DIY soap dish

Relax and revive yourself with Hester Van Overbeek’s DIY soap dish!

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Hester Van Overbeek

Published: February 3, 2022 at 9:38 am

Take a relaxing soak in the tub to the next level with Hester's DIY soap dish. If an indulgent weekend away isn’t an option right now, run yourself a bath, lock the door behind you, and recreate your own hammam-style treatment with this fancy soap dish and some homemade soaps (check out our how to make soap at home for beginners tutorial). The industrial concrete soap dish adds a contemporary edge to your bathroom and is made from entirely eco-friendly materials making it a fab stash buster. Hester uses an old butter tub and leftover concentre to make her DIY soap dish and the dish will make your handmade soaps last much longer. We've also show you how to make bath bombs and crochet makeup remover pads so you can make your bathroom truly sustainable and plastic-free. Now it's over to Hester for her DIY soap dish tutorial.

DIY soap dish finished

You will need:

Empty butter tub
Moulding clay
500g (20oz) concrete (we used Portland cement and sharp sand)
Concrete pigment in blue
Water
Disposable plastic bowl
Plastic spoon
Scales
Disposable gloves
Dust mask
Fine sandpaper

DIY soap dish

You will need:

Empty butter tub
Moulding clay
Concrete
Concrete pigment in blue
Water
Disposable plastic bowl
Plastic spoon
scales
Disposable gloves
Dust mask
Fine sandpaper

Step 1

DIY soap dish step1

Roll out five pieces of modelling clay into 0.5cm (1/4") thick lengths. Cut each one to the length of the raised section on the base of the butter tub, as shown.

Step 2

DIY soap dish step2

Prepare 500g (20oz) of dry concrete mix, making sure to wear a dust mask and protective gloves. To create a light colour, we mixed one part of Portland cement with two parts of sharp sand in a plastic bowl. Gradually add water until the mix has the consistency of yoghurt.

Step 3

DIY soap dish step3

Spoon the concrete evenly into the tub, filling it roughly 2cm (3/4") high. Tap the sides of the mould to release any air bubbles.

Step 4

DIY soap dish step4

Slowly add the concrete pigment to the remaining concrete. Mix in a small amount at a time, stirring well as you go. Stop once you achieve your desired shade.

Step 5

DIY soap dish step5

Spoon the blue concrete mix on top of the white concrete, tapping the sides to even out the top, and to help remove any air bubbles. Leave to set for 24 hours.

Step 6

DIY soap dish step6

Once set, take the soap dish out the mould – if it doesn’t slide out, carefully cut the plastic tub to remove it. Remove the clay spacers and lightly sand the base of the dish to create a smooth surface.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make a DIY soap dish! For more fun home projects check out our how to make roman blinds tutorial and our free home sewing patterns.

Hester Van Overbeek

Hester is a DIY author and blogger, and posts weekly video tutorials on her website, inspiring fellow crafters to create accessories for their homes. She has published several books including, Pallet Wood Projects, Wooden Furniture Hacks, Rebel Crafts and Making Concrete Pots, Bowls and Platters. You can find more free craft projects from her over at www.hestershandmadehome.com and on Instagram @hestershandmadehome.