If you weren't at the conference, and would like to attend a Wild Child class, check out our NYC soap making class schedule. Or even if you did attend the conference and would like hands-on experience with these techniques, join us for our next class will on July 23, 2011 on the Upper West Side of NYC where we are opening our new store at 711 Amsterdam Ave. (at 94th Street).
If you’ve never tried combining the two techniques you’re missing out on a truly creative process. Combining MP and CP soapmaking techniques produces fascinating effects in swirling, layering and embedding.
It’s true, purist cold process soapmakers might snub the idea and ask why anyone would want to try to combine the two processes: either you make CP or MP, just don’t blur the lines right? But for those of you with a wild side, there are three reasons you might just love giving it a try:
- You just plain like a creative challenge.
- It’s a great way to use MP and CP scraps.
- Some colors and additives work better in MP and are a great way to sneak them into CP.
In each of these techniques be sure to consider your color combinations. After all, the goal is to produce stunning soaps. Keep in mind that some MP soap colors migrate or bleed, and depending on the results you desire, you may or may not want to avoid using them. If non-bleeding is desired, lean toward colorants such as ultramarines, oxides and/or herbs so colors won’t mutate between layers.
In addition, ensure that your fragrances complement each other as well as you mix and match your MP and CP bases. As you can imagine, the color and fragrance choices are endless.
For best results, choose melt and pour bases with higher melting points (140 F). There are quite a few MP bases on the market, so check with your supplier to determine the melting point of the base you are using. This way if your CP soap goes through gel phase, it won’t melt your MP soap.
When formulating recipes, first determine the amount of MP soap to be used. This is sometimes known as the “offset.” As with any MP being added to CP, you subtract the weight of this offset from your total batch weight. Then refigure your oil and water (lye too, of course) based upon the newly calculated weight. (Note of confidence: Once you try it you’ll realize it isn’t nearly as difficult as it may sound.)
Lastly, keep in mind that due to high glycerin content, MP soaps sweat. You’ll want to consider wrapping your soaps or letting cure in low-humidity area. Or simply use a low-sweat MP base. Another trick is to add botanicals to the top of your soaps to keep moisture content low on the top.
CP with MP Swirl
The first demonstration was Pictured above is a cold process soap colored with ultramarine purple. Swirled into this loaf is a blue melt and pour. I also topped the loaf off with the blue melt and pour and added iridescent glitter in true Emeril style. I snuck ylang ylang essential oil into the melt and pour, which otherwise can speed up trace or seize in cold process soap making. The purple cold process was scented with lavender, which gave the final product a beautiful scent.
CP with MP Embeds
Another advantage of combining melt and pour soap into cold process soap is that colors that traditionally do not work in cold process soapmaking, such as this pink ultramarine colorant, can be added into the melt and pour.
Whipped CP/MP into MP
HSMG attendees checking out the setup, finished products, asking questions and taking photos. 
Above are MP/CP soap loaves made during the demo at the HSMG conference. Want to try the CP/MP whipped soap recipe that Katherine shared? Get your Wild Child on because here we go:Cold Process and Melt and Pour Whipped Soap
1.5 lb. Handmilled Cold Process
1 lb. part Melt and Pour
8-10 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. light oil
1 Tbsp. glycerin
Colorant (optional)
Herbs or Exfoliants (optional)
Preservative (recommended)
1-2% Fragrance
Directions:
Handmill cold process soap into fine shreds into double boiler. Add water and combine. Heat until melted and smooth. In the meantime, heat and melt MP. Cover and hold at melted state. Remove handmilled CP from heat. Working quickly, using hand mixer whip in light oil, glycerin and and melted MP soap. Sprinkle in exoliants and continue to whip until it turns to a whipped cream consistency.
While still warm, piped onto soaps or mold into bars. Let sit to firm for two weeks or longer if needed.
Tips: The less water used, the faster the bars will firm up. Add colorant to melt and pour or into entire mixture when whipping. There aren't any "rules" to this. You'll get a feel for what works and what doesn't quickly.""
Have fun and be sure to leave a comment if you've tried any of these techniques. We'd love to feature your soaps!
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7 comments:
The MP/CP technique is so fun! And I agree, it definitely opens up the color opportunities =) I hope that everyone loved your classes and that Miami treated you well!
I was at the conference and went to both classes which were spectacular and very informative. I am really happy to see the cut product as I didn't see it at the conference. I really love the combo of the whipped and cold process together. I also happen to notice that I am in one of the pictures! (I am the one with a long sweater on - yes I do realize I was in Miami, LOL!)
I too saw the workshop and now have an interest in making an attempt to trying this project. I have done all melt and pour but think I could manage to do these with rebatch soap pieces. Thanks so much!!!!!
Barb stull
Anne-Marie,
It was my first time to Miami. Loved it!
What it your name in the sweater? Well it was freezing in those conference rooms, so I can see why you wore it.
Barb, these methods are a lot like playing in a sandbox. No rules, just fun. Let me know how yours turns out.
I must try this technique! Thanks for sharing. I'm wondering how the MP is added, is it as you're pouring the CP into the mold?
Thanks.
Glad to hear that you are going to play with the MP/CP combo! You can either pour layers with melted MP onto the CP. Or you can pour CP and MP simultaneously. In my example, I first poured the CP, then slowly trickled in the MP in the mold.
Have fun and let me know how it turns out!
Thanks so much!
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