Molding Ideas - HELP

[ikindred]

I have made two batches of soaps now and both have not really come out to look as square as I would like them too. I purchased a wooden box but I think it is too narrow and the soaps came out small. Does anyone have any ideas on soap molds/boxes (homemade). I really do not want to spend a fortune but I have heard that people are using shoe boxes.

Picture of soaps attached.
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3096 ... montju.jpg

 

[gekko62]

I have some cardboard giftboxes that I use.Heavy,stiff board,only small.Bigger ones tend to bow a little.They come with a lid,& cost $3-5 at elcheapo stores.Im in Australia,but Im sure you'd find something similar.
They're perfect for 500-1000g batches(1-2lbs)& can be used for slab or log style...perfect test size,6 soaps apiece,& perfectly square corners!

 

[Guest]

Shoe boxes work lined with freezer paper . I have found molds at thrift stores , they weren't made as molds , but I was thinking outside the box ( pun intended). I made a slab mold out of a cardboard box .

Kitn

 

[artisan soaps]

..

 

[NatureandNurture]

I have a small cardboard shoe box (kids shoes), but how do you line it and still get square corners? If you are using the 'chopping mat, cut to fit' how did you prevent leakage? It sounds like a great idea, I'm just wondering.

 

[artisan soaps]

..

 

[gekko62]

I haven't had any luck with the flexible mats,can't find any non textured ones...but I line with baking paper,& get sq. corners(well,haven't measured with a set-square,but close enuf!).Contact is what I'm trying next..
LOVE the flip-down side Artisan.

 

[oldragbagger]

Here's a link to a site that has wooden molds ranging in size and price from $10.50 for a 1 lb. to $21.50 for a 6 lb. Not bad. They look pretty nice. They're really not that hard to build yourself though.
http://www.candlesandwoodcrafts.com/woodensoapmolds.html

 

[heartsong]

x

you can also use the 1 quart and 1/2 gallon waxed milk containers. you can just peel off the waxed paper after it hardens. there is also that very useful container-pringles potato chips cans.

also the larger velveta cheese cardboard box. (i think it's 2 pounds?)

just cruise the deli/dairy isle-there's all sorts of stuff. little caesar and beneful dog food containers are very nice-also check out the babyfood aisle.

cozy shack pudding has 4 oz individal containers with a dimple in the bottom makes very attractive soaps. just remeber to use some PAM spray first.

housewares aisle has all sorts of kitchen drawer bins and dividers.

i can spend hours in a store looking for suitable molds. :roll:

 

[xraygrl]

Velveta Cheese box (lined of course)

If any stores near you sell Boars head brand Cheese, the box that the American cheese comes in makes a great log mold

Wine bottle boxes (ck local liquor stores or online...the are just as nice as a wooden log mold and way cheaper)

 

[oldragbagger]

And then there's the Fira drawers at Ikea, $14.99 for several (is it 9?) drawers and although I haven't used them, others on this forum have and love them.

 

[ChrissyB]

I have used a brand new kitty litter tray that I got for $3. I didn't even line it and the soap popped right out.

 

[oldragbagger]

I have used a brand new kitty litter tray that I got for $3. I didn't even line it and the soap popped right out.

Ingenious!!

 

[Vonna]

yes, I have used pringles cans, and then theres always pvc pipe which works great! Artisan Soaps......GREAT IDEA and great detail in showing Thanks!! And gekko62 I'm in QLD too!! What cheap store did you get the boxes from?

 

[honor435]

i have used a square baking pan, or loaf pan also, just line with something. You can find all sorts of stuff at used stores.

 

[gekko62]

Hi Vonna

I got mine from bargain city & the reject shop...but have seen em in crazies & other smaller stores.The big ones are usually$6 tops & range on down..even found one that fits nizzy's 12 bar dividers! Take a tape measure & calculater.. strange looks guaranteed! lol

 

[MikeInPdx]

I have a silicone loaf pan that I use. I support the sides with bricks so the pan doesn't bow and distort the soap.

 

[amanda131]

So basically you can use anything that will hold the soap? You just get the shape you get? The cardboard makes me nervous that the soap would soak thru, or it would soak up the oils? No??

 

[hem06]

So basically you can use anything that will hold the soap? You just get the shape you get? The cardboard makes me nervous that the soap would soak thru, or it would soak up the oils? No??

If you use cardboard, you have to line the mold. That should prevent leaks.

 

[opalgirl]

I use the plastic trays from cookies and crackers. Usually for my overage but I like the texture.