We recently entered our first soap competition to be judged by other soap makers from around the world. I had never tried doing a column pour which was what this competition was all about.
Basically the soap is poured onto blocks inside of a slab mold in a variety of colors to create a unique pattern in each bar of soap. Sounds easy enough to pour a liquid soap over a block and alternate colors to create a pattern. Let me tell you one thing. It is NOT as easy as it sounds.
The first batch became almost solid by the time it was time to pour. Still it smelled fantastic and will be a nice soap but not good enough for an entry into this type of competition.
So the second attempt went much better, thankfully. Using a little more water helped keep the soap fluid while we poured onto the columns and this time instead of using mica as a colorant we chose to use clay. Clay is mixed with water and that helped to keep the soap batter even more fluid.
Basically the soap is poured onto blocks inside of a slab mold in a variety of colors to create a unique pattern in each bar of soap. Sounds easy enough to pour a liquid soap over a block and alternate colors to create a pattern. Let me tell you one thing. It is NOT as easy as it sounds.
The first batch became almost solid by the time it was time to pour. Still it smelled fantastic and will be a nice soap but not good enough for an entry into this type of competition.
So the second attempt went much better, thankfully. Using a little more water helped keep the soap fluid while we poured onto the columns and this time instead of using mica as a colorant we chose to use clay. Clay is mixed with water and that helped to keep the soap batter even more fluid.
Once the soap was mixed into the clay the fragrance was added. We chose Clean Cotton and Bamboo for this particular bar because we wanted a pure fresh smell to go along with the clay's detoxification properties. The picture above shows Green Clay, Red Australian Clay and Pink French Clay.
So we began the pour using 3 different columns.
So we began the pour using 3 different columns.
Alternating colors as we poured from Pink to Green to Red.
Once all of the soap was poured and the mold was filled (about 5 pounds of soap) we began the swirl. Pulling the soap across with a wooden skewer.
Notice the patterns of flowers in the center. That is where the columns were and the end corners are striped. I think I would use two extra columns next time to create more of a flower design at the edges however, these bars look very nice also, just not flower patterned. And once cut and trimmed they look great from all sides. Even the corners of the mold came out pretty.
And this is the photo that was entered into the Soap Challenge.
While many soaps are pretty the most important thing is how well they clean and how they make your skin feel after using the soap. I had never tried clay in a soap prior to this challenge and I have to say.they are amazing! The clay leaves your skin feeling smooth as if a light dusting of powder was applied to your skin. And for either face or body the combination of great oils and detoxifying clay makes a fantastic combination.
Who will win? I have no idea but there were many gorgeous entries. Regardless of a competition, this soap is a Winner! I love the technique and the feel of clay so look forward to more designs like this in 2014.
Who will win? I have no idea but there were many gorgeous entries. Regardless of a competition, this soap is a Winner! I love the technique and the feel of clay so look forward to more designs like this in 2014.