you use the soap and you can use it as a scrubby when the soap is all gone. By felting the soap you make it easier to scrub off dirt and grime from the garden. Felting also stops the soap from being really slippery and popping out of your hands.
A soapy incentive to get the kids to wash their hands is to make soap with something fun inside, like money, shells, sea glass or a mini figure.
You need a packet of melt and pour soap, clear is best as you can see what is inside. A soap mold is needed, but I’ve used round plastic containers or shaped ice cube molds. You are only limited by your own imagination.
Other soap projects:
- a soapy incentive with hidden money
- a soapy incentive with hidden sea glass
- felted soap
- liquid soap
- soap holder
Linda
What great idea’s, I would never have thought about felting soap. 🙂 x
Joy
Linda this was a really useful post ! Thanks !
I have never heard of felted soap before but it makes perfect sense .. especially if you have slippery soap ! .. We don’t actually use bar soap here any more .. but if I did .. I would want to do this with it .. it is so practical too .. every bit of the soap gets used and the scrubby afterwards is a bonus 😉
Crafty Gardener
Hi Joy, how are you doing with the new normal in the shops? I actually got my hair cut this afternoon, thank goodness as I was turning into a shaggy dog. I always have a bar of soap by the kitchen sink to wash my hands, usually one made by a local crafts person. Enjoy this lovely day.
Myrtle
It is a great idea Linda but I have not used bar soap in a very long time either. The best part is having the scrubby when the soap is finished.
Anne M Bray
I have been thinking about making liquid soap recently. Your post showed up in Michelle’s Creative Compulsions link-up at the perfect time! I only have one blender though. I guess I’ll have to wash it thoroughly afterwards!
Crafty Gardener
I used to have a blender just for soap, but it broke, so now I use the one blender and make sure it is washed out and dried properly. I might look for another one on our Freecycle Group, which is a great place to get things. Thanks for stopping by, good luck with the soap making.
Kristie Schubert
I love your felted soap! What a great idea. You’re one of my features on the Little Cottage Link Party tomorrow.
Crafty Gardener
Thanks Kristie, I added the feature image to my post. Have a great day.
Michelle
What an excellent idea!
Thank you for sharing with Creative Compulsions!
Michelle
Diana Studer
We only use bar soap. I have 2 I prefer, Pears for the amber colour and gentle fragrance. And one called Pure which is good against my eczema.
Felted soap sounds such a good idea!