DIY Valentine’s Day Soaps for Kids with Eraser Embeds

February 4, 2016

Learn how to make DIY Valentine’s Day soaps! This easy tutorial will instruct you on how to create cute melt and pour soaps for kids. These heart shaped soaps use a basic layering technique in soap making and embed colorful erasers for fun and functional Valentine’s Day gifts or party favors!

DIY Heart Soaps for Kids with Eraser Embeds

Learn how to craft this melt and pour soap recipe for kids! Each easy to craft Valentine’s Day soap has a holiday themed eraser tucked inside. As the soap is used, the eraser soap embed is then removed so that it may be used after the soap is gone.

Using embeds as a key design piece inside glycerin soap is a simple, yet effective way to really make your products shine. You don’t need to buy expensive eraser sets or spend a lot of money. I used a package of dollar store erasers for my soap embeds. However you can also keep an eye out for themed eraser packs at discount and big box store.

Learning how to make soap at home has never been so fun! Once you discover how to embed eraser into these heart shaped soap bars, try the same soap making process with other mold shapes, colors and eraser themes. You’ll be surprised by how quickly making soap becomes your favorite new hobby — whether you’re making Valentine’s Day soaps or something else entirely!

Melt and Pour Valentine’s Day Soaps

If you’re looking for a creative family craft project for the holiday, melt and pour soaps also make a great project for both kids and adults. Working together, you can connect better and grow your relationships while also learning a new skill. Plus, these wonderful Valentine’s Day soaps also make thoughtful, homemade gifts or party favors.

Whether you need classroom favors or treats for gift bags, you can feel good about creating a handmade product at home that friends and family will enjoy. After all, what better way to say, “I love you.” than by creating something special by hand?

Kids Valentine’s Day Soap

Heart shaped soaps are the perfect way to show someone you care. To make these special Valentine’s Day soaps, you’ll need a few basic supplies supplies and ingredients. The following sections cover what you’ll need to get started. Also be sure to check out my tips for this project after the tutorial!

Soap Making Ingredients

Three basic ingredients are necessary to make these heart shaped soaps for Valentine’s Day. They are as follows:

Clear Glycerin Soap Base: If you aren’t making soap from scratch, then the other alternative is to use a pre-existing soap base. Known as glycerin soap or melt and pour soap, these bases can be cute into cubes and melted down. Once melted, fragrance, colorants and other additives are used to customize the base. It is then molded into the desired shape or shapes. In this instance, you will be using a silicone mold that contains cavities shaped like hearts. A clear soap base is necessary in order to see the embeds you will be using for this project.
Fragrance Oil: If you’d like to scent these Valentine’s Day kids’ soaps, you may do so with an approved, skin safe fragrance oil. When scenting melt and pour soap recipes, I recommend that you use the scent at or around 2% of the total weight of the base. While many fragrances are skin safe in wash off products, such as soap, at up to 5% or more, I recommend a lower percentage so the final fragrance isn’t overpowering. You also want to be conscious of the fact that kids’ skin is often more sensitive than our own. For a natural smell, you can also use a kid-safe essential oil blend. Be sure to refer to manufacturer’s guidelines for usage rates for the blend or oil you choose.
Liquid Soap Colorant: I used Crafters Choice™ Matte Americana Red Liquid Pigment to color the base for this project. However, you can use any liquid, water soluble soap colorant you like. If you want a true red, then you absolutely MUST use a clear soap base. Otherwise the titanium dioxide included in a white base will mix with the red resulting in a pink color. Likewise, other colors will also turn pastel. When using liquid colorants, you want to add just enough of the dye to achieve the desired color. Otherwise, the dye make leech from the product. This results in a non-white lather than may potentially stain skin. They also make natural soap colorants if you prefer to go that route.

Tools and Supplies

These are the tools and equipment you should have on hand for this Valentine’s Day soap project:

Digital Kitchen Scale: A scale is needed to weigh out the ingredients called for in this holiday soap recipe. For small soap making project like this one, you can simply use your kitchen food scale or a postal scale. Weighing the ingredients allows for a more precise formulation. It also makes it easy to determine the correct amount of additives — for everything from fragrances to preservatives — should you wish to further customize the melt and pour soap recipe or make changes.
Heart Silicone Mold: I used a Wilton 6-Cavity Silicone Heart Mold to make these Valentine’s Day soaps with eraser embeds. The recipe formulation fits perfectly inside this mold. Also, as the mold is made from silicone, removing the finished product from the mold is quick and easy.
Spray Bottle with Isopropyl Alcohol: A spray bottle with 99% isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is highly recommended when you learn how to make melt and pour soap for beginners. When making a melt and pour soap recipe, this isopropyl alcohol is sprayed onto the liquid soap after it has been poured to remove any air bubbles. It is also used between layers of glycerin soap to help them adhere to one another.
Valentine’s Day Themed Erasers: Whether it’s a novelty collection of erasers from Target or the Dollar Tree, an eraser is embedded into the top layer of each heart soap. Not only does the shape and image of the eraser contribute to the design, but they also provide a second gift for the recipient once the soap has been used.
Heat Safe Container: A heat and microwave safe container is necessary for melting and mixing the glycerin base. I like to use a 4-cup glass Pyrex measuring cup when I make glycerin soap. Not only are these containers heat safe, but they are also sturdy and dependable. In addition, the spout makes it a breeze to pour the melted, liquid soap into the mold.
Pipette or Dropper: If your soap dye doesn’t come with a dropper, then you will need a graduated transfer pipette to measure out the drops of colorant used. However, these droppers also come in handy for adding large quantities of other various additives, including fragrances, when working with smaller amounts. For reference, the 1mL mark on a pipette is equivalent to about 20 drops of a liquid ingredient.
Utensil: You’ll need a utensil for mixing and stirring the additives into the melted soap base. This may be a spoon, a fork, or even a silicone spatula. Honestly, there’s no need to buy fancy equipment here.
Cutting Board: While not necessary, I like to use a cutting board anytime I’m making soap or other skin care products that call for a mold. A cutting board is a helpful tool that allows you to effortlessly transport a soap-filled mold to a different location. It’s great if you need to move the mold to the refrigerator to help speed up the cooling process. However, it’s also excellent if you simply need to get the project out of the way so you can make dinner. Using a cutting board will help prevent accidental spills, so your design stays intact and perfect as when the soap was poured.
Sharp Knife: Glycerin soap melts fastest when it is cut down into chunks around 1″ in size. Not only will the cut base melt faster, but it also allows you to fit the base into the container you will use for heating. I like to use a Chef’s knife for this step in the process as it’s large enough to tackle 2lb. soap blocks with ease.
Microwave: While there are several ways you may melt a glycerin soap base to make these kids’ soaps, I used a microwave. The microwave is fast and convenient. It also allows for quick and easy clean up. If you do not have a microwave, you may use the double boiler method on your stovetop. Or utilize a small crockpot to tackle the task.

How to Make Valentine Soaps

This project for making Valentine’s Day soaps for kids yields six heart shaped soaps with erasers embedded inside. Here is how to make them:

1. Use a digital scale to weigh out 13.5 oz. of the clear melt and pour soap base.

2. Using a Chef’s knife, or other large sharp knife, cut the base square chunks, about 1″ in diameter. Place the chunks into a large glass Pyrex measuring cup or other heat and microwave safe container.

3. Heat the glycerin base in the microwave in 20-30 second increments until melted, stirring in between heatings. Take care to keep a close eye on your soap. You don’t want it to boil or overheat.

4. Now add the soap dye. I suggest you start with half of the liquid soap pigment. Either add drops from the dropper container or measure out drops using a graduated transfer pipette.

Stir the colorant into the melted soap base until thoroughly incorporated. If necessary, add up to the remaining amount of color called for in the recipe, or until the desired color is achieved.

5. Weigh out .3 oz. of the fragrance oil you’ve chosen to scent these heart shaped soaps for Valentine’s Day. Then stir the fragrance into the melted soap base.

6. Now place your silicone mold onto the cutting board for stability. Pour the red tinted soap base evenly into all six of the heart shaped mold cavities. Each cavity of the mold should be about 2/3rds of the way full.

7. Spritz the top of the liquid soap in the mold with isopropyl alcohol to remove any air bubbles. Then carefully use the cutting board to transfer the soap filled mold to the refrigerator.

8. Once the colored soap base has cooled and is hardened completely through, remove the mold from the refrigerator.

9. Now prepare the second layer of melt and pour soap. To do this, weigh out the remaining 8 oz. of clear melt and pour soap base.

10. Use a Chef’s knife to cut it into square chunks. Then place it inside a second heat safe container. Alternately, you may also use the same container you used previously. Simply wash it first.

11. Heat the clear base in the microwave in 20-30 second increments until melted, stirring after each heating.

12. Next, weigh out the remaining .2 oz. of fragrance oil. Stir the scent into the melted soap base.

13. Spritz the tops of the red, Valentine’s Day soap hearts that have hardened inside the mold with rubbing alcohol. Then place one eraser into the center each of the mold cavities on top of the red soap, as illustrated.

14. Spray with alcohol again, then carefully pour the clear soap base you just prepared over the top of the red soaps and erasers.

15. Apply a mist of alcohol once again to the top of the freshly poured soap to remove any air bubbles. Then allow the soap to cool completely either in the fridge or at room temperature.

16. Once your kids’ Valentine’s day soaps have fully hardened, carefully remove them from the mold cavities for storage.

Glycerin Soap Storage

These Valentine’s Day melt and pour soap bars should be stored in an airtight container or bag in a cool, dry area. Although, I personally recommend that you wrap each bar tightly in foodservice film to help preserve the soap.

It is important to keep glycerin soap away from direct sunlight, as this can cause it to become discolored or lose its scent. Additionally, it is best to store the soap away from any moisture, so it does not become sticky or clumpy, or start to break down due to exposure to the elements.

In areas of high humidity, your bars may also form what is known as glycerin dew. This issues is mainly aesthetic, however, and the soap can still be used even if dew develops.

Tips for Making Melt and Pour Soap

If you’ve never worked with glycerin soap before, here are some tips that will assist you with the process:

I do not recommend adding more soap colorant than called for in the recipe. Using more dye than necessary can cause staining of the skin.
If the soap dye you purchased is not in a dropper bottle, use a graduated transfer pipette to add the drops of color to the soap base.
I suggest using a refrigerator to expedite the cooling process when molding the heart shaped soaps. I don’t recommend that you put the soap in the freezer as it can make the soap base cloudy.
Heating the melt and pour base for these Valentine’s Day soaps should be done in short bursts with frequent stirring. This results in the base being more evenly heated and prevents overheating which can negatively impact the performance of the product.
Some fragrance oils will discolor a clear soap base. Therefore, choose one that is clear in color, rather than one with a yellow tinge. In addition, you will want to avoid using a fragrance oil that contains vanilla. Vanilla will discolor your soap and cause it turn brown unless a vanilla stabilizer is used.
While 99% isopropyl alcohol is recommended for melt and pour soap making, it may not always be available. In this instance you can use a variation with a lower percentage of rubbing alcohol.

Yield: 6 Heart Melt and Pour Soaps

Valentine's Day Soap Recipe

Need a fun gift idea or party favors for the holiday? Learn how to make these layered DIY Valentine's Day soaps for kids! This easy melt and pour soap recipe features a Valentine themed eraser embedded inside each bar for a creative gift that keeps on giving.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

21.5 oz. clear melt and pour soap base
.5 oz. skin safe fragrance oil
1ml (20 drops) liquid red soap dye

Tools

Digital Kitchen Scale
Wilton 6-Cavity Silicone Heart Mold
Spray Bottle with Isopropyl Alcohol
Valentine’s Day Themed Erasers
Heat Safe Container
Pipette or Dropper
Utensil
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Microwave

Instructions

Use a digital scale to weigh out 13.5 oz. of the clear melt and pour soap base.
Cut the base into square chunks, about 1” in diameter. Then then place them into a large, heat safe container.
Heat the glycerin base in the microwave in 20-30 second increments. Stir in between each heating. Continue to heat until fully melted.
Using a dropper add half of the soap dye to the base. Stir to combine. Then, if necessary, add the remaining drops until the desired color is achieved.
Weigh out .3 oz. of the skin safe fragrance oil. Stir it into the melted soap base.
Place the silicone mold onto the cutting board for stability. Now pour the red colored soap base evenly into all six of the heart shaped mold cavities. Each cavity should be 2/3rds of the way full.
Spritz the top of the freshly poured soap with isopropyl alcohol to remove any air bubble.
Then carefully use the cutting board to transfer the soap filled mold to the refrigerator.
Once your soaps have cooled and are hard throughout, remove the mold from the refrigerator.
Now prepare your second layer of soap.
Weigh out the remaining 8 oz. of clear melt and pour soap base.
Using a knife to cut the remainder of the base into square chunks. Then place them inside a heat safe container. Heat the melt and pour soap in the microwave in 20-30 second increments until melted, stirring in between heatings.
Next, weigh out the remaining .2 oz. of fragrance oil. Stir it into the melted soap base.
Spray the tops of the red soap hearts in the mold with alcohol. Then place one eraser into the center each of the mold cavities on top of the red hearts.
Use the alcohol again, then carefully pour the clear soap base you just prepared over top of the red soap and erasers.
Once again, spray the tops of the soap with rubbing alcohol to remove any air bubbles. Then allow the soap to cool either in the fridge or at room temperature.
After the Valentine's day soaps for kids have fully hardened, carefully remove them from the mold cavities .
I recommend that you store the soaps inside an airtight container or wrap each one individually in foodservice film (recommended.)

Notes

I do not recommend adding more soap colorant than called for in the recipe. Using more dye than necessary can cause staining of the skin.

If the soap dye you purchased is not in a dropper bottle, use a graduated transfer pipette to add the drops of color.

I suggest using a refrigerator to expedite the cooling process when molding the heart shaped soaps. I don't recommend that you put the soap in the freezer as it can make the soap base cloudy.

Heating the melt and pour base for these Valentine's Day soaps should be done in short bursts with frequent stirring. This results in the base being more evenly heated and prevents overheating which can negatively impact the performance of the product.

Some fragrance oils will discolor a clear soap base. Therefore, choose one that is clear in color, rather than one with a yellow tinge. In addition, you will want to avoid using a fragrance oil that contains vanilla. Vanilla will discolor your soap and cause it turn brown unless a vanilla stabilizer is used.

While 99% isopropyl alcohol is recommended for melt and pour soap making, it may not always be available. In this instance you can use a variation with a lower percentage of rubbing alcohol.

Valentine’s Day Bath and Body Projects

If you like this Valentine’s Day soap making project, then you may also like my other bath and body recipes and gift ideas:

Valentine Soap Recipes

For soap DIY’s that use the same heart shaped silicone mold as this valentine soap, try one of these wonderful product recipes:

Ready to discover more, fantastic Valentine’s Day gift ideas you can craft at home? Be sure to check out my DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts board on Pinterest. You can also follow Soap Deli News online for more homemade soap and skin care recipes on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.