This is a fun way to use up offcuts of MP, or small portions that are coloured and have been set aside ready for later use. This log was made with three different lots of offcuts, all coloured with non-bleeding pigments which were already scented. I melted these down, and poured into a tray and then cut into 1.5 cm cubes (I must say though, I think next time I would cut the size down to 1cm).
This log was poured in our new Half Round Log Mould which holds approximately 1 Litre (1100g) of Soap Base. I used Goatsmilk Melt & Pour Soap Base for the background overpour.
Tips:
The secret to using "left overs" and "off cuts" is to colour co-ordinate them into similar or attractive groups and stick to 2 or 3 colours - too many colours can look a little haphazard and messy - confetti can look nice, but it is still important to choose your colour pallet carefully. Always use non-bleeding colours and make sure that you have clear and white soap on hand for contrast. This sort of project works best if the chunks you are embedding are freshly melted and cut. It is best to spritz IMMEDIATELY PRIOR to adding the MP chunks to the main mould - if they dry out they won't stay in the cut soap as well when cutting and during use.
If using scraps or "older" MP pieces, it is really important to ensure the MP has been stored in airtight containers or ziplock bags. If the moisture has evaporated from the soap it tends to fall apart in the shower, even if you have used an alcohol spritzer.
- 3 groups of similarly coloured offcuts - I used a red group, brite pink group and pale pink group:
200 - 230g chunks Colour 1
200 - 230g chunks Colour 2
200 - 230g chunks Colour 3
or if you have no offcuts, use a fresh piece of Soap Base
- Approximately 600g Your favourite Melt & Pour Soap Base - melted into three colours
You can see I used 200g Red, 200g Brite Pink, 200g Pale Pink cut in 1.5 - 2cm cubes
- 700g Goats Milk Melt & Pour Soap Base
- Non-Bleeding Colours or Micas
- Fragrance Oils - pick your own - we used Pink Grapefruit to suit the pre-scented fruity offcuts
Fragrance-Oils-H-P-c-123.html
- Clear Log Mould
- Heat Safe Containers
- Spoons
- Droppers or Pipettes
- Spritz bottle with
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Spritz bottle with
Step One: Divide the offcuts into three groups by colour. Melt the offcuts and add colour if required to make 3 distinct tones. If pre-scented you will not need to add anymore fragrance. Pour into an icecream container or tray (silicone baking trays are great) to a depth of 1.5cm and allow to set.
If using a new block of soap, just divide into three portions, melt the soap, then colour and fragrance and allow to set as above.
Step Two: Set up the log - if using the half round one, sit this securely over a Wooden Log Mould or tray so it will be stable when you are pouring the white (overpour colour).
Step Three: Whilst the trays are setting, chunk the Goatsmilk (or contrast MP of Choice) Base and begin to slowly melt this.
Step Four: When soap is hardened but still "just" warm (about 30 minutes or so), pop the soap slabs out and immediately start to dice the chunks. If the soap is fresh, it will cut easier. Old melt and pour soap tends to evaporate its excess liquid to the air, leaving a hard, "chewy" soap that won't easily slide a cutter or knife through. I cut the fresh blocks into strips and then cut the cubes from the strips.
Step Five: Fragrance the Goatsmilk Soap and then pour approximately 2 cm into the base of the mould. Allow a few minutes to let this cool slightly. Spritz the cubes with liberally with alcohol and then arrange in a haphazard pattern in the log mould. If you can slightly sit them at adjacent positions you'll have a nicer pattern once unmoulded. Leave some room for the white base to run in between the chunks.
Step Six: Give the top of chunks a final good spritz. Now carefully pour the rest of the Goatsmilk over and around the cubes until they are all covered. Spritz with alcohol immediately to remove bubbles and leave undisturbed until set completely and cold. This will take several hours.
Step Seven: Use a plastic spatula to begin to allow some air along the sides of the mould. Turn upside down and ease the log out of the mould. Slice into 1.5 cm slices and allow to dry a little. Wrap ready to give as gifts or storage.
Vary your Chunk Soaps by making different types of Moulds such as single cavity (plain styles look best) and by varying the contrasting colours. You can also vary the effect with smaller or larger chunks - but remember if using smallish chunks, you need to ensure the overpour is much cooler or you will melt the chunks. Also try White Chunks (opaque) in a clear overpour, transparent coloured Chunks in a Pastel or White overpour. Monochromatic colour choices are my favourite.
