One of the many colour choices on offer during Starlite’s workshops is Indigo, offering anywhere from a light blue-grey to a deep blue-black colour.
Indigo powder is a natural dye that has been used for centuries to create beautiful shades of blue in fabrics and textiles. It is also a popular ingredient in soap making, where it is used to add a natural and unique touch to handmade soaps.
Benefits of Indigo Powder in Soap Making
One of the main benefits of using indigo powder in soap making is its natural and organic nature. Indigo powder is derived from the leaves of the indigo plant, and it is free from synthetic chemicals and additives. As a natural dye, it can provide a beautiful, unique shade of blue to your soap.
Challenges of Using Indigo Powder in Soap Making
One of the main challenges of using indigo powder in soap making is its tendency to morph or change colour over time. The indigo can turn from blue to green or purple as it interacts with the soap base and other ingredients in the recipe. This can sometimes make it difficult to achieve the desired colour or design. To minimize colour changes, it is important to use high-quality indigo powder and to experiment with different ratios and techniques. It may also be helpful to use other natural colourants or additives, such as spirulina powder or activated charcoal, to achieve the desired colour and effect.
Tips for Using Indigo Powder in Soap Making
- Use high-quality indigo powder from a reputable supplier.
- Experiment with different ratios and techniques for adding indigo powder to your soap base.
- Keep in mind that indigo powder may morph or change colour over time, so be prepared to adjust your recipe or technique as needed.
While it may present some challenges in terms of colour changes and morphing, with some experimentation and creativity, you can achieve stunning and unique soap designs with indigo powder.
Starlite Soap Studio sells small quantities of indigo (good for three or four batches of soap) and it’s always on offer for colouring your soap during a workshop session.