Absolutely you can join. Find the latest sign up list, copy and paste it into a new post adding your name. Let me know if you need any help. No need to be nervous. We’re all friends here! Looking forward to seeing what you make.
SMF February 2021 Challenge - Circling Taiwan Swirl
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I cut my challenge and despite the stress of making it, it turned out way better than I thought. But, I'm about to admit something in front of smart, talented soapers: I cut 2 bars the wrong way!! I started out cutting sooo carefully -- and turning my brain upside down and inside out, wait what's the top now exactly? Then for the final cut, I think muscle memory just took over and I cut it like normal people who are used to sliced bread since like forever. So, I've got some colorful bars with a completely rando-looking design. AARGH!! For you contestants yet to cut, word to the wise....
And @TashaBird, I am so sorry, but I believe that you have missed the deadline not only for this month, but for every single month in the future. Bummer, I know.
And @TashaBird, I am so sorry, but I believe that you have missed the deadline not only for this month, but for every single month in the future. Bummer, I know.
@Zing huh?
@TashaBird that is a very round-about, tongue-in-cheek compliment. He knows he will have to up his soaping game if you join the challenge. As will the rest of us.
Thanks for the interpretation. I’m not the sharpest tool I the shed today.@TashaBird that is a very round-about, tongue-in-cheek compliment. He knows he will have to up his soaping game if you join the challenge. As will the rest of us.
I sympathize. As one friend likes to say, sometimes the driveway just doesn't go all the way to the garage.
Here, @TashaBird , does this help?
I know text can be easily misinterpreted. Your soaps are off the charts beautiful and technical so I was just trying to, you know, give some of us an edge.
Ok. I watched a video where someone cut it through the middle, top to bottom. I cut mine through the middle, side to side. So I was left with the literal top half and the literal bottom half. Not a mirror cut, if that makes sense. I don’t think that was correct. Right??? I’m so confused.
You wouldn't get that nice design if it was cut vertically - it's perfect and looks great!
One of the videos shows the maker using a spatula gently scraping the excess into the loaf... slowly life the divider, scrape down and do again til most of it's off. I tried it and it worked pretty good. The batter on the sides is a waste though.
How often are the Soap Challenges done?
I made a 3rd attempt at this design, definitely better than the first 2 but it's more difficult than it might appear. This design is far from being a favorite of mine but I though it might be easier than it actually was. The colours aren't quite what I had in mind but I will enter this just so I can say I did it!
Ahhh, I see they are monthly.
Yeah, tryin' to keep it rated G.
I made my........I forget how many attempts I’ve made actually. I think today’s will be the final because it executed better than the others. And I’ve hit Taiwan Swirl fatigue. 
One conclusion I’ve discovered is that the design is more forgiving of blunders than you might think.
I think today’s will be the final because it executed better than the others. And I’ve hit Taiwan Swirl fatigue. One conclusion I’ve discovered is that the design is more forgiving of blunders than you might think.
Yes, they are monthly. There are a few requirements listed under the general challenge rules in the first post of this thread. Most importantly, you need to have been a member for a month and have at least 50 posts. Once you are eligible, we welcome you to join. In the meantime, please try the technique and play along - and post pictures of anything you make here. And welcome to the forum!
edit to add: Oops, 'new member' was showing under your name, but I see you joined almost 2 years ago.
Did my first attempt at the TS. Can’t tell if it worked right or not, but the top looks pretty! I can barely believe that I found a FO that I absolutely love! Frangipani Jasmine from NS behaved beautifully, and actually smells like what it’s called. I love it! I hope it lasts in the soap.
So, no picture posting right?
I’m SUPER nervous to cut it, I can’t quite understand how that’s supposed to work yet. I may need some hand holding.
What a messy technique! I hate wasting batter, and it’s hard to salvage the left overs because they all mix together. But, I got some of it into a individual mold.
@GemstonePony Can you say some more about #6? I can’t quite picture what you’re describing.“6. If using Mica in oils to accent the outside of a section, pour it into the pitcher along the sides towards the back and from further up once the batters are in. If you pour it first, it's hard to predict where it will end up, and if it's placed towards the front it will beat the batter out of the spout. Expect to restripe your pitcher at least once.”
So, no picture posting right?
I’m SUPER nervous to cut it, I can’t quite understand how that’s supposed to work yet. I may need some hand holding.
What a messy technique! I hate wasting batter, and it’s hard to salvage the left overs because they all mix together. But, I got some of it into a individual mold.
@GemstonePony Can you say some more about #6? I can’t quite picture what you’re describing.“6. If using Mica in oils to accent the outside of a section, pour it into the pitcher along the sides towards the back and from further up once the batters are in. If you pour it first, it's hard to predict where it will end up, and if it's placed towards the front it will beat the batter out of the spout. Expect to restripe your pitcher at least once.”
Sign Up List:
1. jcandleattic - hopefully will have time to do this one.
2. Misschief - been wanting to do this again for a while
3. KimW - One I've been wanting to try! Yippeeeee
4. GemstonePony - I love this swirl!
5. DKing - I'm looking forward to seeing what I can come up with
6. catscankim - been wanting to learn this one!
7. AMD - I've been wanting to get "around" to doing this technique again
8. violets2217 - Gonna face my fears! This Challenge and the swirl! Plus, gives me another reason to make soap I don't need.
9. SideDoorSoaps - I’ve had dividers for awhile; I should try this!
10. Vicki C - never tried this but have watched plenty of videos - mesmerizing!
11. linne1gi - I’ve done this before, but not well! I’d like to be better.
12. The_Emerald_Chicken - Was excited to see this swirl as the monthly challenge!
13. Louise Taylor. Never tried this technique and always wanted to try.
14. Mobjack - I’m in.
15. S Powers - this has never been my fave design but I love the extra swirl action
16. Jersey Girl- Haven’t done one of these in a long time but have been meaning to. Perfect excuse for some experimenting!
17. Guspuppy - need to make soap to test FOs anyway and have wanted to try this!
18. The_Phoenix - *tap* *tap* *tap* Is this thing on? Can...can you hear me? I’m not a cat. Can you...can you see my swirl?
19. Zing
20. Tasha - Am I doing this right?
1. jcandleattic - hopefully will have time to do this one.
2. Misschief - been wanting to do this again for a while
3. KimW - One I've been wanting to try! Yippeeeee
4. GemstonePony - I love this swirl!
5. DKing - I'm looking forward to seeing what I can come up with
6. catscankim - been wanting to learn this one!
7. AMD - I've been wanting to get "around" to doing this technique again
8. violets2217 - Gonna face my fears! This Challenge and the swirl! Plus, gives me another reason to make soap I don't need.
9. SideDoorSoaps - I’ve had dividers for awhile; I should try this!
10. Vicki C - never tried this but have watched plenty of videos - mesmerizing!
11. linne1gi - I’ve done this before, but not well! I’d like to be better.
12. The_Emerald_Chicken - Was excited to see this swirl as the monthly challenge!
13. Louise Taylor. Never tried this technique and always wanted to try.
14. Mobjack - I’m in.
15. S Powers - this has never been my fave design but I love the extra swirl action
16. Jersey Girl- Haven’t done one of these in a long time but have been meaning to. Perfect excuse for some experimenting!
17. Guspuppy - need to make soap to test FOs anyway and have wanted to try this!
18. The_Phoenix - *tap* *tap* *tap* Is this thing on? Can...can you hear me? I’m not a cat. Can you...can you see my swirl?
19. Zing
20. Tasha - Am I doing this right?
Yes you are! @TashaBird
Sign Up List:
1. jcandleattic - hopefully will have time to do this one.
2. Misschief - been wanting to do this again for a while
3. KimW - One I've been wanting to try! Yippeeeee
4. GemstonePony - I love this swirl!
5. DKing - I'm looking forward to seeing what I can come up with
6. catscankim - been wanting to learn this one!
7. AMD - I've been wanting to get "around" to doing this technique again
8. violets2217 - Gonna face my fears! This Challenge and the swirl! Plus, gives me another reason to make soap I don't need.
9. SideDoorSoaps - I’ve had dividers for awhile; I should try this!
10. Vicki C - never tried this but have watched plenty of videos - mesmerizing!
11. linne1gi - I’ve done this before, but not well! I’d like to be better.
12. The_Emerald_Chicken - Was excited to see this swirl as the monthly challenge!
13. Louise Taylor. Never tried this technique and always wanted to try.
14. Mobjack - I’m in.
15. S Powers - this has never been my fave design but I love the extra swirl action
16. Jersey Girl- Haven’t done one of these in a long time but have been meaning to. Perfect excuse for some experimenting!
17. Guspuppy - need to make soap to test FOs anyway and have wanted to try this!
18. The_Phoenix - *tap* *tap* *tap* Is this thing on? Can...can you hear me? I’m not a cat. Can you...can you see my swirl?
19. Zing
20. TashaBird - Am I doing this right?
1. jcandleattic - hopefully will have time to do this one.
2. Misschief - been wanting to do this again for a while
3. KimW - One I've been wanting to try! Yippeeeee
4. GemstonePony - I love this swirl!
5. DKing - I'm looking forward to seeing what I can come up with
6. catscankim - been wanting to learn this one!
7. AMD - I've been wanting to get "around" to doing this technique again
8. violets2217 - Gonna face my fears! This Challenge and the swirl! Plus, gives me another reason to make soap I don't need.
9. SideDoorSoaps - I’ve had dividers for awhile; I should try this!
10. Vicki C - never tried this but have watched plenty of videos - mesmerizing!
11. linne1gi - I’ve done this before, but not well! I’d like to be better.
12. The_Emerald_Chicken - Was excited to see this swirl as the monthly challenge!
13. Louise Taylor. Never tried this technique and always wanted to try.
14. Mobjack - I’m in.
15. S Powers - this has never been my fave design but I love the extra swirl action
16. Jersey Girl- Haven’t done one of these in a long time but have been meaning to. Perfect excuse for some experimenting!
17. Guspuppy - need to make soap to test FOs anyway and have wanted to try this!
18. The_Phoenix - *tap* *tap* *tap* Is this thing on? Can...can you hear me? I’m not a cat. Can you...can you see my swirl?
19. Zing
20. TashaBird - Am I doing this right?
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