Soap Curls

Its easy to embed soap curls into a batch of cold process soap to create unique decorative soaps. This is one soap making idea that can be used in various ways. I've made happy faces, words, hearts and a wave pattern using this general concept.

1. Start by using a wire cheese slicer to cut thin strips of soap. I usually use fresh soap that has been made with my Basic Homemade Soap recipe because it is quite pliable which makes it easier to manipulate. The strips should be as wide as you pour your soap but they can be any length.

2. Then using a pencil, carefully roll the soap strip up "jelly roll style" into loose curls.

3. Create enough of these curls to fill the mold. The curls should touch but not be jammed in.

4. Warm the mold and curls in the oven with the additives while you make the base soap. This step is optional if your work room is quite warm. You just want to avoid a temperature shock between the soap curls and the base being poured in.

5. Before you pour the soap base, remember that the mold will fill much higher than normal. You may want to have another mold on hand to put any extra base in if your mold fills too high.

6. Be sure to pour the lightly traced base soap very carefully so as to not mess up the design.

7. Insulate your soap as normal and after the insulation period is complete, you can cut the bars. Remember to cut your new decorative soap bars so that the design will show.