SMF February 2021 Challenge - Circling Taiwan Swirl

[linne1gi]

That was my thought about it when I first saw them. You have to be very careful when handling them I imagine. Someone else must make something similar that is sturdier. I may just have to do some research!

I originally bought it for my lye solution, but since I felt it was too flimsy, I just have it hanging around. I’ll probably ditch it since we will be moving in the fall, and I am now trying to get rid of unnecessary items that I will have to pack.

 

[dibbles]

I originally bought it for my lye solution, but since I felt it was too flimsy, I just have it hanging around. I’ll probably ditch it since we will be moving in the fall, and I am now trying to get rid of unnecessary items that I will have to pack.

Good know. I’ve looked at them too.

 

[Jersey Girl]

I originally bought it for my lye solution, but since I felt it was too flimsy, I just have it hanging around. I’ll probably ditch it since we will be moving in the fall, and I am now trying to get rid of unnecessary items that I will have to pack.

Yeah...I definitely wouldn’t trust it with lye solution. That’s an accident waiting to happen!

 

[GemstonePony]

I like my OXO silicone cups for beeswax-heavy balms because once it cools it just chips right out. I could also see them working for some batter applications, but that's about it, I think.

@dibbles With this technique I prefer the surfaces facing the top and the bottom planed off. Is this allowed for the bars in the entry photos? Or should I pick my bars, take my pictures, and then process them as usual?

 

[dibbles]

@dibbles With this technique I prefer the surfaces facing the top and the bottom planed off. Is this allowed for the bars in the entry photos? Or should I pick my bars, take my pictures, and then process them as usual?

I don't see a problem with planing the soaps - the center cut is essentially the 'new' tops of the bars.

 

[Zing]

I like my OXO silicone cups for beeswax-heavy balms because once it cools it just chips right out. I could also see them working for some batter applications, but that's about it, I think.

Oh. My. Lord. I think you and @Jersey Girl just changed my life. I love making lotion bars but hate hate hate cleaning up beeswax from Pyrex. Seriously. Changed my life. Bless you.

 

[Mobjack Bay]

I have a couple of those silicone pitchers (500 ml and 250 ml, Zuyee brand on Amazon) and agree with @GemstonePony that they’re great for melting and mixing anything with beeswax. I wouldn’t call mine flimsy, but they are flexible, which seems risky with lye. I think the smaller one would work for pouring batter as long as it stayed clean and dry on the outside. In my experience, silicone gets a bit slippery when “wet” with batter. The larger one would probably be too big for pouring relative to the size of my hand. I feel more confident of my grip when I’m using a pitcher with a handle or a small paper cup (4 or 8 oz size).

 

[linne1gi]

I have a couple of those silicone pitchers (500 ml and 250 ml, Zuyee brand on Amazon) and agree with @GemstonePony that they’re great for melting and mixing anything with beeswax. I wouldn’t call mine flimsy, but they are flexible, which seems risky with lye. I think the smaller one would work for pouring batter as long as it stayed clean and dry on the outside. In my experience, silicone gets a bit slippery when “wet” with batter. The larger one would probably be too big for pouring relative to the size of my hand. I feel more confident of my grip when I’m using a pitcher with a handle or a small paper cup (4 or 8 oz size).

Yes, exactly!

 

[GemstonePony]

Cut and beveled attempt 4, cleaned up attempt 3. Here's an inglorious picture of attempt 2, which had fragrance pockets. It's a fail on the useable soap scale, but the swirl turned out better than I thought.

 

[Guspuppy]

Great minds...lol. I also do it with my FO. I use a lot of hard oils so I figure it’s better to have it warmed a bit as to not cool down the oils too fast and possibly get a false trace. I also always have a container of hot water near when I’m soaping and I pop my stick blender in there for a few seconds to warm it up as well. Then I use it when I’m done to clean the stick blender with a few blitzes. It helps with cleanup.

I love it when people who are smarter than me post their good ideas. Thanks Jersey Girl!

 

[Jersey Girl]

I love it when people who are smarter than me post their good ideas. Thanks Jersey Girl!

You’re welcome. I’ve learned so much from this generous community and I’m happy to give back!

 

[TashaBird]

I literally left town so I wouldn’t cut my soap too early! (ok, I was going to go anyway. But the DH could not believe I wasn’t going to cut it before I left!) When’s the deadline for entries? (In case I hate this one and want to try again.)

 

[GemstonePony]

I literally left town so I wouldn’t cut my soap too early! (ok, I was going to go anyway. But the DH could not believe I wasn’t going to cut it before I left!) When’s the deadline for entries? (In case I hate this one and want to try again.)

February 24th

 

[The_Phoenix]

I posted my entry. Do I also need to post a photo of the soap in the mold? Or just the two bars?

 

[KimW]

I posted my entry. Do I also need to post a photo of the soap in the mold? Or just the two bars?

Just the two beautiful bars! Nicely, done, btw!!!

 

[linne1gi]

Just the two beautiful bars! Nicely, done, btw!!!

Where is the entry thread? When I look it up, I just get the January thread.

 

[The_Phoenix]

Just the two beautiful bars! Nicely, done, btw!!!

Got it.

Thank you, @KimW ! I really hope someone else posts their entry. I feel dorky being the only one!

 

[KimW]

Where is the entry thread? When I look it up, I just get the January thread.

https://www.soapmakingforum.com/thr...enge-entry-thread-circling-taiwan-swirl.82966

 

[dibbles]

The entry thread is open:
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/thr...read-circling-taiwan-swirl.82966/#post-875229

 

[dibbles]

I posted my entry. Do I also need to post a photo of the soap in the mold? Or just the two bars?

I see this has been answered, but you only need to post a picture of two bars. Your entry is stunning!