How many of you actually enjoy eating oatmeal? I do but only after I’ve put brown sugar in it or if it is the flavored instant kind which I know is not as healthy for me. I also enjoy oatmeal cookies and those new oatmeal to go bars. Did you know that oatmeal can be used for more than just food?

One of the many other uses of oatmeal is to treat the skin by helping to realize the symptoms of sunburns, poison ivy, or other irritants. It can be used to help treat acne. There are oatmeal based scrubs on the market or you can choose to make your own. You can also make your own oatmeal soap.
Another versatile use of oatmeal is as a deodorizer. Feel free to place a container of it in your fridge. Modeling clay can also be formed from oatmeal. Who would have thought? I never associated art and oatmeal in the same sentence, did you?

Read about more uses for oatmeal.

Below is a recipe for oatmeal soap and modeling clay made out of oatmeal. How many different ways have you used oatmeal today?

 

Recipe for Oatmeal Soap:

Supplies:
• 1 large bar of soap, preferably a mild cleanser such as a Dove beauty bar
• 3 tablespoons of oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons water
• Large microwave safe bowl
• Soap mold or decorative muffin tin
• Knife
• Microwave

 

Instructions:
1. Use a food processor to grind up your oatmeal. It should have a bit of texture, but you want to break up most of the individual flakes.
2. Grate your bar of soap into small slivers. Place shavings in a large, microwavable bowl.
3. Add water to the mixture and microwave on high for two to three minutes. Watch carefully to make sure the soap doesn't bubble over the bowl, stirring the mixture as needed.
4. Remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir in the oatmeal.
5. Pour soap into mold.
6. Remove from mold when cool.
7. For a pretty presentation, wrap the soap in a washcloth and tie with a decorative ribbon bow.

Recipe for Modeling Clay:

Ingredients -
• 1 cup rolled oats (you can use instant or old fashioned)
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra
• ½ cup water
• Food coloring (optional)

Steps-
1. Stir together all the ingredients in a large bowl, adding more flour if necessary, until the dough forms a lump. For colored clay, you can add drops of food coloring to the water before combining it with the dry ingredients.
2. Knead it on a floured surface, adding flour as needed, until it is smooth and not too sticky.

Tips: Allow finished creations to air-dry overnight. Leftover clay can be refrigerated in a ziplock bag for up to three days.