Why Sushi Soap is a Fun DIY Project
I got into melt-and-pour soap at a craft fair in 2009 and now love making fun, sushi-shaped soaps like rolls or nigiri! These are awesome for gifts—my sushi-obsessed sister went crazy over hers. Using Bramble Berry’s LCP White and Clear Melt and Pour Soap Bases (low glycerin), you can make realistic salmon nigiri soaps.
It’s way easier than cold process soap, though it takes a couple of days for multiple batches. My video tutorial (linked in the post) shows the steps, even if the photos are a bit blurry. You just need a kitchen counter, a heatproof jug, and molds—no fancy setup! The soap sets fast, so move quickly, but even wonky batches look cute. Perfect for fun or surprising sushi fans, let’s make Salmon Nigiri soap!
Salmon Nigiri: Crafting Your Sushi Soap
Getting Started with the Basics
Making Salmon Nigiri soap is like crafting a tiny sushi masterpiece—a rice base topped with a shiny slice of salmon that looks almost edible! I got hooked on this at a local workshop, and after a few messy attempts, I learned the melt and pour soap base sets fast, so you need quick hands. This section covers everything you need and the steps to nail that salmon look. It’s a fun mix of creativity and precision, perfect for anyone who loves cute, artistic soaps.
Grab 120g opaque melt and pour soap base (like Bramble Berry’s LCP White), 70g clear melt and pour soap base (LCP Clear with less glycerin is great), 1.9ml total of essential oils (I use lemongrass, black pepper, and juniper berry for a zesty scent), orange mica powder for that shimmery salmon glow, rubbing alcohol to zap bubbles, a small loaf silicone mould, a small square silicone mould, and a sharp knife.
Melt the opaque soap base in a heatproof bowl using a microwave in 30-60 second bursts—watch it to avoid burning, like I did once! Stir in 1.2ml essential oils, pour a thin layer into the loaf mould and two square moulds, and let them harden. Cut the loaf layer into thin strips to mimic salmon fat, place them diagonally in the loaf mould, and spritz with rubbing alcohol. Slice the square soaps into rectangular shapes for the rice base—halving them works best. This sets you up for the salmon layer!
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Tools and Tips for a Polished Finish
To make your Salmon Nigiri soap stand out, the right tools are key. A small loaf silicone mould and small square silicone mould shape the salmon and rice base perfectly, while a heatproof bowl keeps melting safe.
A sharp knife is crucial for clean cuts—my first batch was a mess with a dull blade! Rubbing alcohol eliminates bubbles for a standard polished finish. The lemongrass, black pepper, and juniper berry essential oils add a spa-like vibe, but you can swap them to expedite your process.
From my 2009 experiments, here’s a tip: melt the opaque soap base in short bursts to avoid scorching, and mix in the 1.2ml essential oils quickly for a strong scent. For the salmon piece, orange mica powder gives that iconic salmon look, but stir well to avoid clumps—I learned this after a spotty batch! If the thin strips float up in the clear soap base, it’s fine; it mimics natural salmon fat.
When cutting rectangular shapes for the rice base, measure against the salmon piece for a slight overhang. These details make your soap a super amazing gift or craft fair star, as my sushi addict sister loved!
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Step-by-Step Soap Assembly
The charm of Salmon Nigiri soap is in its layers, like real sushi. Start by melting 120g opaque melt and pour soap base and pouring a thin layer into the loaf mould and two square moulds. Once set, cut the loaf layer into thin strips to mimic salmon fat—think of those white streaks in salmon.
Lay them diagonally in the loaf mould, spritz with rubbing alcohol to secure, and cut the square soaps into rectangular shapes for the rice base—halving them gives the perfect nigiri size. This step is not too difficult, but precision makes it cute.
Next, melt 70g clear melt and pour soap base, add 0.7ml essential oils and orange mica powder (or soap colourant if you don’t have mica) for the salmon look. Pour it over the strips in the loaf mould, spritz with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles, and let it harden.
Remove the salmon piece, cut it slightly larger than the rice base, bevel the edges for a real slice of salmon look, and score wavy lines for texture. I rushed this once and got blocky edges, so go slow! Place the salmon piece on the rice base, save offcuts for other sushi rolls, and admire your DIY beauty. See my video tutorial for visuals—sorry for the blurry photos, but it’s a super amazing project that sparks new ideas!
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Conclusion
Making Salmon Nigiri soap is such a fun way to blend creativity and craftiness into cute, artistic soaps that wow everyone. From my first attempt in 2009 to gifting a batch to my sushi-crazy sister, this DIY beauty has been a favorite project that’s not too difficult and always sparks new ideas.
Whether you’re prepping for a craft fair or just want to try something super amazing, grab your Bramble Berry’s LCP White and LCP Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base, and give it a go—you’ll be hooked like I am!
FAQS
1. Can I make this soap without a microwave?
Yes! If you don’t want to use a microwave, melt the opaque and clear melt and pour soap base in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler. It takes a bit longer but works just as well. I’ve tried both ways, and the double boiler gives you more control, especially if you’re worried about burning the soap like I did once!
2. What if I don’t have orange mica powder?
No orange mica powder? No problem! You can use a soap colourant in orange or even a mix of red and yellow to get that salmon look. I’ve used soap colourant when I ran out of mica, and it still looked cute and realistic, just without the shimmer. Mix it well to avoid streaks.
3. How do I avoid bubbles in my soap?
Bubbles can make your soap look messy, but rubbing alcohol is your best friend! Spritz it lightly over the melt and pour soap base after pouring into the loaf mould or square moulds. I learned this trick at a craft fair workshop—it’s a standard way to get a smooth, professional finish every time.
4. Can I use different essential oils?
Absolutely! While I love the lemongrass, black pepper, and juniper berry blend for its zesty kick, you can swap them for any essential oils you like. Just keep the total at 1.9ml (1.2ml for the opaque soap base, 0.7ml for the clear). My sister, the sushi addict, loved a lavender version I made for her!