Monday, February 24, 2014

Finding Inspiration

Inspiration for soap design can be found in so many different places.  Some of my favorite inspirations come from delicious food recipes, especially desserts and beverages.  Both  lend themselves to fun and sometimes easy recreations in soap.  Who wouldn't love to try their hand at soaping a batch of double fudge brownies with ice cream, or pumpkin mousse triffle topped with whipping cream?  That certain cup of chai tea or mocha latte mustn't be overlooked either!

More challenging inspirations can come through scenery, including sunsets, majestic mountain peaks, beautiful lakes, colorful forests, and of course, sandy beaches that stretch into endless oceans.  I've seen incredible examples of these re-creations in soap that are nothing less than true works of art!  I aspire to that but am afraid that my creativity doesn't extend to that level.  I have a great appreciation for those who have achieved such intricate designs!

Other sources of inspiration can come from photographs where color reigns supreme.  Scenic photographs might fall into this category.  In this case, though, it is color that is the overriding factor, not so much the land or seascape.  On the opposite end of the spectrum is inspiration from abstract art or even color palettes that are used in home or clothing design.  There's no doubt that these combinations are put together with a definite understanding of and appreciation for color.  Beautiful!

Over time I have experienced a greater desire to look for inspiration in creating new soap designs. In this post I would like to share two soaps that are a result of that on-going effort.  The first is inspired by a recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Mousse Triffle from the website: 

www.homemadewithmandy.com 



The recipe consists of  pumpkin mousse layered with crumbled gingersnap cookies.  Isn't it a delicious looking dessert?   My experience in using this masterpiece as inspiration is documented in the post "Pumpkin Snap" from the fall of 2012.  As mentioned there, I definitely had some breath-holding moments as I tried to get the layers in place before the soap got too thick.  I did take some liberties, and while it isn't an exact replica,  I was happy with the result. The Spiced Pumpkin and Gingersnap fragrance oils together were to-die for, by the way!



The second soap that I would like to share was inspired by a photograph taken when my husband and I took a cruise to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The colors in this photo are the main attraction and, in my opinion, gorgeous!


The beautiful turquoise and aqua water against the blue sky backdrop is what caught my attention. I've never made a soap using these colors before and honestly, it surpassed my expectations.  I simply love these colors!


So, there you have it, a couple of examples of inspiration brought to the soap making table. What I'm continuing to learn as a soap maker is that inspiration IS truly limitless and can be found...everywhere!  In addition, and always important to remember is that inspiration lies completely in the mind's eye of the beholder. We are all unique, and so too are our inspirations.  Here's to going forth and being inspired!