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beginnercrafts30-60 minutes

Soap Carving

Transform ordinary bars of soap into small sculptures using simple tools you already own. Soap carving is a relaxing, low-cost craft that produces satisfying results in your very first session—no artistic experience required.

What You'll Do

Carve your first simple soap sculpture (a fish, turtle, or heart shape) using basic household tools.

What You Need

Required

  • ●
    Bar of Ivory or Dove soap($1-2)
  • ●
    Plastic butter knife or popsicle stick($0)
  • ●
    Toothpick or paperclip($0)
  • ●
    Paper and pencil for template($0)
  • ●
    Newspaper or cutting board (work surface)($0)

Optional

  • ○
    Craft carving knife set($8-15)

How To Do It

  1. 1

    Set up your workspace

    Cover your table with newspaper or use a cutting board to catch soap shavings. Unwrap your soap bar—fresh soap is softer and easier to carve than old, dried-out bars.

  2. 2

    Create a template

    Place your soap on paper and trace its outline. Inside this shape, draw a simple design like a fish, heart, turtle, or leaf. Cut out your with scissors.

    ▶Met Kids Soap Carving Tutorial(3 min)▶Soap Carving Bunny Tutorial (mizutama.soap)(11 min)
  3. 3

    Transfer design to soap

    Place your cut-out on the soap bar. Use a pencil or pen to trace the outline onto the soap, pressing firmly enough to leave a visible mark.

  4. 4

    Rough out the shape

    Using your plastic knife, carefully shave away small slivers of soap from outside your design lines. Work like you're peeling an apple—always cut away from your body. Remove only thin layers to avoid breaking the soap.

  5. 5

    Add details and smooth

    Use a toothpick or unfolded paperclip to add fine details like eyes, scales, or texture lines. Smooth rough areas by gently rubbing with a damp finger or paper towel.

  6. 6

    Save your scraps

    Collect leftover soap shavings in a bowl—they make excellent hand soap or can be melted down to create a new bar.

Tips

  • →Common mistake: Trying to remove large chunks at once, which causes the soap to crack or break. Instead, make many small, shallow cuts and peel away thin layers.
  • →Use fresh soap for easier carving. If your soap is old and hard, wrap it in a damp cloth for a few hours to soften it slightly.
  • →Start with chunky, simple shapes like fish, turtles, or hearts before attempting detailed designs. The bigger your shape relative to the bar, the less carving you need to do.
  • →If a piece breaks off, don't panic—wet both surfaces and press them together firmly. The soap will bond back together as it dries.
  • →Ivory soap is the most popular choice because it's soft and inexpensive. Dove also works well. Avoid very hard soaps or clear glycerin soap, which is sticky and difficult to carve.

Communities

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn soap carving?

You can complete your first simple carving in 20-30 minutes. With a few practice sessions, you'll develop enough control to tackle more detailed designs within a week.

What type of soap works best for carving?

Ivory soap is the most recommended for beginners—it's soft, inexpensive, and widely available. Dove also works well. Avoid very hard soaps or clear glycerin soap, which is sticky and difficult to cut cleanly.

Do I need special carving tools?

No! A plastic butter knife or popsicle stick works perfectly for beginners. Toothpicks handle fine details. You only need specialty tools if you want to pursue more intricate designs later.

Is soap carving safe for kids?

Yes, with adult supervision. Using plastic knives or popsicle sticks instead of sharp tools makes this activity safe for children ages 6 and up. The soft soap won't cause cuts like wood carving might.

My soap keeps breaking. What am I doing wrong?

You're likely removing too much material at once or applying too much pressure. Make smaller, shallower cuts and work gradually. If your soap is old and dry, it will be more brittle—use a fresh bar instead.