Carving soap is very easy to do, both by children and adults. Soap is gentle enough that you can use a sharp knife or other household items such as spoons, forks, and toothpicks to create the designs. In addition, bar soap is also widely available in the market and can be shaped into as complex a design as you want. To make soap carvings, all you need is a bar of soap and a tool to engrave the design, then clean up any remaining debris.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Collecting Materials
Step 1. Choose a bar of soap
Any soap can be used. The harder the soap, the harder it is to carve. However, mild soaps are also easier to disintegrate. Rectangular soaps will be easier for beginners to cut than round soaps. Choose the color of the soap according to your taste and according to the idea of the project.
Cheap soap is a great option for practicing
Step 2. Take the knife
A carving knife or paring knife is perfect for carving soap into the basic shape of the design. Bar soaps are usually gentle enough that children can use a butter knife, plastic knife, spoon, or even an ice cream stick. For more detailed work, use a smaller knife, such as a craft knife or another substitute such as a skewer or toothpick.
Step 3. Cover the work area
Line the work area where you will engrave with newspaper sheets. When you're done, you can easily wrap all the soap flakes in newspaper and throw them away. Another option is to place the bowl (tray) on top of the soap while you are carving.
Part 2 of 3: Carving Soap
Step 1. Decide on a theme
You can make any engraving on the soap. Experienced engravers can create flowers and animals in incredible detail. For beginners, choose an uncomplicated shape, such as a turtle, fish, or heart shape. This pattern fits the shape of a bar of soap and doesn't require too much detail.
Step 2. Scrape off the brand of soap
Usually there are letters written on the surface of the bar soap. To remove it, rinse the soap with warm running water. The warm water will make the soap softer, so you can scrape off the surface layer of the soap with a sponge or knife. Rub the soap until the surface is even and soft.
If you don't mind the brand letters remaining on the design or on the back of the engraving later, just skip this step
Step 3. Draw the outline
You can use a pencil to outline the shape, or make scratches on the soap using a knife, skewer, or toothpick. This basic outline will indicate which pieces should be discarded.
Step 4. Slice the outer part
You can slice any part of this, but the soap can crumble if you work too fast. Remove the edges of the soap, starting at one corner. Slice down to the outline so that the soap begins to resemble the basic shape of the design.
Hold the knife the way you would peel a potato, by pinching it between your finger and thumb and running the knife along the soap
Step 5. Work on the details
At this point, replace the work tool with a pointed knife, skewer, plastic fork, toothpick, or other suitable sharp tool. Work from the center of the soap and drag the tool to scrape small details like eyes, scales, or flower crowns.
Step 6. Polish the soap
Use your fingers or a paper towel carefully to remove any soap shavings that remain on the surface. Don't put too much pressure on the soap. Soap will become brittle if you add a lot of detail. Wet your fingers and scrub the soapy surface for a smoother finish. If you do this step, let the soap sit for a day to dry.
Part 3 of 3: Trying Other Projects
Step 1. Use a scented soap
Once you've got a scented soap, boost your creativity. For soap with a pineapple scent, for example, carve the soap into a pineapple shape. This is a simple way to practice carving, and the design will clearly show what kind of soap you have.
Step 2. Carve the flower with several layers of crown
Instead of just making simple block shapes, carve out detailed pieces for more complex designs. To make a three-dimensional flower carving, use a sharp carving tool. Make the center of the flower first in the center of the soap, then carve the soap from the inside out, forming thin layers of the flower crown.
Step 3. Create a character profile
While you can carve out the character's overall body shape, you can also only make the head and upper body. Same with flowers, don't start carving by slicing from the edge of the soap. Instead, start at the center and outline the shape. You can scrape the surface layer of the soap off the line to make the profile more defined. Engrave the details with a sharp tool.
Since the face and upper body are large, you can emphasize the character's characteristics with more precise details, such as the hairline, lips, and clothing
Tips
- Repair small cracks and rough patches with a toothpick to smooth out the area, then smooth with your fingers.
- Do not throw away the remaining soap shavings. Save for making liquid soap.
- For beginners, choose a bar of soap that is not too harsh. There are different brands and colors of soap on the market that you can try.
- Use a new bar of soap, not the old and dry one. Dry soap will be more brittle.
- If this is your first experience, I recommend using an extra bar of soap to practice cutting and shaping before you actually start carving to a design.
Warning
- Carve the soap slowly and carefully. Point the sharp part of the knife away from your body.
- Be careful not to let the soap shavings be swallowed by small children.
- Children should always be monitored when carving soap.
