The third time is the charm! Since I CPOP (cold process oven process) most all of my soap I figured whipping up these Soap Pops for Bramble Berry's Fall S.O.A.P. Panel would be a breeze. Well, there is a bit of a learning curve for CPOPing single cavity molds (tips below). First, the good part- thoughts on the last two Bramble Berry Fragrances.
Initial Reaction- inviting and full bodied. Full of spruce, juniper and fir and maybe just a hint of citrus (bergamot?). #7 brings back childhood memories of hiking through the snow on a crisp, wintry day to find the family Christmas tree.
After Thoughts- This scent soaped beautifully. It did set up a bit fast after pouring, so it may speed trace a bit with warm oils. So far, there is no noticeable discoloration. Colored with chromium green oxide.
Scent #8- Hearthside
Initial Reaction- this reminds me of a campfire, fireplace- smoke and leather. Warm & intriguing.
After Thoughts- I was worried that this fragrance would be lost in the soap. It actually disappeared when I first mixed it into the soap batter. Surprisingly, after unmolding, the fragrance is holding strong. This fragrance had a long play time. I had to wait about 10 minutes after pouring before the soap was firm enough to hold up the craft sticks. The uncolored soap has turned a nice light cream color so far. Colored with gold mica.
I'll update in a few weeks on how the scents and colors are behaving. I'm also going to play around with my leftover fragrances in some other goodies. I am having a blast so far. Thanks, Bramble Berry!
Tips for CPOPing Single Cavity Silicone Molds
11 minutes seems to be the magical number to leave the oven on at 170 degrees for molds about 3 ounces in size. Then, turn the oven off and let soaps sit in the oven overnight or several hours until cool.
For more noticeable swirls, pour at a thicker trace into deep molds.
Wow, 11 minutes huh? Such precision! It must work though - your soap pops look really great!
ReplyDeleteLove your popsicles! I'm a tester too~ Working on my currently :)
ReplyDeleteQuestion - I'm intrigued by the CPOP. I've never made it before but think I want to try it. Any advice? Can you put a silicon mold in the over to do this? If I have a loaf that I want to do approx. 25-30oz of soap. Any recommendations on how I should proceed with that? Thanks so much for your help! Jennifer
Why have I never thought to do CP soap pops before? Maybe it was the thought of unmolding the individual bars, but the oven process probably makes them good and hard, huh? Yours look creamy and lovely.
ReplyDelete@Amy, I'm sure 10 mintues would work, too, but 16 minutes is too long. If I have to set my alarm, it is always an odd number (5:33 vs. 5:30 or 5:35)- quirky, yes!
ReplyDelete@Jennifer, Even when I CPOP my loaf molds, I only leave the oven on for about 20 min.- maybe less if I know the fragrance/soap heats up a lot on it's own. Also, I put 5 loaves in at a time, so they keep the temp. up even when the oven is off. Don't put your soap in until the oven is heated and if you notice your soap beginning to go through gel before the 20 min., I turn the oven off. I get lote less ash CPOPing. Let me know if I can be of more help :) Isn't testing fun?!
Thanks, @SinoraSprings! They unmold just like m&p and yes they are plenty firm. I'm happy I finally tried them.
Happy day,
Jill
Love testing :D And thanks so much for the advice. Going to try a batch of CPOP tonight! :D
ReplyDeleteCPOP two batches :D It worked. I was a nervous wreck actually putting my soap in the oven ha! The texture and feel is a little different from CP soap. Especially the top...it's more "fuzzy" (for lack of any better way to explain it). But the soap still looks great! Thanks so much for your help.
ReplyDeleteGood work, Jennifer! Maybe try spritzing the tops with alcohol before putting into the oven. It takes a bit of perfecting, but you'll get great tops, too!
ReplyDeleteHappy day,
Jill
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