When making cold process soap, I sometimes get some extra soap left over in the bowls. Just that little bit extra that I could not fit into the mold. In most cases, I use a small mold and make extra soap samples. Another way to use that extra soap batter is to make it into soap dough. Then use it for soap embeds and create new designs for even more gorgeous and intricate soaps.
This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. See full disclosure here.
What is soap dough?
Soap dough is also known as soap “clay” and is soap that has been saponified but not allowed to cure or not exposed to air to prevent the water evaporation. While the soap retains the water, it remains malleable and can be used like clay to make designs that can be used to be placed inside or on top of the soap. You can make soap dough using your regular recipe or find a good recipe on the internet. For this tutorial, I used leftover soap from an earlier batch. However, I have a few free recipes that you can try in my Natural Aloe Vera Cold Process Soap, The Joy of Cold Process Soap Making, Coffee Soap and Scrub, and Coconut Milk Cold Process Soap.
Some of the challenges when using your soap dough from an earlier batch are that it can be scented, and the scent may contrast with the scent of the new soap, or it can be a different recipe or formulation that will result in a long list of ingredients. Both of these are very easy to address. In the case of the different contrasting fragrances, if the embed is small, there should be no issue, but if the embed is large, then I try to find a scent that can blend better and enhance the overall scent. For the ingredients, while I love experimenting with new recipes and formulations, I try to keep to two or three main recipes for all the soaps I plan to sell, and most ingredients are the same.
Ready to start making your own cold process soaps? Then this eBook with 25 different cold process soap formulations is the perfect resource. With so many formulations, you will have lots of inspiration to experiment and find the perfect one.
This eBook also includes best practices to modify the formulations to your liking.
How to make soap dough from leftover soap from a batch or planning and beveling shavings?
Two ways that you can make soap dough are to use the leftover batter or use the leftover from planning and leveling the edges. To use leftover batter, place it in a mold and cover with cling wrap. Allow the saponification process to take place for two to three days, then remove the cling wrap and knead for a few minutes. Then place the soap dough in cling wrap and use as needed. As long as the soap dough is not exposed to air, it will be malleable and usable as soap dough. If it is exposed to air, it will start to dry and may not work well, but will make a great soap.
To use the planning and leveling pieces as soap dough, it is best if this is done within one or two days after the pour. Usually, I cut my soaps after 24 hours, then wait a few hours before I plane and bevel them. Collect the soap shavings and scraps and knead them together until smooth. Then keep it covered in cling wrap and use as needed.
All the cold process soapmaking most common questions finally answered in one single place
How to make soap dough embeds?
My favorite tools for making soap dough embeds and other items you will need:
Various types of plunger cutters
Clay extruder and modeling tools
Corn starch – this will help keep the soap dough from sticking to the surfaces
Rubbing alcohol – to clean up any excess corn starch on the embeds
How to make butterfly embeds using extra soap batter
Watch the video of the making of the Butterfly Garden soap
How to make soap embeds using moon press and soap shavings
My hope is that you get some ideas to create your own soap embeds. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and get to make your own embeds and soaps and fully enjoy them!
Cold Process Soapmaking with 25 unique formulations
Have you ever wanted to take control of the ingredients that go on your skin and make it a hobby or a business opportunity at the same time? This is exactly what I wanted several years ago when I was trying to figure out how to stop dry skin and start making my own natural products. I spent several months doing research and trying to understand the process and went over so many websites. I wished there was one single place to get all the information I needed to feel comfortable.
This is why I decided to create this ebook with lots of great information and 25 different formulations that can help you get started and put you on the right path for cold process soap making.
One of the main reasons you will fall in love with soapmaking is that you have full control of the ingredients you use to make your perfect batch of cold process soap for your needs. Cold process soap making is also a wonderful hobby that allows you to create a beautiful practical piece of art as well.
With 25 different formulations, best practices to tweak and some ideas on how you can test your batches, this ebook is the perfect resource to get you started.
Now on sale!
[…] How to make soap dough embeds for cold process soap […]