Combing Techniques Winners
May 2023 Soap Challenge
Combing techniques in cold process soap were inspired by ebru paper marbling techniques dating back to the 18th century, or earlier! Amanda Aaron of Lovin Soap was the first to apply a comb to soap in 2012 when she did the peacock swirl. Her work inspired the first soap challenge ever, exactly 10 years ago, so it was fitting to re-visit these fun techniques.
The goal of the challenge this month was to use one or more combing tools to create fluid swirls and repeating patterns with crisp and even swirl lines made with contrasting colors. If you have never tried it, pulling a combing tool through soap is highly satisfying!! The tutorial from this challenge is available HERE if you would like to receive tips for the best possible outcome.
Our returning sponsor is Mad Micas, a woman owned business offering all types of colorants for skin care products, featuring their exclusive Uncharted Colors collection. All products are vegan, cruelty free, and ethically sourced. Their sole goal is to provide the highest quality products available anywhere, and back them up with unsurpassed customer service. They are located in Florida with the ability to ship internationally to most countries.
Winners Category
Grand Prize
Soap Book
Second Place
Fancy Bags
Third Place
Losing My Little Gold Marbles
Recognition Awards
Best Technique
Criteria Fluid swirls with repeating patterns; crisp, even swirl lines; embellishment enhances the combing technique
Name Amy Bautista
Location Colorado
Link Instagram
Water Lilies
Best Presentation
Criteria Well displayed soap with interesting presentation and excellent photography (focus, lighting, etc)
Name Elaina Romero
Location Canada
Link Instagram
Green Gore
Best Use of Color
Criteria Well-mixed, contrasting colors in a beautiful color palette
Name Melanie McNeice
Location Australia
Link none
Gold Fever
Extra Prize
This person hadn’t been feeling well, but she mustered up the energy for her last moment attempt and was able to enter it!
Name Michelle Lindberg
Location South Carolina
Link Instagram
Prize Set of Uncharted Colors from Mad Micas
The Pollinator
Advanced Category
Grand Prize
Name Mary Hansen
Location Florida
Link none
Prize $100 gift certificate from Mad Micas
Sunshine and Pride
Second Place
Color Me Neon
Third Place
Waves of Wonder
Recognition Awards
Best Technique
Criteria Fluid swirls with repeating patterns; crisp, even swirl lines
Name Barbara Tietz
Location Germany
Link Instagram
Calm Waters
Best Presentation
Criteria Well displayed soap with interesting presentation and excellent photography (focus, lighting, etc)
Name Mandy Welch
Location Alabama
Link Instagram
Sweet Tea and Peony
Best Use of Color
Criteria Well-mixed, contrasting colors in a beautiful color palette
Name Lucia Mori
Location Italy
Link none
Infusion Study
Regular Category
Grand Prize
Name Annalise Bennett
Location New Zealand
Link Instagram
Prize $100 gift certificate from Mad Micas
Maverick
Second Place
Mountain Lupine & California Poppies
Third Place
Rainbow Room
Recognition Awards
Best Technique
Criteria Fluid swirls with repeating patterns; crisp, even swirl lines
Name Lori Kindsvatter
Location Michigan
Link Facebook
Sunset Lakes
Best Presentation
Criteria Well displayed soap with interesting presentation and excellent photography (focus, lighting, etc)
Name Kristen Porter
Location New Hampshire
Link Instagram
Library Flirt
Best Use of Color
Criteria Well-mixed, contrasting colors in a beautiful color palette
Name Tricia Rismiller
Location Ohio
Link Instagram
Above the Fruited Plain
Bonus Category
Sponsor’s Choice
Name Allison Cabay
Location Iowa
Link Instagram
Prize $100 gift certificate from Mad Micas
Feedback “Gorgeous, rich color! This is such an interesting and unique design!”
Tropic Nectar
Great job to all our winners, as well as everyone else who participated in the challenge this month! If you would like to see the rest of the entries this month, check out these links:
Registration for the June through August challenges opens Monday, May 29 and will remain open an unprecendented TWO weeks (June 12 at 2pm CDT)! The June challenge is watermelon themed soaps! Custom Craft Tools is our returning sponsor. I was able to use their custom triangle mold to create the soap for the tutorial below! Check out the Upcoming Challenges page for more information about the July and August challenges and sign up to be notified as soon as registration opens.
