Soap Challenge Club -- Soap Swap !

I participated in the Spoon/Chopstick Swirl Soap Challenge organised by Amy Warden last December. Members of this Challenge Club were also given the option to participate in a soap swap. My last soap swap was way back in 2011. Naturally I said "Yes!" and I opted to be paired with an international member (i.e. the member may be located ANYWHERE that is possibly accessible on our planet!)

My partner was Karen Harvey from Talkeetna, Alaska!! We were required to send one of our Spoon/Chopstick Swirl soaps to our swap partner, so I sent Karen one of my Wishing Star Soaps :)

Wishing Star Soap

I was SUPER thrilled when I received a wonderful smelling package in the letterbox yesterday evening. MeiMei and I carefully opened the package, wanting to savour the moment. We loved it! Thank you Karen!

Northern Lights Soap, handmade by Karen Harvey

Northern Lights Soap, handmade by Karen Harvey

Northern Lights Soap, handmade by Karen Harvey

Northern Lights Soap, handmade by Karen Harvey

Check out Karen's blog post about her Northern Lights Soap that she made for the soap challenge!

2014 Soap Challenge ! -- Spoon/Chopstick Swirl

It has been more than a year since I participated in an official soap challenge. When Amy Warden of Great Cakes Soapworks announced the Spoon/Chopstick Swirl for her December Challenge Club, I knew that this technique would be perfect for my holiday themed soap! 

I started off by making some soap toppers. Using a leaf piping tip, I piped soapy holly leaves. Initially I was a little disappointed when the olive green colour morphed to a pale green; but they looked quite pretty with the small soap balls that I had rolled and tossed in red mica. 

Handpiped Soapy Holly Leaves

I decided to do the spoon swirl with a drop swirl in 3 different colours -- Red, Green and White. My choice of fragrance for this soap was Cranberry Fig from Bramble Berry. I apologise for not having "in-the-process" photographs to share with you as I was so focused on working fast and have forgotten to pick up the camera (AGAIN). I really should consider making a video the next time.

The soap frosting was piped on using a separate batch of soap. I used a disposable piping bag and  simply snipped off the end instead of using a piping tip. Sprinkled some fairy dust and popped on the soapy Christmas decorations!

and YES! There is a little surprise in the soap!

I love how my "Wishing Star" soap turned out. Thank you Amy for this wonderful tutorial!