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Have you ever tried soap carving? It's easy, cheap to do, and if you don't like the finished project, well, you haven't wasted much because you can use it for soap!

I suggest 'Ivory' for beginners because it is soft, smooth and easy to carve. Use a simple kitchen knife and a non-serrated steak knife or paring knife for detail. I usually have a few other things, household items like a large needle or pin, to use for super small detail, but on most, the steak knife is enough. There are kits that have little tools in them for clay carving, but you don't really need it. You can also press a pattern into the soap using a plastic doily (for example) and pressing it onto the soap with the back of a spoon. You will think of your own ideas once you start.

For your first project, keep it simple, something like a 'Snoopy' maybe. You'll see how easy and quickly you learn to handle the soap. Once you get a little experience, try a harder milled scented soap. The little sculptures make great gifts and sachets.

I don't recommend this for little kids, obviously. But I started doing them when I was about 12 and still have all 10 fingers!

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