How to make a bath bomb

My friends Anna and Hannah and I wanted to put together a care package for one of our buddies who was going through a hard time. As part of the package, we made this bath bomb so our friend could pamper herself.

None of use had made one before, although I've bought plenty in my time. We found the recipe at Frugal Kiwi and followed her instructions.

For some reason our bath bomb wouldn't hold its shape. It just kept flattening out and never seemed to fully dry like the ones I've bought. I'm guessing we added too much liquid, so my advice to you is to go really easy on your binder. Use the smallest amount possible to hold it together.

Ingredients

• 1c citric acid
• 2c baking soda
• 1t glitter/herbs
• Few drops essential oil, judge with your nose
• Few drops of food colouring, enough to get your desired colour
• 1t oil (we used sunflower)
• Binder: water, witch hazel or floral water

Method
1. Measure citric acid into a bowl and sift the baking soda on top.

2. Make a well in the top and add any herbs or glitter.

3. Sprinkle in colour and fragrance.

4. Wearing rubber gloves, mix ingredients thoroughly with your hands.

5. Add oil and mix through.

6. Next spritz mixture with water/witch hazel while mixing with your other hand. It's tricky to get this part right. You want your mixture to resemble damp sand and hold together when squeezed, but you don't want the mixture too wet or it will fizz on you.

7. Firmly press mixture into a dome-shaped mould. (We used a tea cup lined with Glad Wrap). The more firmly you pack it, the denser and more durable your bath bomb will be.

8. Wait a few minutes and then remove bath bomb. (The Glad Wrap makes this easier to do, but otherwise just tap it out.) Set it somewhere to dry for several hours.  

This is where our mistakes showed. Our mixture never fully dried and it kept flattening out to resemble a side plate. Even if yours doesn't end up looking right, it will still be usable so don't chuck it out. Instead chuck it in the bath and have a lovely soak. You've earned it after all this DIYing.