Create Soap Out of Anything!

Have you thought about what might take your creative hobby or business to the next level? Maybe your focus is beauty and spa related. Perhaps you would like to expand and try new shapes and objects? This letter might help. Here is a run-down of the basic steps you need to make soap out of any category. If you’re looking for something to do, or need a new gift idea, read on:

Step 1: Choose Your Model

It can be anything solid enough that liquid can't seep through, and has the potential to be thrown away. Anything that you want the exact shape to come out as. Plastic, clay, soft toys, and metal are all good examples.

Step 2: Find your Box

Pick one that is high enough and wide enough to cover your items. Place them in the box about half to one inch apart. I recommend using cardboard boxes because they are disposable, easy to find, and safe to tear down.

Step 3: Mold It

Start with a base layer that will anchor your items to the box. It doesn't need to be much, just enough to touch the outside of the object, and fall to the bottom so the items stick. When it's dry, flip the box over and make sure the items don't fall out. This is how you know you are ready to go on and place the full layer. It is important not to skip this part because your items may float to the top and not mold correctly. Now place the full layer of liquid silicone. I recommend Cast-A-Mold T25 because it is sold in the half-gallon and gallon quantities. Make sure that the items are covered fully to where you can't see the imprint from the top. Once it dries (Several hours to a day), dig the items out and dispose of them. Now you are ready to Melt and pour.

Step 4: Melt and Pour Soap into Molds

You can use olive, clear, or goat milk melt and pour soap bases to make the body of your soap. Shave it with a razor into pieces so that it melts evenly. Melt in a double boiler pan with water on high heat for about 10 minutes until runny. This is also the time where you add fragrance and color to your soap if you want. Melt and pour soap is great for beginners and kids. There's a soap review by Brown Thumb Mama that explains the difference between the soap bases and their suds value. Fragrance is fun as well. There's pros and cons to using them, and a limit to how much that should go in to avoid skin irritation, though. Brambleberry sells pigment and mica powders that are safe on the skin, has a fragrance calculator, and an article on how to blend oils safely, here:

Pros and Cons of Using Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils:

https://www.brambleberry.com/articles/ingredient-information/art0017-essential-oils-vs-fragrance-oils.html

How to Use the Fragrance Calculator:

https://www.brambleberry.com/articles/tips-and-tricks/art0011-using-fragrance-calculator.html

Blending Oils Safely:

https://www.brambleberry.com/articles/how-to/art0018-blend-essential-oils.html

Step 5: Color and Decorate your Soap

You can paint color onto the top of your soap using mica or pigment powder. Mica powder gives your object a shiny look, while pigment powder gives it a natural look due to the chalk base of it. Using 99% alcohol to make it into a paste helps to start, while adding more alcohol and using a dabbing motion helps to cover larger areas. You can also add a glaze by pouring liquid soap onto the top of your soap and letting it dry.

For a more in-depth instruction and video on how to layer and add items inside your soap, follow me on YouTube and view my course, The Insecur Artist.

Thank you for reading and please leave a tip for my emergency grocery fund!

:)