learn. make. share. repeat.

May – Nautilus Swirl (Intermediate)

We will be creating this spiral swirl that resembles the cephalopod shell found in nature. You will need a loaf mold with 2-3 vertical dividers that span the length of your mold for this technique.  Nurture Soap is returning as our sponsor. They sell premium soap supplies, including amazing colors, fragrances, molds and cutters! They will provide $100 gift certificates to the winners in the three competitive categories, plus a Sponsor’s Choice winner from the bonus category, and 20% off coupon codes for second and third place in the competitive categories.

Deadlines:  Registration April 29-May 6, submit entries May 13-21,* vote for winners May 22-24, winners announced May 25.

*this is one of three challenges this year that will be completely BLIND – no names attached to entries and nothing may be posted anywhere on the internet about the entries until after the winners are announced.

June – Spin Swirl (Intermediate)

Spin swirls create movement and interesting designs in the soap. They may be created with or without a lazy susan or turn table (the soap in the photo was made without one). You will need a small slab style or cylindrical mold (could be a Pringles can). This challenge is sponsored by Custom Craft Tools. They create high quality, innovative soap making tools that are 100% designed and produced by hand in their workshop in Charleston, South Carolina. They are providing $150 gift certificates for the grand prize winners in each of the competitive categories, as well as the Sponsor’s Choice prize in the bonus category. Second and third place winners in the competitive categories will receive 20% off coupon codes.

Deadlines:  Registration May 27-June 10 (2 weeks!!), submit entries June 17-25, vote for winners June 26-28, winners announced June 29.

July – 3D Designs (Advanced)

Learn to create 3D designs in your soaps with guest teacher Roxanne Moore of Caprica Soapery and tips and tricks from Vicki Chase of Canterbury Soapworks. The soap in the photo was made by Vicki!  Our sponsor is Bramble Berry, a company built by makers, for makers. Their mission is to enrich lives by empowering creativity and specialize in the highest quality handcraft supplies. They are providing $100 gift certificates for the grand prize winners in each of the competitive categories, as well as the Sponsor’s Choice prize in the bonus category. Second and third place winners in the competitive categories will receive 20% off coupon codes.

Deadlines:  Registration July 1-8, submit entries July 15-23, vote for winners July 24-26, winners announced July 27.

August – Peek-a-Boo Designs (Intermediate)

Guest teacher Robyn French Smith of Scandalous Soap Company will be showing us how to create her peek-a-boo design technique. She’s also one of the partners of Bath Fizz and Foam who will be sponsoring this challenge as well!  They are providing $100 gift certificates for the grand prize winners in each of the competitive categories, as well as the Sponsor’s Choice prize in the bonus category. Second and third place winners in the competitive categories will receive 20% off coupon codes.

Deadlines:  Registration July 29-August 5, submit entries August 12-20, vote for winners August 21-23, winners announced August 24.

Even if you don’t end up participating, you will still receive the tutorials – and you still get to vote in all three competitive categories!