I have always wanted a nice wooden soap mold for crafting my handmade soaps. So I came up with this simple idea and design inspired by the Japanese method of woodworking.
The idea is to not use any nails to hold it together. But to have exact measurements in order to attach the sides together, much like a jigsaw puzzle. Since you can take it apart and pack in flat, it can also be stored away easily.
As I was inspired by the Japanese woodwork, I gave it the name “Sakura” which is the name of the Japanese cherry blossom. I have to thank S for letting me use his carpentry tools and advice on cutting and measurements.
If anyone is interested in attempting to make their own wooden soap mold, I hope the plan illustrated here with measurements are clear and easy to understand.
I got my lumber at Lowe’s for about $3. I even had some wood left over to make a lid too.
Finally, I still need to drill a hole for a dowel to hold the bottom in place with the sides. In the meantime you can still use a clamp to hold the bottom in place.
The real test will be when I finally get to test it out on my soap. Hopefully real soon!
3:02 am on July 12th, 2009
Wow, you did a great job, I can’t wait to see how it’d turnout.
This is a great idea, you can probably use the same concept to make a raised bed for planting, this is something that my dad used to do.
6:59 am on July 12th, 2009
Can you make one that’s edible? I have a friend here at work who wants the cranberry and citrus flavors. He’s like ‘Mikey’ he’ll eat anything:)))
Very impressive wood working there Cambree. Nye is very good with wood working as well. Maybe you two are related somehow…kindred spirits, friends from distant past.
I love to do something like that as well, but Oh the time…where have they gone? The joy of parenting:))
11:00 pm on July 13th, 2009
Thanks. It’s fun working with wood, got lots of arm workout too.
I want to use it this weekend. Am thinking of making another facial bar using Carrot seed oil, but haven’t order it yet. So maybe something else with ginger.
11:07 pm on July 13th, 2009
I really don’t recommend anyone eating soap. Not sure how much harm it would do, your friend might not die but could end up burping bubbles. JK. Maybe he can take a bath in a tub full of orange juice and floating cranberries instead? Sticky, sticky bath.
Kindred spirits (that reminds me of Anne of Green Gables!). I am glad my blogging path has cross with Nye too. I always look forward to her beautiful photos and garden updates.
10:49 pm on July 14th, 2009
Kindred spirits also reminds me of Anne Shirley. I’m also glad that my blogging path has cross with you, I consider myself the lucky one.
8:19 am on July 15th, 2009
Actually I was thinking more so of the line Anne used with Diana when they were departing, ‘Bosom friend.’ LOL. I can quote that movie left and right, and I’m a guy…go figures…don’t know why I remember such things. So remember to put away the ‘raspberry cordial’ or else the bosom friends will have to depart…for awhile. Enjoy:))
Another movie that can be quite nostalgic is ‘Somewhere In Time’ with Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. It has a very lovely soundtrack as well. Yes I love sappy romantic movies:))) and Bollywood as well.
1:16 am on July 17th, 2009
Hi PaNoy, I think I remember that scene too, but unlike you I can’t quote it so well. It’s amazing how some people can remember certain details and others (like me) are just hopeless. JK.
M can remember details of conversation and also stranger’s faces. Sometimes people give him strange looks because they think he is stalking them. It’s really funny.
Being that you are such the romantic, I’m sure you had no problem with the girls. JK. I’m sure your wife appreciates that very much. I will look up that movie, sounds like a good movie. There is one movie I saw recently, I should write a review on it “Sweet Land - a love story”. Nice story based around 1920s.
1:21 am on July 17th, 2009
Hi Nye, I have to “thank you” again for writing such a nice post about Cambree Notes a while back. I think I am learning so much all the time just by being online
3:29 pm on May 18th, 2011
I love this idea for a soap mold that doesn’t need hardware! Did you ever finish it (with the dowel)? Would love to see plans if you have posted them somewhere. Thanks for sharing.
10:15 pm on May 22nd, 2011
Hi Diana,
Yes I have been using this soap mold successfully with the dowels.
If you click on the photo, you can see the details & measurements better to make your own. Good luck!