![\"Bug](\"http:\/\/www.shadowmanor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/bugsoap-150x146.jpg\")
Here’s an easy, mildly creepy, stocking stuffer idea that’s a particularly big hit with kids: Soap with a big icky insect embedded inside.<\/p>\nHere’s an easy, mildly creepy, stocking stuffer idea that’s a particularly big hit with kids: Soap with a big icky insect embedded inside.<\/p>\n
The project uses melt-and-pour soap base, which is easy to work with and doesn’t require any specialized equipment. You can make lots of these in a single afternoon and they’re ready for giving the next day.<\/p>\n
The soap base is available at many craft stores and can also be found online at soap supply retailers (I like Bramble Berry<\/a>) or Amazon<\/a>. You’ll want to choose a transparent base (instead of something like goat’s milk) to be sure that the bug is visible.*<\/p>\n For nice, uniform bars you might also wish to purchase a silicon soap mold (which should be available at the same suppliers which carry the base); you’ll probably want just a plain bar mold for this project, but they also come in all kinds of fancy styles<\/a>. You can also use margarine tubs, plastic food-storage containers, or similar items; just make sure that your molds will “give” slightly when twisted, to make it easier to remove the solid bars.<\/p>\n Then all you need are some novelty plastic bugs. You can find these in toy stores, party-supply places, or online<\/a>. Choose ones that are fairly flat–you don’t want to displace most of the soap–and which don’t have legs or other bits that extend to the edges of the mold.<\/p>\n The soap base will probably have instructions on the package, but the basic method is simply to cut it into chunks and then melt it; either stir the chunks in a saucepan on low heat, or heat them in bursts in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The Dummies<\/a> site has detailed instructions.<\/p>\n Place the molds on a flat surface. If desired, spray them lightly with vegetable oil to help the bars slip out easily. Pour a thin layer of melted soap into the bottom of the molds and let it sit for a few seconds, then carefully position an insect belly-up in each mold. Slowly pour in soap until it reaches the top of the mold. If bubbles rise to the top, carefully scrape them off using the edge of a knife or spatula.<\/p>\n Let the soap sit undisturbed overnight, then pop the bars out of the molds. They’re ready to use immediately. If you plan to store them for a while, wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a cool dry place. To give as gifts, put them in cellophane bags and tie a plastic magnifying glass<\/a> to each bag with a bit of ribbon.<\/p>\n