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Keepin' Your Hands Clean In Style

Writer's picture: anupcycledartistanupcycledartist

Last week, I showed you how I transformed a large plastic container into a candy jar that not only serves a practical purpose but also looks great on my counter. This week I'm excited to share another transformation with you that I completed: a makeover of two plastic soap dispensers.


For years, we had been buying a specific brand of liquid hand soap online that was packaged in pump bottles. I was thrilled when the company began selling liquid soap refills in a large, laminated plastic pouch. This solution suited us well as it reduced the need for more plastic bottles. However, after numerous refills, the labels on the bottles began to look funky and not in a good way. This sparked an idea, and since I had two empty bottles anyway... 😉

Two naked bottles looking for a coverup
Two naked bottles looking for a coverup
Two coats of acrylic paint over a gesso base
Two coats of acrylic paint over a gesso base
Adding doodles using silver metallic paint
Adding doodles using silver metallic paint
Adding tiny, turquoise-colored, plastic gemstones for some sparkle
Adding tiny, turquoise-colored, plastic gemstones for some sparkle
A final layer of a glossy topcoat
A final layer of a glossy topcoat
Found more papier mâché embellishments made years ago
Found more papier mâché embellishments made years ago
Just added a little paint and voila! a new look
Just added a little paint and voila! a new look
Glued on the papier mâché embellishments, there are now two different dispensers that can be refilled  -  a lot!!!
Glued on the papier mâché embellishments, there are now two different dispensers that can be refilled - a lot!!!

So, I didn't stop here when I crafted these last week. I started wondering if it were possible to make liquid soap, totally cutting down on more waste from buying the pouches. I looked online and I could not believe how easy it is to make. Really, I shouldn't say 'make' because it's not even that. It's easier. All you need to do is...

Get a bar of soap and grate it into a bowl. Yes, that's homemade soap, not cheese. 😁
Get a bar of soap and grate it into a bowl. Yes, that's homemade soap, not cheese. 😁
Shredded soap looks like wood shavings, no?
Shredded soap looks like wood shavings, no?
Just dump the soap shreds into a pot, add some water, then heat on the stovetop, stirring until all of the shreds melt.
Just dump the soap shreds into a pot, add some water, then heat on the stovetop, stirring until all of the shreds melt.

I was fortunate with my liquid soap because I used a bar of handmade soap crafted by my dear friend, Rose. It's already beautifully scented, so there's no need to add essential oils. However, you can create your own from an unscented bar and add your preferred scent or use a scented one if you have one 'On HAND'! 🤣 It's that simple. I recommend starting with less water than soap shavings, adding more gradually if needed while it cooks. I initially used too much water and had to shave another bar. Once all the shavings dissolve, remove it from the heat, allow it to cool, and then pour it into your dispenser. It can't get any easier or more affordable.


This Week’s Tea Spilling

I've noticed that people are frequently eager to save items for others, particularly for those who upcycle. They appreciate knowing that something they might discard can be preserved and passed on to someone who can make use of it. Often, people ask if there's anything they can save for me or if I could use specific items. I find it gratifying that, in this way, we can collaborate to help protect the earth. So, it's safe to say that folks enjoy offloading their junk, and some of us are kewl with taking it, without being labeled as 'garbage pickers'. 🤣


I’ll be back next Wednesday to show you what I’ve been working on. Hope you’ll stop by again for a visit.


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2 comentarios


Nancy Gehring
Nancy Gehring
29 ene

Like the jars.


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anupcycledartist
anupcycledartist
29 ene
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Thank you, Nancy, for taking the time to drop me this compliment. I appreciate it.😃

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Endlessly Embellishing & Upcycling Elements into Art
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