Butterfly Swirl, Great Cakes Soapworks January 2015

So I really, I mean really, struggled with this swirl. I had only one goal for this swirl, produce a butterfly swirl that appears like a butterfly while upright. To read a little about my ventures in butterfly swirling, see this post.

I had a concept back in early December for a soap for this particular challenge. Getting new micas in late last month, however, made me rethink my color scheme. Ever have all those micas staring you in the face and get a tad crazed and overwhelmed trying to come up with the perfect color combo?!

I used this wonderful mold by American Soap Supply. Honestly, I am in love with this mold.

I attempted the said concept after signing up for the challenge. Let's just say it didn't work out quite right....Again.

So, (7th time's a charm) I decided I needed one more go at it. Unfortunately, again, the stars weren't lining up for a calm and thoughtful soaping session. I began, and then in haste reminiscent of last month's spoon swirl challenge; I, with sweat on brow, clock ticking faster than normal to the point of causing anxiety Edgar Allan Poe would be eager to write about because the child is upset mommy was doing something other than, well, whatever she was demanding (yes the same one...look for her in next month's edition), I soaped a panicked, wait!, stop and think a second, panic again!, butterfly swirl...

I am pleased with the outcome!!! I was living on the edge. This soap

has

• 42.5 ounces oils/fats 
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar to boost bubbles
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt to help harden 
• 9.45 ounces water for 33% lye concentration plus
• 3 ounces heavy cream added after the lye water was poured into the oils and after 3 short pulses of the stick blender, while in an ice bath 
• Cpop (first time ever, all that sugar and added cream, man I watched it like a hawk!, and as a fairly new soaper, this was living on the edge for me)

After a total of 7 attempts, I think I am putting this swirl in my back pocket and moving on.....for now. We shall meet again, one day, but for now it's time for a short water cooler break.



The Wisps of Irish Hills

Fragrance: Green Irish Tweed by Oregon Trail Soaps 
Colorants: micas and glitter by Nurture Soap Supplies, colorant by Bramble Berry

                            
                                  Freshly Poured

 

 

 

 

                                       After cpop

 

 

 

 

 

 

This last soap was my inspiration for the title. It isn't the most stunning of the batch, but I love its delicate wisp tail. 

And finally, based on most realistic, this final one is my favorite.

Thank you Amy again for hosting these wonderful challenges. I'm so happy to be a part of them!

Quick edit to apologize to any viewers that noticed me remove and replace my link up, twice lol. I've had technical errors all week and have been doing all this from my cell. It's been challenging, but that's what this is all about I keep telling myself haha!!

I also wanted to mention I watched hours of Zahida's videos (in spite of them being only minutes long). I just noticed I mentioned her in my swap blog post on trials of butterfly swirling, but not here. Again, working from a cell is difficult, and I ran into a time crunch, and found myself rushed. Apologies for leaving out the inspiration for this months challenge. Hopefully I can activate my hotspot appropriately next challenge and work from a real keyboard once again!