Brenda Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 I've been asked to show a few pics of how I layer my soaps. So, here are a few pictures that I hope are worth a thousand words! Today I made a batch of Mary-Mint Parfait since I'm totally out and here is how it went. I pour at low temps - not sure of the temperature since I've stopped using the thermometer. But when the temp is right I'm able to clamp my ungloved hands on either side of the soap pot and feel only a very, very slight warmth. I'll skip over the boring parts - all the measuring and waiting and head right to the thickness of the soap when I pour. Here's what the soap looks like when I consider it ready to pour:When stirred gently from side to side it looks like this.Drizzled from the spatula here is what it acts like.Pouring into the slab mold. I move the pan around the mold to cover the entire surface, then push the soap into the corners if needed with the spatula. After the pour, I grasp the mold and shimmy it from side to side and front to back as it sits on the table until the top is smooth!While the mold sits out on the table uncovered I measure out ingredients for the second layer then wait for them to cool. After the next batch is ready to pour, in it goes! I try to keep the spatula in the stream and move the pot around as I pour to cover the entire surface of the first layer.Here is the second layer all poured, smooth as glass.Repeat the process with the third layer! Sorry this pic is so fuzzy. Don't know what happened to my husband's picture taking here. Finishing up!I hope the pictures show the thickness of the soap so if you haven't layered CP before you get a picture of what you can expect to see as you work with this technique. I should mention level working surface! I always make sure my table is level before I begin pouring. Get the level out and go through the entire drill. There have been times when I have skipped this step and realize that someone has moved the table just enough to make it slightly crooked. By then it's too late - my first layer and all subsequent layers are crooked making me very sad! I envy all of you who live in newer homes and have level counters and floors. There is no such thing as level in our old farmhouse!All soapers develop their own feel for techniques. This just happens to be what works for me. I hope you have fun trying layering and developing your own procedures and style! BrendaHere's the finished soap all cut and trimmed:Yesterday's bars - This recipe was the very first soap I layered and still a favorite of mine (pink and green!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elitenaildesign Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 That was a nice tutorial. That green looks faboulous. I have to get a different mold. It looks much easier to pour into than the kind I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dixiegal Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 brenda thank you for posting this. it always helps to see the process:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoapInTheCity Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 We sure love you Brenda! Thanks so much for this! I know everyone will appreciate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Lilac Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Thank you Brenda for taking the time and effort to post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerinarkansas Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 I love that green color. I've never made or tried CP soap... just M&P...but I always love to look at what everyone else has made. They are beautiful and your tutorial was interesting. Ginger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaVida Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 I sure can't wait to do a layer like this... it's beautiful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CareBear Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Enormously helpful!!~! Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to show us this.And thank the photographer for me too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwahlton Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Thanks Brenda. I usually work with my master batch of oils though so doing the subsequent layers might be tricky. Maybe have a drink while they are setting up huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda Posted August 9, 2006 Author Share Posted August 9, 2006 Thanks, soapers. Thanks Brenda. I usually work with my master batch of oils though so doing the subsequent layers might be tricky. Maybe have a drink while they are setting up huh?Julia, I'm going to have to look into the master batching of oils. I was just saying that to my husband as I was measuring out the third batch! :rolleyes2 Relaxing between layers has wonderful appeal. I could set a timer for about an hour to mix and pour the next one. Yes...that sounds good with a drink or without! But, since I passed the big 50 a few years ago a nap during that wait sounds good - very good. Sadly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hibiscus Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Nice of you to share! I think I have a recipe that doesn't trace in ten seconds that I can use for layering.....gotta try that along with other stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carriegsxr6 Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 perfect pics and directions. I thought the layers wouldnt have set up so quickly before the next batch of oils is ready and feared them bleeding into each other. now i am no longer afraid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christy Doc Holley Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Thank you ! Im too impatient to wait in be tween layers last nights batch was proof of that lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnitaG Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Thank you so much for posting this. I will have to try it next time I do a layer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divayoki Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Brenda, thanks for the inspiration and instruction. This is cool, please post your photos when this is cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darwin Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Thanks for sharing that, I have never done CP and your looks so smooth. When do we get to see the pics cut? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlc26 Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Thank You! that was an awesome tutorial...next whipped soap tutorial?!?!?! :drool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Monkey Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 This was a very helpful post! Thank you so much for taking the time. Us "new" soapers can really benefit by seeing the step by steps!!Again - thanks. I'm going to enjoy making soap! GingerFUNKY MONKEY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Awesome!! Going to have to make this one a keeper - thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruba Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Thank you so much for that awesome! tutorial with the great pics:bow: . I have never done CP...yet (the siren is singing and I hear her loud and clear) and hopefully it will be soon. I am a much better learner when I SEE things and not just read them...so this is now printed and in my notes.THANK YOU!!!Hugs,Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticglow Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Thanks so much Brenda for sharing the pics. I'm adding another attempt at layered soaps to my ever growing To Do List. :rolleyes2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvcandlecrazy Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Brenda~Thanks so much for sharing that with us, I am sure it will be most helpful to me very soon. I hope this weather cools downs and then I will be able to start producing all my favorite projects, plus a whole bunch of new ones!!!Sue Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smellywax Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 How neat to see my favorite soap of yours being poured....I LOVE THIS SOAP!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbrown Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Thanks BrendaPosting the pictures sure does help. So from my understanding of your discription. You mix up the first layer, pour then mix up the second layer then pour, then mix up the third layer then pour. So .....are you making three different batches of soap or are all of these layers made from the same batch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heirloomoriginals Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 You are so awesome!!! Now,I have to wait for my dad to finish my slab mold so I can try this layering!Steph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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