If you’re looking for a creative hobby for your kids, something that everyone in the household can enjoy, you’ve probably looked at a lot of different options. You’ve scoured websites and magazines looking for the perfect, safe activity that can be done that doesn’t cost a lot of money, but can be done any time of the day, indoors or out.
Here’s one idea you may not have thought about: soap carving. Soap carving is an inexpensive hobby to pursue, requiring a few tools. It may not be one of the most popular hobbies, but it is a very relaxing and entertaining way to spend a day.
Here are a few items you’ll need to start:
- Soap bars – Ivory soap works best
- Carving knives (they don’t have to be sharp, you can use butter knives depending on the type of soap)
- Paper towels
- Putty knives
- Toothpicks
- Spoons
- Paintbrushes
You may want a few templates, drawings, or pictures handy if you’re planning on carving a favorite cartoon character or need some help thinking of what to carve. You can also add whatever other decorative items you want for your creation.
Here are a few reasons why soap carving is a fun activity that anyone can enjoy:
1. It’s an inexpensive hobby. You don’t need to buy the highest-priced bars of soap, dollar store brands, or whatever bars of soap you have on hand will work just fine. You can invest in carving knives if you want; however, ordinary kitchen or butter knives will do the job just as well. Be safe when carving, and pay close attention if your children are carving. Most other supplies you’ll need or want aren’t hard to find either, and you don’t have to spend much money on them.
2. The sky’s the limit! You can create almost anything you can think of when carving soap. It can be the most elaborate or the most simple thing imaginable. You can add items or decorations whenever you want to. If your carving doesn’t end up how you’d planned, don’t worry! You can always start over with another bar of soap and put the one you’re not happy with back in the bathroom or kitchen, where it can be washed away with its intended use.
3. You don’t need to be an artist to carve soap. Whether you have a ton of artistic experience or none, anyone can carve soap. It doesn’t take a lot of talent, just a little time, tools, and patience. It’s a great activity for birthday parties, family get-togethers, rainy days, and more. With enough practice, you’ll have several soap carvings that you’ll be proud of.
Soap carving is a relaxing, fun hobby for children and adults of all ages. It doesn’t take a lot of time, and it’s a lot more productive than sitting around watching TV or playing video games. So when you’re bored or are thinking of something fun that the whole family can do, get out a few bars of soap, a few tools, and decorations and start carving!
