DIY Soap-on-a-Rope

For a good, clean gift for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, try your hand at making old-fashioned soap-on-a-rope! Not only is this gift useful, the soap also lasts longer because the rope keeps it from getting wet.

You will need:

• 3 bars of soap (enough for two soaps)
• Cheese grater
• Warm water
• Lightweight rope
• Wax paper or parchment paper
• Optional: food coloring, essential oil, flower petals

Directions:

1. Cut two lengths of rope – each about 24 inches.
2. Grate soap into a mixing bowl. (CAUTION: Have your child watch you perform this step – cheese graters are sharp!)
3. Once all the soap is grated, slowly start adding in warm water. As you pour, mix the soap until you have a thick, oatmeal-like consistency.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring or skin-safe essential oil/fragrance to the mixture.
5. Lay out a piece of wax paper on an even surface, spoon out some of the soap mixture into two piles and place a length of rope on each.
6. Squeeze and form your soap mixture around the rope until you have a nice round shape. If you like, press rose petals or lavender on the outside of your soap.
7. Let your soap-on-a-rope sit in a cool place for two to three days to dry. Once dry, package it up and gift to a special parent!