The new Disney•Pixar Cars ‏ 3 movie is rolling into theaters June 16, 2016. I’ve got my review of the film and a fun Cars 3 inspired craft. I’m showing you how to make some Lightning McQueen soap. It’s such a quick and easy craft. Bonus, your kids will even want to wash their hands to get that Lightning McQueen car out! It’s a mom win all the way around.

I saw a complimentary media screening of Cars 3 with my 11-year-old son. The first Cars came out the same year he was born, so it just seemed fitting for him to go with me. Was I worried that it might be too “little kid” for us? Yes. Did I need to be concerned that we wouldn’t enjoy it? Absolutely not! We both really liked the movie.

I’m going to keep it spoiler free so don’t expect too many details from me. I loved how many of the new characters were female. Cruz Ramirez is a female car trainer and she has a relatable character that would also be a role model. I also enjoyed that the smarty pants statistician was also a female, Natalie Certain(voiced by Kerry Washington).

All my old favorites like Sally and Mater were present but I enjoyed seeing some Cars. My favorite new character in the franchise was Sterling(Nathan Fillion). I have no problem admitting that he was my favorite because of Nathan Fillion. He is one of my favorite actors and I thought he really did great as a billionaire racing sponsor in this movie.

The movie definitely had a familiar feel but don’t get too familiar thinking you’re in for the same-old, same old. There was definitely a twist in the end that I didn’t see coming and I thought made the movie really great! This movie had a big focus on helping each other and mentorship. I really appreciated the positive message.

I highly recommend seeing the movie and taking your kids of all ages. If they’ve seen Cars or Cars 2 they will love Cars 3. Even if they haven’t seen the first 2, this will be a really enjoyable movie experience for the whole family.

Now let’s make some soap!

Cars 3 Soap featuring Lightning McQueen

Supplies

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Clear Glycerin Soap Base
Black Soap Coloring
Silicone soap mold
Lightning McQueen or other Cars 3 die cast car – I specifically chose the Lightning McQueen with Smell Swell as the sponsor, because it’s soap and I thought it was funny. Pick your favorite vehicle though.
Cars 3 Confetti (optional) I found mine at Party City
Digital thermometer
Microwave-safe cup
Rubbing Alcohol
Spray bottle

Directions:

Heat a small amount of glycerine in a microwave safe measuring cup. Heat for 15 seconds to start, and then in 10 second intervals until it is completely melted. Stir between each heating. Add the black dye until you get the color you like. I didn’t really dark black but you can definitely see a black “road” when you look at the soap.
Monitor the temperature of the soap with the thermometer. When it reaches 155 degrees F or below, pour the black soap into the bottom of the silicone mold. I split my black between two different molds. You just want a thin layer for the road. Do not pour the soap if it is above 155 degrees F.
1. Tip: I found it important to keep stirring as the temperature of the soap fell. Otherwise the top cooled faster and got a film which then transferred into the silicone mold.
Spray the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol. This will pop any air bubbles.
Do not move the soap at all for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, allow the soap to finish cooling and harden about 30 minutes.
Place the car on top of the soap road. Add some confetti as well if you wish. I used the hardened soap to push pieces of confetti in and have it stand up. One bar of soap has a car and one is just the confetti. Side note: I seriously giggle every time I see that Lightning McQueen says “Smell Swell” on him. It’s just so perfect!
Heat more clear glycerine and pour over the car until the mold is full or the car is completely covered. Again make sure you are not pouring the soap above 155 degrees F.
You can add more confetti as you pour, just be aware that anytime you stop pouring you may get a layer of bubbles. You can also use a toothpick to push confetti down into the soap. Work very quickly though, because the top will begin to set immediately.
Spray the top again with rubbing alcohol.
Do not move the soap at all for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, allow the soap to finish cooling and harden.
Remove from the silicone mold once it is cool.
Place your new soap in the bathroom and see how often your kids are asking to wash their hands!

This is definitely a craft that you can do with your kids. I would just say that the adult needs to be doing the heating and pouring of the glycerin. For children under 3, omit the confetti. Follow any age warnings on any toys or packaging.