DIY Orange And Thyme Bath Bombs

This bath and body tutorial is for making your own DIY bath bombs. This Bath bomb recipe is for Orange and Thyme. You can see the full bath and body recipe below. They are so easy to make and are perfect for gift giving.

1 cup baking soda

1 cup citric acid

1/2 cup cornstarch

4 tablespoons oil (coconut, olive, pumpkin)

3 to 6 drops of orange fragrance

2 teaspoons orange zest

2 sprigs of thyme

bath bomb mold

In a bowl, add in corn starch, citric acid, and baking soda stir well.

Add in olive oil (or other oils) and stir with a fork to keep light and fluffy. Add in fragrance and zest stir well.

Using the mold add in thyme and packet both sides of mold then press together. Once you press together, leave in mold for about a minute then remove and place on a tray to dry (harden) overnight.

The possibilities are endless with different molds, colors, and fragrances. Let your imagination guide you!

Check out the t-shirt design here. Bath Bomb T-shirt.

Looking for more Bath Bome recipes? Check out these new recipes and tutorials. Edited to add we often get asked what’s the best mold for making bath bombs. My preferred mold is a stainless steel bath bomb mold.

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Move over bath bombs—this Christmas, there’s a new mischief-maker in the tub.

If you’re looking for a clever twist on traditional Elf on the Shelf antics or a laugh-out-loud handmade gift, this Elf on the Shelf Soap is a crowd-pleaser. Featuring a mini elf trapped inside a block of clear soap, it’s festive, funny, and totally unexpected. Whether you use it as a prank, a stocking stuffer, or a bath-time surprise, this project will have kids and grownups giggling all the way to Christmas.

Plus, it’s easier than it looks! This DIY uses melt-and-pour soap, which means no lye, no curing, and no mess—just melt, pour, and giggle.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Soap DIY

Kid-safe and skin-friendly – uses gentle melt-and-pour base
No special tools needed – beginner friendly
Great gag gift or stocking stuffer
Customizable scent and color
Perfect for Elf on the Shelf setups or party favors

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just dipping your toes into holiday DIYs, this soap project is as fun to make as it is to use.

Supplies You’ll Need

To make one (or more) “Trapped Elf” soap bars, gather these easy-to-find materials:

½ lb clear melt-and-pour soap base

1 mini Elf on the Shelf figurine (around 3–4” tall)

Microwave-safe measuring jug or double boiler

Soap fragrance oil (peppermint, sugar cookie, or vanilla – optional)

Soap-safe colorant (green, red, or clear tint)

Silicone soap mold (rectangle preferred)

Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle (to eliminate bubbles)

Soap glitter (optional but cute!)

Craft stick or spoon for stirring

Note: Avoid fabric elves unless they’re completely sealed in plastic wrap! The soap base can soak into fabric and cause mildew.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Make Elf in a Soap Block

Step 1: Melt the Soap Base

Chop the clear melt-and-pour soap into small chunks.
Place in a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 2: Add Fragrance & Color

Add a few drops of skin-safe soap fragrance oil and stir.
If using colorant, choose a light hand—too much tint will make your elf hard to see inside the soap.

Step 3: Pour the First Layer

Pour about ¼ inch of the soap mixture into the base of your silicone mold.
Spritz with rubbing alcohol to pop surface bubbles. Let it cool just enough to form a film (2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Place the Elf

Carefully press your elf upright or seated into the semi-set layer.
Now slowly pour more melted soap around the elf, being cautious not to melt any parts of it.
Leave the elf’s hat poking out—or fully encase it for a “totally trapped” effect!

Step 5: Final Spritz & Cool

Spray the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol to pop any final bubbles.
Let the soap set at room temperature for about 1 hour or chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.

Step 6: Unmold & Wrap

Once solid, gently unmold your soap bar.
Wrap in plastic wrap or shrink wrap to keep it fresh and prevent surface sweating.

Fun Ways to Gift or Display

This mischievous soap makes the perfect stocking stuffer, Secret Santa gift, or Elf on the Shelf surprise. Here are some ideas to level up the presentation:

Pair with a mini washcloth and gift tag that says:
“Naughty Elf Soap – He Got What He Deserved!”
or
“Free the Elf… One Wash at a Time!”
Place it next to your Elf’s usual spot for a hilarious bathroom setup
Add to Christmas Eve boxes as a silly self-care treat
Create a batch for teacher gifts or classroom party favors

Comments

Bracken says
May 16, 2019 at 11:00 am
In the UK this recipe may well be illegal. We need to have twice the quanitiy in weight of baking soda/ filler for example you use cornstarch) to citric acid in roder to obtain complete equiland acid base neutralisation of the acid/base. Also cornstarch recipes cause fungal problems in some individual so personallyu I would avoid using this in any bath remedy.