We have a WINNER!!!!

[lionprincess00]

Well I bit the bullet and signed up!
I have the color scheme in mind. Going to make a go of it today with a fragrance I already have. If I get the fragrance that matches the soap in time, however, I may do it again in the middle of the week. And 1 pound mold carabou is an excellent idea for a practice run. Just don't know how time restricted I will be this week if I can pull off a 1 pounder, a soap #1, and a soap #2. Either way, today is soapy day!

 

[lionprincess00]

Carabou, I love this mold. It's held up and I don't have to use SL or salt to harden enough to release or anything.
http://www.brambleberry.com/mobile/4-Silicone-Loaf-Mold-P5531.aspx

 

[CaraBou]

Way to go lionprincess, and thanks for the tip on the mold. I should have bought one while I was at Otion, but bought a bank of individual cavities instead for salt bars. So many supplies, so little money!

 

[DWinMadison]

I'm in. Just signed up!

 

[lionprincess00]

I practiced my first. Glad I did because it did NOT turn out how I intended. Will make another this week and hopefully again this weekend.

 

[jules92207]

I plan on cutting my practice one tonight. We will see how it went. I think my spoon was too big.

Think I settled on what I am going to do for the real one now. Since I am limited on my color options I needed to get creative. Hope it turns out as good as I imagine it will be.

 

[CaraBou]

Cool, Daryl is doing it! We're loading up, kids!

I've been practicing like you guys have. So far none of them are competition quality. Arghhh! We have 10 days still but for all practical purposes I need to be done soaping by Friday as I have another major time pull starting then. Well, no fret if I'm still not happy by then, it is just for fun after all. (yeah, right. like I'd be satisfied with that excuse)

 

[lionprincess00]

All participants; hear ye hear ye!

Are you signing up for the spoon swirl swap? I just received a new email about it. I've never done a swap before (I've only been soaping since, what, August, though)

 

[DWinMadison]

I'm in for the swap too.

 

[dixiedragon]

Whoa! So cool!

 

[DWinMadison]

I have a question for newbie: In your experience, are the soapworks judges looking for 1) the most perfectly executed example of the technique or 2) the most creative twist on the technique?

 

[jules92207]

I signed up for the swap too.

 

[lionprincess00]

I have a question for newbie: In your experience, are the soapworks judges looking for 1) the most perfectly executed example of the technique or 2) the most creative twist on the technique?

I'm thinking, because all the participants are the judges, that most look for technique and mainly style color appeal. Maybe a new look that's out of the box gets votes too. Scroll down on the site and look at previous winners to get an idea about what things people seem drawn to. I'm stressing. Regret signing up now a little lol!

 

[DWinMadison]

Not stressing, but made a "test batch" tonight. Don't think it will be a winner. I used WSP's strormy nights, and it accelerated on me quite a bit. I got it all in and had time to swirl, but I didn't get to adjust the colors like I wanted. It'll be interesting to cut.

 

[CaraBou]

Hey, where is newbie anyway? Amy! Get your butt back on this thread! I think lp was on track with her observations about winning qualities, but Amy likely has good insight too.

No swap for me. Heck, I'm not even sure I'll enter a soap. I don't aspire to win, but with only a $6 fee and 115 registrants, I want to feel like my soap belongs in the lineup. However, no matter what, I will cast my three votes!

 

[DWinMadison]

Win? Oh, I just don't want to completely embarrass myself

 

[jules92207]

I am with Carabou, don't know if I will even post mine but I like to challenge myself and feel good being among great soapers!

 

[lionprincess00]

Made practice #2. I like it a lot, but obviously can't see the swirls. I am officially swirl deficient. I can not control my hand well in soap no matter how I try! Where's Amy??

 

[newbie]

Sorry! I've been busy trying to not embarrass myself either in this blasted challenge. I have more failed spoon swirls than I do regular soap now, I believe.

I have been watching the challenges and it seems like overall appeal ranks most highly. New twists don't matter if you don't do them well but if you do nail it, I think that would be a draw. I would find it to be, I know. Getting an attractive picture helps a lot. It seems like the winning entries nearly always have a beautiful picture, in addition to beautiful soap, just to dial up the pressure on us all. I mentioned to Carabou that I think this one is going to ride on overall design, color combo and style, not so much on technique because it's hard to come up with something really novel with this technique.

Seriously, I'm ready to bang my head against a wall. I would have preferred to get a free entry to a different technique; this one is a very weak spot for me, I've found. I suppose it's good to practice but still.....

Just my opinion, but I think if you've signed up, you should enter a soap, even if you think it's not a winner because only 3-4 people will win of 115. If you've done your best and think you've made a good soap, put it in there! You know how much we all love to look at soap and it's total fodder for ideas, to see what people are making. It can give you or someone else a great idea about color combos, techniques, proportions and that's part of the purpose, isn't it? If you think your soap may look clunky or not quite right , find someone on the forum to contact and ask for honest feedback. I'm passing photos and ideas with someone and it's very helpful to have someone say one is better than another, or you need to adjust the colors, or that one just isn't up to par. This is such a good forum that I doubt anyone on here would advise someone in the wrong direction.

 

[jules92207]

I hear ya, Amy. The intent is obviously to enter one should everything work out, and I promise to enter one if I have a swirl to show. My practice one just didn't impress so I am hopeful my next batch or two will give me something I can post without embarrassing myself is all.