Intro to Soap Making

Have you ever thought about trying your hand at making soap, but you weren’t quite sure where to start? That’s ok, we’ve all been there! Today, we’re going to look at the most common methods of soap making.

The three processes we’re going to look at are hot process, cold process, and melt and pour. Hot and cold process soaps use lye + fat + liquid to make the soap, while melt and pour comes with all of that already done for you.

Cold Process

In cold process soap mixing your lye, liquid (water, but sometimes milk, which takes a few additional steps to work with), and fat (generally vegetable oils) together, which causes a chemical reaction called saponification. You pour your liquid “soap” into a mold and allow it to set up and then you can either leave it in the mold or cut it after 24 to 36 hours. Whichever you choose to do, leave in the mold or cut; your soap then needs to sit for 4 to 6 weeks to cure.

Hot Process

Hot process is very much like cold process in that you’re still mixing lye, liquid, and fat together. In hot process though, you use a heat source to make the saponification reaction happen much more quickly. Generally, people like to use crock pots as their heat source for this. The rest of the process is identical to cold process in that you pour the liquid into molds and allow it to set up. Hot process soaps don’t need as long to cure as cold process, but you should still leave them to sit for a week or two – you’ll find the texture is a lot better after this time.

Melt and Pour

Melt and pour soap is hands-down the easiest way of making soap because you start with a soap base that has already gone through the processing and is ready to use immediately. All you need to do is simply melt down the soap base in a crockpot, double boiler, or even a microwave, pour it into molds, let it cool and set, and voila, you’ve got your very own handmade soap!

There’s no right or wrong method to choose when getting into soap making, it’s all in what you like and what’s most enjoyable to you. I personally always suggest starting out with melt and pour soap because it takes the least amount of equipment and time to get started. It’s a great way to see if you like the process and if it’s something you want to dive deeper into. Either way you go though, you’re sure to impress your friends and family with your very own, handcrafted soap creations.

Happy Crafting!

There’s always one cheeky elf who pushes things a little too far—and this time? He’s covered in Grinch Gunk! This fun, fizzy Grinch Gunk Bath Slime is a gooey, giggle-worthy bath treat that looks mischievous but is totally skin-safe. It’s squishy, jiggly, and dissolves into the bath for a silly Christmas soak your kids won’t forget.

Whether you’re staging your Elf on the Shelf’s latest misadventure or putting together a “Grinch Spa Kit” for holiday gifting, this bath-safe slime is part sensory play, part bath magic.

Why You’ll Love This Grinchy Goo

Safe and fun for kids
No harsh ingredients—just skin-loving gentle goo
Doubles as sensory play before bath time
Can be poured into the bath like a bath gel
Perfect for Elf on the Shelf setups or DIY stocking stuffers
Customisable with scent, shimmer, and fun containers

Ingredients – Guar Gum Gel Version (Skin-Safe, Natural)

Makes about 1 cup of Grinch Gunk

1 cup warm distilled water
1 tsp guar gum powder (natural thickener)
1 tbsp glycerin or aloe vera gel (skin soothing + slip)
5–10 drops peppermint essential oil (or vanilla-mint blend)
Green mica powder or food-safe soap colorant
1 tsp baking soda (optional, helps soothe skin)
Small jar or squishy tub container

Optional:

A pinch of eco-safe glitter
Mini plastic Grinch or Elf toy
Printable “Help! The Grinch Got Me!” tag

Melt-and-Pour Version (For Squishy Soap-Like Texture)

½ cup clear melt-and-pour soap base, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable glycerin
Green soap colorant or mica
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Heat-safe jar or silicone mold

How to Make – Guar Gum Version

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and glycerin.
Slowly sprinkle in the guar gum powder, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Add baking soda, essential oils, and green mica. Whisk again until smooth and gooey.
Add glitter or shimmer if using. Pour into small jars.
Let sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes before sealing.

How to Make – Melt & Pour Version

Gently melt soap base in microwave or double boiler until fully liquid.
Stir in glycerin, mica, and essential oils.
Pour into jar or mold and allow to cool and firm up. The result: a jiggly, jello-like slab of bath slime!

How to Use Grinch Bath Slime

Scoop a tablespoon or two into the tub as the water runs
Rub between hands for silly slime play before rinsing
Watch it dissolve into a silky, minty soak
Store leftovers sealed, out of sunlight, for 1–2 weeks (guar gum version)

Note: As with all kids’ bath products, adult supervision is recommended. Avoid eyes and mouth.

Elf on the Shelf Setup

Here’s how to make your elf’s Grinch-y mischief come to life:

Place your Elf in a clear jar of green slime
Add a sign that says:
“HELP! The Grinch Got Me!”
Scatter a few green drops or slime trails around the counter
Leave behind a note that says:
“I tried to sneak a treat, but the Grinch left me stuck in goo! Scoop some into your bath—if you dare!”

Gifting Tips

Grinch Gunk makes an adorable DIY gift for:

Christmas Eve boxes
Classmate gifts
Stocking stuffers
Holiday bath kits
Grinch movie night party favours

Packaging ideas:

Green slime in mini jam jars
Labelled with: “Grinch Gunk – For When You’ve Been a Little Naughty”
Tie with black ribbon or pipe cleaner “antlers”
Pair with a mini candy cane or elf sticker

This Grinch Gunk Bath Slime brings just the right amount of holiday chaos to bath time. It’s festive, fun, and full of sensory magic—and the perfect way to turn a simple soak into a giggly, sparkly memory.

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