In March 2014, Secret Swirls started out as Secret “Feather” Swirls, as the original technique created a feather-like design inside a loaf of soap that could not be seen until it was cut into bars. It was first accomplished by Vinvela Ebony of Dandelion Seifee. You can see Vinvela’s design evolve from here to what you see here.

This month members were challenged not only to create secret swirls, but the advanced and winners categories were required to incorporate at least one additional design element. This led to some really creative outcomes!

If you would like to try the Secret Swirl technique, it is now available in our Tutorial Shop (along with dozens of other tutorials from previous challenges.)

Our returning sponsor for this challenge is Baraka Impact, 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 receive 20% off coupon codes from Baraka.

Purchasing from Baraka directly impacts women, families and communities in Ghana.  They offer a variety of pure, natural and unrefined oils and butters as well as a wide range of black soap products, food powders, and beautiful handwoven baskets.  Community sourced and crafted products from “our hands to yours.” It’s such a beautiful way to make a difference!

Here are our winners:

Winners Category

Third Place

Name Robin Grieco

Location Arizona

Link Instagram

Prize 20% off coupon code

Tranquility

Recognition Awards

Best Use of Color

Criteria Well-mixed, contrasting colors in a beautiful color palette

Name Linda Lee

Location England

Link Instagram

Mystic Pines

Advanced Category

Third Place

Name Céline Chelle

Location France

Link Instagram

Prize 20% off coupon code

Blue Feather

Recognition Awards

Best Use of Color

Criteria Well-mixed, contrasting colors in a beautiful color palette

Name Miriam Komatsu

Location Brazil

Link Instagram

Alegria!

Regular Category

Third Place

Name Janet Landry

Location Maine

Link none

Prize 20% off coupon code

Wings of Night

Recognition Awards

Best Use of Color

Criteria Well-mixed, contrasting colors in a beautiful color palette

Name Jody Lunstrom

Location Washington State

Link Instagram

Neon Peacock

Bonus Category

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, check out these links. 

Registration opens Monday, September 30 for the October through December challenges! Our guest teacher for the October challenge is Whitney Schneider of Cheeky Goat Soapery. She is teaching us her Groovy Swirl technique featured below! It’s a simple, beginner friendly design and this will be our final completely blind challenge of the year (we only do this three times a year).  No names will be attached to entries and no one may share anything about their soaps anywhere on the internet until after the winners are announced. Farmer’s Defense is our returning sponsor – and they have custom Soap Challenge Club sleeves available for everyone for a limited time!! Check out the Upcoming Challenges page for more information and sign up to be notified as soon as registration opens!

Groovy Swirl by Whitney Schneider