Making soap with kids can be a fun summer project. The best part is that when you're done, they can enjoy their creation in the bathtub. Here are some ideas on how to make colored soap with your kids.
You must start with glycerin soap, either clear or white. Other kinds of soap won't work, so don't substitute. You also need soap dye in the colors you want, soap or candy molds to put the soap in, and a microwave safe liquid measuring cup. You also need a spoon, Popsicle stick or coffee stirrer, and a knife for the adult to use.
Cut the glycerin soap into chunks and put in a microwave safe measuring cup. Microwave according to directions (or for 20 seconds). Continue microwaving in 10 second intervals until it has melted.
Once the soap has melted, you can add colors. Add a few drops of dye and stir with a spoon. For pastel shades, add only a few drops of dye. For bold colors add more drops. Add more dye if you want to darken the color.
For a tie die effect, don't add the dye until after you pour the soap into the molds. Add random drops of dye into the white soap and swirl with a coffee stick or toothpick. You can mix several colors for a nice effect.
Slowly pour your colored liquid soap into your molds. Set it aside to harden for 45 minutes or an hour. Some soaps require longer to harden than others.
Rinse our your measuring cup and repeat this process to make soaps in other colors. If you want multi colored layers of soap, pour the first soap in and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to form a skin. Slowly and carefully add the second color on top.
You can make your own colors by combining dyes. If you have a hard time popping the soap out of the mold after it's hardened, try placing them in the freezer for 10 minutes and try again. Have fun creating your own colorful glycerin soaps with your kids.