This “Summer in the 60s” soap is a vibrant, layered melt and pour design inspired by warm weather and bright retro hues. It combines four striking colors—neon green, violet, pink, and blue—to create a fun, abstract soap perfect for summer. Using both shea butter and clear glycerin bases, this project lets you practice layering, rolling, and color blending techniques to achieve a stunning, marbled effect.
Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with bold color combinations or an experienced soap maker looking for a new challenge, this project offers valuable lessons in temperature control, layer setting, and creative design.
Materials List
Soap Bases
- 16 oz Shea Butter Melt and Pour Soap Base (divided into 4 portions of ~4 oz each)
- 6 oz Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base (for the final swirl and texture)
Colorants
- Green Lightning Mica
- Violet Petal Mica
- Pink Strawberry Mica
- Blue Ice Mica
Fragrance
- Lily Fragrance Oil (from Bramble Berry or similar refreshing summer scent)
Tools and Equipment
- Funnel Cups (for controlled pouring)
- Pipettes (for adding colorants and fragrance)
- Digital Scale (for precise measurements)
- Silicone Square Soap Mold (20–22 oz capacity)
- Mixing Sticks or Chopsticks
- Thermometer
- Wave Cutter or Straight Soap Cutter
- Spray Bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol (91%)
- Microwave or Double Boiler
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bases
- Measure four 4 oz portions of shea butter melt and pour base.
- In a separate container, set aside 4 oz of clear glycerin base for later use.
- Melt each portion of shea butter base individually using short 15–30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals until fully melted.
Step 2: Add Color and Fragrance
- To each melted base, add one mica color (green, violet, pink, or blue). Stir until evenly distributed.
- Once the soap cools to about 130–135°F, add fragrance oil (approximately 5 ml per 16 oz of soap base).
- Mix thoroughly to incorporate the scent without creating bubbles.
Step 3: Pour the First Layer
- Begin with your first color and pour gently into the mold.
- Allow the layer to cool until a light “skin” forms—it should be firm enough to support the next layer but still slightly tacky.
- If you pour the next layer too soon, the heat will cause the colors to blend, creating a muddy look instead of clean lines.
Step 4: Continue Layering
- Prepare your next melted base while the first layer cools.
- Test the surface of the soap—when it has a soft skin but is not hard, pour the next layer carefully over the back of a spoon to cushion the fall.
- Repeat until all four colors have been poured, allowing each layer to partially set before adding the next.
- Once all layers are complete, let the soap fully harden for 2–3 hours.
Step 5: Create the Abstract Swirl Roll
- Once your layered block is firm, remove it from the mold.
- Roll the soap log gently to create internal swirls—flatten any thick sections as you go.
- Add small pieces of leftover soap between rolls for extra dimension.
- Press the rolled soap back into the mold, shaping it into a rounded loaf.
Step 6: Finish and Add Glycerin Accents
- Melt your clear glycerin base and tint it with a small amount of blue mica.
- Heat the mixture to around 175–180°F (this is a high temperature, so skip fragrance—it would evaporate).
- Pour this over or between the soap roll layers to add translucent accents.
- Optional: sprinkle a bit of biodegradable glitter on top for a shimmering finish.
Pro Tips & Temperature Guidelines
- Pouring Temperature: Aim for 130–135°F for layered pours; hotter temperatures risk color bleeding.
- High-Temperature Pours: Avoid adding fragrance above 170°F—it can evaporate and fade.
- Set Time: Allow each layer to form a light skin before adding the next to maintain defined color separation.
- Cooling Tip: If you can’t supervise each layer, melt one batch at a time and allow the previous one to fully set. It’s fine if the process takes all day.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Colors blending together | Poured too soon while the previous layer was too hot | Wait until a light skin forms before pouring the next layer |
| Fragrance fading | Added at too high a temperature | Keep temperature below 135°F before adding fragrance |
| Air bubbles | Stirred too vigorously or poured too hot | Stir gently and spritz alcohol between layers |
| Uneven swirl | Soap was too firm when rolled | Slightly warm soap before shaping |
Variations
- Color Palette: Swap neon shades for pastel tones or ocean blues for a coastal vibe.
- Fragrance Options: Try coconut lime verbena, grapefruit mint, or tropical mango.
- Additives: Incorporate botanicals (like calendula petals) or exfoliants (like poppy seeds) for texture.
- Mold Options: Use individual bar molds for smaller portions or fun shapes.
Final Results
Once unmolded and cut, your soap will showcase vivid layered ribbons and subtle internal swirls that create a cheerful, abstract pattern. The combination of blue, pink, green, and violet gives a bright summer feel reminiscent of retro beach colors. The shea butter base provides a creamy, nourishing lather, while the clear glycerin adds sparkle and depth.
Conclusion
This “Summer in the 60s” Melt and Pour Soap captures everything joyful about warm weather—color, creativity, and fun experimentation. With patience and the right temperatures, you can achieve crisp layers and smooth swirls that make every bar unique.
If you enjoyed this project, explore more melt and pour soap tutorials and creative designs at KoalaSoap.com.
