This month, the Great Cakes Soap Challenge featured the intricate dancing funnel swirl technique, a process that proved both enjoyable and educational. I am eager to apply these newly acquired skills in future soap-making endeavors. The challenge stipulated several key guidelines: the soap had to be created using the cold process method within a slab mold. A consistent outline color was required, and no additional embellishments were permitted. Participants could enter in one of two categories – all-natural or synthetic – and I opted for the all-natural category, aligning with the ethos of Lisa's Natural Herbal Creations.

My carefully formulated recipe comprised 25% coconut oil, 20% palm oil, 15% apricot kernel oil, 15% babassu oil, 15% sunflower oil, and 10% shea butter. To enhance the concentration of the soap batter, a 30% water discount was applied.

To achieve rich, natural hues, I began by infusing olive oil with black walnut hull powder and paprika. This infusion process was conducted in a crock pot on a warm setting for several hours, followed by a complete cooling period and thorough straining of the oil. This method ensures a vibrant and stable natural colorant.

Subsequently, the mold was meticulously lined, and all remaining ingredients were assembled to commence the soap-making process. Beyond the infused oil, I also incorporated straight herbs and spices for even more concentrated color intensity, contributing to the dramatic visual contrast observed in the final product. The chosen fragrance, tangerine essential oil, provides a delightful and refreshing aroma, enhancing the overall user experience.

With the squeeze bottles prepared, I proceeded with soap creation. Emulsification of the soap batter was achieved through a dedicated 27-minute period of hand-stirring, forgoing the use of a stick blender. This careful, manual process contributes to the unique texture and consistency of the soap.

 The squeeze bottles held the soap batter, colored from left to right with black walnut hull powder, paprika powder, paprika infused oil, and an uncolored portion on the far right. Following the tutorial, I created the distinctive "dots" for the dancing funnel swirl. The mold was then covered with plastic wrap and placed in the oven on a warm setting (approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit) for about an hour to ensure optimal gel phase. The highly fluid nature of the soap batter required careful transport up two flights of stairs from my soaping room to the kitchen, a task that certainly provided an adrenaline rush! It was during this transport that I regrettably forgot to capture a photograph before the gelling process.

Post-gelling, the cleanup commenced. Any residual soap batter from the bottles was repurposed into column molds, destined to become embeds for future projects. These embeds were not subjected to the gelling process.

The final stage involved cutting the soap. Using a mandoline slicer for precision, the slab was measured and cut into four individual bars. The edges were then carefully planed and beveled, ensuring a refined finish. I am particularly pleased with the outcome of this soap, especially the harmonious color tones achieved through the thoughtful combination of straight herbs and infused oil. The resulting contrast is visually striking, highlighting the artistry inherent in the dancing funnel swirl technique and the quality craftsmanship synonymous with Lisa's Natural Herbal Creations.

Follow me on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Lisas-Natural-Herbal-Creations-294649610550457/?ref=settings

Twitter  https://twitter.com/lisas_natural

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/lisas_natural_herbal_creations/

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/lisamaw7/lisa-s-natural-herbal-creations/

and now YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD2f_SY7NimAj7DZVpkyv1Q