How to Use Calendula Flowers & Poppy Seeds in Soap
Plant matter, such as calendula petals and poppy seeds, add texture and fragrance to soaps. Always add plant materials just before you pour the soap into the molds. A "melt and pour" soap base allows you to experiment with soap-making without having to deal with caustic chemicals and lengthy cook times. You can find melt and pour soap base at craft stores and online retailers. You can find calendula flowers and poppy seeds at specialty food stores or online.
Things You'll Need
- 1.5 lbs. clear melt and pour soap base
- .5 lbs goat's milk melt and pour soap base
- One microwave-safe, 2-cup glass measuring cup
- One microwave-safe, 1-cup glass measuring cup
- 1/2 cup dried calendula flowers
- Ten drops calendula fragrance oil
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- Rubber or silicone spatula
- Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol
- Six-bar soap mold (for six 5-oz. bars.)
- Small cloth
Instructions
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Calendula and Poppy Seed Exfoliating Soap
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1
Cut the clear soap base into small, uniform pieces, and put them into the 2-cup measuring cup. Cover the cup with plastic wrap and heat the soap in the microwave in 30-second increments until it melts. Do not let the soap boil over.
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2
Cut the goat's milk soap base into small, uniform pieces, and put them into the 1-cup measuring cup. Cover the cup with plastic wrap and heat the soap in the microwave in 30-second increments until it melts. Do not let the soap boil over.
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3
Add 1/2 cup dried calendula flowers, and 10 drops calendula fragrance, to the clear melt and pour the soap. Stir the soap lightly with the spatula, and spray alcohol on the surface to disperse any bubbles.
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4
Add 1/4 cup poppy seeds, to the goat's milk melt and pour soap. Stir the soap lightly, with the spatula, and spray alcohol on the surface disperse any bubbles.
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5
Pour the calendula soap into the mold---leaving approximately one-half inch at the top of each well. Spray alcohol on the surface and let the soap sit for up to one minute.
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6
Pour the poppy soap on top of the calendula soap. Spray alcohol on the surface, cover the mold with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
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7
Run warm water over the bottom of the mold to release the finished bars. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any rough edges. Wrap the extra bars in wax paper and store them in a cool, dry place.
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