New Soap! New Technique!

A couple of days ago I decided to try embedding a soap 'curl'. This is the first time I have ever tried this. I have embedded chunks before, and I really like the effect it produces. So I've wanted to try soap curls for a while.

It was relatively easy to do, however, I had to make sure I was strict on my timing.

I followed this YouTube video by GoPlanetEarth. I found it very useful:


And this was the soap I made (scented with Mysore Sandalwood Allergen Free Fragrance Oil)

I'm rather proud of it, being a first attempt it looks pretty good! the little black dots are poppyseeds, to add a little colour contrast, as well as an exfoliating quality.

When experimenting goes wrong!

Well I made 4 soaps yesterday, and all of them were a failure! BUT I'm not going to feel bad about it as I learned a few things...

1) It's a really good idea to do experimenting and trying out new techniques on a small scale. So if it does go wrong, you haven't wasted a lot of soap or other ingredients (not that you can really waste so anyway - it can always be melted back down or used in your own personal bathroom!)

2) Always remember to spray rubbing alcohol on a set layer before doing the overpour - I forgot and it really does cause the layers to pull apart if no rubbing alcohol has been used!

3) Sometimes less is more - I wad trying to make a simple lavender soap but added extra lavender buds, and mica AND glitter and it just looks silly. Just the buds would've been enough.

4) Don't try to do too much at once. I was trying to make a layered soap, a double pour, a swirled and the dreaded lavender one with extra 'sprinkles'. All with different scents and colours. I'm sure this is why I created 4 soaps that were all terrible! So it's probably best to focus on one thing at a time when it comes to melt and pour soap making.


So next time I'm in the kitchen I'll make sure to remember those 4 points! Lesson learned!


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From looking like ham to lovely soap

So I've been making soap again. This time playing around with the swirling technique.
I attempted to make a soap loaf consisting of chocolate brown translucent swirls with mica, and pale pink opaque swirls, scented with Cocoa marshmallow FO.

I poured the soap too soon as it all splurged together creating a loaf of one colour - pinky with streaks of White and brown. It looked like processed ham! Not a good look at all.

So I melted it back down again and had another go at swirling, but tried it in a silicon cake tin, making a slab rather than a loaf. I'm rather pleased with the outcome!




Much better looking than ham soap anyway. ;)




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Experimenting with cookie cutters and dinosaur moulds!

Here are my latest melt and pour creations:




Valentine raspberry hearts. These will probably end up embedded in larger soaps :)




Raspberry-osaur (?) trying out a jelly mould I found in a charity shop in Glastonbury

I also tried making another soap loaf today, but it didn't work out I think. I'll have to see what it looks like when I cut it. Fingers crossed!

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Experimenting with Soap

My latest creations :)