Teach Soap

I just "test drove" some soap stamps I have been making with what I've got on hand. One type was made by casting epoxy resin, the other was made with Sculpy (like Fimo) clay.

So far, I've learned that bolder designs work better, but I'm having issues getting a nice, clean impression without dragging clumps of soap off the bar when I remove the stamp. So I'm wondering if any of you folks have worked through any of these problems. The Sculpy stamp seems to be doing the best job, but what I am wondering is:

Is it possible for the soap to be too soft for stamping? Medium cured soaps don't take the impression, so I went the other way and stamped soaps that were just cut. But I'm wondering if there is a better, "medium" ground? Seems like really fresh soap might be too sticky?

Does anyone ever use a release agent on the stamp to help it come out better? Oil? Glycerin?

Can post some photos later if necessary....but the basic issue is getting the stamp OUT without taking clumps of soap with it. I looked and looked for any sharp edges, etc... but there are none.

I haven't used a stamp, but given how many people say to use mineral oil or PAM in their molds, I'd say use that on your stamp for easy release.

I use a soap stamp with a rubber mallet. I wait til the soap is fairly hard.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I have a rubber mallet too .... oh yeah, and occasionally I use it to bash some stamps into soaps.

I LOVED the look the tool guy gave me as I walked in with a purpose, grabbed a mallet, walked up to the counter, dropped a $10 note then walked out with it and a smile. I'm SURE he thought I was off to clobber my ex to death or something.

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

I bet they replayed the security tape several times on that one!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Wow, April, these stamps are lovely! I'm so glad the PAM helped, too. Now I know what to do if I ever get my own stamp designed. Thanks for testing that out for me.

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

April, I love stamping my soaps, but have never made my own. I was looking at the wood ones (this would mean digging out the scroll saw). I never thought about sculpty clay - I'm sure I have some. I do think the more simple the design the better. I love dipping my stamp in mica and then pressing it in my soap. With the stamps I have I do not have to use a mallet, just a little arm muscle. Thanks for the inspiration.

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

I would love to see what you make. I have 'doodled' a few but as usual time is very limited. There is just too much I want to do! Hey, maybe you could sell those? Wonder if you would need insurance for that????

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!