Need help on the cut

[Nicolesica]

So, here is my first attempt at a Taiwan swirl. This is the top and bottom portion. Now before I destroy it completely, I cut this long-ways (horizontally) first and then into bars (vertically), correct?

So, here is my first attempt at a Taiwan swirl. This is the top and bottom portion. Now before I destroy it completely, I cut this long-ways (horizontally) first and then into bars (vertically), correct?

The swirls aren’t that great as my homemade dividers were trying really hard to collapse. Next time I’ll make sure to use the proper dividers.

 

[AliOop]

Those are very pretty! It's one of the things I love about that swirl, as it is fairly forgiving and adaptable to the many things we do to it.

Your description of cutting is correct: one long horizontal cut to create two loaves that are each half as tall as the original. Then vertical cuts to create the size of bar you prefer.

 

[Nicolesica]

Like this, correct?

And thank you. I’m not really happy with the colors. I placed it in the oven (lowest temp and then turned off) to try and force gel, but all I got was soda ash. Hopefully I’ll be able to steam some respectability back into them

 

[dibbles]

Like this, correct?

Yes! Very pretty!

 

[Zing]

This is lovely work. I like the color combo and the swirl. I attempted it once for one of this Forum's monthly challenges. I got so mixed up on the cut and ended up with only 4 bars! All. That. Work. For 4 bars. I could have used your photos! Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Nicolesica]

This is lovely work. I like the color combo and the swirl. I attempted it once for one of this Forum's monthly challenges. I got so mixed up on the cut and ended up with only 4 bars! All. That. Work. For 4 bars. I could have used your photos! Welcome to the Forum.

Haha.. I actually saw that thread so made a very small batch and made sure I understood the cut.

And thank you for the welcome. So happy to be here

This is one of the techniques I am going to work on. I had so much fun with this

 

[Catscankim]

I have tried steaming ash off of soap. Imo it only comes back as it dries. I dont think it really goes away. The real magic happens if you plane them.

 

[Nicolesica]

I have tried steaming ash off of soap. Imo it only comes back as it dries. I dont think it really goes away. The real magic happens if you plane them.

Well shoot. Steaming seemed like such an easy answer. If it comes back I’ll plane them, for sure. Thanks for the heads up

 

[Catscankim]

Hope it works for you! according to you tube it works, but i have never had luck with it

maybe steam then polish real quick, i dunno

 

[Andf]

I have tried steaming ash off of soap. Imo it only comes back as it dries. I dont think it really goes away. The real magic happens if you plane them.

I’ve gotten it off using steam and a small paintbrush.

I used a small pot of boiling water and held a bar in the steam. When that didn’t seem to be doing much I got a cheap little brush from my kids’ art supplies and wiped off the ash (while still holding the bar in the steam).

I wouldn’t want to do it every time I made soap but I was trying to save some pretty swirls.

 

[Carly B]

Well shoot. Steaming seemed like such an easy answer. If it comes back I’ll plane them, for sure. Thanks for the heads up

I made soaps for my son's wedding. They wanted each bar as a single color, 4 different colors total. Ash REALLY shows up on a
solid color bar. I steamed every one and it worked a treat. I did them in single cavity molds, then I stood them on end and steamed a
big batch at a time. I was amazed at how well it worked.

 

[Zing]

I made soaps for my son's wedding. They wanted each bar as a single color, 4 different colors total. Ash REALLY shows up on a
solid color bar. I steamed every one and it worked a treat. I did them in single cavity molds, then I stood them on end and steamed a
big batch at a time. I was amazed at how well it worked.

You get the Mom of the Year award!

 

[Nicolesica]

All in all, I’m pleased. A lot of work for 6 bars, but, I’ll try a bigger scale next time

 

[AliOop]

Oohh they look like lilies!

 

[Nicolesica]

Oohh they look like lilies!

I didn’t see that until you said something!

 

[Carly B]

You get the Mom of the Year award!

I had just retired. About 130 soaps. It gave me something to do to ease the transition.

 

[scmorgans]

Like this, correct?

And thank you. I’m not really happy with the colors. I placed it in the oven (lowest temp and then turned off) to try and force gel, but all I got was soda ash. Hopefully I’ll be able to steam some respectability back into them

Great looking soap! I would forgey after the 1st cut! Haven't been brave enough to try something like this............... going to have to save the photos!

 

[Zing]

Haha.. I actually saw that thread so made a very small batch and made sure I understood the cut.

And thank you for the welcome. So happy to be here

This is one of the techniques I am going to work on. I had so much fun with this

Well okay then since you prepared by reading the challenge thread, I'd be happy to take some credit in your success.

 

[Nicolesica]

Well okay then since you prepared by reading the challenge thread, I'd be happy to take some credit in your success.

Absolutely! You saved me a ton of frustration by posting that. Thank youuuu!

 

[janesathome]

I have tried steaming ash off of soap. Imo it only comes back as it dries. I dont think it really goes away. The real magic happens if you plane them.

Yay! A planer! i wonder if it’s too late to add that to my Christmas wish list...