The Vintage Item At The Thrift Store That Makes Cute DIY Soaps

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It's happened to all of us: That quick run into the thrift store to pick up a whisk, a vase, or a serving plotter turns into a leisurely stroll through the homewares aisle. And, if you're like us, there's one item that you look at time and time again: cookie cutters. Give these unusual vintage items a new life by repurposing them to DIY whimsical soaps.

Why cookie cutters? Their strong, sturdy nature that makes them so good at cutting out your favorite cookies also helps keep melted soap in shape as it cools. Plus, you can usually grab multiple vintage cookie cutters for under $20, making it affordable to DIY your own soaps. However, there is one thing to keep in mind: the lye in soap can potentially react with tin, aluminum, and other metals to create hydrogen gas. If your vintage cookie cutters aren't stainless steel — or you aren't sure — don't pour melted soap into them, just to be safe. The good news? You can still use them.

There are a few things you'll need to reuse old cookie cutters as soap molds: melt and pour soap (like Primal Elements Triple Butter Soap), a sharp knife, a hammer, silicone mat or plastic wrap, and your trusty cookie cutters. Want to add some color and scent? Gather any essential oils, soap scents, or skin-safe soap dyes you want to use.

First, thoroughly wash and dry your cutters. Then, set up your molds. There are two popular methods: position your cookie cutters flush against a silicone baking mat, like Amazon Basics Silicone Rectangular Baking Mat, or wrap the bottom of the cutter tightly in plastic wrap.

Next, cut your soap into small cubes and heat in a glass or silicone measuring cup in the microwave 30 seconds at a time until melted. If you like, add in scent or color here. A little goes a long way, so start with a drop or two, then mix until it looks and smells right. Allow the melted soap to cool for a few minutes, then pour into your cutters-turned-molds, filling about ¾ of the way. Spray the top of the soap lightly with isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any little bubbles, then fill the rest of the way. Let the soap cool for about half an hour, then remove from the mold.

If you have trouble removing the cookie cutters, tap the edges lightly with your hammer. If they're still hanging on, try a DIYer-recommended trick: stick them in the freezer for 30 minutes. To smooth the top and bottoms, use your knife to skim off the top layer, then buff against a paper towel.

If your vintage cookie cutters are aluminum, tin, or some mystery metal, you can still use them to make cute soaps at home with a few simple tweaks. Grab a spare large glass baking pan that you don't mind using for DIYs (or pick one up when you're at the thrift store) and line the bottom and sides with a large piece of freezer paper, like Reynolds Kitchens Plastic-Coated Freezer Paper. Then melt your melt and pour soap like above, adding any scents or colors you like, before pouring it into the lined pan. Fill the pan half way with the melted soap, then let it set.

Once it's cooled, cut out your soap just like you would cookies. Position the cutters over the hardened soap and lightly rap your hammer on the cutter to push it down. Lift the cutter and soap out, use your knife to trim and smooth as needed, and you've got a creative housewarming gift that anyone would love. Oh, and don't forget to clean and dry your cookie cutters right away when you're done to prevent rusting.