Well I hope that's it for the flu season! I said I was going to post details of how I made the Gradient Soap for the September SCC last Saturday (don't you hate relapses?!). Anyway, here's a quick note on the making of the soap, which I've decided to name Pacific Sunset as the colours remind me of a beautiful sunset on a tropical isle (sigh!).
As usual, I wasn't organised enough to take photos throughout the process and this was a rather intense process! So words will have to do.
After bringing the batter to trace, it was separated into 3 portions and coloured - 600g (Colour 1: pink), 900g (Colour 2: red) and 600g (Colour 3: orange).
The colours were then mixed in seven (yes, seven!) different jugs as follows:
Layer 1: 300g Colour 1;
Layer 2: 200g Colour 1 and 100g Colour 2;
Layer 3: 100g Colour 1 and 200g Colour 2;
Layer 4: 300g Colour 2;
Layer 5: 200g Colour 2 and 100g Colour 3;
Layer 6: 100g Colour 2 and 200g Colour 3;
Layer 7: 300g Colour 3
The layers were poured one after the other by spooning on carefully so as not to break through the previous layer. They didn't turn out as even as I would have liked though.
The fragrance, which was added to each jug just before pouring, was a blend of coconut, cream, pineapple, basil, muguet lily, rose and jasmine, a touch of violet, Italian bergamot, lemon verbena, primrose and violet, with bottom notes of sandalwood and tonka, amber and white musk with a little peppermint. Quite divine!
I left the top untexturised and didn't use glitter as the layers are the stars of this design.
Despite all the work this was a fun technique that I will definitely try again.
Post Script: Thank you to the wonderful people who make up the soap making community - those who inspire, encourage and participate in such fantastic events as the Great Cakes Soapworks Soap Club Challenge, hosted by Amy Warden. It's a valuable medium for learning the art and craft of soap making. Thank you too to those who left comments on the previous blog - you ROCK!
Until next time
Gail
