This candy cane soap smells as nice as it looks! Layers of pink and white glycerin soap come together with crushed candy canes for a cute and easy gift idea this holiday season.
The kids and I made homemade glycerin soap over the summer and it was a lot of fun. I used some of our extra white glycerin blocks to create this soap to go with what I am putting together for Christmas gifts to the boys' teachers this year.
I guess I can't really say that I "made" soap. What I did was buy a bag of glycerin chunks at the craft store, melt them down, add color and a scent, then re-shape them into molds. But it still transformed them into something different and heavenly scented.
I'm no expert when it comes to soap. As you can see the lines aren't perfect. If I knew what I was doing, the lines would be solid. But I'm not sure how to do that and have the layers stay together when it is done. I was afraid if I let each layer dry before adding another that the layers would separate when I went to slice the soap into bars. So I didn't let each layer set up before adding the next one. I just waited until it just started to set up then poured the next color. So there is a mixture of stripes and swirls, but the soap is nice and solid. Perfect for a novice like me.
Right after I poured the last layer I sprinkled the top with a layer of crushed candy canes. I let it sit for an hour, then ran a knife along the edges of my mold (a small loaf pan) and the soap popped right out. I then sliced it into bars with a kitchen knife.
For those wondering about the candy canes: It is merely for decorative purposes and washed off the soap after the first couple of uses. You don't need it, but it looks pretty. It doesn't make your hands sticky either since you are already washing them. Kind of cancels it all out.
Each parchment package has 2 small bars of soap. It really does make your hands smell like candy canes!
If you would like to see how to melt, add scents and colors, and mold glycerin, see our post here. I used red soap coloring (food coloring would work too) and peppermint extract. About ⅛ tsp. for each white layer.
******
Oh how I love my readers! Here is a tip from Michelle on how to create perfect layers when making soap like this:
"Don't worry about your layers they are great! These look good enough to eat.I have played with melt and pour soap before, for distinctive layer just spray some alcohol on the first layer, let it harden, spray again then add your next layer.But again these look divine, so pretty and a great handmade gift."
Thanks Michelle!
If you enjoy making your own beauty products, you may enjoy this collection of homemade beauty gifts that I put together below!
Brynn says
This is awesome my sister loved it thank you so much for putting this idea of yours out into the public
Brandy says
I’m so glad!! 🙂
Gabby says
Hello! How long do these last? Planning on making as a christmas gift and wondering how far in advance I should make them. Should I store them in the fridge?
Thanks!
Brandy says
Hi Gabby! The soap part lasts forever. The only thing is the crushed candy might get a little sticky. We used or gave ours away fairly soon so I didn't have any issues with that. Even if it does get a little sticky, the candy cane bits wash off fairly soon after the first use or two so I think it'd be fine.
Gabriella M Abbate says
Thank you, Brandy!
Anne ODonnell says
I;m glad you had success cretaing layers with the "melt-and-pour" method. I tried the same thing you did but I wasn't as successful. Yours look stunning! Nice work!
Brandy says
Thank you!
Rachel says
Hi, I am SO excited to make these! I have looked and looked and cannot find the exact recipe...please help lol
Brandy says
Hi Rachel! I didn't use an exact recipe for these. I melted white "melt and pour" glycerine blocks down (you can buy a 2 lb. bag at Michaels) and colored some of them with red soap coloring. Then I layered them in my soap molds! There are some tips at the end of the post for achieving nice smooth layers! It was kind of a learning experience that I made up as I went! 🙂
Darlene in Nova Scotia says
Hi, I love your soap. That candy cane soap is so very pretty. What girl won't want that in her powder room :-).
I love the paper it is wrapped in. If you don't mind me asking, is it parchment or waxed paper.
Love the look.
Thank you.
Darlene
Brandy says
Hi Darlene! It was parchment paper. Thanks for the sweet comment!
Karen says
Did you happen to use a metal/glass/silicone loaf mold?
Brandy says
Hi Karen! I used a small metal loaf pan. Hope that helps!
Karen says
awesome-I don't have to buy anything special! TY!!
Pamela says
Super cute! How many bars of soap did this recipe make?
Brandy says
Hi Pamela, Thanks! this made 6 tiny bars from a mini loaf pan. They were about 3x4".
Jennifer Lathrop says
These look awesome!! Question for you though - to make the "white" did you get the white glycerin bars or the clear? I have the clear, but I'm afraid it won't look white!
Brandy says
Hi Jennifer! I used white bars.
rita0830 says
Love this! Looks so pretty and such a great gift. If you get a chance, please link up to my link party: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/11/sunday-linky-36.html
kidosmom says
I have to agree, I think it looks like the layers are just how you planned it. I agree you don't have to tell your mistakes gal. They look great.
Brandy says
Thanks!! They were fun to experiment with and were a happy accident I guess 🙂
Lisa-Jane Johnson says
I'm excited about trying this very soon!
Patsy says
First, I just love your soap, it is so attractive, and who make wonderful gifts at the holiday season. But please help me with one question. Putting crushed candy canes into the soap, how does that wash up? Are there any stickiness from the sugar in the candy? Thank you for sharing this idea. I love it.
Brandy says
Hi Patsy! The candy cane is a decorative feature that washes off after the first few times you use it. It doesn't make your hands too sticky since you are already washing them. You can totally leave it off and it will still smell and work great with the other scents in the layers. Hope that helps!! 🙂
Patsy says
Thanks, Will most likely try it step by step, if you don't seem to notice any problem with the candy, then why not put it in. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah says
I actually like the blurred stripes but in case anyone hasnt said it yet: in order to keep the layers from falling apart, just spray the set layer with rubbing alcohol. Also, if you spray each unset layer it will prevent bubbles.
Brandy@Gluesticks says
Awesome. Thanks Sarah!
Soappurr M says
This is such a wonderful idea for the holiday season. After doing some research I was able to find all the ingredients and the mold needed at http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com. They offer free shipping which sold me on purchasing form them. I just wanted to share my great find since you shared this with us.
Heather OCain says
This makes me want to try making soap! Beautiful!
LadyBird says
Hello, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog & have become a soap newbie as well. These are just lovely as a holiday gifts! How did you create the linings for this soap though?
Brandy says
Hi! I'm not sure what you mean by linings. Do you mean what I wrapped them in? If so, I used freezer paper and bakers twine. If you meant something else, let me know! Sorry, I just want to make sure I answer your question for ya! 🙂
Brandy
Gluesticks
AmandaB_ak says
I used Martha Stewart's Foil+Parchment in One wrap, and it worked great! Parchment on the inside, foil on the outside, and I wrapped with twine and put a Christmas name tag on it. This foil/parchment paper is amazing! It is a little pricier than the normal foil or parchment paper, but well worth it -- http://www.thekitchn.com/pantry-find-foil-and-parchment-136419
Brandy says
Awesome! Thanks for the link and the tip and the link!
Savannah McQueen says
I just wanted to let you know that I am featuring this soap on HammockTracks today.
Brandy says
Thank You!
AmandaB_ak says
Thank you, Brandy! I just noticed that Terina asked the same question right around the same time as me ... odd that it hadn't come up and then it did twice at once! haha! Everyone is making their Christmas presents now 🙂 I'm really excited to make it, and thanks for the info, Brandy!
Brandy says
Terina and AmandaB_ak,
The candy cane is kind of a wash when it comes to the soap. It gets sticky, but you are washing your hands anyways so it comes right off. I didn't notice any stickiness AT ALL from it afterwards. So it is pretty, smells nice, and comes right off. Doesn't really have a functional purpose.
Hope this helps! 🙂
Brandy
Gluesticks
AmandaB_ak says
I am very excited to make these as Christmas presents - thanks for sharing! Does the candycane make your hands sticky when you use the soap? I was wondering if the soap is functional or just for looks/smells .... Thanks!
Terina Gillette says
I bought the items to make your craft. I love the crushed candy idea but when used diss it make you sticky? Or what does the candy do? Thanks
Terina Gillette says
I bought the items to make your craft. I love the crushed candy idea but when used diss it make you sticky? Or what does the candy do? Thanks
Hope Yoder says
Love this! My sister in-laws & I are making this for a girly craft day. Question: the parchment paper doesn't look like kitchen paper. What did you use & where did you?
Hope Yoder says
Just curious what and where you bought the parchment paper from? It looks Velum instead of kitchen parchment paper. Awesome project. We are making some at our family gathering.
Ashley says
These look fantastic! If you're looking for even more fun and easy recipes, look up the Soap Queen,
Grandma Shell says
When you do layers with regular soap-from-scratch and want layers you let it set up a bit them spritz with alcohol before pouring the next layer. I've never tried m&p so I'm not sure if it would work or not. Actually, I LIKE the uneven layers and can almost smell the peppermint LOL
Michelle says
I can't wait to try this! What a great Christmas idea! And I also love that your lines aren't 'perfect'. It shows that the soap was homemade and done with love - not store-bought. Thanks for sharing this! I'm going to use this with my goat's milk soap base!
Cheryl @ Sew Can Do says
I made these as gifts & linked to your post: http://sewcando.blogspot.com/2011/12/last-minute-gifts-101-candy-cane-soaps.html
I give some tips on how to get the stripes nice and smooth too. Thanks for the great idea!!
Jen @ My Own Road says
This is such an awesome idea! I'm pinning it for next year!
The Southern Product Queen says
Love this idea! Super cute, and love your blog! I'm having a linky party on my blog too! I would love it if you would link up to it! Here is the link http://www.thesouthernproductqueen.com/2011/12/20/linky-party-2/
Amanda says
Just stopping by to let you know that I have featured your project on Fun Family Crafts! You can see it here
http://funfamilycrafts.com/candy-cane-soap-bars/
If you have other kid friendly crafts, I'd love it if you would submit them 🙂 If you would like to display a featured button on your site, you can grab one from the right side bar of your post above.
Paula says
I made herbal soap this summer and think I have some soap leftover and definitely would love to try this. I'm a teacher and would be thrilled with a gift like this!
Craftberry Bush says
This is perfection...thank you for inspiring...xo
Lucy
Angie Ramirez says
Gorgeous SOAP.. I would even use them.. so pretty!!!!
Thanks for linking this up, Brandy!
I'm featuring this project of yours tonight.. 😉 Join us tomorrow for another awesome party! 😉
Thanks,
Angie form A Little Inspiration
http://www.littleinspiration.com
Screaming Sardine says
These are gorgeous! I've done some soap making and am a bit of a novice myself. You did a great job! I love the idea of putting crushed candy canes on top of the soap.
Cheers,
Tracy Screaming Sardine
Angie says
Love the look of these! One question, what happens to the candy cane pieces when you use it?
Brandy says
Hi Angie, it washes/falls off the after the first couple of uses. Purely decorative!
Our Side of the Mountain says
How lovely! My daughter would like to make homemade soap someday. She would love something like this. Beautiful! Stopping by from TGIF!
Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com) says
I just wanted to let you know I featured this at this week's linky party - http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/2011/12/tgif-linky-party-9.html - So pop on over, grab your Featured Button & don't forget to link up this week!! Thanks again for sharing your creativity with the rest of us!!
Beth =-)
Katie @ The Crafty Blog Stalker says
OHHHHHH that soap looks good enough to eat!
I would love for you to link up on Blog Stalking Thursday! http://thecraftyblogstalker.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-stalking-thursday-19.html
Cat says
These are beautiful soaps! I'm pinning it!
Q @ JAQS says
Oh my - these are simply beautiful 🙂
Love for you to share it at my linky party here: http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2011/12/made-by-me-10-linky-party-and-features.html
Lowri says
These are lovely - such a fun and bright idea I love them! You have done an amazing job on these - i want to make some for Christmas!
Visiting from Tip Junkie
Lowri
http://papervinenz.blogspot.com/
A To Zebra Celebrations says
These would be super cute for gifts!!! what a fun craft for the kids too!! new visitor 🙂
Michelle says
Don't worry about your layers they are great! These look good enough to eat.
I have played with melt and pour soap before, for distinctive layer just spray some alcohol on the first layer, let it harden, spray again then add your next layer.
But again these look divine, so pretty and a great handmade gift.
Design_Fluff says
I pinned it!
Design_Fluff says
I wouldn't worry about how "perfect" the layers came out. I think it's amazing! How creative of you to come up with a quick diy for soap that you personalize!
Heather at Dragonfly Designs says
Love! They look just darling ~ thanks for sharing!! xo
LeAnn ~ My Day In The Making says
Lovely! I want to make these for my daughter that will be coming home for the holidays. A fun little something that makes her know she is special.
Julie@teachinggoodeaters says
Usually I'm not a fan of scented soaps since I'm allergic to most scents... but this one, sounds wonderful and looks wonderful too!
Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE says
I love this!
I would love for you to share it at my link party...
http://www.the36thavenue.com
Lauren says
I wish I could smell these. I'm sure they smell as great as they look!
marissa says
these are stunning almost too pretty to use I'd love you to link this up to my what we wore party over at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
Amanda says
These look gorgeous! Good enough to eat!
Binge Crafter says
This is GORGEOUS! Found you through Someday Crafts.
Angela
bingecrafter.blogspot.com
Cheryl @ Sew Can Do says
I love to make melt & pour soap too and this is a great idea and looks so good!! Would love if you linked it to my Craftastic party:)
MissMOE says
These do look good enough to eat! What great gifts.
Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com) says
These look amazing! So cute & I bet they smell delicious too! What a great idea. Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Don't forget to grab the TGIF button for your linked up post or sidebar so that others can find the party & link up too. Thanks & See you next week,
Beth =-)
Brooke (Siayla) says
These look good enough to eat 🙂 Visiting from TGIF link party!
Ellen says
Thses are wonderful! And I agree with Nicole: if they were "perfect," they'd look machine-made. Imperfections add charm to handmade things.
Michelle says
These are SOOOO pretty! My daughter and I like them and I plan on pinning it! 🙂
Sunny Vanilla says
These are beautiful! I love the colors in it - soft shades of red and pink! So cute 🙂
I bet it smells nice too!!!
Nicole says
I actually love how it's not "perfect." What a nice festive gift for the teachers. I'm sure they'll love it.
LeighAnn says
Oh I LOOOVE this! I've been thinking about making soap lately but have too many other projects to do. I want to make this for myself all year long!!