Teach Soap

So I'm lusting after the clay soaps right now, but in particular the ones with the soft colors that are layered or poured into a white(ish) base. The effect seems to be quite different from typical swirling and isn't a straightforward layer either. I *must* learn how to do this! LOL. Here are some examples of what I'm talking about (sorry to post links but these aren't MY soaps obviously and not sure how else to illustrate what I'm after ... )

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70245347/ne ... hea-butter
http://www.etsy.com/listing/57548393/le ... ith-ground
http://www.naturalhandcraftedsoap.com/s ... pandable=2
http://www.naturalhandcraftedsoap.com/s ... pandable=1

Pretty yes?

Are these just layers that were very gently poured in and left alone? Or would you have to put a stick in and swirl it around a bit?

Karri

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I soap therefore I am.

The top two look like they are swirled very gently. The bottom two look like layers- the top layer being poured before the bottom layer set up fully so that it isn't level. Or they could have used a spoon handle or something to create the "valley" in the bottom layer after pouring the top layer. Or they could have poured the top layer from higher above the soap so it cratered the bottom layer. Or...well you get the idea!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

I agree, you can do the first pour at a thicker trace so that you can do a little valley down the middle, then pour the second color and just give it a tiny swirl or 'O' shape from the top to bottom with a chop stick or something.

I am pretty sure that naiad soaps is a member here, so maybe Erin will tell you exactly, but I achieve similar results by the methods the others have already mentioned.

Experiment and you will find all kinds of neat designs that can be made! Have fun!

And, btw, the second shop you linked to. I have to say that I especially love their "all natural" soap that is made with fragrance oils. They don't use "synthetic", but I know of no essential oil of ozone, so....hmm, I guess that they must do what they must do. Oh, and I really enjoy purchasing an unknown weight of soap. Geeze, what people get by with amazes me!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Oooh, good tips everyone!!

I am thinking that circling through the loaf in an "O" shape (like a spiral on its side) would do the trick just perfectly!! Hadn't thought of that one yet. (Adding to mental file of "how to make the perfect soap"). Thanks! (And yes, I hope Erin chimes in ... her soaps are pure FABULOSITY).

@LavenderLady: I hear you, on a lot of levels, but especially seeing as I come straight from the online marketing/biz world 'n all that

Soap box alert ...

I'm in Canada and after researching soaping and the legislation for selling soap, I started to scrutinize soaps for sale at the grocery store, the health food store, online, etc. And guess what? LOTS of 'em are winging it. i.e. In Canada labelling has to be bilingual (despite the fact that uh hardly anyone I know here in Alberta speaks French. But that's Canada for ya. Ha!). Plus you have to label ingredients using INCI protocol AND file a separate report to Health Canada for EVERY product you sell. Not to mention trying to get insurance and ... and ... and ...

Karri

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I soap therefore I am.