MAKING OF A GIGANTIC PRETZEL BATH BOMB
Creating the perfect pretzel-shaped bath bomb is a mix of art and precision. I start with a long strip of clay, shaping it into the familiar pretzel form. I feel that most pretzel bath bombs out there are too perfect and symmetrical, probably a byproduct of modern 3D printing techniques. They lack a certain charm. My goal? To stand out in the crowded pretzel bath bomb market by bringing personality to each piece. I aim for natural shapes and curves, embracing the beauty in the small, organic imperfections that make bath bombs special and visually interesting!
In the process of crafting this bath bomb, I first employ vacuum forming to capture the basic shape of my clay pretzel. This is where the initial magic happens, giving life to my concept. Following this, I pour plaster into the shaped cavity, setting the stage for my work ahead. Once the plaster has solidified, the real artistry begins. I take up my chisel and carefully carve out the design, ensuring every detail is brought to life! This process is a delicate balance of skill and creativity, and if I end up taking out the wrong chunk (which I unfortunately have), it means having to re-pour the plaster and starting the whole process all over again.
The same meticulous process is applied to the back half of the pretzel. I'm not a fan of flat-backed designs; I prefer my bath bombs to be fully three-dimensional wherever possible. So, I carefully ensure that the front and back halves align seamlessly. Once they are perfectly matched, I proceed to create the final bath bomb mold. This mold is crucial as it captures every intricate detail of the design, ensuring that the bath bombs come out with all their intended charm and character.
​
Initially, my concept for the bath bomb was to line the exterior with colorful embeds. However, in a twist to set my creation apart from the norm, I decided to do something different. I chose to place the colors on the inside loops of the pretzel instead. This decision has led to a rather unique and exciting bath art experience. It's unconventional, but that's exactly what I aimed for!
After a successful test run in water to see how my pretzel bath bomb would perform, the next exciting step was choosing the fragrance. There's a method to this scented madness: I decided to pair floral essential oils with the colors used in the bomb.
Lavender, known for its soothing properties, corresponds to the blue and purple hues. Geranium, which often brings a sense of balance and calm, matches the pink. And for the yellow parts, I chose the exotic and relaxing scent of Ylang Ylang. Each color now not only delights visually but also tells a story through its fragrance, creating a multisensory bath experience.
​
That's a job well done, If I do say so myself! Now I'm off to buy a real pretzel because all this food talk has me craving one!
