Mica Archives - Page 6 of 11

It’s Soaping Cats and Dogs

September 2, 2010 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

You’ll never believe how quick and easy this project is. Bramble Berry’s new lidded mold offers a simple way to make cute soaps and in a hurry (with no packaging required). And for the super cute touch? I embedded the hottest back to school trend: Shaped Rubber Bands. You can get the rubber bands at Bramble Berry.com and pick between the Cats and Dogs, Princess or Sea Creatures.

Ingredients

24 ounces of Clear Melt and Pour

Get everything you need in the click of a button!

ONE: Melt 24 ounces of clear melt and pour soap base. Pour a super thin layer (about 1/8″) into the bottom of the lidded mold. Liberally spritz your rubber band with rubbing alcohol and drop it into the melted soap. Let the layer harden and cool and repeat with your other molds and rubber bads.

TWO: Now the fun part. Add the Yuzu Fragrance Oil to the rest of your clear melted soap (you should have about 20 ounces left) and mix well. Then add your colorants. Once the soap has cooled to 125 degrees, pour the second layer. I had fun with mine using the embedding and swirling techniques. TIP: Make sure that you spritz the clear layer of soap before pouring the colored layer.

THREE: Once the soap has cooled. Pop on the lids and they’re done and ready to travel, sell, sample, or give away!

Strawberry Pie Soap Tutorial

August 26, 2010 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

For those of you who missed Soap Weekend Intensive 2010, here’s an exclusive peek at one of the creative projects that was taught by Erin Pikor, of Naiad Soap Arts – Summer Strawberry Pie!

Love pie? Now you can bathe with it! Learn how to make adorable Strawberry Pie Soap.

Ingredients

White Melt & Pour Soap Base

Clear Melt & Pour Soap Base

Perfect Red Color Block

Strawberry Fragrance oil

Almond Biscotti Fragrance oil

Tools

Silicone Brownie Pan

Crinkle Cutter
Daisy Cookie Cutter

OR get everything you need in the click of a button below!

ONE: To create the “strawberries” for our pie, make a deep pink color with 8 oz white m&p soap base and the Perfect Red Color Block. Mix well and pour the soap into the silicone tray mold. Once the soap is set-up, remove from the mold and cut the soap into small, irregular chunks with the crinkle cutter. Set the pink soap chunks aside for use later.

TWO: Now it’s time to make our “pie crust”. For a warm toasty crust color, melt 8 oz. white m&p soap base and mix in 6 to 8 drops liquid yellow oxide, and 2 to 3 drops liquid brown oxide. Mix well and pour the soap into the silicone tray mold. Let cool and remove the soap from the tray mold. Use your crinkle cutter to cut the soap into diagonal strips and set aside.

THREE: Before we start embedding, lay out your strips (on a clean cutting surface) in a criss cross lattice pattern. This is is how we’re going to embed them in the soap.

FOUR: Melt 16 ounces clear m&p soap and cool to 120 degrees. Pour a shallow layer into the brownie pan and work quickly to layer in your first layer of toasty strips, being sure to spray frequently with rubbing alcohol. Pour another thin layer of clear soap and add the rest of your strips in the opposite direction, making a criss-cross pattern. You only end up using about 4 ounces of the soap.

FIVE: With your remaining 12 ounces of clear soap add Merlot Mica and Strawberry Seeds. Mix well then scent with a blend of Strawberry and Almond Biscotti fragrance (we used 4 parts Strawberry and 1 part Almond Biscotti but get creative and use any ratio that you want).

SIX: Spray the lattice with rubbing alcohol and pour half of your Strawberry soap. Then generously sprinkle your pink soap chunks in (spraying everything furiously with rubbing alcohol). Then pour the remaining strawberry soap over the top. It’s o.k. if a few pieces are sticking out.

SEVEN: Once your soap is completely set-up, pop out of the mold and cut into little pieces with the daisy cutter. Or use your crinkle cutter to cut into rectangles like the picture at the top. Hurrah! Cute soap!

A big thank you to Erin for teaching this fabulous class and allowing us to blog her fabulously delicious project!

Strawberry Pie Soap Tutorial

Love pie? Now you can bathe with it! Learn how to make adorable Strawberry Pie Soap.

Author: Soap Queen

Recipe type: Melt and Pour

Ingredients

White Melt & Pour Soap Base
Clear Melt & Pour Soap Base
Perfect Red Color Block
Merlot Mica
Liquid Yellow Oxide
Liquid Brown Oxide
Strawberry Seeds
Strawberry Fragrance oil
Almond Biscotti Fragrance oil
Tools
Silicone Brownie Pan
Crinkle Cutter
Daisy Cookie Cutter

Instructions

To create the “strawberries” for our pie, make a deep pink color with 8 oz white m&p soap base and the Perfect Red Color Block. Mix well and pour the soap into the silicone tray mold. Once the soap is set-up, remove from the mold and cut the soap into small, irregular chunks with the crinkle cutter. Set the pink soap chunks aside for use later.
Now it’s time to make our “pie crust”. For a warm toasty crust color, melt 8 oz. white m&p soap base and mix in 6 to 8 drops liquid yellow oxide, and 2 to 3 drops liquid brown oxide. Mix well and pour the soap into the silicone tray mold. Let cool and remove the soap from the tray mold. Use your crinkle cutter to cut the soap into diagonal strips and set aside.
Before we start embedding, lay out your strips (on a clean cutting surface) in a criss cross lattice pattern. This is is how we’re going to embed them in the soap.
Melt 16 ounces clear m&p soap and cool to 120 degrees. Pour a shallow layer into the brownie pan and work quickly to layer in your first layer of toasty strips, being sure to spray frequently with rubbing alcohol. Pour another thin layer of clear soap and add the rest of your strips in the opposite direction, making a criss-cross pattern. You only end up using about 4 ounces of the soap.
With your remaining 12 ounces of clear soap add Merlot Mica and Strawberry Seeds. Mix well then scent with a blend of Strawberry and Almond Biscotti fragrance (we used 4 parts Strawberry and 1 part Almond Biscotti but get creative and use any ratio that you want).
Spray the lattice with rubbing alcohol and pour half of your Strawberry soap. Then generously sprinkle your pink soap chunks in (spraying everything furiously with rubbing alcohol). Then pour the remaining strawberry soap over the top. It’s o.k. if a few pieces are sticking out.
Once your soap is completely set-up, pop out of the mold and cut into little pieces with the daisy cutter. Or use your crinkle cutter to cut into rectangles like the picture at the top. Hurrah! Cute soap!

Write. Tweet. Post.

August 6, 2010 Filed Under: Bramble Berry News

Good Afternoon Soap Queen Readers. I just wanted to remind you that today is the last day to enter the Contest for a Cause! I’ll be picking the winners tonight so hop to it. Send me your letters, post to your Facebook and tweet like you’ve never tweeted before. Am I getting carried away? Perhaps, but it’s for a good cause. Oppose the Safe Cosmetic Act! Read the Contest Rules HERE for a chance to win the prize below.

I was in Washington DC earlier this week opposing the act with with Donna Maria (Indie Beauty Network), Lela Barker (Bella Lucce), Leigh O’Donnell (The Handcrafted Soap Guild) and Kayla Fioravanti (Essential Wholesale). See some of the blog posts here, here, and here.

Mojito Melt and Pour Soap Tutorial

August 4, 2010 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

I love reading each and every blog comment posted by Soap Queen Readers. Thank you for all of your input and inspiration- It really makes it fun for me! Mid July, I posted a tutorial on Watermelon Soaps and received a comment from SweetMadeSoap that she had made a delicious Mojito Soap with shades of green and white scented with Lime and Peppermint Essential oils. I just had to give the Mojito soap a try (as my mouth started watering just reading the comment). And the results are in…

Ingredients

Clear Melt and Pour

White Melt and Pour (optional)

Liquid Green Colorant

Yellow Mica

Brilliant Blue LabColor

Aqua Pearl Mica

Peppermint Essential Oil (2nd distillation)

Lime Essential Oil

Scalloped Round Mold (discontinued)
NOTE: The Scalloped Round Mold shown in this tutorial has been discontinued. This kit now contains the Round Mold.
Glossy Silicone Tray Mold

Get everything you need for this project by clicking the ‘Buy It Now’ icon below.

You’ll also need cookie cutters and a sharp knife to cut out ice cubes and mint leaves.

Mint Leaves: For my dark colored mint leaves, I used clear melt and pour mixed with Liquid Green Colorant and a sprinkle of Yellow Mica. Then I poured a thin layer into a brownie pan tray mold. Once it cooled, I used my mini leaf cookie cutter to cut out the leaves. Try adding a little bit of white soap base to the mix if you want a lighter mint color. As you can see, I did both!

Ice Cubes: For my ice cube color, I used clear melt and pour soap base with 1/2 drop of Brilliant Blue Labcolor, and a sprinkle of Aqua Pearl Mica. You can either pour a layer (1/2 inch thick) into a tray mold and cut your cubes by hand our use a flexible ice cube mold. Either way will work.

Essential Oils: Since Peppermint Essential Oil is pretty strong, I used 1 part Peppermint Essential Oil to 3 parts Lime Essential Oil. It really does smell delicious and refreshing. Trust me, you’re going to love this blend!

Assembly: Pour a thin layer of clear melt and pour (that has cooled to 130 degrees) into your scalloped round soap mold. Spritz four mint leaves and add them to the soap base. Then add another thin layer of clear melt and pour. Spritz three or four ice cubes with rubbing alcohol and add them to the soap, on top of the mint leaves. Then start the random assembly. Add more mint leaves and ice cubes until the mold is full and you have mint and ice sticking out everywhere. Repeat with the other cavities and remember that they’re not all going to be the same. There are no two Mojito Soaps alike (in my experience).

Has anyone else made Mojito Soap? I would love to hear about them!

Bronze Takes First Place

July 29, 2010 Filed Under: Personal Ramblings

Want that sun soaked radiance – without the dangerous effects of UV? Make your own mineral makeup powder bronzer with this easy recipe. You’ll have that sun-tanned, lustrous look in no time!

Ingredients

6 tsp. Sericite

2 tsp. Titanium Dioxide

1 tsp. Tapioca Starch Powder

2 tsp. Honeyed Beige Mica

¾ tsp. Soft Beige Mica

1 ½ tsp. Cappuccino Mica

½ tsp. Brown Oxide

Tools and Packaging

4 oz Jar

Foundation Brush

Mini Whisk

Small Mixing Bowl

Blend: Add all of the ingredients to a small mixing bowl and blend well. Once the ingredients are fully mixed (no clumps), scoop the bronzer into a 4 oz jar. Tip: Mix in a spice grinder or clean coffee grinder for an ultra fine blend.

Apply: Dip the brush into the powder and tap off any loose powder. Then lightly and evenly, brush the foundation on your face in a circular motion. Make sure you get all areas; forehead, cheeks, under eyes, and jaw bone.

Thanks to Celeste in customer service for being my

guinea pig and letting me test my bronzer on her.

She was a good sport and it looked great on her!

Or check out other blog posts on mineral makeup like Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Shimmer Eyeshadow, Foiling Tutorial, Smokey Eye with Deep Moss, Mineral Makeup on Better TV,

Juicy Watermelon Melt & Pour Soap Tutorial

July 15, 2010 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

Have you ever heard the statistic that watermelons are made up of 92% water? Well these watermelons are made up of 100% luxurious soap and mouthwatering watermelon fragrance oil. Put these juicy soaps on the edge of your sink for some extra cute flare.

Ingredients

21 oz Clear Soap Base

3 oz White Soap Base

Liquid Glycerin

Watermelon Fragrance Oil

Silicone Loaf Mold

Glossy Silicone Tray Mold

Liquid Green Colorant

Liquid Black Colorant

Perfect Red Color Block

Red Blue Mica

OR buy all of the ingredients you need just by clicking on the “Buy It Now” icon below.

Note: The liquid red and Half Round Log Mold have been discontinued. They have been replaced with the Perfect Red Color Block and Silicone Loaf Mold. The Silicone Loaf Mold is flexible, so you may need to prop it up with something!

ONE: Prep the watermelon “seeds” by melting 2 ounces of clear soap base and mixing in a couple drops of liquid black. Pour the soap into one side of the glossy tray mold and let cool. Once the soap has cooled, release the soap from the mold and use a ruler and an craft knife to cut thin strips of black. You’ll need five long slivers.

TWO: Now it’s time to make the “rind.” Melt 7 ounce of clear soap base and mix in .7 ounces of liquid glycerin and 6-7 drops of liquid green colorant. Mix well and pour the soap into the tray mold. Spritz with rubbing alcohol to eliminate air bubbles. Let cool.

Hint: The liquid glycerin adds some pliability to the soap so we can bend it with out breaking.

THREE: For the white layer of the rind, melt 3 ounces of white soap base and mix in .3 ounces of liquid glycerin. Let the white soap cool to 125-130 degrees, spritz the cooled green layer of soap and pour the white soap down the middle of your mold.

Tip: I wanted the white section of the rind to be super thin. Three ounces of soap isn’t quite enough to cover the entire bottom of the mold so make sure you pour the soap down the middle of the mold. It’s ok if the sides are not covered in white.

FOUR: It’s show time. Release the green and white soap from the mold, bend it down the middle and place it into the half round log mold. Make sure that the white soap is even on both sides. Scoot the soap to one end of the mold and press it down firmly. Seal the other end with plastic wrap. You can wrap some of the plastic underneath the soap if needed.

Tip: See how my mold is tipping a little bit? You’ll need to find something to prop up the mold. I used two small matching bowls.

FIVE: To make the sweet, inside of the watermelon, melt 12 ounces of clear soap base and mix in .5 ounces of watermelon fragrance oil. For the fantastic pink color, I combined shavings of the Perfect Red Color Block with red blue mica. Mix well and let the soap cool to about 130 degrees and have some plastic wrap on hand to cover the soap to keep it warm between pours.

SIX: Spritz 1 long black sliver of soap and the white soap layer in the mold. Then pour about 1/3 of the pink soap. Place the long black strip of soap into the wet soap. Spritz with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any air bubbles. Then cover the remaining pink soap with plastic wrap to keep it warm. Let this layer cool for about three minutes and repeat this step two more times. On the second pour add two of the black slivers (one on each side of the original) and on the third pour add the last two black slivers (again on the outsides of the previous pour).

SEVEN: Once the juicy soap has cooled, unmold the soap and carefully slice off the long, green edges with a knife (and put it in your scrap soap bin). Then slice the watermelon in to guest size wedges.

Using Colorants in Cold Process Soap – Video

May 27, 2010 Filed Under: Cold Process Soap

And your patience is rewarded! Here it is, the last in the basic Cold Process series. This episode is all about how to color your soap. I talk about (and demonstrate) how to use Micas, Oxides and LabColors. And I show how morphing isn’t always bad. Happy Soaping!

How to Make Cold Process Soap: Using Colorants, Episode 4 from Soap Queen on Vimeo.

Safety First! Watch the first video in this series “Lye Safety and Ingredients” Before attempting to make the soap demonstrated in this video. While you’re at it – maybe you should watch the second video “Basic Terms” so you are fully prepared to make a successful batch of CP soap.

Recipe:
7 oz Coconut Oil
7 oz Palm Oil
7 oz Olive Oil
1 oz Castor Oil

7.3 oz Distilled Water
3.1 oz Sodium Hydroxide

Heat Safe and Non-Reactive Containers and Utensils
Stick Blender

Colorants used:
Red Mica
Cellini Blue Mica
Ultramarine Violet
Fuchsia LabColor

The Making of the Bicycle Soap

May 25, 2010 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

Hi everybody! You may have recently seen Anne-Marie’s post about my Bicycle Soap which I made just for the Soaper’s Showcase at the HSMG Conference in Denver earlier this month. I wanted to use as many techniques as I could to wow the crowd, and I’m thrilled to say it did win for Best M&P Appearance (thank you, Conference attendees for your votes!!), and now I will show you how I did it.

First I printed out a bicycle graphic on soap embed paper using a laser printer. I neatly cut it out, leaving about 1/16″ of white space all around. It doesn’t have to be perfect since the white paper becomes translucent in the soap.

I poured 1/8″ layer of clear soap base into a basic square mold. With a small, flat paintbrush, I mixed green chrome oxide with a drop of liquid glycerin. I painted wispy grass on the hardened layer of clear soap. I let it dry completely.

Next I poured about 1/8″ layer of clear soap onto the painted layer and placed my bicycle into the hot soap. I allowed that to harden then painted more grass. To embed my marbled clouds (I used pearly white mica and clear soap to make a marbled soap sheet then cut out clouds using some fondant cutters), I poured another thin layer of clear soap and put my clouds in. For more dimension I let that set, then set another layer of clouds in yet another layer of clear. (How many layers are we up to now? I lost count!)

At last, we’re ready to make the sky. I mixed blue non-bleeding colorant with pearl mica and stirred it into clear soap base. I poured 1/8″ layer into the mold, then propped one side onto a notepad to make the sky only cover 1/2 of the mold. Finally I topped it off with white scented soap on a level surface. Voila!

This is certainly an “art piece” and not one that I would make to sell. I made another to give to a celebrity designer that I might meet this week which will probably be my last one. But I’m thinking about some variations – this diorama idea has so many possibilities! Can you tell I’m addicted to glycerin soap? I love it!!

18 Bars of Pure Cuteness!

May 6, 2010 Filed Under: Personal Ramblings

Have you seen Bramble Berry’s new Baltic Birch Molds? If not, check them out HERE. I love them SO much. They are stunningly gorgeous, so versatile and selling fast (we’re seriously having trouble keeping them on the shelves). And you can use them for more than just cold process. Here’s a colorful and fun melt and pour project!

Here’s What I used

18 Bar Balic Birch Mold

Freezer Paper (and tape)

90-100 ounces of Clear Soap

(100 ounces of soap is about 6.25 pounds)

Energy Fragrance Oil

Yuzu Fragrance Oil

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Embedding Toys (optional)

Soap Scraps (optional)
Colorants

Before you start: Line your mold with freezer paper making sure that you have a flat bottom with the shiny side up. Remember that the bottom will eventually become the top of your soap. Once your mold is lined, add the side and end border pieces and put your inserts together so they’re ready to go to.

ONE: In a large microwave safe container, melt about 32 ounces of clear soap base. Once the soap is completely melted, add 1 drop of liquid blue colorant to give the soap a “clear” effect (just one drop will do the trick). Do not add any fragrance at this point.

Note: You will only need a couple of ounces for the initial pour so if you don’t have a microwave safe container that big, it’s a-okay. Just melt 1-2 ounces. To save time, I like to melt my soap in larger quantities.

TWO: Pour a thin thin layer into the mold (about 1/8″ thick) and spritz the soap with alcohol while your pouring. This will help the soap spread out into the mold.

THREE: Before the soap cools, quickly place the inserts into the mold, squeezing the ends with your fingers to hold them together. Press the inserts firmly into the soap and let cool for 15-20 minutes, until the clear layer is totally hardened and the dividers are ‘sealed’ in the soap.

FOUR: It’s time to embed your soap scraps and/or toys! This is the fun part. Just treat each section an individual soap mold. Take the time to make each one different or quickly bust out 18 of the same soap! This is the creative part and it’s totally up to you!

Embedding Tips: Spritz the first layer of clear soap with rubbing alcohol and pour another thin layer of clear soap (you might have to remelt your original clear soap). Liberally spritz the embedding object (whether it be soap scraps or toys) with rubbing alcohol and place it into the freshly poured clear soap.

FIVE: Once the embedded layer has cooled, add the final layer of soap with color* and fragrance. I used a combination of Energy Fragrance Oil, Grapefruit Essential Oil and Yuzu Fragrance Oil. I always recommend .25 -.5 ounces of fragrance per 16 ounces of soap base. When pouring your layers, remember to spritz the embedded layer before pouring your colored layer. Also make sure your colored soap is no hotter than 120 degrees; we don’t want to melt any of your other soap layers.

*My Fun Color Combinations: Bright Orange- Red Mica and Non-bleeding Red, Light Turquoise-

Opalescent Turquoise and Iridescent Glitter, Pearly Blue – Liquid Blue and Super Pearly White Mica, Lemon Lime Green- Liquid Green and Yellow Mica.

All of my soaps turned out different ranging from 3.2-5.6 ounces (using 89 ounces total) so have fun and make any size that you want!

Unmolding: Place a large cutting board over the top of your mold and gently flip the soap mold over onto a hard surface. Lift the mold off of the soap and slowly remove the freezer paper from the soap. I used the scraper tool from the Tool Kit (a non serrated knife or small spatula would work) to scrape the soap off the edges of the border pieces. Then slowly pull the sides of the mold away from the soap (Note: If you ever use this mold to make Cold Process soap, you cannot pull the sides from the soap as CP soap is softer and tends to tear). Pop out your soaps and marvel at your creativity.

If you have never made melt and pour soap before, check out some Soap Queen TV videos to get you started. I recommend the episodes on Fragrances, Colorants and Embedding. There are also some helpful blog posts on embedding here, here and here.

Mom’s Pretty in Pink – a Make-Up Trifecta

April 27, 2010 Filed Under: Home Crafts

Mother’s day is less than 2 weeks away. Ack! Are you ready? Here’s an easy mineral makeup gift ensemble for Mom. I created these new recipes based on my Mom’s taste. She’s a pink and plum type of gal (do you remember the pink paint posts here and here? Well, her house is pretty in pink). So, naturally, I went with a light plum eye shadow, light pink blush and glossy pink lip shine. I know she’ll love it. What Mom doesn’t adore handmade gifts on Mother’s Day?

Plumtastic Eye Shadow
(“scoop” = .15 CC mini scoops)
1 heaping scoop Sericite
1 heaping scoop Rose Pearl Mica
1 heaping scoop Red Blue Mica
1 level scoop Cappuccino Mica
1 Classy Clear Pot

Tickle Me Pink Blush
(“scoop” = .15 CC mini scoops)
1 heaping scoop Sericite
1 level Tapioca Powder
2 heaping scoops Rose Pearl Mica
3 heaping scoops Soft Beige Mica
2 heaping scoops Red Mica
1 heaping scoop Apricot Blush
1 Classy Clear Pots

Glossy Pink Lip Shine
(“scoop” = .15 CC mini scoops)
1 oz Lip Balm Base
.2 oz Castor Oil
1 ml Flavor Oil
4 heaping mini scoops Red Mica
4 Classy Clear Pots

Not sure how to mix Mineral Make Up? I have you covered! Eye Shadow mixing tutorial here, video on Eye Shadow mixing here, Foiling tutorial here, another eye shadow blending tutorial here, and lip stick tutorial here, here and here. If you want to do this yourself at home, you can! It’s easy (I swear). Buy the book here. Check out the Starter Foundation Kit here or the DIY Eye Shadow Kits here and have yourself a DIY Mineral MakeUp party.

Pedal to the Metal, the Hamster is Driving!

April 1, 2010 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

Tractor molds are here just in time for spring and they’re flying (or driving) off the shelves! Grab a mold and make your tractors today!

Ingredients

ONE: Melt about two ounces of clear soap base and mix in two mini scoops of Vintage Gray Mica. Use the Injector Tool (or a dropper and a steady hand) to fill in the tires of the mold (or any other details you want black). Immediately rinse your injector tool in super hot hot water.

TWO: Melt one ounce of clear soap base and mix in one heaping scoop of Yellow Mica. Then fill in the inside of the tires and stripe on the side of the tractor (the details are up to you).

THREE: Melt about 9 ounce of clear soap base and add 4-5 drops of Liquid Green Oxide and .25 ounces of Fragrance Oil (your choice, I used Energy). Mix well. Spritz the soap in the mold with rubbing alcohol and fill up the mold with green soap, just up to the windows.

FOUR: Now it’s time to embed our Driver! Melt another 4 ounces of clear soap base. Spritz the green soap layer with rubbing alcohol and pour a thin layer of clear on top of the green. Liberally spritz the embeddable toy with rubbing alcohol and immediately place him/her in the clear soap so their heads are looking out the tractor window.

FIVE: Once the clear layer of soap has cooled, fill up the mold with the remaining green soap. Remember to spritz the clear layer with rubbing alcohol, first.

Layering Tip: When layering soap, make sure that your soap is no hotter than 125 degrees. Any hotter will melt the bottom layer of soap, making your lines a little bit messy.

Mondo Bath Bombs

March 25, 2010 Filed Under: Bath Fizzies

We’ve had so many requests in the last couple of weeks to do a tutorial using our stainless steel bath bomb molds. So I put my apron on, went to the soap lab and busted out some luscious bath bombs! Below is a basic recipe. Once you get the basics down there are endless possibilities in the world of bath bombs. Try multiple colors, herbs and stamps. You’re baths will never be the same.

Mondo Bath Bomb Recipe

Stainless Steel Bath Bomb Mold
16 oz Citric Acid

32 oz Baking Soda

.75 oz Pink Grapefruit Fragrance Oil

Witch Hazel

Red Mica

ONE: Combine the 16 oz of citric acid and 32 oz baking soda in a large bowl and mix well. Use your fingers to break up any clumps.

TWO: Once the mixture is smooth, add a heaping scoop of the red mica and mix well until you have a soft pink color. Again, you can use your hands if you prefer.

THREE: Once the color is mixed in, add your fragrance oil.

Tip: Make sure there are no clumps in your mixture. Clumps can result in wart like protrusions on your bath fizzy. Not attractive.

FOUR: Spritz with witch hazel until the mixture seems like it is staying together when you squeeze a handful in the palm of your hands (about 5 or 6 spritzes). Is it saying together? Then you’re ready for the mold.

FIVE: Fill each half of the mondo mold and pack the mixture as tight as you can. Then sprinkle on a little extra and place the second half of the mold on top. Squeeze the two halves together as hard as you can. If they are not packed hard enough, they could crack when drying. Trust me, it’s very disappointing.

SIX: Let the mixture rest in the mold for about 30 seconds then carefully slide it out of the mold onto a flat surface. Let it dry, undisturbed. You’ll be tempted to poke it, hold it or move it. Please don’t mess with it until it’s fully hardened, you’ll thank me later. This recipe yields 5 bath bombs.

Tips: Have you ever had your bath bombs crack? I’m raising my hand. Most cracking is caused by too much or too little moisture so try to find that happy medium, where it sticks together nicely in the palm of your hand. Check out my Bath Bomb Cupcake tutorial to see an example of a too dry and a just right mixture. Other times, cracking can mean that the bath bomb wasn’t packed tightly enough so use those muscles and pack it as tight as you can! Or try adding clays to your bath fizzy to improve the structural integrity of your bath fizzy and make it stronger.

Pumping up the Detail on your Soaps

March 23, 2010 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

This project was originally published on The Soap King blog (run by our retail store, Otion). Thank you Erik and Kat for a great technique post!

Rubbing in a little mica pigment on the surface of a soap will pop out that gorgeous detail that may normally go unnoticed. This trick is super easy and the results are very dramatic. For this project, I made my melt-and-pour soap like normal, used a clear soap base that I colored with a variety of mica pigments, and scented it with Woodland Elves fragrance oil. But instead of calling it done with the de-molding, I added a special touch to finish my soap. Remember, it’s those extra little efforts that will catch the eye.

You will need:

Abstract wings flexible mold

Opalescent green mica

Heavy metal gold mica

Rubbing alcohol

Step One: Pour a variety of colors and swirls for a basic bar. After de-molding your melt-and-pour soap, spray with rubbing alcohol to create a slick surface for rubbing in the pigment.

Step Two: Using a mini-scoop, tap a very small amount of opalescent green mica on a paper towel and then rub all over the surface of your soap. Repeat with the heavy gold mica. The deep parts of the detail in the soap will contrast beautifully against the higher surface that catches the pigment.

Before and After. Less is more! I like to apply the gold in patches on top of the opalescent green mica to create depth.

Try this technique with different colors. The darker your soap is to begin with, the more stunning the detail.

Don’t be Fooled with Fools Gold Soap

March 11, 2010 Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

It’s time to start planning your April Fools Day pranks!

Ingredients

23 oz Clear Soap Base

Heavy Metal Gold Mica

Gardenia Fragrance Oil

Brownie Pan Tray Mold

Soap Cutter

Soapy Tools

Paint Brush (optional)

ONE: Melt 23 oz of clear soap base in the microwave on 30 second intervals. Mix in 1/2 oz of fragrance oil and 4-6 heaping scoopsof Heavy Metal Gold Mica. Mix well and pour into your brownie pan tray mold. Let cool for 4-6 hours.

TWO: Once the soap has cooled, unmold the soap and and cut into bars (any size you want). We mixed it up and did several different sizes.

THREE: Use your soapy tool from PJ’s tool kit to carve “Gold” into the soap bar. For an extra special (and shiny) touch, brush on some of the heavy metal gold mica. Just dip a small paint brush into some rubbing alcohol then into your mica and paint the top of the soap.

Place liberally around your home on April 1 to surprise the loved ones in your life.