Creating specks in soap

[Goldsmith]

I'm still really new to soap making but have managed to make a good first batch. However, I would like to create some nice visual effects by putting in some kind of herbs or something into the soap.

Can anyone recommend something that I could do that would look nice and not be too expensive an additive ?

Thanks

 

[green soap]

I am partial to dried calendula petals, because they stay bright yellow in soap, and they are not scratchy at all.

I grow the calendulas, so no idea what their cost might be out in the world.

 

[Cherry Bomb]

Hello Goldsmith! You can buy calendula petals from Brambleberry for a fairly good price. You can buy 3 oz for $6 or 16 oz for $12. Shipping Cost varies. Here is the link: http://www.brambleberry.com/Marigold-calendula-Dried-P4017.aspx

 

[paillo]

I heartily agree with calendula petals, they're lovely and not at all scratchy. If you want some exfoliation, blue poppy seeds and vanilla bean specks are wonderful too.

 

[deb8907]

I like adding ground oatmeal. Different shades of specks and if it is ground in a coffee grinder it isn't scratchy; also adds a nice soft natural scent.

 

[KrisAnt]

Cinnamon and paprika are two things you may already have in your cabinet that add some nice color and speck. Cinnamon turns your soap a brown color; paprika a beautiful orange depending on the amounts that you add. Also ground peppermint leaves, tea from a tea bag, etc.

 

[KrisAnt]

Have you seen the soaps with the pencil line? Cocoa powder sprinkled on very finely makes a lovely dark line in your soap, and really doesn't leave much scent. I like to put it between 2 colors, or the same color with some additives (like oatmeal or cinnamon) in one layer.

 

[Goldsmith]

Thanks for the input,
Just wondered how you best swirl in the different ingredients ?
Do you just blend it in evenly or can you give it a variegated pattern ?

Also, do the calendula flowers go a long way and do you have to add them to soap that has made, remelted to keep them from turning brown ?

 

[Genny]

Thanks for the input,
Just wondered how you best swirl in the different ingredients ?
Do you just blend it in evenly or can you give it a variegated pattern ?

Also, do the calendula flowers go a long way and do you have to add them to soap that has made, remelted to keep them from turning brown ?

Calendula petals can be added right to your orginal soap batter. They are the only flowers that I know of that can survive saponfication.

As for swirling in the herbs/spices. I would add some to a little bit of batter and then add it in to your batch in the pot or in the mold. Just keep in mind that some herbs/spices can be skin irritants and some can be quite scratchy if you use too much.

 

[Goldsmith]

Calendula petals can be added right to your orginal soap batter. They are the only flowers that I know of that can survive saponfication.

As for swirling in the herbs/spices. I would add some to a little bit of batter and then add it in to your batch in the pot or in the mold. Just keep in mind that some herbs/spices can be skin irritants and some can be quite scratchy if you use too much.

Thanks !!