Teach Soap

When using m/p what is the best temp.
When using a nonsuspending base everything settles to the bottom,even if wait till the end to add them.How do I keep them mixed up?
I use flexable moulds with good sucess.I have different sizes of the same mould.I would like to put a small size bar into a large using clear base for the large.Any ideas how to suspend the smaller size so that it doesn't show thur the bottom of the mould?
Sorry for all the questions at on time.
Thank You
Tom

Although I don't technically "imbed," I do a lot of layering. The way I would handle this is to pour a layer and let it cool enough to support the smaller one. I would then pour a thin layer as a glue, place the smaller item where you want it, and finish pouring. Don't forget to spray the first layer, and soap you are placing on it. Hopefully that would work, but maybe someone else will give you a second choice.

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Barbara at Oasis Soap Co.
http://www.oasissoap.com

[quote="Baraka"]Although I don't technically "imbed," I do a lot of layering. The way I would handle this is to pour a layer and let it cool enough to support the smaller one. I would then pour a thin layer as a glue, place the smaller item where you want it, and finish pouring. Don't forget to spray the first layer, and soap you are placing on it. Hopefully that would work, but maybe someone else will give you a second choice.[/quote]
Hello and thank you for the reply.I will try what you suggest and advise on the out come..
Tom

Hi, Tom!

As far as suspending additives (are you talking about things like oatmeal or dried herbs or something like that?), it helps to let the soap cool quite a bit before pouring into the mold. If the base is too hot, the additives will sink to the bottom (which I guess would really be the top of the soap bar). It stays throughout the bar easier if it's cooler. You can see if it's cool by looking at it after you stir. If everything falls to the bottom, it's probably too warm to suspend. Also, the smaller your additives, the easier they are to suspend. Ground oatmeal, for instance, suspends more easily than whole oats.

As far as embeds go, like smaller soaps inside a larger bar, I pour maybe a little less than half my mold with clear (if I'm using single-bar molds) or however much clear layer I want, spritz the clear with rubbing alcohol, spritz the embed with alcohol, place it into the soap (making sure it's not too hot or your embed will melt), and spritz one more time. If you don't want your embed to sink as far down, I guess you could do a thin layer of clear, let it set up, spritz that layer, spritz your embed, and then arrange it on the first layer and then finish pouring the rest of your clear (check your temp). Watch out for air bubbles, though.

As far as temperatures go, BB says that the ideal temp is 120-130 degrees, but I pour closer to 120. Even at 120, I still sometimes have trouble with melty, tendril-y layers or embeds.

Hope that helps. Have fun soaping!

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- Jenny -
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If you want to suspend throuhg m&p you need to melt, add your additive, and then stir, stir, stir. Keep stirring until your base is very viscous (thick) but not so much that you can't pour it into the mold. You have to work very very fast once you get it to the point where it will suspend or you will have soap in a bowl. But the good news is you can reheat and stir, stir, stir, again... Good luck.

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Haven

Hello.
I would like to thank every one for the response to my questions.I have not tried them yet but I will.
I'm new to soap making and I would like to try c/p some day.I can remember helping my Grandma making laundery soap.
Thanks Again.
Tom