How to Make Crayons From Soap Flakes

Using soap crayons is a fun way to teach basic hygiene to small children.

Finding rainy day activities can be challenging in this age of television and video games. Making soap flake crayons is one of those types of activities that children love to do because the recipe is simple to follow and the end product is a clean toy to play with. This homemade craft uses household items and is cheaper than the store bought version. Making soap flake crayons combines two activities: coloring and bath time fun.

Things You'll Need

• Soap flakes
• Mixing bowl
• Olive oil
• 4 small bowls
• Food coloring
• Ice cube tray

Instructions

1. Measure 1 cup of soap flakes and pour the flakes into a mixing bowl.

2. Add 2 tbsp. of hot water to the bowl. Rub a few drops of olive oil on your hands and use them to mix the water into the soap flakes. The olive oil will keep the mixture from sticking to your hands.

3. Knead the soap mixture. Add a sprinkle of soap flakes or a few drops of hot water if you need to. Continue kneading until the soap is the consistency of thick paste.

4. Divide the mixture into four smaller bowls.

5. Add different colors of food coloring to each bowl to make different colored crayons. Add the coloring a few drops at a time as you mix the soap until you get the desired shade.

6. Press the mixture into molds to dry. If you don't have any molds, use an ice cube tray or roll pieces into crayons with your hands.

7. Set the molds aside for a few days or up to a week. The drying time will depend on the temperature and humidity of where you live. When the crayons feel dry, tip the mold upside down and tap it to loosen the crayons out. They are now ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• These crayons will leave colored marks on your bath tub and tiles. Use a vinegar solution to clean up after bath time.

References

• Easy Fun School: Homemade Inexpensive Soap Crayons