All great ideas, thank you! Really good point about not trying new tricky techniques, or committing myself to them. I could see myself promising something that is over my head and creating a “Pinterest fail”Initial thoughts:
For anything like this, you're probably best using a vegan recipe, or at the very least vegetarian. If your usual recipe isn't vegan, you have a bit of time to find one you like.
I would also include an unscented option. Make them distinct, different coloured label/packaging or something, and in a separate bowl/basket. Some coloured and a few plain.
I'd personally over-cater a bit, in case it turns out that no one wants unscented soap, or alternatively more people than you expect want it. So for example, if you were making for 20 people, that would be 40 small soaps. I'd do 40 scented, plus another 10 or so unscented.
You can gift the leftovers to your DIL if you think she'd like them. If your recipe is mild, the unscented soap should be fine for baby.
I might be tempted to find some cute cavity moulds if you don't need too many. There are plenty of pretty flower moulds around, for example. Using a few different but similar moulds gives you variety.
I've not used impression mats either, but in a loaf mould they look fairly simple to use. I've also seen them used as a liner round the inside of a pringles tin or round mould.
In terms of scents, I'd go for a single, unisex scent. Lemongrass is one I think works for all ages and genders. Some of the ocean themed scents are unisex too, though I think they'd likely be less appealing to teens and kids, as they are more complex.
Do you think folks will want to actually use the soap? If so, a simple itp swirl or similar might be best so they're not deemed "too pretty to use". If you think they'll mostly be kept as mementos, then possibly consider a more complex design, depending on your skill level. Now is not the time to try new, tricky techniques, in case they don't come out how you wanted.
As I said, these are initial thoughts! Do let us know what you come up with.
Also, noted about an unscented option being a good idea. Also yes vegan.
Great idea! I need to start watching impression mat videos. I feel like it would be easy (for me) to leave soap remnants behind when unmolding and wreck the design.
That’s an idea… if I went with subtle-ish colors.
I‘ll suggest it, although I’m not sure they’ll want anything that representational. For example I saw some crucifix soaps on Pinterest and I don’t think they will want to go in that direction. I agree about lighter colors.
The only time I've had bits of soap left behind is when I have filled the impression mat crevices with soap batter, and then poured over it or placed it on top of the soap after it was in the mold. And even then, not much was left behind. If you don't unmold when the soap is too soft it should work perfectly. And peeling the impression mat off is fun
The only time I've had bits of soap left behind is when I have filled the impression mat crevices with soap batter, and then poured over it or placed it on top of the soap after it was in the mold. And even then, not much was left behind. If you don't unmold when the soap is too soft it should work perfectly. And peeling the impression mat off is fun
It is fun! You can also put the soap in the freezer for an hour or so, then let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes. The mat will peel off very cleanly. Then the trick is not to touch the soap while it defrosts, so you don't get dents and fingerprints.The only time I've had bits of soap left behind is when I have filled the impression mat crevices with soap batter, and then poured over it or placed it on top of the soap after it was in the mold. And even then, not much was left behind. If you don't unmold when the soap is too soft it should work perfectly. And peeling the impression mat off is fun
Well, to each their own. I guess you'd catch the attention of at least a third of the audience easier with mortadella than lace decor anyway.I unmolded this morning and only left a few bits of the lace behind. The back of the soap looks exactly like mortadella
This was a rose geranium fragrance, I think it was sold as an EO but I don’t think it is - anyway, yes baby powder is an idea although tbh it’s not my favorite. I think I’ll go floral, but light.
Yup - it's right up there with popping bubble wrap!And peeling the impression mat off is fun
It WAS fun!Yup - it's right up there with popping bubble wrap!
@Vicki C - how about Love Spell fragrance? It's a light, fruity floral - and not naughty.
Love Spell sounds nice, who makes it? ETA I see it’s sort of generic in that lots of suppliers make it.
Yes - the one I get is from Candle Science and it works well in CP.It WAS fun!
Mortadela aside, the impression done by the mat looks flawless, great job!Okay, I did a trial run with a silicone impression mat! Worked reasonably well, but by the time I had finished fussing with the white part the main batter was almost solid thanks to an accelerating FO. I scurried to add some rose kaolin to the main batter, stirred frantically, glopped it in to my mini trial mold, and tried to slam the batter down. I unmolded this morning and only left a few bits of the lace behind. The back of the soap looks exactly like mortadella
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