Pamper Yourself with Cupcake Bath Bombs

When it comes to indulgences, it’s hard to top decadent cupcakes and long, hot soaks in the tub. With this fun and creative craft, you’ll get the best of both worlds—since you won’t actually be eating the cupcakes, you can indulge to your heart’s delight.

Bath Bomb Ingredients:

1 ½ cups of baking soda
½ cup citric acid (from a health food store)
1 TB oil of your choice (rice bran, almond, grapeseed, or olive oil will do fine)
5 drops of fragrance or essential oil

1. Mix the baking soda and citric acid together to form a smooth powder, and then blend in the oils until the mixture is the consistency of wet sand. Drizzle in the distilled water, covering the water with the mixture as you pour. Be careful not to pour in too much water at once, or your mixture will start to fizz. Continue adding and mixing in water until the mixture feels like crumbly pie dough.
2. Working quickly, press the mixture into a cupcake pan or into silicone cupcake liners. Be sure to use pressure and pack the cups until they’re nice and tight.
3. Let bath bombs set up for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan or peel off the silicone liners. Now, we’re ready to frost!

Bath Bomb Frosting Ingredients:
2 ½ cups dry egg whites
4 TB warm distilled water
¼ tsp cream of tartar
1 ½ cup powdered sugar
1 TB SLS Foaming Agent (optional)
4-6 drops of fragrance
4-6 drops of color
Disposable frosting bag and your tip of choice

1. Mix dry egg whites, water SLS (if applicable) in a glass bowl, then add remaining ingredients (except for fragrance). If the mixture is too stiff, add a little more warm water. Mix on high for 7 minutes or until peaks form, and then blend in fragrance.
2. Spoon mixture into disposable frosting bag, then frost bath bombs however you like. Let dry overnight.

While cupcake bath bombs look delicious enough to eat, make sure to let everyone know they are NOT edible. Whip up a batch for your own bath enjoyment, or share as a thoughtful pampering gift for the new mom in your life. Enjoy indulging yourself and everyone on your gift list with this sweet craft.

Handmade Soap – Fish in a Bag Soap

Making handmade soap is a hobby for many people and is often argued to be healthier than industrial soaps. Making your own handmade soaps can leave your skin soft and healthier since the glycerin is kept in its natural form. Handmade soaps can be fun to make and the final product can also be fun for all ages. Remember the old games at the carnivals and county fairs where you could win a pet fish in a bag?! Well we are here to create those memories for you to make and share with your loved ones. These handmade soap fish in a bag make a perfect stocking stuffer, favor, or just to make for fun. This handmade soap will be sure to make bath time fun for the little ones… the more you shower and bathe the closer you get to your pet fish!

Things you need:
1lb Clear Glycerin Soap (this will make about 2 bags)
Plastic Fish
Poly Bag
Soap Expressions Fragrance Oil (optional- this may actually discolor your soap)
Funnel
Spray Bottle of Rubbing Alcohol
Microwaveable Safe Container ( A measuring cup would be best because it has a pour spout and this will come in handy later)
Ribbon or Twist Ties

Things to do:
1. To begin making your handmade soap, cut your glycerin soap in half. Take one half of the soap and cut it into small chunks then place in your microwaveable container.
2. Microwave the clear soap in increments of 30 seconds until the soap is completely melted. Be sure to check for any remaining chunks of soap, if there are any stir and place in the microwave for another few seconds. If you wish to scent your soap, do so after the soap is all melted. Remember, we do not recommend this, as it may discolor your soap. But feel free to play around and experiment.
3. Here comes the tricky part… you should start pouring your liquid soap mixture into your poly bag, but be sure to not let the soap run down the sides of the poly bag. If the soap gets on the sides of the poly bag it will dry and harden that way, making it look less realistic. This is where a funnel can come in handy! Just simply place the funnel over the poly bag and carry pour your soap mixture into the bag. Try to fill your bag 1/4 of the way full with the soap mixture.
4. Take your spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and spray lightly into your poly bag of soap. This will remove any air bubbles in the soap. You can also skip this step if you prefer bubbles for your fishy in a bag. Place your bag between two objects so that your bag will stay upright while it cools down. To quicken the cooling process, you could try dipping your poly bag into a bowl full of ice water.
5. Once your soap has cooled down and has become more of a solid form. Gently place and position your plastic fish into the bag.
6. By this time the rest of your soap mixture in your microwaveable container has probably cooled and become a solid. So you will have to reheat in the microwave until it is a liquid again. Then pour the soap mixture into the poly bag another 1/4 of the way, making sure you cover your little fishy all the way. Be sure whatever you are using to hold the bag upright and steady is not pressing dents into your bag as it cools. Let the soap cool and become a solid.
7. Your soap is now ready to be closed up with a ribbon or twist tie of your choice. You could also think about making your own personalized tags to write a special message for your fish winner!

Project Notes:
The little ones are now ready to play with their fish in a bag. How do you use the soap? Just simply cut a small slit and tear the poly bag off of the soap. Now the little hands will be eager to play with the soap – asking to take a bath until they have reached their beloved pet fish!

This project does contain small a small toy and is a potential choking hazard. It is recommended that children under the age of 4 years old or any child that tends to put objects in their mouth should not use the soap.

Handmade Soap – Rose Petal Soaps

These lovely handmade soaps are fast and easy to create, and make a beautiful addition to your vanity. Each handmade soap is designed to be single use, so they are perfect for the guest bath. Handmade soaps are the perfect “thank you” for that special person. You can also gather about 20 handmade soap petals and package them in an organza bag for a lovely small gift or wedding favor. These handmade soaps would also be perfect for a small Valentine’s Day gift!

Things you need: (Makes approx. 50 handmade soap petals)
1 bag – Faux Rose Petals
4 ounces – Soap Expressions Clear Glycerin Soap Base
Soap Expressions Scent (of your choice)
Microwave Safe Bowl
Spoon
Rack for Drying

Things to do:
1. Cut the soap into 1” chunks, and place in a microwave safe bowl
2. Microwave soap for 30 seconds, and stir. Continue heating until the soap is entirely liquid.
3. Stir in fragrance (about 1 tsp, adjust to your preferred scent level).
4. Dip the rose petals into the soap one at a time to coat.
5. Place on the rack to dry.
6. Once dry, you can put the petals in a decorative bowl, or package them in cello or organza bags to give as gifts or favors.
7. To use, wash your hands with a petal. Discard after using.

Project Notes:
You can vary the scent and color of your finished handmade soap petals by using different base petals and scents—just be sure any product you use is skin safe.