In the world of crafts, soapmaking is good clean fun. From the easy melt-and-pour method to the traditional lye-and-thermometer process, the results are always something to brag about. These days, a new concept is making its way into craft workshops across the country. The idea is to take ordinary store-bought bars and jazz them up with painted, stamped, decoupaged or even embedded items (such as leaves or flower petals). Paraffin wax is then used to seal the creation for long-term preservation.
After all the hard work, these soaps are best left for decoration. Try arranging them in a basket or gluing them inside a shadow box.

Supplies:
* Soap bars
* Light-grain sandpaper (optional)
* 1 saucepan
* 1/2 block of paraffin wax
* 1 empty coffee can
* Metal spoon
* Oven mitts
* 1 craft brush
Ideas for designs:
* Rubber stamps or stencils
* Colored markers or acrylic paint
* Stencil brush
* Colored tissue paper, wallpaper cut-outs, leaves, potpourri, flower petals, magazine clippings, photos
* Glue stick
* Ball-point pen
Directions: If soaps have imprints from brand logos, smooth out by lightly sanding. Apply design onto soap by any of the following methods: rubber stamps with markers; stencils with stencil brush and paint; decoupage (apply with glue stick). To create more embellishments, use a ball-point pen to create fancy scrolls or borders around your image. Fill in grooves with paint and a thin liner brush.
For protective coating: Fill the saucepan halfway with water and heat until it simmers. Cut the paraffin into small chunks. Put them inside the coffee can. Set the can in the simmering water. Use the spoon to slowly stir the paraffin as it melts. Always use low heat, as paraffin is flammable (do not leave unattended). Put on your oven mitts to prevent a wax burn. Dip the craft brush into the wax and then apply a thin coating of it on top of your soap design. Add one more layer so your design will have an "embedded" look. Set aside to dry.
Tip: Don't just use white rectangle soaps -- look for round shaped and colorful scented bars as well.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: beauty, inside