No summer is complete without a trip to summer camp. Sleeping under the stars, adventurous outdoor activities, pancake breakfasts and of course, the annual camp-wide talent show are all part of the fun, right? Well, we surely didn’t want to miss out!
So pack up your sleeping bags and don’t forget the bug spray, because we’re super excited to announce Camp Bramble Berry — our own soapy version of summer camp. For the next couple of weeks, we’ll deliver awesome, kid friendly projects that are not only fun to make, but fun to play with afterward too!
Today’s Soap Crayon project is just one example of the awesome tutorials you can expect when you sign-up for the Bramble Berry Newsletter.
To get in on all the action, all you have to do is sign up for our email newsletter. Simply visit the Bramble Berry website and enter your email address on the right hand side. Don’t forget to click through the confirmation email you’ll receive to activate your subscription, and be sure to check your spam filter for emails from info(at)brambleberry(dot)com.
When Camp has ended, you’ll continue to receive our regular monthly newsletter which features coupons, an exclusive project and other special deals. It’s just one more way to stay update to date with the latest Bramble Berry news. Now, onto the crayons!
What You’ll Need:
13.5 oz. White Melt and Pour Base
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!
ONE: Cut the White Melt and Pour soap base into similarly-sized chunks, each no bigger than about an inch. In a heat-safe container, melt the soap on short, 30 second bursts in the microwave and stir between each burst.
TWO: Divide the soap into five heat safe containers, with 3 oz. of soap in four containers and 1.5 oz. of soap in the fifth container.
THREE: Next, add one fragrance oil per cup. Be sure to keep track of which fragrance oil goes in which cup or else your fragrances and colors will be mismatched.
These are fragrance and color mates we used:
3 mL Peach with 1 mL Creamsicle Fragrance Oil
3 mL Green Apple with 1 mL Cucumber Melon Fragrance Oil
2 mL Easter Purple with 1 mL Strawberry Fragrance Oil
2 mL Teal with 1 mL Pearberry Fragrance Oil
2 mL Periwinkle with 1 mL Blueberry Fragrance Oil
FOUR: Add in your colorants. Undiluted Lab Colors can be difficult to mix into soap, so heat the colors (particularly the blues and greens) in the microwave on 5 second bursts. After heating, make sure the cap is on tight and shake vigorously. Add one colorant per cup to its corresponding fragrance.
Tip: Be especially careful with the Teal because it tends to clump. You may even want to stir the colorant with a mini mixer so you don’t end up with spots of concentrated color in your finished soaps.
FIVE: Now pour your soap into the mold. Each cavity will hold 1.5 oz. of soap, so you’ll get two soap crayons per color. One of your cups should only contain 1.5 oz of soap, so that will fill the remaining cavity. Spray with isopropyl alcohol to release surface tension and prevent bubbles. Allow the soaps to sit for at least 5 hours before unmolding.
SIX: Test the soap crayons in a discrete area on your tub before unleashing your child’s creativity. Rinse away with a washcloth and warm water.
And there you go! Looks like you’ve earned your first Camp BB project badge =) Jamisen definitely had a ton of fun with these soapy crayons creations.
I have already diluted Labcolors, I’m assuming since they are already diluted I’d have to use ALOT more. Will it still work or would I be better of getting new labcolors?
Hi Theresa!
We recommend using undiluted LabColors for this recipe. In order to get the same color saturation, you would have to use a lot of the diluted colors (at least double, maybe more). That can actually make the texture of your soap runny or oily. Undiluted colors work best. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I just made these but with diluted lab colors instead of undiluted lab colors. Should this still be able to work? What are the recommended amounts for diluted lab colorants? I put 50 drops of color in for one and it is mediocre. I feel like it should be enough because it does color the water and hands a lot but it does not leave a very distinguished mark on the tub. Reminds me more of water color then crayon. Is this how the finished product should look? Could you post a picture of how they actually on the tub. Just want to make sure I a doing it properly. My daughter still had a lot of fun with them, just not sure if they are marketable as a crayon. Any advice would be super helpful. Thanks!
Hi Kate!
We like using undiluted LabColors in this recipe because it creates a very color-concentrated crayon. They leave a pretty noticeable mark on the tub. It does look a bit like watercolor, but the color is nice and bright. I would recommend trying them out with undiluted LabColors and seeing what you think!
We also made another version of this recipe that shows what the undiluted LabColors look like on paper: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/melt-and-pour-soap/melt-pour-bath-crayons/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I just made some of these w/ LCP M&P and they did not work, I actually ended up putting about 8 ml of labcolor (Azure and Green Apple) and they are super faint and colored our fingers, just not the tub!
Hi Melissa!
Our LCP bases have less glycerin and are a little harder. This is so they won’t sweat in humid climates.
However, it also means it doesn’t work as well for this recipe. I would recommend trying it with our regular white base. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
These came out sooooo adorable!! Made them with my 9 yr old niece and now I think I have created a monster!! lol. She had so much fun with them all of the hot water is gone and clean up was a breeze. Def putting them on our list for our next show. Thank you AM for another rocking tutorial!!
I’m so glad you liked the tutorial! Also, I’m glad your niece did too. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi Kristie!
If you are using essential oils, you do want to use a little bit less. You may find the Fragrance Calculator helpful, it makes figuring out how much fragrance to use for your projects really easy 🙂
Fragrance Oil Calculator:
https://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
If I were to use essential oils rather than fragrance oils, would the amounts change?
will the dark CP labcolors make dark colors when used with the M&P?
Hi Gail!
We were able to achieve a fairly dark color with the Easter Purple Purple LabColor! :). I hope you give this project a try, it’s a lot of fun!
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
My nephews would love these! Can your color blocks be used to color these?
Hi Beth!
This is such a fun project for kids 🙂 We used the LabColors because they are actually water soluble and will clean off quickly when used in the tub. They are also super highly concentrated in their undiluted form and give more of a vibrant and intense color then any others you would be using. If you were to use the other colors, you do run the chance of staining the tub, so I would definitely do a small test batch if you wanted to use something other than the LabColors. I hope this helps! =)
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Hello! I made these crayons for my 2 year old nephew as a test for my small online business, and they were a HUGE hit! Now that the holidays are right around the corner, I would like to make a few batches to sell during the holiday rush! What would you suggest selling these for? I am thinking a pack of 4 or 6. Your help would be very much appreciated! 🙂
Hi Emily!
We are just so happy to you were able to make these fun little bath crayons. To price your items, we actually refer to a chart from the Teach Soap website that can help you out.
Pricing Your Melt and Pour Soaps: http://teachsoap.com/2012/03/06/pricing-your-melt-and-pour-soaps/
I hope this helps!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I’m just a little confused. It looks like in the pictures that the peach color is in the 1.5 oz of soap. So that is 3ml per 1.5oz and the other colors are 2-3ml per 3oz? Am I reading that right? I want to make these for my grandson and don’t want to mess it up. Thank!
Hi Debbie!
You are correct! Some of the lighter colors like Peach need a little extra colorant because they are so light. If it is a darker color like Easter Purple, you will only need 2 mL of color versus the 3 mL of color for the Peach. I hope that this helps to clear up any confusion you might have had. =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Yes, thanks!
I’m in the process of making these and was wondering how you determine what amount of labcolorsL to use…..the recipe has some colors listed as 2 ml and other colors listed as 3 ml. I already had some lab color which weren’t part of the kit ( azure blue and berry red) and didn’t want to waste any product trying to figure out the correct amounts. Could you please advise? Thanks so much!
Hi Sandy!
We are excited for you to make these soapy bath crayons, they are a blast for adults and kids alike! The reason that we used more color (3 mL) in some of the crayons was because the LabColor was a bit lighter and we needed a little extra color for it to show up in the tub. If you are using Azure Blue, we would suggest using 2 mL and with the Berry Red, 3 mL. I hope this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions. =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Berry Red High pH LabColor: https://www.brambleberry.com/Berry-Red-High-pH-LabColor-P4311.aspx
Azure Blue High pH LabColo: https://www.brambleberry.com/Azure-Blue-High-pH-LabColor-P4310.aspx
When you say 2ml of lab color is that diluted or undiluted. The text makes it seem undiluted but that seems like a TON of lab color for such a small amount of soap. Then I started thinking perhaps you need that much to make the “crayons” show up. I don’t want to waste ingredients on useless crayons so could you please advise. Thank you!
Heather
Hi Heather!
When we are referring to the 2 or 3 milliliters of LabColor, we are referring to it undiluted. In order to get the crayon color to show up on the tub, we found that we had to leave the LabColor undiluted for this particular project. I hope this helps! Let us know which colors you end up going with. 🙂
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Hii
I really wanted to get those things but the shipping is way to high for middle east :((
Hi Zainab!
If you are interested in getting some of our products and the FedEx shipping is a little too expensive for you, we’d love for you to contact customer service at info(at)brambleberry(dot)com to see if they can get you a more affordable rate through our USPS flat-rate shipping boxes. You can also reach them toll-free at 1.877.627.7883. I hope this helps!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I’m confused as to why you used labcolors that are meant for cp.
Hi Meagan!
Because of the nature of CP (cold process) soaping, there are certain LabColors that are specially formulated for high pH products. But, if you are making M&P (Melt and Pour), you can actually use any of our LabColors. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
https://www.brambleberry.com/LabColors-C171.aspx
Oooooh, good to know.
Thanks Becky.. you’re awesome!
if I use a high PH labcolor in opaque M&P is it going to be lighter in color or will it be dark like what is depicted on your CP color selections? Would I use it undiluted?
Thanks I will 🙂
Hi Sisi!
Keep us updated, and if you get any pictures of your final product, be sure to share them with us on Bramble Berry’s FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/BrambleBerry
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Could I use la bomb colors ??
Hi Sisi!
Unfortunately, the LaBomb colorants aren’t going to give enough color to the soap crayons so that they could give color on the bath tub. You would actually have to add a lot more of that type of colorant for it to show up. I’d definitely suggest trying out our LabColors for this project! =)
LabColors: https://www.brambleberry.com/LabColors-C171.aspx
I hope this helps!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I cannot wait to make these! I kept wanting to, but wasn’t sure what type of colorant would write but not stain. I’m going to try to find another type of mold to mix it up with. Great tutorial!!
Hi Meagan!
We can’t wait for you to try these out! They are just so much fun and the shape and color combinations are practically endless. You’ll have to keep us updated on your progress and if you get any pictures, be sure to share them with us on Bramble Berry’s FB page. =)
https://www.facebook.com/BrambleBerry
Happy Soaping!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
And these wash off the tile easily? I want to know what I’m getting into before I scribble in my tub 🙂
Hi Meagan!
We actually tested these several times and with a washcloth, they come right off the tub and tile! As always, we suggest doing a small test patch on your bathtub/tile to make sure it works for you. =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Super cute! I had someone ask me once if I made soap crayons that would actually leave a mark and now I can tell them I can!
Hi Monica!
We are so excited for you to try these out and can’t wait to hear which fun colors you end up making. I think I’m going to have to try out the Lime, Countryside Peacock and Impatien Pink this weekend. =)
Lime LabColor: https://www.brambleberry.com/Lime-LabColor-P3015.aspx
Countryside Peacock LabColor: https://www.brambleberry.com/Countryside-Peacock-LabColor-P4300.aspx
Impatien Pink High pH LabColor: https://www.brambleberry.com/Impatien-Pink-High-pH-LabColor-P4321.aspx
Which colors are you thinking of using? =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
The soap crayon model “rocks!”
Isn’t he just the cutest? You can definitely tell he is having a ton of fun with those crayons in the bathtub. =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I love this project! I have been wanting to do this for a long time. Thanks for the directions so I can get started on some fun soapy crayons!
Good morning, Jean!
We can’t wait for you to try these out, and if you get any pictures, we’d love to see how they turned out for you. What colors do you have in mind? =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Does it have to be Lab Colors, or will Micas in glycerin or other liquid colorants do?
Hi Kymberlee!
We used the LabColors because they are actually water soluble and will clean off quickly when used in the tub. They are also super highly concentrated in their undiluted form and give more of a vibrant and intense color then any others you would be using. If you were to use the other colors, you do run the chance of staining the tub, so I would definitely do a small test batch if you wanted to use something other than the LabColors. I hope this helps! =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I dont have m&p, can i use a basic soap recipe? I have all your colors!
Good morning, Delma!
Using undiluted LabColors in cold process isn’t going to work very well as the LabColors tend to do funny things in CP when undiluted. I’d definitely suggest getting a melt and pour base for this project.
https://www.brambleberry.com/Bramble-Berry-Bases-C11.aspx
I hope this helps! =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Love these color soaps. Is this a special color are can any lab colors be used. So cool!
Hi Wendy!
Actually, any of Bramble Berry’s LabColors can be used for this project and you have so many fun colors that you can choose from. Check them out here:
https://www.brambleberry.com/LabColors-C171.aspx
Enjoy!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Just this project, or can any of the lab colors be used in melt and pour. I’ve been specifically buying the lowPH ones since that was labeled specifically for MP soap, but if I can use any of them, I’d love to expand my colors.
Hi Molly!
You can actually use any of the LabColors for M&P soapy projects. The high pH LabColors for Cold Process are specifically made to withstand that chemical process of saponfication, but are totally okay to use in M&P. I hope this helps. =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry