D.I.Y. Paper Wrapped Soaps

Packaging says so much about a product... and while we might all love the look of beautifully paper-wrapped soap (generally found in chic boutiques and swanky salons), not many of us want to spend a load of cash for one bar (pretty as it may be).  So I've come up with a quick fix (others before me have probably done the same)... Easy D.I.Y. Paper Wrapped Soaps with free printable labels!

I put together this simple little tutorial with Mother's Day in mind, but you could utilize it any time.  Be creative!  I'm thinking favors for bridesmaids, housewarmings, baby showers, etc.  Give just one beautifully wrapped bar alone, or a set of your favorites.  Try tucking one inside a basket with other soothing items for a friend who needs a kind little pick-me-up.  However you choose to make and use 'em... have fun!

For the free download, as well as written and photo directions...

Project Time:
Around 15 minutes or less.

SUPPLIES:
-Rectangular bar of soap
-Decorative paper
-Ruler
-Cutting tool
-Double sided tape - permanent strength.
-Ribbon (optional)
-Labels Download free-oval-round-labels.pdf

DIRECTIONS:

1. Purchase a bar (or more if you'd like) of your favorite soap.  A bar of French milled soap,(such as the one I used) cost less than $4 at Trader Joe's (the packaging wasn't very cute, but it smells amazing).  Select the decorative paper that you'd like.  For this project I used papers from Martha Stewart's crafting paper... but you can use any piece that you like as long as it is big enough, and not too thick (or flimsy).
2. Measure your soap bar: Length, width, and height.  The length of your paper needs to equal 2 x width + 2 x height + an extra two inches or more of excess (you can trim or tuck it later if needed).  The width of your paper will equal 1 x width + 2 x height.
3. Cut your paper to the correct size.  You can use scissors, a craft knife, paper cutter... whichever is easiest for you.
4. Place your bar in the center of your prepared paper and begin creasing around it where each measurement falls (it's easiest to start with the two longest sides (as shown).  This process will create nice sharp lines for you to work with and will give your finished package a really clean professional look.  Feel free to move the bar if it gets in your way.
5. Once you have all your edges creased, place your bar back in the center (now you have a little grid to follow, courtesy of your crease work).  Note how the excess paper folds over one side of your bar (see image), and also to the under side of the end flap (this will give a nice seamless edge when closed).  Seal your package closed with double sided tape.
6. Fold in your end flaps as shown in the photo (just like wrapping a present) and seal closed with double sided tape.  Be sure that your flaps close towards the bottom side (the side you just closed in the previous step).
7. Once all sides are secured, print out the free labels I created for this project (there are 9 labels in three colors - grey, aqua, and peach)...I left them blank so that you can write your own message.  Wrap a band of complimentary ribbon around your bar and affix with double sided tape and then do the same with your label.
8. All done!  You did it!

If you'd like to share the printable on your blog (hurray), please be sure to link to this post directly and do not host the actual download on your site. Thanks so much! I encourage creative personal use of all my printables and projects. The design/concept is for non-commercial use. xox Ez

Comments

[Julie]

What a beautiful tutorial! So clearly explained and inspiring for those Mother's Day gifts! Thank you, thank you!

[Melissa de la Fuente]

This is just beautiful Ez...thank you!xoMelissa

[a print a day]

so beautiful and simple! i totally love your clean style!

[S.HOPtalk]

I love this and can't wait to do it. Thanks so much!!! ~suzanne

[Michelle]

Ez, can I just say that you are amazing? I'm a daily reader of your incredible blog and look forward to each and every post. The time and effort you have put into making your blog not only fabulous eye candy but each post is so thoughtful and inspiring. Thanks for doing what you do.

[Jeska]

lovely simple but chic tutorial, I have some really pretty papers and ribbon I have been saving and this will make perfect use of them, thanks!

[moroccanmaryam]

ooooh, so, so pretty! For Moroccan argan oil soap, perhaps........

[cindy k]

oh, so pretty. thank you for the tutorial.

[joanna]

this is so nice, ez! i am hoping to get a new printer so i can print more beautifully =)

[Brandi]

I love it! I'll be using these as gifts for years to come!

[Darlene]

What a lovely idea! Thanks so much for sharing.

[Misse]

You've been blogged!

[Tracy Artman]

I usually pack my handcrafted, organic shea butter soaps in a soap box but LOVE the way you done yours so much better.Looks Great!

[buy dove online]

Oh! that's cool! I love it! I never thought that soap can also send as a gift. I will try that this weekend. Thanks for sharing!







-krisha-

[Adriana]

Beautiful tutorial. I really enjoyed it. :D

[Megan (Honey We're Home)]

I love this so much, I'm featuring it on my blog tomorrow with a link to your site! So pretty and creative! Thanks for sharing:)

[Rhissanna]

Oh! What a lovely idea. I wish I lived near a Trader Joe.They do seem to sell all kinds of wonderful stuff. French soap, which was easy to get in the UK, is pretty hard to find here and Wal*Mart has totally dropped the ball on fancy, pretty, luxury soap. Which is a pity, because I could think of a dozen times this year when a simple hand-wrapped soap would have been a nice gift to give. Thank you for sharing.

[BethMatt]

This is a beautiful presentation piece. One question...how do you cut the circular labels so cleanly? Even with an exacto it takes me forever and they are always crooked.

[Ez]

Thank you BethMatt! I cut these labels out using a pair of sharp scissors. I find that scissors have better control that an xacto knife when it comes to rounded edges. Best of luck to you. xo Ez