I knew I was barely going to make this entry in time but I really had to try. I’m super impressed with this technique and quite surprised at the results. This is probably not going to be the prettiest soap in the competition, there are some seriously talented soap geniuses out there, I am just so pleased with the results given the circumstances and that this was only my first try!
Filling the Impression Mat
Some three weeks ago I made a batch of soap and used the color for that soap that I knew I wanted to use for my impression mat. Saving back a bit of my green soap scented with Bayberry and looking all festive, I waited for it to become super thick. Then I smeared a little bit of soap (couldn’t have been more than a teaspoon at most) onto my mat with a rubber spatula, filling in all the grooves. I covered it in plastic wrap and set it on the counter. That mat sat there waiting and waiting and waiting for me to find time to get back to it. Finally, on the 15th, I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. I had to make this soap if I had any hope of getting it into the contest this month.
Making the loaf
My loaf mold was a little big for the tiny mat I’d purchased but I figured I could remove excess soap and probably be OK. What I hadn’t counted on was that my impression mat was no longer flat. It was bowed inward really bad. I tried laying a heavy box on it to flatten it back out but that did not work. You can see here that it is most definitely curling. Oh well, I’d give it a try anyway. I made a new batch of soap using an Alpine fragrance and poured it onto my mat. Of course the soap scooted right under the mat. I only filled the mold about halfway because I’d like to cut pretty wide bars of soap to show off the impression in bigger sections.
On the morning of the 16th, yes the day the entries opened up, I un-molded the soap. Of course the mat was nearly invisible because soap had gotten underneath. I carefully trimmed soap off the back of the impression mat and one side until I could get a hold of the impression mat and attempt to pull it off.
Impressively, the mat came right off leaving behind a perfect impression with wonderful tiny details, the snowflakes are incredible. Where the mat had bowed, the soap bowed with it. The top of my soap in ever so slightly rounded and looks so cool!
Of course, now I’m going to need to lay my hands on some more impression mats!!! How fun!!! Thank you for these challenges, they help me to grow in many ways 😀
Wow! Leaving the mat waiting for such a long time probably worked on your favour to obtain such precise detail. Well done! And very christmassy, I like it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your soap is beautiful and completely puts us in the Christmas spirit. Bet it smells nice too! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really beautiful, April! I can so relate to getting in just under the wire! Ha! But this one *had* to be entered!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your Christmas soap- It is the best one (out of any style) that I have seen. Very nice- the green is perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awe, thank you so much Sara ❤ I really like it too but admit I need to do it again with a little more control. This technique is really cool and some of the amazing soaps we've seen here just make me want to learn more!
LikeLike
This is so cute! And really interesting to read you left the soap in the impression mat for quite some time before using it. The curling is something I will bear in mind. Thank you for sharing it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 I was extremely worried that leaving the mat so long I’d ruined any chance of a clean impression but that mat slipped right off! I look forward to more attempts.
LikeLike
Your soap turned out stunning! I love the simple colors. With the intricate design they are absolutely perfect! Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the tree design & the green looks so nice next to the white! Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice job! The glittery look of the white soap is a nice touch. : )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very pretty and love the mat you chose 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
April:
I LOVE the mat!! I would also love to see your cut bars, and hope you add some photos of them in your blog.
A want to make these next year!!
Thanks so much!
Sly
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you all!! What fun 😀
Sly, I can’t decide where to cut it I don’t want to mess up a snowflake and I don’t want to cut through a tree…oh decisions…really though, this mat needs to go in a shallow mold that fits the mat. I’m going to have to look up that video from last month and make my own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the Christmas tress, perfect for this time of year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the link to the mat! I love how festive this soap is. Great for a December challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow!! Isn’t this technique just so satisfying? I was totally thrilled when I pulled off the mat too. I love the Christmas theme too – I might have to snag one of those! Thanks for sharing the link!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it! 👍🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous — I love it! Can you tell me where you got your mat? Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Claudia 😀
I got the mat on Amazon, I wanted snowflakes but this one had trees AND snowflakes so I went with it…Amazon – impression mat
LikeLike
Thank you Annie 😀 Even though I rushed through this one, I couldn’t be more pleased with the results, I can’t wait to play some more with impression mats!
LikeLike
I love this!!! So festive, this soap is sure to be a hit for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person