Get into the holiday spirit with this easy and beautiful Christmas Tree Melt and Pour Soap project! This festive soap design is perfect for gifting or brightening up your own bathroom for the season. Using shea butter and crystal clear melt and pour bases, this project combines shimmering mica, bio glitter, and a cheerful peppermint scent to create an eye-catching bar that looks as magical as it smells.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced soap maker, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process and share expert tips for flawless results.
Materials List
Here’s everything you’ll need for this melt and pour soap project:
Soap Bases
- Shea Butter Melt and Pour Soap Base
- Crystal Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
Colorants & Additives
- Stardust Mica in Tail Green
- Bramble Berry mica (similar to Ariel Blue)
- Bio Glitter (cosmetic-grade)
- Rubbing alcohol (in a spray bottle)
Fragrance
- Peppermint Candy Fragrance Oil (Crafters Choice)
Molds & Tools
- Christmas Tree Mold
- Funnel Cups
- Pipettes
- Digital Scale
- Cheese Grater or Vegetable Peeler (without a guard)
- Stirring Stick or Spatula
- Thermometer or Infrared Temperature
- Butter Knife (for trimming edges)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
Cut the shea butter melt and pour soap base into small cubes and melt it using 10-second intervals in the microwave until fully liquid. Avoid overheating to prevent discoloration or burning.
2. Add Color and Fragrance
Once melted, stir in the Tail Green mica for a rich evergreen tone. Add the peppermint fragrance oil and mix well to ensure even scent distribution. Pour this into the Christmas tree molds, filling each cavity to the top.
Let the soap harden completely before moving on.
3. Create the Soap Curls
After your green soap trees have set, remove one or two bars and use a cheese grater or peeler to create long, thin curls. These will form the decorative design within your clear soap layer. Curl each strip by hand and set them aside.
4. Melt the Clear Soap Base
Melt the crystal clear melt and pour base using 10-second microwave bursts. Stir frequently to prevent overheating. At around 142°F, you’ll notice a few unmelted chunks—stir gently until fully smooth instead of reheating to avoid cloudiness.
5. Add Mica and Glitter
Spritz a small amount of rubbing alcohol into the melted clear base before adding a touch of blue mica for a frosty winter hue. Mix thoroughly and then add bio glitter for sparkle.
Wait for the mixture to cool to below 130°F (ideally between 120–125°F) before pouring—this helps preserve the clarity and prevents the green trees from melting.
6. Embed the Christmas Trees
Lightly spritz your hardened tree embeds with alcohol and pour the clear soap slowly into the mold, just enough to cover them. Add your Christmas tree curls or full tree embeds into the base while it’s still slightly fluid so they adhere well.
If bubbles form, spray the top with alcohol to clear the surface.
7. Let It Set
Allow the soap to cool at room temperature. Avoid placing it in the refrigerator, as this can cause sweating or shrinkage later on. Once firm, gently remove the bars from the mold.
8. Trim and Finish
Use a butter knife to trim any over-pour or excess soap along the edges. You can save the scraps to remelt later for another batch.
Pro Tips & Temperature Guidelines
- Melt at 10-second intervals to avoid overheating or boiling your soap base.
- Optimal pouring temperature: between 120°F and 130°F for embedding designs.
- Do not refrigerate to cool faster—it can cause condensation and uneven texture.
- Add rubbing alcohol before colorants to help disperse mica evenly and prevent clumping.
- Pour hot for the white or opaque layers and cooler for the clear top layers.
- If using multiple layers, always spritz each layer with alcohol before adding the next.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Soap looks cloudy | Overheated clear base | Keep melting intervals short and stir instead of reheating |
| White layer lifts off tree tips | Uneven bonding | Gently press the top down before pouring the next layer |
| Air bubbles | Not spritzed with alcohol | Lightly mist the surface after each pour |
| Trees melting into clear base | Poured too hot | Wait until base cools to under 130°F before embedding |
| Glitter sinking to the bottom | Base too hot or too thin | Stir continuously while cooling to help suspension |
Variations
- Color Change: Use red or gold mica for a traditional Christmas look.
- Scent Options: Try cinnamon, fir needle, or vanilla for festive alternatives.
- Add Layers: Create a snow-like base with a white soap layer before adding your trees.
- Different Molds: Experiment with snowflakes, stars, or ornaments for a full holiday gift set.
Final Results
The finished soaps feature delicate green Christmas trees suspended in a sparkling, slightly blue-tinted base with just the right amount of glitter. The peppermint fragrance offers a clean, refreshing scent that feels festive and invigorating. These soaps make wonderful handmade gifts or can add a touch of cheer to your guest bathroom throughout the holidays.
Conclusion
Creating these Christmas Tree Melt and Pour Soaps is a joyful way to celebrate the season while honing your soap-making skills. With just a few materials and some patience, you can produce professional-looking bars that are both beautiful and functional.
Ready to try more melt and pour designs? Visit KoalaSoap.com for additional tutorials, materials, and inspiration for your next soap-making project.
