And the molding experience continues...with a little help of 3D printing :D As for the first molding project where I made myself a Stormtrooper "ice cubes" mold, I used the completely same process here so feel free to browse that one for all technicalities...

This one is just to show some extra details on what can be done when you have access to the 3D printer - basically with these devices we are given an opportunity to be creative and produce our own small series products which are unique and completely personalized.

At time I was doing this, I decided it's over with lame Christmas/Any-other-holiday gifts we usually give away when someone visits our company, shop or home. I said to myself it's time to give something unique and different, usable and "everyday" but still interesting because it's created on different way than usual. And soapIT natural lavender soaps shaped like retro mouses were born :D

Step 1: 3D Model/sketch

So right away I jumped on to modeling some retro mouses, used 20 or more years ago - and the 3 best candidates emerged: an Apple one, IBM and another one I could not make the brand (the one with sphere in the "back") - feel free to jump in and let me know if you know who's mouse was this.

Step 2: 3D Printing and Molding

So after you model and 3D print (in my case ZPrinter powder based technology was used) your mold patterns, use the same process with clay and silicone explained in first instructable to get the mold and you are ready for the final step - casting soap.

Mixing a soap is really a not so complicated, all ingredients are broadly available and the process is just basic chemistry in form of precise ratios and cooking. But I like to outsource this parts of work flow to small entrepreneur who have a lot of practical experience in this area - and they can mix you any flavor you like + everything is organic grown and they are always willing to do small series...

For the soaps you do not have to have food grade silicone, you can use some cheaper variants but be careful to use the one which will hold up to 120°C because this is the max temperature you'll be operating when working with soap.

Step 3: The Final Result

After you leave them to dry, you'l have your geek soaps ready for gift baskets! Geek on!

p.s. one important note: the longer you leave soap to dry, the more it reduces in dimensions...