Day 6: Bug Soap

Today we made bug soap!

Creepy crawly fun!

This is a super easy craft that basically just involves melting soap, pouring it into molds, and waiting until it's set to take it out. You can find this craft all over the internet, mostly on sites which are geared toward crafts for kids. Or in my case, a perpetual kid at heart.

Supplies! A slab of soap, a soap mold, and lots and lots of bugs!

There isn't much in the way of directions, beyond breaking off a chunk of soap and either putting it on the stovetop to melt or in the microwave. Though the stovetop would probably help it melt more evenly, we opted for the microwave, since I tend to be too eager to try the slower method.

Here I am, waiting not-so-patiently for the soap to finish melting
in the microwave. Even this way took too long for my liking.

Once the soap is melted, place the cockroaches (or your bug of choice)
into the molds and slowly pour the soap over them. The bugs might
complain a little (it is hot soap after all), but for the most part, they
won't whine too much, seeing that they're made of plastic and whatnot.

More soap in action. We did have one cockroach that tried to slither
away, but otherwise, no mishaps to report. Hooray!

Then you have to wait until the soap sets to remove it. This is the part
I struggled with. Observe my conflicted expression as I desperately
want to jab at the bug soap.

"But why can't I poke at the bug soap? It wouldn't hurt anyone!"

Resigned to waiting, I realize a watched soap mold never sets,
so eventually, Bill had to take the mold into the other room so
I couldn't stare at it like a creeper.

And at last the soaps set up! Please note the bottom right cockroach
who is slightly off-center. He's the one who tried to escape. But you
failed, didn't you, Mr. Cockroach? *cackles maniacally*

A cockroach close-up! A pretty cute little fellow, if I do say!

So that's it for today! Head on back here tomorrow for more Halloween goodies!