Melt and pour soap is a great option for crisp and clean layers. This Cinnamon Cocoa Soap tutorial shows you how to create a brown and white design that’s topped with a bit of cocoa powder. It’s scented with new Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil, which is an irresistible mix of nutmeg, coffee, and vanilla. Just tie a rustic ribbon around the bars and they’re ready to gift.

There are a few key tools and techniques to create even layers. The first is patience – it’s important to allow the soap to cool and harden enough to support the next layer. The next is paying attention to temperature – it’s crucial that the soap isn’t too hot when it’s poured or it may melt the layer below. The last is 99% isopropyl alcohol – it needs to be sprayed before each pour to help the layers adhere. We also like to spray it after pouring to get rid of bubbles.

Because of the bakery notes in the Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil, this soap will discolor without Vanilla Color Stabilizer. We added it to the white and brown soap to prevent bleeding in between the layers.

Cinnamon Cocoa Melt & Pour Soap

What You Need:
10″ Silicone Loaf Mold
30 oz. White Melt and Pour Soap Base
20 oz. Honey Melt and Pour Soap Base
0.8 oz. Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil
0.8 oz. Vanilla Color Stabilizer
Brown Oxide Color Block
Cocoa Powder
99% Isopropyl Alcohol in a Spray Bottle
Optional: Crinkle Cutter

Click below to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!

ONE: Chop 30 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base into small uniform pieces. Place the soap into a heat-safe container. Chop 20 ounces of Honey Melt and Pour Soap Base and place into a separate heat-safe container.

TWO: Place the container of white soap into the microwave and melt using 30-60 second bursts. Add 0.4 ounces of Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil and 0.4 ounces of Vanilla Color Stabilizer. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix in.

THREE: To make each layer exactly the same size, place the mold on a scale and pour 10 ounces of white soap into the mold. Spritz the soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow the layer to harden and cool for about 20-30 minutes so it can support the next layer.

FOUR: Once the white layer has cooled and hardened, melt the 20 ounces of Honey Melt and Pour Soap Base in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts. Add chunks of the Brown Oxide Color Block to the melted soap and stir until you have a rich brown color.

FIVE: Add 0.4 ounces of Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil and 0.4 ounces of Vanilla Color Stabilizer. Stir in thoroughly. Allow the soap to cool to 125-130° F so it doesn’t melt the soap below.
NOTE: While this soap is already brown, the Vanilla Color Stabilizer prevents the vanilla discoloration from bleeding into the white layers. 

SIX: Spritz the white layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and place the mold onto a scale. Pour 10 ounces of the brown soap into the mold and spritz with alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow the soap to cool for 20-30 minutes.

SEVEN: Remelt the white soap using 20-30 second bursts and allow it to cool to 125-130° F. Spritz the bottom layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour 10 ounces of white soap into the mold. Spritz the soap with alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow this layer to cool and harden for 20-30 minutes.

EIGHT: Remelt the remaining brown soap using 10-20 second bursts and allow it to cool to about 125-130° F. Spritz the soap in the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining brown soap into the mold. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of bubbles and allow it to cool and harden for 20-30 minutes.

NINE: Remelt the remaining white soap using 10-20 second bursts and allow it to cool to about 125-130° F. Spritz the soap in the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining white soap into the mold. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of bubbles.

TEN: Place a small amount of cocoa powder into a sifter – we used the Powder Duster. Gently tap the sifter to dust the top of the soap with cocoa powder. Once you’re happy with the look, allow the soap to fully cool and harden for about 4 hours or overnight.

ELEVEN: Remove the soap from the mold. Cut the soap into bars with either a non-serrated knife or a crinkle cutter. Which you use just depends on what look you prefer. The non-serrated knife shows off crisp layers, while the crinkle cutter gives extra detail. To prevent glycerin dew, wrap the soap in plastic wrap. Enjoy!

Print

Cinnamon Cocoa Melt & Pour Soap

Melt and pour soap is a great option for crisp and clean layers. This Cinnamon Cocoa Soap tutorial shows you how to create a brown and white design that’s topped with a bit of cocoa powder.

Course Melt and Pour Soap

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours

Servings 50 ounces of soap

Author Bramble Berry

Ingredients

• 10 ″ Silicone Loaf Mold
• 30 oz. White Melt and Pour Soap Base
• 20 oz. Honey Melt and Pour Soap Base
• 0.8 oz. Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil
• 0.8 oz. Vanilla Color Stabilizer
• Brown Oxide Color Block
• Cocoa Powder
• 99 % Isopropyl Alcohol in a Spray Bottle
• Optional: Crinkle Cutter

Instructions

• Chop 30 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base into small uniform pieces. Place the soap into a heat-safe container. Chop 20 ounces of Honey Melt and Pour Soap Base and place into a separate heat-safe container.
• Place the container of white soap into the microwave and melt using 30-60 second bursts. Add 0.4 ounces of Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil and 0.4 ounces of Vanilla Color Stabilizer. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix in.
• To make each layer exactly the same size, place the mold on a scale and pour 10 ounces of white soap into the mold. Spritz the soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow the layer to harden and cool for about 20-30 minutes so it can support the next layer.
• Once the white layer has cooled and hardened, melt the 20 ounces of Honey Melt and Pour Soap Base in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts. Add chunks of the Brown Oxide Color Block to the melted soap and stir until you have a rich brown color.
• Add 0.4 ounces of Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil and 0.4 ounces of Vanilla Color Stabilizer. Stir in thoroughly. Allow the soap to cool to 125-130° F so it doesn’t melt the soap below. NOTE: While this soap is already brown, the Vanilla Color Stabilizer prevents the vanilla discoloration from bleeding into the white layers.
• Spritz the white layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and place the mold onto a scale. Pour 10 ounces of the brown soap into the mold and spritz with alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow the soap to cool for 20-30 minutes.
• Remelt the white soap using 20-30 second bursts and allow it to cool to 125-130° F. Spritz the bottom layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour 10 ounces of white soap into the mold. Spritz the soap with alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow this layer to cool and harden for 20-30 minutes.
• Remelt the remaining brown soap using 10-20 second bursts and allow it to cool to about 125-130° F. Spritz the soap in the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining brown soap into the mold. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of bubbles and allow it to cool and harden for 20-30 minutes.
• Remelt the remaining white soap using 10-20 second bursts and allow it to cool to about 125-130° F. Spritz the soap in the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining white soap into the mold. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of bubbles.
• Place a small amount of cocoa powder into a sifter – we used the Powder Duster. Gently tap the sifter to dust the top of the soap with cocoa powder. Once you’re happy with the look, allow the soap to fully cool and harden for about 4 hours or overnight.
• Remove the soap from the mold. Cut the soap into bars with either a non-serrated knife or a crinkle cutter. Which you use just depends on what look you prefer. The non-serrated knife shows off crisp layers, while the crinkle cutter gives extra detail. To prevent glycerin dew, wrap the soap in plastic wrap. Enjoy!

The post Cinnamon Cocoa Melt & Pour Soap appeared first on Soap Queen.

Spring brings to mind images of sunny skies and colorful blooms. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have a few months to go until that kind of spring happens. Currently, we are experiencing lots of rain and gray skies. But that’s what keeps Washington state so beautiful and green, so no complaints!

This melt and pour project was inspired by spring in the Pacific Northwest – plenty of green and blue and a fresh ozone scent. The colors are created with Kermit Green and Aqua Pearl Mica. To help the micas mix into the soap easier and prevent clumps, mix them with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil gives the soap crisp green scent, with notes of fresh cut grass and light florals.

The key to layering melt and pour is a spray bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol and a thermometer. This soap has seven layers and does require some patience. Spraying the soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol before and after each layer helps the layers stick together and gets rid of bubbles. A thermometer comes in handy to make sure each layer isn’t too hot. If a layer of soap is poured while extremely hot, it will melt the layer below. Learn more tips for layering melt and pour here.

What You’ll Need:
10″ Silicone Loaf Mold
32 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
16 oz. White Melt and Pour Soap Base
Kermit Green Mica
Aqua Pearl Mica
0.6 oz. Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil
99% Isopropyl Alcohol in a Spray Bottle
Recommended: Infrared Thermometer

Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!

COLOR PREP: Add 1/2 teaspoon of the Kermit Green Mica and 1/2 teaspoon of the Aqua Pearl Mica into separate containers. Then, add 1/2 tablespoons of 99% isopropyl alcohol to each container and mix together to get rid of any clumps. Set the colorants aside.

ONE: Chop and melt 16 ounces of the Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts. Once melted, add all of the dispersed Aqua Pearl Mica and stir to fully combine. Add 0.2 ounces of the Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil and stir to fully combine.

TWO: Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol. This helps the soap spread smoothly into the mold. To keep the layers as exact as possible, place the mold on a scale and press the tare button. Pour 8 ounces of the blue soap into the mold and spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles.

THREE: After about 5-10 minutes, test the bottom layer to see if it’s firm enough to support a layer on top. If it has formed a firm skin, chop and melt 16 ounces of the White Melt and Pour Soap Base using 30-60 second bursts. Once completely melted, add 0.2 ounces of Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil and stir to fully incorporate.

FOUR: Check the temperature of the white soap. If it’s poured into the mold while extremely hot, it may melt the layer below. If it’s below 130 ° F, spritz the blue layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol (this helps the layers stick together), and pour 5.3 ounces of the white soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% alcohol to help get rid of bubbles. Allow the layer to harden and cool for about 5-10 minutes.

FIVE: Chop and melt 16 ounces of the Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts. Once melted, add all of the dispersed Kermit Green Mica to the soap and stir to fully combine. Add 0.2 ounces of the Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil and stir to fully combine.

SIX: Test the white layer to make sure it’s firm enough to support the green layer. Test the temperature of the green soap. If the green soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the white soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour 8 ounces of the green soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow to cool and harden for about 5-10 minutes.

SEVEN: Once the green layer has hardened, reheat the white container of soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap. Once the green layer is firm and the white soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the bottom layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour 5.3 ounces of white soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow to cool and harden for about 5-10 minutes.

EIGHT: Once the white layer has hardened, reheat the container of the blue soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap. Once the white layer is firm and the blue soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the bottom layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining 8 ounces of blue soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow to cool and harden for about 5-10 minutes.

NINE: Once the blue layer has hardened, reheat the remaining white soap in the microwave using 10-15 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap. Once the blue layer is firm and the white soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the blue layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining white soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles.

TEN: Once the white layer has hardened, reheat the green container of soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap. Once the white layer is firm and the green soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the bottom layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining 8 ounces of green soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles.

ELEVEN: Allow the soap to fully cool and harden for at least 4-5 hours or up to overnight. The soap needs to be completely cool and hard before it can be unmolded. Once it’s ready, pull away the sides of the mold to break the airlock. Push out the soap from the bottom. Cut the soap into bars and enjoy! Wrap the soap in plastic wrap after unmolding to prevent glycerin dew. Enjoy!

Print

Lily & Rain Melt and Pour Soap Tutorial

These layered melt and pour bars are inspired by spring in the Pacific Northwest!

Course Melt and Pour Soap

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour

Author Soap Queen

Ingredients

• 10 ″ Silicone Loaf Mold
• 32 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
• 16 oz. White Melt and Pour Soap Base
• Kermit Green Mica
• Aqua Pearl Mica
• 0.6 oz. Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil
• 99 % Isopropyl Alcohol in a Spray Bottle
• Recommended: Infrared Thermometer

Instructions

COLOR PREP: Add 1/2 teaspoon of the Kermit Green Mica and 1/2 teaspoon of the Aqua Pearl Mica into separate containers. Then, add 1/2 tablespoons of 99% isopropyl alcohol to each container and mix together to get rid of any clumps. Set the colorants aside.

• Chop and melt 16 ounces of the Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts. Once melted, add all of the dispersed Aqua Pearl Mica and stir to fully combine. Add 0.2 ounces of the Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil and stir to fully combine.
• Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol. This helps the soap spread smoothly into the mold. To keep the layers as exact as possible, place the mold on a scale and press the tare button. Pour 8 ounces of the blue soap into the mold and spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles.
• After about 5-10 minutes, test the bottom layer to see if it’s firm enough to support a layer on top. If it has formed a firm skin, chop and melt 16 ounces of the White Melt and Pour Soap Base using 30-60 second bursts. Once completely melted, add 0.2 ounces of Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil and stir to fully incorporate.
• t’s below 130 ° F, spritz the blue layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol (this helps the layers stick together), and pour 5.3 ounces of the white soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% alcohol to help get rid of bubbles. Allow the layer to harden and cool for about 5-10 minutes.
• Chop and melt 16 ounces of the Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts. Once melted, add all of the dispersed Kermit Green Mica to the soap and stir to fully combine. Add 0.2 ounces of the Amazon Lily & Rain Fragrance Oil and stir to fully combine.
• Test the white layer to make sure it’s firm enough to support the green layer. Test the temperature of the green soap. If the green soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the white soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour 8 ounces of the green soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow to cool and harden for about 5-10 minutes.
• Once the green layer has hardened, reheat the white container of soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap. Once the green layer is firm and the white soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the bottom layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour 5.3 ounces of white soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow to cool and harden for about 5-10 minutes.
• Once the white layer has hardened, reheat the container of the blue soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap. Once the white layer is firm and the blue soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the bottom layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining 8 ounces of blue soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Allow to cool and harden for about 5-10 minutes.
• Once the blue layer has hardened, reheat the remaining white soap in the microwave using 10-15 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap. Once the blue layer is firm and the white soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the blue layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining white soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles.
• Once the white layer has hardened, reheat the green container of soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap. Once the white layer is firm and the green soap is below 130 ° F, spritz the bottom layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the remaining 8 ounces of green soap into the mold. Spritz the top with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of bubbles.
• Allow the soap to fully cool and harden for at least 4-5 hours or up to overnight. The soap needs to be completely cool and hard before it can be unmolded. Once it’s ready, pull away the sides of the mold to break the airlock. Push out the soap from the bottom. Cut the soap into bars and enjoy! Wrap the soap in plastic wrap after unmolding to prevent glycerin dew. Enjoy!

The post Lily & Rain Melt and Pour Soap Tutorial appeared first on Soap Queen.

If you’re looking for a project to delight kids and animal lovers alike, these adorable Animal Melt & Pour Soaps will be perfect. They are made in the new 6 Cavity Kids Animal Silicone Mold, which features six different animals: a cat, dog, monkey, elephant, frog and penguin. Each cavity includes plenty of detail, which gives each critter personality. Filling in the details with various colors of soap help each detail pop. To help in this process, an Injector Tool, Clean Up Tool and a bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol are crucial for this project.

This is a more advanced melt and pour project. It requires an understanding of how melt and pour soap behaves at different temperatures, as well as knowledge of how to layer melt and pour. That being said, you can simplify this project if you like. Simply pouring one color for each soap still results in adorable bars. Simplifying the project makes it a great DIY for kids and beginners. The bars are scented with Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil, which smells like sweet grape soda. It’s perfect for kids who can’t get enough peanut butter and jelly, or sugary candy!

What You’ll Need:
6 Cavity Kids Animal Silicone Mold 
5 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
18 oz. White Melt & Pour Soap Base
7 mL Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil
Brown Oxide Color Block
Black Oxide Color Block
Chrome Green Color Block
Perfect Orange Color Block
Shimmer Buttercup Color Block
Injector Tool
Clean Up Tool
Dropper
99% Isopropyl Alcohol in Spray Bottle

Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!

NOTES & TIPS:

• This project involves a good understanding of how melt and pour soap behaves. If you have never worked with melt and pour before, we recommend you get a few easier recipes under your belt first. Find some great beginners tutorials here.
• This tutorial involves melting and reheating several small containers of soap. If you prefer, you can melt a larger batch of white soap, and split it into separate containers.
• When melting small amounts of soap, use a small, heat safe container. Use short bursts to avoid burning the soap. If the soap burns it can become “gloppy” and difficult to work with, especially with the Injector Tool. Learn more about avoiding burnt melt and pour soap here.
• When working with the Injector Tool, it’s important to have a cup of very hot water nearby during the entire process. If the soap cools and hardens within the tool, it will become clogged. If you feel the soap becoming difficult to push out of the tool, quickly push out the soap and use the hot water to clear the tool.
• To help make the Injector Tool easier to work with, cut a small portion of the tip off. The hole still needs to be very small, but cutting a small amount off helps avoid the soap from hardening in the tool.
• Having a spray bottle filled with 99% isopropyl alcohol nearby for this entire project is key. Spritzing the mold before pouring soap helps the soap to spread into small areas of the mold. Spraying freshly poured soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol gets rid of bubbles, and spraying in between layers helps them stick. If in doubt, spray with 99% isopropyl alcohol! =)
• You may notice that the photos don’t line up perfectly with the instructions. For example, details may not be filled in, when the previous step instructed you to do so. After completely this tutorial, the instructions were written to help make the process easier, with reheating the containers of soap a minimal amount of times.

ONE: Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Perfect Orange Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the face of the cat cavity. Only fill the very “bottom” of the cavity – do not let the soap overflow into the raised eyes or stripe details. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the orange soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.

TWO: Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Chrome Green Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the face of the frog cavity. Only fill the very “bottom” of the cavity – do not let the soap overflow into the raised face details. Fill in the middle of the eyes. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Use some of the green soap to fill in the eyes of the cat and elephant cavities. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the green soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.

THREE: Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Shimmer Buttercup Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the face of the dog cavity. Only fill the very “bottom” of the cavity – do not let the soap overflow into the raised face details. Fill in the ears as well, but leave the raised details uncovered. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the yellow soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.

FOUR: Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Black Oxide Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the elephant cavity. Only fill the very “bottom” of the cavity – do not let the soap overflow into face details. Fill in the ears, as well as the trunk. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the gray soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.

FIVE: Chop and melt 5 ounces of Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base and a chunk of Black Oxide Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz all cavities with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the top portion of the penguin cavity. Do not let the soap cover the face details. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.

NOTE: The black soap is used for a couple different things, and may need to be reheated more than once. To prevent it from burning, slightly more than needed is used. You may have a small amount of black soap leftover. If you’d like, you can use about 3 ounces of soap to not have any leftover. 

SIX: Use the black soap to also fill in the top of the monkey’s head. Then, use the melted black soap to pour a thin layer of soap into the entire cavity of the cat. Make sure the soap is not hotter than 130 ° F or it may melt the soap below. Do not fill the mold up entirely with black soap – it just needs to lightly cover the raised details that were not filled in with the previous layer. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Use the melted black soap to lightly cover the entire cavity of the elephant cavity, frog cavity, and dog cavity. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol after each step. Set remaining black soap aside.

SEVEN: Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Brown Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the monkey cavity. Don’t allow the soap to cover the details of the face. Fill in the ears as well. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the brown soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.

EIGHT: Once the brown soap has cooled (should only take a few minutes), reheat the remaining black soap if necessary using 5 second bursts. Spritz the monkey cavity with 99% isopropyl alcohol and place a very small amount of black soap onto the details of the face. You don’t need to cover the entire mold. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of any bubbles.

EIGHT: Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the penguin mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use white soap to fill in the entire cavity. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles.

NINE: Remelt the remaining yellow, orange, grey, brown and green soap in the microwave using 5 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap since it’s such a small amount. Spritz the cavities of the dog, cat, monkey, elephant and frog with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the soap is not above 130 ° F, or it may melt the layer below. Pour the yellow soap into dog cavity, the orange soap into the cat cavity, the green soap into the frog cavity, the brown soap into the monkey cavity, and the grey soap into the elephant cavity. Spritz with alcohol after each pour to get rid of bubbles.

Allow the soaps to cool and harden for several hours, up to overnight. Once they are completely cooled, remove them from the mold and wrap them in plastic wrap to help prevent glycerin dew. Enjoy!

Print

Animal Melt & Pour Soap Tutorial

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 6 soaps

Author Soap Queen

Ingredients

• 6 Cavity Kids Animal Silicone Mold
• 5 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
• 18 oz. White Melt & Pour Soap Base
• 7 mL Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil
• Brown Oxide Color Block
• Black Oxide Color Block
• Chrome Green Color Block
• Perfect Orange Color Block
• Shimmer Buttercup Color Block
• Injector Tool
• Clean Up Tool
• Dropper
• 99 % Isopropyl Alcohol in Spray Bottle

Instructions

• Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Perfect Orange Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the face of the cat cavity. Only fill the very “bottom” of the cavity – do not let the soap overflow into the raised eyes or stripe details. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the orange soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.
• Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Chrome Green Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the face of the frog cavity. Only fill the very “bottom” of the cavity – do not let the soap overflow into the raised face details. Fill in the middle of the eyes. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Use some of the green soap to fill in the eyes of the cat and elephant cavities. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the green soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.
• Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Shimmer Buttercup Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the face of the dog cavity. Only fill the very “bottom” of the cavity – do not let the soap overflow into the raised face details. Fill in the ears as well, but leave the raised details uncovered. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the yellow soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.
• Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Black Oxide Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the elephant cavity. Only fill the very “bottom” of the cavity – do not let the soap overflow into face details. Fill in the ears, as well as the trunk. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the gray soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.
• Chop and melt 5 ounces of Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base and a chunk of Black Oxide Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz all cavities with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the top portion of the penguin cavity. Do not let the soap cover the face details. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.<br>NOTE: The black soap is used for a couple different things, and may need to be reheated more than once. To prevent it from burning, slightly more than needed is used. You may have a small amount of black soap leftover. If you’d like, you can use about 3 ounces of soap to not have any leftover.
• Use the black soap to also fill in the top of the monkey’s head. Then, use the melted black soap to pour a thin layer of soap into the entire cavity of the cat. Make sure the soap is not hotter than 130 ° F or it may melt the soap below. Do not fill the mold up entirely with black soap – it just needs to lightly cover the raised details that were not filled in with the previous layer. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of bubbles. Use the melted black soap to lightly cover the entire cavity of the elephant cavity, frog cavity, and dog cavity. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol after each step. Set remaining black soap aside.
• Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base and a small chunk of the Brown Color Block in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. Stir to fully incorporate the Color Block, and add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use the Injector Tool to fill in the monkey cavity. Don’t allow the soap to cover the details of the face. Fill in the ears as well. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles. Clear out the Injector Tool with hot water. Set the brown soap aside. Use the Clean Up Tool to fix any mistakes.
• Once the brown soap has cooled (should only take a few minutes), reheat the remaining black soap if necessary using 5 second bursts. Spritz the monkey cavity with 99% isopropyl alcohol and place a very small amount of black soap onto the details of the face. You don’t need to cover the entire mold. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of any bubbles.
• Chop and melt 3 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base in a small, heat safe container using 5-10 second bursts in the microwave. add 1 mL of the Sugared Grape Fragrance Oil. Spritz the penguin mold with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use white soap to fill in the entire cavity. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any bubbles.
• Remelt the remaining yellow, orange, grey, brown and green soap in the microwave using 5 second bursts. Be careful to not scorch the soap since it’s such a small amount. Spritz the cavities of the dog, cat, monkey, elephant and frog with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the soap is not above 130 ° F, or it may melt the layer below. Pour the yellow soap into dog cavity, the orange soap into the cat cavity, the green soap into the frog cavity, the brown soap into the monkey cavity, and the grey soap into the elephant cavity. Spritz with alcohol after each pour to get rid of bubbles.
• Allow the soaps to cool and harden for several hours, up to overnight. Once they are completely cooled, remove them from the mold and wrap them in plastic wrap to help prevent glycerin dew. Enjoy!

The post Animal Melt & Pour Soap Tutorial appeared first on Soap Queen.

Rhubarb is such a distinct scent. As soon as you read the word, you likely remembered the smell right away. For me, the scent makes me think of rhubarb pie. I love it so much I decided to make a Berry Rhubarb Crumble Cold Process Soap with Red Berry Rhubarb Fragrance Oil. That got me thinking – what about a melt and pour version? Thus these Red Berry Melt and Pour Soap Tarts were born!

These tarts are all about the layers. Soap colored with Shimmer Merlot Sparkle Color Block and Shimmer Magenta Color Block is layered into the Silicone Scalloped Round Mold. Then, the soap is topped with a cute magenta embed. It smells delicious from the sweet and tart notes in the Red Berry Rhubarb Fragrance Oil.

Layers do take time and patience (and plenty of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol), so I recommend making these soaps when you have a little time on your hands. Invite a friend or two over to make soap, and enjoy each other’s company while you wait to pour the next layer. I recently made melt and pour soap with a few girlfriends who had never soaped before. It’s a great afternoon project, and it’s so fun to share your craft with those close to you.

What You’ll Need:
Silicone Scalloped Round Mold
Small 9 Ball Silicone Mold
13 oz. Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base
15 oz. Clear Melt & Pour Soap Base
12 mL Red Berry Rhubarb Fragrance Oil
Shimmer Merlot Sparkle Color Block
Shimmer Magenta Color Block
99% Isopropyl Alcohol in Spray Bottle 
Dropper

Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!

ONE: Cut 2 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Soap into small, even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt on 5 second bursts. Using short bursts prevents the soap from burning. Add shavings of the Shimmer Magenta Color Block until you get a rich pink hue.

TWO: Slowly and carefully pour the melted soap into the Small 9 Ball Silicone Mold. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Allow to fully cool and harden. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour. When they’re ready, unmold by pressing on the back of each cavity.

THREE: Cut 13 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Soap into small, even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt on 20 second bursts. Add shavings of the Shimmer Merlot Sparkle Color Block until you get a rich red hue. Add 6 mL of Red Berry Rhubarb and stir to fully incorporate. Pour 1 oz. of the red soap into each cavity and spritz with alcohol to pop any bubbles. You can place the mold on a scale and measure the 1 ounce or just eyeball it. Let the layer cool and harden.

FOUR: Cut 13 oz. of Goat Milk Melt and Pour Soap into small, even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt on 20 second bursts. Add shavings of the Shimmer Magenta Color Block until you get a light pink hue. Add 6 mL of the Red Berry Rhubarb and stir to fully incorporate.

FIVE: Check the temperature of the pink soap. You want it to be around 120-125 ° F otherwise it will melt the red layer below. When it’s the right temperature, spritz the red layer with alcohol to help the layers stick and pour 1 ounce of pink soap into each cavity. Spritz with alcohol again to pop any bubbles. Allow the layer to cool and harden.

SIX: Reheat the red soap if necessary on 5 second bursts. When it’s about 120-125 ° F, spritz the pink layer below to help the layers stick and pour 1 oz. of the red soap into each cavity. Spritz with alcohol again to pop any bubbles.

SEVEN: Reheat the pink soap if necessary on 5 second bursts. When it’s about 120-125 ° F, spritz the red layer below to help the layers stick and pour only .5 oz. of the pink soap into each cavity. The rest of the layer will hold the embed. Spritz with alcohol again to pop any bubbles and allow the layer to cool and harden.

EIGHT: Reheat the rest of the pink soap on 5 second bursts and wait for it to cool to about 120-125 ° F. Spritz the top of the soap and the embed with alcohol and place the embed on the center of the bar.

NINE: Slowly and carefully pour the rest of the pink soap into the cavities. Allow the soap to fully cool and harden overnight. Release the soap from the mold, and wrap in plastic wrap to help avoid glycerin dew.

Print

Red Berry Melt & Pour Soap Tarts

These melt and pour tarts smell sweet and fruity!

Course Melt and Pour Soap

Prep Time 1 hour hour

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 3 hours hours

Servings 6 soaps

Author Soap Queen

Ingredients

• Silicone Scalloped Round Mold
• Small 9 Ball Silicone Mold
• 13 oz. Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base
• 15 oz. Clear Melt & Pour Soap Base
• 12 mL Red Berry Rhubarb Fragrance Oil
• Shimmer Merlot Sparkle Color Block
• Shimmer Magenta Color Block
• 99 % Isopropyl Alcohol in Spray Bottle
• Dropper

Instructions

• Cut 2 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Soap into small, even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt on 5 second bursts. Using short bursts prevents the soap from burning. Add shavings of the Shimmer Magenta Color Block until you get a rich pink hue.
• Slowly and carefully pour the melted soap into the Small 9 Ball Silicone Mold. Spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Allow to fully cool and harden. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour. When they're ready, unmold by pressing on the back of each cavity.
• Cut 13 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Soap into small, even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt on 20 second bursts. Add shavings of the Shimmer Merlot Sparkle Color Block until you get a rich red hue. Add 6 mL of Red Berry Rhubarb and stir to fully incorporate. Pour 1 oz. of the red soap into each cavity and spritz with alcohol to pop any bubbles. You can place the mold on a scale and measure the 1 ounce or just eyeball it. Let the layer cool and harden.
• Cut 13 oz. of Goat Milk Melt and Pour Soap into small, even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt on 20 second bursts. Add shavings of the Shimmer Magenta Color Block until you get a light pink hue. Add 6 mL of the Red Berry Rhubarb and stir to fully incorporate.
• Check the temperature of the pink soap. You want it to be around 120-125 ° F otherwise it will melt the red layer below. When it's the right temperature, spritz the red layer with alcohol to help the layers stick and pour 1 ounce of pink soap into each cavity. Spritz with alcohol again to pop any bubbles. Allow the layer to cool and harden.
• Reheat the red soap if necessary on 5 second bursts. When it's about 120-125 ° F, spritz the pink layer below to help the layers stick and pour 1 oz. of the red soap into each cavity. Spritz with alcohol again to pop any bubbles.
• Reheat the pink soap if necessary on 5 second bursts. When it's about 120-125 ° F, spritz the red layer below to help the layers stick and pour only .5 oz. of the pink soap into each cavity. The rest of the layer will hold the embed. Spritz with alcohol again to pop any bubbles and allow the layer to cool and harden.
• Reheat the rest of the pink soap on 5 second bursts and wait for it to cool to about 120-125 ° F. Spritz the top of the soap and the embed with alcohol and place the embed on the center of the bar.
• Slowly and carefully pour the rest of the pink soap into the cavities. Allow the soap to fully cool and harden overnight. Release the soap from the mold, and wrap in plastic wrap to help avoid glycerin dew.

The post Red Berry Melt & Pour Soap Tart Tutorial appeared first on Soap Queen.

Yesterday was the first official day of summer. Thanks to the sun, my garden and flowers have been growing like crazy. The fresh blooms inspired me to create this Buttercup Melt & Pour Soap. The Mini Daisy Silicone Column Molds create flowers within the bars, and a thin strip of green soap creates a stem. The top is decorated with more yellow flowers and a touch of glitter.

This project is scented with a combination of Sunflower Fragrance Oil and Flower Child Fragrance Oil. The scent combination is a sophisticated floral blend, with notes of jasmine, bergamot and musk. Both fragrances discolor slightly to an ivory/tan. Over time, I found the blue color changed to a slightly more teal hue.

This is an advanced melt and pour project. It involves several layers that require an understanding of melt and pour temperatures. A spray bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol is crucial for this project. Click here to get more tips for layering melt and pour soap. If you haven’t made melt and pour soap before, I would recommend getting a few simpler projects under your belt first.

What You’ll Need:
10″ Silicone Loaf Mold
3 Mini Daisy Silicone Column Molds
48 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Base
25 oz. White Melt and Pour Base
.4 oz. Sunflower Fragrance Oil
.7 oz. Flower Child Fragrance Oil
Buttercup Mica
Caribbean Blue Mica
Kermit Green Mica
Fine Iridescent Glitter
99% Isopropyl Alcohol in Spray Bottle

Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!

[sq_products]

ONE: Chop and melt 15 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base in the microwave using 15-20 second bursts until completely melted. In a small container, mix 1 tsp. Buttercup Mica with 1 Tbs. 99% isopropyl alcohol, stir to fully incorporate. Split off 10 ounces of the melted base into a separate container. Add all of the mica mixture to the 10 ounces of melted soap and stir to combine.

TWO: Place the Mini Daisy Silicone Column Molds into a container to position the molds upright. Pour the yellow soap in two of the three Mini Daisy Silicone Column Molds. Then, pour the remaining 5 ounces of white soap into the third Mini Daisy Silicone Column Mold. Spritz the top of the molds with alcohol to help disperse any bubbles. Allow the soap to fully cool and harden. Watch this video for more information on using the 2-part silicone molds.

THREE: To make the stem, chop and melt 10 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base in the microwave using 15 second bursts. In a small container, mix 1 tsp. Kermit Green Mica with 1 Tbs. 99% isopropyl alcohol and add the mica mixture to the melted soap. Stir to combine. Pour the green soap into the bottom of the 10″ Silicone Loaf Mold, and spritz the top with alcohol to help get rid of any bubbles. Allow the soap to fully cool and harden.

FOUR: Once fully cool, remove the green soap from the mold. Cut the thin layer in half vertically so you have two long strips. I found that my layer was a little bit thicker than I wanted, so I used a peeler to make the layer a little thinner. This step is optional, and will depend on how thick you’d like the stem of the flower to be.

FIVE: Remove the flower embeds from the mold and trim them if necessary. I love using the Clean Up Tool for this step! Cut all three embeds to be the same length as the 10″ Silicone Column Mold. With the leftover embeds, cut them into small, thin flowers. These will go on the top of the soap at the very end.

SIX: Chop and melt 40 ounces of the Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave using 30-45 second bursts. Mix together 1/2 tsp. of the Carribean Blue Mica with 1/2 Tbs. of 99% isopropyl alcohol until smooth. Add the mica mixture to the melted clear soap. Stir to combine.

SEVEN: Mix together the Sunflower and Flower Child Fragrance Oils in a glass, fragrance safe container. Add the fragrance blend to the melted blue soap and stir to fully combine.

EIGHT: Place one of the yellow embeds into the far left corner of the mold, leaving a small amount of space between the side of the mold and the embed. Check the temperature of the blue soap. If it’s hotter than 130° F, allow it to cool to 125° F or below to prevent it from melting the yellow embed. Spritz the mold and embed with alcohol to help the embed adhere, then pour a thin layer of the blue soap into the mold until it almost covers the yellow embed. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of any bubbles.

NINE: Allow the blue soap to cool slightly until it forms a skin. Then, insert one piece of green soap upright in the opposite side of the mold. You may need to hold the green soap in place for a few minutes to allow the blue soap to harden enough to stabilize the green embed.

TEN: Once the green layer is stable, spritz the soap with the 99% isopropyl alcohol to help the layers stick and pour more blue soap into the mold. Continue to pour until you have covered the first yellow flower embed, and pour a little extra create a layer in between the second flower embed. Allow this soap to cool and form a skin. Once cooled slightly, spritz with alcohol and pour a small amount of blue on top, then lay the white flower embed near the center of the mold.

Allowing the blue soap to harden slightly will keep the soap from falling down into the mold. Pouring a little bit of melted soap before placing the white embed helps the white soap stay in place.

ELEVEN: Remelt the remaining blue soap in the microwave using short bursts. When it’s 130° F or below, thoroughly spritz the top with alcohol and pour the remaining blue soap over the entire mold, making sure to fill in the various areas evenly. Place the yellow flower embed directly on top of the green stem embed. Spritz the top with alcohol to disperse bubbles.

TWELVE: Once the top has cooled and formed a skin, spritz with alcohol and place the small yellow flower pieces on top. Chop and melt 8 ounces of Clear Melt and Pour Base in the microwave using 15 second bursts. Once melted, add a pinch of iridescent glitter until you’re happy with the amount of sparkle.

THIRTEEN: Spritz the soap again with alcohol, and when the clear and sparkly soap is 130° F or below, pour it on top of the entire mold. Spritz with alcohol to remove bubbles, and allow the entire loaf to fully cool and harden. This can take about 4-6 hours.

Once cooled, cut into bars. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap to help prevent glycerin dew. Learn more about storing handmade products here.

[expand title=”Click to View the Recipe”]

Print

Buttercup Melt & Pour Soap DIY

This Buttercup Melt and Pour uses daisy shaped embeds to create a floral bar of soap.

Course Melt and Pour Soap

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours

Servings 3 -4 pounds of soap

Author Soap Queen

Ingredients

• 10 ″ Silicone Loaf Mold
• 3 Mini Daisy Silicone Column Molds
• 48 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Base
• 25 oz. White Melt and Pour Base
• .4 oz. Sunflower Fragrance Oil
• .7 oz. Flower Child Fragrance Oil
• Buttercup Mica
• Caribbean Blue Mica
• Kermit Green Mica
• Fine Iridescent Glitter
• 99 % Isopropyl Alcohol in Spray Bottle

Instructions

• Chop and melt 15 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base in the microwave using 15-20 second bursts until completely melted. In a small container, mix 1 tsp. Buttercup Mica with 1 Tbs. 99% isopropyl alcohol, stir to fully incorporate. Split off 10 ounces of the melted base into a separate container. Add all of the mica mixture to the 10 ounces of melted soap and stir to combine.
• Place the Mini Daisy Silicone Column Molds into a container to position the molds upright. Pour the yellow soap in two of the three Mini Daisy Silicone Column Molds. Then, pour the remaining 5 ounces of white soap into the third Mini Daisy Silicone Column Mold. Spritz the top of the molds with alcohol to help disperse any bubbles. Allow the soap to fully cool and harden.
• To make the stem, chop and melt 10 ounces of White Melt and Pour Soap Base in the microwave using 15 second bursts. In a small container, mix 1 tsp. Kermit Green Mica with 1 Tbs. 99% isopropyl alcohol and add the mica mixture to the melted soap. Stir to combine. Pour the green soap into the bottom of the 10″ Silicone Loaf Mold, and spritz the top with alcohol to help get rid of any bubbles. Allow the soap to fully cool and harden.
• Once fully cool, remove the green soap from the mold. Cut the thin layer in half vertically so you have two long strips. I found that my layer was a little bit thicker than I wanted, so I used a peeler to make the layer a little thinner. This step is optional, and will depend on how thick you'd like the stem of the flower to be.
• Remove the flower embeds from the mold and trim them if necessary. I love using the Clean Up Tool for this step! Cut all three embeds to be the same length as the 10" Silicone Column Mold. With the leftover embeds, cut them into small, thin flowers. These will go on the top of the soap at the very end.
• Chop and melt 40 ounces of the Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave using 30-45 second bursts. Mix together 1/2 tsp. of the Carribean Blue Mica with 1/2 Tbs. of 99% isopropyl alcohol until smooth. Add the mica mixture to the melted clear soap. Stir to combine.
• Mix together the Sunflower and Flower Child Fragrance Oils in a glass, fragrance safe container. Add the fragrance blend to the melted blue soap and stir to fully combine.
• Place one of the yellow embeds into the far left corner of the mold, leaving a small amount of space between the side of the mold and the embed. Check the temperature of the blue soap. If it's hotter than 130° F, allow it to cool to 125° F or below to prevent it from melting the yellow embed. Spritz the mold and embed with alcohol to help the embed adhere, then pour a thin layer of the blue soap into the mold until it almost covers the yellow embed. Spritz with alcohol to get rid of any bubbles.
• Allow the blue soap to cool slightly and form a skin. Then insert one piece of green soap upright in the opposite side of the mold. You may need to hold the green soap in place for a few minutes to allow the blue soap to harden enough to stabilize the green embed.
• Once the green layer is stable, spritz the soap with the 99% isopropyl alcohol to help the layers stick and pour more blue soap into the mold. Continue to pour until you have covered the first yellow flower embed, and pour a little extra create a layer in between the second flower embed. Allow this soap to cool and form a skin. Once cooled slightly, spritz with alcohol and pour a small amount of blue on top, then lay the white flower embed near the center of the mold. Allowing the blue soap to harden slightly will keep the soap from falling down into the mold. Pouring a little bit of melted soap before placing the white embed will help the white soap “stick."
• Remelt the remaining blue soap in the microwave using short bursts. When it's 130° F or below, thoroughly spritz the top with alcohol and pour the remaining blue soap over the entire mold, making sure to fill in the various areas evenly. Place the yellow flower embed directly on top of the green stem embed. Spritz the top with alcohol to disperse bubbles.
• Once the top has cooled and formed a skin, spritz with alcohol and place the small yellow flower pieces on top. Chop and melt 8 ounces of Clear Melt and Pour Base in the microwave using 15 second bursts. Once melted, add a pinch of iridescent glitter until you’re happy with the amount of sparkle.
• Spritz the soap again with alcohol, and when the clear and sparkly soap is 130° F or below, pour it on top of the entire mold. Spritz with alcohol to remove bubbles, and allow the entire loaf to fully cool and harden. This can take about 4-6 hours. Once cooled, cut into bars. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap to help prevent glycerin dew.

[/expand]

The post Buttercup Melt & Pour Soap DIY appeared first on Soap Queen.

While melt and pour can’t swirl quite like cold process can, melt and pour can create extremely clean and straight layers. Because melt and pour soap cools quickly, you can wait for the soap to completely harden before pouring the next layer. This prevents the top layer from breaking through to the bottom, which is easy to do in cold process soap. Creating layers with melt and pour soap takes a little patience and a little practice. Below are my top five tips for creating layered creations in melt and pour soap.

Melt and pour creates clean layers in the Rose Gold & Charcoal Heart Melt and Pour Soap. 

It’s All About Temperature!
With melt and pour soap, temperature is key. Melt and pour begins to melt around 120-125 ° F. When pouring layers, it’s crucial that the top layer is not too hot or it will melt the soap below. Make sure that the top layer has cooled to 125 ° F or below before pouring. Because temperature is so important, I recommend investing in an infrared thermometer for more layered melt and pour projects.

If the top layer is too hot, it will melt and layer below. Always allow it to cool before pouring! 

Patience is a Virtue
It’s important that the top layer of soap is not hot enough to melt and bottom layer. It’s also important to let the bottom layer cool and harden enough to support soap on top. If it is too soft, the top layer will fall through to the bottom, no matter how much the top layer has cooled. As the bottom layer cools and hardens, it will develop a skin. To test the thickness and strength of the skin, I like to lightly blow on the bottom layer. If you can see any rippling in the soap, it needs more time to cool and harden before pouring the top layer. This tip does get a little complicated, because waiting too long to pour the next layer can cause the layers to separate. I recommend not waiting more than 90 minutes (max) to pour the top layer of soap.

Allow the soap below to become cool and firm enough to support the layer on top, as shown in the Neon Geometric Melt and Pour Tutorial.

Rubbing/Isopropyl Alcohol is Key
A spray bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol is a must when making melt and pour soap. A light spritz helps get rid of air bubbles after pouring. Spritzing alcohol immediately before pouring your top layer really helps “glue” the two layers together. You can use alcohol with a different percentage (ex: 70% isopropyl alcohol), but I have found 99% isopropyl alcohol to produce the best results.

Be careful to not spray too much! Spraying too much alcohol can have the opposite effect, and may cause the layers to separate once cut. I like to use a bottle that has a fine mist, like these bottles. Just a few spritzes does the trick. Be sure to not wait too long after spraying, or the alcohol will evaporate before you pour the next layer. Click here to learn more about 99% isopropyl alcohol in soapmaking.

Isopropyl alcohol is key to eliminating bubbles, and to help layers stick together. I like to put it in the 8 oz. Bottles with a Spray Top for a fine mist. 

Allow it to Fully Cool
If you begin cutting the soap before it is fully cool and hard, the layers are more likely to separate. I know it’s hard to wait, but I really recommend allowing your loaf to fully cool and harden before cutting. Depending on the size of your project, this could take several hours. But believe me, it’s worth the wait!

Grab a Sharp Knife
Interestingly, I have found that a sharp knife really helps the layers stick together when cutting into bars. The more dull the knife is, the more likely the layers are to separate. In addition, I have tried laying the soap on the side and cutting that way (rather than from the top down) helps layers stick together better.

What’s your favorite tip for layering melt and pour? Check out the Soap Queen TV video above for more information on layering melt and pour. =) It’s an oldie but a goodie! Then checkout the melt and pour archive for lots of layered melt and pour tutorials. 

The post 5 Tips for Layering Melt and Pour Soap appeared first on Soap Queen.

I love making soap with vibrant color, sparkle and embeds. For instance, the Honey Bee Funnel Pour Cold Process Soap or the Rainbow Hearts Melt & Pour. However, it’s nice to switch it up every now and then and make a rustic, simple-looking soap. These Rustic Desert Melt and Pour Bars are striking, simple and have exfoliants in them to help with rough summer skin.

The soap is decorated with crushed grape seeds, strawberry seeds and shredded loofah, which are part of the Exfoliant Sampler Pack. The layer with crushed grape seeds also has a little bit of Desert Red Mica to create a dark and slightly shimmery red hue. The exfoliants in the bars make them very scrubby. They are ideal for scrubbing off dirt and grime from summer activities like gardening. For a fresh and clean smell to go with the rustic theme, Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil is added.

Because the bars are so scrubby, they are perfect for use on the body and rough areas, like the bottom of feet. They may be a bit too harsh for use on the face. If you’d like to use these bars on your face, you can decrease the amount of exfoliants used, or use finer-grained exfoliants like pumice. Learn about which exfoliants to use in the All About Exfoliants post.

What You’ll Need:
45 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
 1.5 tsp. Crushed Grape Seeds
.5 tsp. Strawberry Seeds
.75 tsp. Shredded Loofah
Desert Red Mica
Liquid Blue Colorant
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
1.2 oz. Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil (0.3 oz. in each layer)
Tall 12″ Silicone Loaf Mold
Crinkle Cutter

Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!

COLOR PREP: Disperse 1 teaspoon of Desert Red Mica into 1 tablespoon 99% isopropyl alcohol. Use a mini mixer to get the clumps of color worked out smoothly. This is an optional step. You can add the mica directly to the melted soap. We dispersed it so it would mix in easily and prevent any clumping.

ONE: Cut 22.5 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Base into small even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt in the microwave using 30 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Using short bursts prevents the soap from scorching. Read more about burnt melt and pour and how to prevent it here.

TWO: Add 0.6 oz. of Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil and stir well.

THREE: Add 1.5 tsp. crushed grape seeds and 1 tsp. of dispersed Desert Red Mica. Mix until the exfoliant and color are incorporated, and there are no large clumps of crushed grape seeds.

FOUR: Check the temperature. You want the soap to be around 125-130 °F so it is thick enough to suspend the grape seeds. When it’s the correct temperature, pour half (11.3 oz.) of the soap into the mold. You can use a scale, or just eyeball it. Spritz with alcohol to disperse any bubbles, and let the soap fully cool and harden.
FIVE: Cut 11.3 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Base into small even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt in the microwave using 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Using short bursts keeps the soap from scorching. Add 0.3 oz. of Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil and stir to fully incorporate.

SIX: Apply a very tiny drop of Liquid Blue Colorant on the back of a spoon and mix it into the soap. This is called the “bluing” technique. It will not color the soap blue. Instead, helps make the soap more clear. Learn more about the technique in the Embedding Toys in Soap video on Soap Queen TV.

SEVEN: Add .5 tsp. of strawberry seeds and mix well. Mix until the soap is around 125-130 °F so it suspends the strawberry seeds and won’t melt the layer below. Spritz the grape seed layer with alcohol to help the layers adhere, and carefully pour the soap on top. Spritz with alcohol again to disperse any bubbles and let the layer fully cool and harden.
EIGHT: Reheat the crushed grape seed soap on 15 second bursts until it’s fully melted, stirring between each burst. Be careful not to burn the soap! When the soap is around 125-130 °F, spritz the strawberry seed layer with alcohol to help the layers adhere and gently pour the rest of the soap in the mold. Spritz with alcohol again and let the layer fully cool and harden.

NINE: Cut 11.3 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Base into small even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt in the microwave using 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Using short bursts prevents the soap from scorching. Add 0.3 oz. of Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil and stir well. Apply a very tiny drop of Liquid Blue Colorant on the back of a spoon and mix it into the soap.

TEN: Mix in .75 tsp. of shredded loofah. Stir until the soap is around 125-130 °F so it suspends the loofah and doesn’t melt the layer below. Spritz the grape seed layer with alcohol to help the layers adhere and gently pour the soap in the mold. Spritz with alcohol again to disperse any bubbles.
ELEVEN: Allow the soap to fully cool and harden and then cut it into bars. We used a crinkle cutter to get a fun shape and lessen the appearance of drag marks. Enjoy!

What additives do you like to use in soap?

Print

Rustic Desert Melt & Pour Bars

These Rustic Desert Melt and Pour Bars are perfect for scrubbing off dirt and grime!

Course Melt and Pour

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours

Author Soap Queen

Ingredients

• 45 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
• 1.5 tsp. Crushed Grape Seeds
• 1/2 tsp. Strawberry Seeds
• 3/4 tsp. Shredded Loofah
• Desert Red Mica
• Liquid Blue Colorant
• 99 % Isopropyl Alcohol
• 1.2 oz. Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil 0.3 oz. in each layer
• Tall 12″ Silicone Loaf Mold
• Crinkle Cutter

Instructions

COLOR PREP: Disperse 1 teaspoon of Desert Red Mica into 1 tablespoon 99% isopropyl alcohol. Use a mini mixer to get the clumps of color worked out smoothly. This is an optional step. You can add the mica directly to the melted soap. We dispersed it so it would mix in easily and prevent any clumping.

• Cut 22.5 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Base into small even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt in the microwave using 30 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Using short bursts prevents the soap from scorching.
• Add 0.6 oz. of Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil and stir well.
• Add 1.5 tsp. crushed grape seeds and 1 tsp. of dispersed Desert Red Mica. Mix until the exfoliant and color are incorporated, and there are no large clumps of crushed grape seeds.
• Check the temperature. You want the soap to be around 125-130 °F so it is thick enough to suspend the grape seeds. When it’s the correct temperature, pour half (11.3 oz.) of the soap into the mold. You can use a scale, or just eyeball it. Spritz with alcohol to disperse any bubbles, and let the soap fully cool and harden.
• Cut 11.3 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Base into small even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt in the microwave using 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Using short bursts keeps the soap from scorching. Add 0.3 oz. of Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil and stir to fully incorporate.
• Apply a very tiny drop of Liquid Blue Colorant on the back of a spoon and mix it into the soap. This is called the “bluing” technique. It will not color the soap blue. Instead, helps make the soap more clear.
• Add .5 tsp. of strawberry seeds and mix well. Mix until the soap is around 125-130 °F so it suspends the strawberry seeds and won’t melt the layer below. Spritz the grape seed layer with alcohol to help the layers adhere, and carefully pour the soap on top. Spritz with alcohol again to disperse any bubbles and let the layer fully cool and harden.
• Reheat the crushed grape seed soap on 15 second bursts until it’s fully melted, stirring between each burst. Be careful not to burn the soap! When the soap is around 125-130 °F, spritz the strawberry seed layer with alcohol to help the layers adhere and gently pour the rest of the soap in the mold. Spritz with alcohol again and let the layer fully cool and harden.
• Cut 11.3 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour Base into small even pieces. Place the soap in a heat-safe container and melt in the microwave using 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Using short bursts prevents the soap from scorching. Add 0.3 oz. of Fresh Bamboo Fragrance Oil and stir well. Apply a very tiny drop of Liquid Blue Colorant on the back of a spoon and mix it into the soap.
• Mix in .75 tsp. of shredded loofah. Stir until the soap is around 125-130 °F so it suspends the loofah and doesn’t melt the layer below. Spritz the grape seed layer with alcohol to help the layers adhere and gently pour the soap in the mold. Spritz with alcohol again to disperse any bubbles.
• Allow the soap to fully cool and harden and then cut it into bars. We used a crinkle cutter to get a fun shape and lessen the appearance of drag marks. Enjoy!

The post Rustic Desert Melt & Pour Bars appeared first on Soap Queen.

The key to this project is 99% isopropyl alcohol; spraying the soap with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol before pouring each layer helps the layers adhere to each other. Without this step, you may find yourself with five separate pieces of soap…no fun! We recommend pouring the alcohol into a spray bottle (such as the 8 oz. bottles with spray top) with a fine mist spray for ease of use. For more information on how to create melt and pour layers, check out this Soap Queen TV video.

Love the adorable packaging in the photo above? The label for this project, along with several upcoming tutorials are available for download here. Simply download the PDF, print on sturdy paper, and seal with shrink wrap.

What You’ll Need:
25 oz. Clear Melt and Pour
25 oz. Shea Melt and Pour
3 mL Peppermint Essential Oil, 1st Distill.
3 mL Rosemary Essential Oil
1.5 tsp. Poppy Seeds
Green Zeolite Clay
Activated Charcoal
Spirulina Powder
10″ Silicone Loaf Mold
99% Isopropyl Alcohol in Spray Bottle

Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!

COLOR PREP: Disperse .5 teaspoon activated charcoal in .5 tablespoon 99% isopropyl alcohol. In a separate container, disperse 1 teaspoon green zeolite clay in 1 tablespoon 99% isopropyl alcohol. In another container, disperse 1 teaspoon spirulina powder in 1 tablespoon 99% isopropyl alcohol. Use a mini mixer to get clumps worked out smoothly.

ONE: Cut and melt 20 oz. clear melt and pour base in the microwave using 20 second bursts. Once thoroughly melted, add the dispersed activated charcoal and mix thoroughly with a spoon to combine. 
TWO: Add 3 mL Peppermint 1st Distill. into the black soap, and stir to completely incorporate. 
THREE: Pour half of the black soap (10 oz.) into the mold. To keep the layers extremely even, place the mold on a scale first and hit the “tare” button. Then pour exactly 10 oz. of black soap into the mold. Spray with 99% isopropyl alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Set remaining soap aside, and allow the soap in the mold to cool and harden. 

FOUR: Once the first layer is nearly hardened, cut and melt 20 oz. shea melt and pour base in the microwave using 20 second bursts. Once fully melted, add poppy seeds and stir to incorporate. 
FIVE: Add 3 mL Rosemary Essential Oil, and stir to fully combine. 
SIX: Once the white soap is no hotter than 125° F, spray the first layer of black soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol to help the layers adhere. Pour half of the white soap (10 oz.) into the mold and spray with alcohol to disperse any bubbles. If you’d like to be exact, place the mold on a scale first. Set the remaining white soap aside, and allow white layer to cool and harden. 
SEVEN: Cut and melt 5 oz. shea melt and pour and 5 oz. clear melt and pour in the microwave using 20 second bursts. Add the dispersed green zeolite clay and spirulina powder, and stir to completely combine. Allow the soap to cool slightly.
EIGHT: Once the soap is no hotter than 120° F, spray the white layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the green soap into the mold. Pouring the green soap while at a cooler temperature helps ensure it does not melt the layer below, and helps the clay and spirulina powder to evenly suspend within the layer. Spray the green soap with alcohol to disperse any bubbles. 
NINE: Remelt the remaining white soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Spray the green layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol, and pour the remaining white soap into the mold and spray with alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Allow the white layer to cool and harden. 
TEN: Remelt the remaining black soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Spray the white layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol, and pour the remaining black soap into the mold. Spray with alcohol to disperse any bubbles, and allow the soap to fully cool and harden. Cutting into the bar before it has completely cooled increases the risk of layers separating, so patience is important!

What are your favorite natural colorants? I love the rich black that activated charcoal gives, but be careful to not use to much or it can stain washcloths!

Print

Minty Clay Melt & Pour Bar

Natural colorants such as activated charcoal, green zeolite clay and spirulina powder create eye-catching contrast in this melt and pour bar!

Course Melt and Pour

Cook Time 3 hours hours

Total Time 3 hours hours

Ingredients

• 25 oz. Clear Melt and Pour
• 25 oz. Shea Melt and Pour
• 3 mL Peppermint Essential Oil 1st Distill.
• 3 mL Rosemary Essential Oil
• 1.5 tsp. Poppy Seeds
• Green Zeolite Clay
• Activated Charcoal
• Spirulina Powder
• 10 ″ Silicone Loaf Mold
• Optional: 99% Isopropyl Alcohol

Instructions

• COLOR PREP: Disperse .5 teaspoon activated charcoal in .5 tablespoon 99% isopropyl alcohol. In a separate container, disperse 1 teaspoon green zeolite clay in 1 tablsepoon 99% isopropyl alcohol. In another container, disperse 1 teaspoon spirulina powder in 1 tablespoon 99% isopropyl alcohol. Use a mini mixer to get clumps worked out smoothly.
• Cut and melt 20 oz. clear melt and pour base in the microwave using 20 second bursts. Once thoroughly melted, add the dispersed activated charcoal and mix thoroughly with a spoon to combine.
• Add 3 mL Peppermint 1st Distill. into the black soap, and stir to completely incorporate.
• Pour half of the black soap (10 oz.) into the mold. To keep the layers extremely even, place the mold on a scale first and hit the “tare” button. Then pour exactly 10 oz. of black soap into the mold. Spray with 99% isopropyl alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Set remaining soap aside, and allow the soap in the mold to cool and harden.
• Once the first layer is nearly hardened, cut and melt 20 oz. shea melt and pour base in the microwave using 20 second bursts. Once fully melted, add poppy seeds and stir to incorporate.
• Add 3 mL Rosemary Essential Oil, and stir to fully combine.
• Once the white soap is no hotter than 125° F, spray the first layer of black soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol to help the layers adhere. Pour half of the white soap (10 oz.) into the mold and spray with alcohol to disperse any bubbles. If you’d like to be exact, place the mold on a scale first. Set the remaining white soap aside, and allow white layer to cool and harden.
• Cut and melt 5 oz. shea melt and pour and 5 oz. clear melt and pour in the microwave using 20 second bursts. Add the dispersed green zeolite clay and spirulina powder, and stir to completely combine. Allow the soap to cool slightly.
• Once the soap is no hotter than 120° F, spray the white layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour the green soap into the mold. Pouring the green soap while at a cooler temperature helps ensure it does not melt the layer below, and helps the clay and spirulina powder to evenly suspend within the layer. Spray the green soap with alcohol to disperse any bubbles.
• Remelt the remaining white soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Spray the green layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol, and pour the remaining white soap into the mold and spray with alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Allow the white layer to cool and harden.
• Remelt the remaining black soap in the microwave using 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Spray the white layer with 99% isopropyl alcohol, and pour the remaining black soap into the mold. Spray with alcohol to disperse any bubbles, and allow the soap to fully cool and harden. Cutting into the bar before it has completely cooled increases the risk of layers separating, so patience is important!

The post Minty Clay Melt & Pour Bar appeared first on Soap Queen.

Continuing the celebration of all things summer is the Orange Blossom Layered Candle Tutorial. This cute candle is scented with Orange Blossom (Candle and Soap) Fragrance and screams summer. The tutorial also includes some FAQs about the candle-making process.

Scent can make your house smell like summer, and also help your mood. These Aromatherapy Shower Fizzies are scented with several essential oil blends that calm you down or perk you up in the morning. These shower fizzies are like bath fizzies – except you toss them into the bottom of your shower to let the scent waft up and envelop you in its aromatherapy goodness.

Okay, I admit it – soap was still in the mix! This Lemon Poppy Seed Cold Process Tutorial features a beautiful mica line and poppy seeds for gentle exfoliation. It smells crisp, clean and bubbly thanks to a combination of Lemon Verbena Yankee Type Fragrance Oil and Champagne Fragrance Oil. Yum!

In the midst of all the tutorials, our team took a break to get outside and give back in this Sunnyland Elementary Garden Field Trip. Did you know that Bramble Berry supports many worthy non-profits every year? One of them is Common Threads Farm, a Washington-based organization focusing on food literacy, youth empowerment and environmental stewardship. Common Threads brings gardens to schools and community spaces, like Sunnyland Elementary in Bellingham.

This week’s Facebook Photo of the Week from Heather with Beautiful Soaps is reminiscent of a garden with gorgeous brown, red, and yellow colors. It’s accented with glitter and scented with Dragon’s Blood Fragrance Oil for an alluring scent with notes of amber, incense and rose.

Heather used a hanger swirl to get the beautiful lines in her cold process recipe. If you’d like to learn how to do a hanger swirl, you’ll love the Tiger Stripe “Hanger” Swirl Tutorial.

Shown above (top, clockwise) is Heather’s Opium Type Layer Soap, Raspberry Patchouli Soap, and Black Raspberry Vanilla Soap. If you’d like to try your hand at some eye-catching layers, check out this Sunset Ombre Cold Process Soap. Beautiful layers are also possible with melt and pour soap, as seen in this Violet Glitter Gradient Soap.

Find Heather’s Beautiful Soaps:

On Etsy
On Facebook

Post pictures of your crafty creations on the Facebook page each week for a chance to be featured on the Soap Queen blog and receive a sweet soapy package from Bramble Berry. Photos are chosen based on consensus from the Bramble Berry staff, so the best way to increase your chances of winning is to show us lots of photos!

The post Facebook Photo of the Week (Aug. 2nd ~ Aug. 8th) appeared first on Soap Queen.

A look at a 2014 Soap Guild session. The conference rooms were packed for the 3 day conference, which was held May 20 – 22 in Tucson, Arizona.

We also shared a tutorial featuring a sweet mold. Featuring the new Doughnut Half Mold, these adorable Strawberry and Vanilla Melt and Pour Doughnuts are a great project for those who love treats. Scented with Vanilla Select and Strawberry Fragrance Oil, these doughnuts look and smell realistic.

If you love the look of these doughnut soaps, you have the opportunity to win the new Doughnut Half Mold, along with four new fragrance oils and the 13# Stainless Steel Scale. To enter, leave a comment on the Resolution Check In post by Tuesday, June 10, 2014, and let us know about your New Year’s resolution progress.

Many of your New Year’s resolutions involved exercising more, and eating more fruits and vegetables. Our Facebook Photo of the Week from Hilary of Slice of Delight was clearly inspired by summery fruits. Made with poppy seeds and scented with a fresh strawberry scent, Hilary’s melt & pour Strawberry Kiwi Poppyseed Soap is full of color and texture.

Embedding additives can be a little tricky, because getting the temperature just right is key. If you’d like some tips on how to embed with melt and pour, check out this Soap Queen TV Video: Embedding in Soap. If you are looking for more embed melt and pour inspiration, the Carnation Cube Cuties Tutorial uses jojoba beads to add gentle exfoliation.

Shown above (top left, clockwise) are Hilary’s Black Raspberry & Vanilla Soap, Spiced Mahogany Soap, Yuzu Soap, and the fun and colorful Land of Sweets Confetti Soap. If you love the look of “confetti soap,” the Cherry Blossom Glitter Tutorial shows you how easy it is to achieve a similar look in cold process.

Find A Slice of Delight Handcrafted Soaps:

On the web
On Facebook

Post pictures of your crafty creations on the Facebook page each week for a chance to be featured on the Soap Queen blog and receive a sweet soapy package from Bramble Berry. Photos are chosen based on consensus from the Bramble Berry staff, so the best way to increase your chances of winning is to show us lots of photos!

The post Facebook Photo of the Week (May 31st~June 6th) appeared first on Soap Queen.