SOAP CHALLENGE CLUB Clamshell soap technique ~ cold process soap making tutorial Clam shell soap

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hi everyone, I hope you like this week's soap. It was such an amazing technique, very fun but tricky to do. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I will get back to you. Happy soaping :-)

[@pvvillemar1]

I like the way the soap looked with your second pour. Also the turquoise and brown colors is stunning 🤩

[@TreeMarieSoapworks]

Congratulations, Lisa! Outstanding design!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you Teri, it was such a great technique :-)

[@silkysuds5653]

I agree the blue ones are better defined. Thanks for sharing Lisa x

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hey Kerry, how are you? I hope you're staying fit and well. ooh I'm glad you agree, I did have visions of people saying I'd chosen the wrong ones (personal choice and all). Thank you for always leaving me a comment, oh and of course watching my videos :-) oooh I've got another one coming out today, in about half an hour. It's about washing up!! he, he how funny, I wanted to do one as on the forums I go onto people often ask about how people clean up after making soap, so I did a video. I thought I'd put it in as an extra, rather than my weekly video as I can't imagine everyone will be keen (I bet you'd watch it though - you're one of my faithful watchers :-) )

[@rukietizi38]

I'm actually running out of compliments for your soaps so I thought I would list things that I enjoy in your videos: - the way you speak in a loud and clear way that sometimes I don't need captions - the fact that you say 'come on let's go make some soap' in every video. I have started saying it with you. - the amount of time and effort you put into your work is admirable. - I like the length of your videos. They're relaxing and satisfying to watch. Other soapmakers are great but many of them upload smaller videos.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Sayruq. I'm so pleased and that's really lovely to see the things you like. Ooh I'm always up for hearing anything people don't like as well, as sometimes you can do things that people aren't keen on without even realising, so if you ever come across anything I'm all about learning and improving :-)

[@sorcerysoap]

So crazy beautiful! It's no small feat to film all this, thank you!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Bee :-)

[@michael7324]

Well done Lisa. Thank you for the lesson.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thanks a lot Michaels :-)

[@q2joycreations855]

I do like the blue ones more, both sets are stunning work of art 😍

[@IDreamInSoap]

Me too, I love the colours, thank you so much :-)

[@hartlecut]

These are lovely! The blue in particular is spectacular. Well done!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Connie, yes they are definitely my favourite, someone else called them tranquil, I think that's quite a good description. Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment :-)

[@reblaine82]

You are absolutely amazing!!! Just wow!!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Aw Rebecca, that's so kind of you, thank you :-)

[@tinybarabo]

The red parts in the cut soap reminded me of muscle tissue (if it would be red and white) 🤩 The blue brown is a dream of clear blue ocean splashing over sandy beaches. 💙💙So pretty!! I hope you won!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Oooh, yes I can see exactly what you mean by the muscle tissue, I can see that now. I love the blue brown combo, it's my favourite. I came 2nd in the competition (so close :-) )

[@tinybarabo]

I Dream In Soap Congratulations to the 2nd place 🥳 It’s a marvelous soap. Can’t wait to try it out (waiting for the fragrances to arrive).

[@bellelopez3261]

They are beautiful. Goodluck!

[@IDreamInSoap]

That's so kind of you to say Belle Lopez, thank you so much 😊

[@dysharmony3831]

Stunning!!

[@IDreamInSoap]

That's so kind of you to say Bella Rose, thank you so much 😊

[@bowmanfamily9861]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much :-)

[@firdowskruger9896]

Gorgeous as always. We South Africans just love you

[@IDreamInSoap]

AW, you are just so kind, thank you so much :-)

[@cherylnorise57]

Good evening, these a gorgeous. My favorite is the turquoise blue only because it's my favorite color. Have an awesome week

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Cheryl, I'm so pleased you like them, you have a brilliant week too :-)

[@nikkirolando7860]

So COOL and I love the colors you’ve chosen! Thank you for this video! I think I’m ready to attempt this now 😆

[@LadyThoopie]

The blue ones are amazing but both turned out great!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much, I do like the blue too :-)

[@swatt4659]

You are a true artist, wonderful teacher and a great inspiration to a beginner like me. Thank you!

[@IDreamInSoap]

What a lovely comment and it means so much to me when people find my videos helpful, always feel free to ask any questions and if I know the answer I'm always happy to help out especially as you start your soapy journey :-)

[@pamrosina]

Well done as always 💖

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much and once again, you've left me a comment. I really appreciate that, thank you :-)

[@christineclarke1739]

Hi Lisa, you had great control throughout the whole video. They turned out great. Well done.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Christine, I think a good temperature and no stick blending after emulsion really help, well it certainly does for my recipe, I did have to wait ages for them to get to a decent trace though :-)

[@Almo0nd]

You are a soaping genius! I learn something every time I watch your videos. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@IDreamInSoap]

AW that's so kind of you to say, thank you so much Mandy

[@tinalute]

I love them both!! The blue is stunning 🥰 great job!!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Tina :-)

[@constancejimenez7361]

Fabulous job, well done!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Constance :-)

[@bowmanfamily9861]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much, and thank you for leaving me another comment I do appreciate it :-)

[@bowmanfamily9861]

@@IDreamInSoap oh I love your videos. They are so inspiring and I want to put an order in for some oils but I'm not really sure which ones to get yet. I'm still watching alot of your videos and they give alot of info. So it is helping. So thank you for that.

[@soapsforlove4168]

You did a fantastic job.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hey Renee, thank you so much, so pleased you like them, thank you for always leaving me a comment :-)

[@Kaileynorriscreates]

Beautiful!!!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you Kailey :-)

[@JandWSoaps]

Oh, yours turned out so nicely! This was not easy. I had one batch where one color over powered the other. In hindsight, I should've known charcoal would do that. I also forgot to hit the record button on that one. The other one accelerated. I think I know why. This really makes me want to try again before the deadline Monday. Congrats on your successful soaps! 😍😍😍 -Whittany

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you Whittany, I know it's such an amazing technique. I think a lot of people are doing a lot of tries. I limited myself to just 2, I do want to try a wider mold and the regular category and......... see it's so easy to get sucked into it :-)

[@lkrsoapandsuch5767]

Both of your loaves look great. I always enjoy watching your creations. Blessings to you 💫

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much, I'm so pleased you enjoy my videos.

[@ebeth324]

That blue / white/ brownish color is such a pretty combination! Great job on your soap challenge entry! Very pretty!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Elizabeth, I do love those colours, as soon as I cut it I fell in love with it. Thank you for leaving me another comment, that's so good of you to take the time to do that :-)

[@TheScraftworks]

Lisa this is sooo pretty!! So skillful of you!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much, are you entering this month?

[@EdensSecret1]

Stunning

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hey Karen, thank you so much :-)

[@Bellessentials]

They both turned out so pretty! But I think I love the color combination in the turquoise one, it reminds me of the beach! Thanks for sharing❤️

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hey Belle, thank you so much, ooh yes I can see beach, you are quite right :-)

[@futureprimitivesoap]

Looks lovely. I'm gonna try this technique. Thanks for sharing x

[@IDreamInSoap]

Well hello Tiggy, so lovely to see you over here (and exciting). Ooh yes do give it a go, probably not in one of those big moulds you've got though, unless you've got a very well behaved batter that stays at the same trace for a while. Take care and stay safe and well, and give that dog of yours a hug from me :-)

[@futureprimitivesoap]

@@IDreamInSoapHey! I'll just make a loaf I think. I'm thinking a nice fresh blend of eucalyptus and peppermint with green & white..maybe. Hope all is well, I'll kiss Bridie dog! Thank you x

[@Coffeecup.0110]

So pretty!!!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Maggie, and thank you for leaving me a comment. I hope you and your family are staying well at this difficult time

[@adriennecarlson6739]

Thank you for sharing your entry, you made a beautiful soap and video. Subscribed!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Adrienne and so lovely to have you as a new subscriber. I hope you enjoy my channel :-)

[@brandypayne8781]

💖💞Such a BEAUTIFUL design! This is one for sure I want to practice!

[@IDreamInSoap]

It's a wonderful technique, I think a lot of people will be having a go at it, it's worth it.

[@Roseypoo]

i really love this technique and i think it came out really great ,as usual awesome

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Rosealee, you are always to lovely about my soaps :-)

[@tonilarimore6079]

Good job on both soaps.☺️

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Toni :-)

[@tinastraumbubbles1308]

very amazing creation Lisa, i LOVE the color combo and watching your video tutorials!! TINA

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hey Tina, how's everything going? I hope you and your family are all safe and well. Thank you for your lovely comment, this was a tricky one wasn't it? I loved yours, every time you did them they got better and the feathering on that last one was so beautiful. Stay safe and well my friend xxxx

[@tinastraumbubbles1308]

@@IDreamInSoap thanks we are well, hope you and your family too? The first technic I had much to do ya 😁, but so amazing to see how it turned out from everybody soapmakers attempt too!!

[@LittleIowaHomestead]

... wow!! I absolutely love how yours turned out, Lisa! So beautiful. I love that you did your pour two different times with different ideas. Very interesting and fun to watch. I'm always impressed by your work 💕 -Shonna

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Shonna. Well you know me I like to try things out, so once my little brain starts with the 'what if....' I struggle to ignore it until I've found out :-)

[@LittleIowaHomestead]

@@IDreamInSoap I think that is a very good trait to have. That's one of the reasons why your videos you make are so good 😊

[@kezzaobee1462]

Very interesting to watch. How on earth do you come up with these ideas..it is beyond me..I loved you beautiful soap.

[@IDreamInSoap]

AW thank you so much Kerry, that's so nice of you to say :-)

[@JenSpice]

Nicely done Lisa! Beautiful technique and gorgeous soap. ❤️Jen

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you Jen :-)

[@lloenise]

Very cool, Lisa! I forgot about trying to pour from both ends. Great color choices, and good job on both batches!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thanks Denise, I don't think it made a huge amount of difference apart from getting more clammy bars, which I found important as some of the ends I've seen on a number of peoples loaves(including mine) were very odd.

[@AvionOrr]

I applaud you. 💯

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much and thank you for leaving a comment for me :-0 Take care of yourself, stay safe and well

[@peepla7]

Nicely done!!!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much, so kind of you to take the time to leave a comment to tell me that, thank you :-)

[@lesliesteadman9134]

Beautiful job 💝. I have found this to be the most challenging one yet! Your bars are gorgeous! Stay safe 🥰

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Leslie, so lovely of you to say, you stay safe too. I think we should all stay in and make soap (well that's my excuse this weekend anyway :-) )

[@TheRashDesigns]

Great job!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Rashidah :-)

[@deborahgreenwood8254]

Gorgeous, Lisa! 😍

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you Deborah :-)

[@birdenagage13]

WOWW That turned out AWESOME, Very COOL Technique!! I may try this, I Love your color choice, Very Lovely!! Thank You for sharing this Great Video, Take Care 💓🤩🌠👏

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much, that's so kind of you. I was really pleased with the colours :-)

[@squarepeg9484]

You have a new fan - me! Love your techniques and am learning new tricks! Thank you for your work here, really interesting and informative 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😍

[@IDreamInSoap]

AW, such a lovely comment, thank you so much that's really kind of you and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. Stay safe and well :-)

[@louisdepointedulac3072]

That looks amazing!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hey Aidan, thank you so much :-)

[@thecandlelink6412]

Lovely.....

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much :-)

[@samanthasupernova]

You nailed it as usual. It would be interesting to see if you can try to start the clam shell design with the batter the consistency that it is closer to the end of the pour in this video, wondering if that helps with the definition as well. Please feel free to ignore this suggestion if it doesn't make sense as I have no soap making experience, I have just been too immersed in your videos. lol :P.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hi Samantha, yes your suggestion makes perfect sense. The only problem is that the batter will continue to thicken, so if you start at the perfect consistency you are likely to end up with it being too thick. So it's a balancing act of which way you go, slightly too thin will tend to give a better result than too thick. I love that you have thought about this even if you don't make soap yourself, so always feel free to add any suggestions, I always welcome them :-)

[@samanthasupernova]

@@IDreamInSoap :) you've very much inspired me. I think that soap making is a hobby that I want to pick up once I can get my (gloved) hands on some sodium hydroxide. The thickening soap makes sense. Brilliant solution to pour from both sides. I love your thoughtful approach to design and soap making. I would be an excellent soap maker if I'm half as good as you are 😉👍

[@IDreamInSoap]

@@samanthasupernova Thank you so much, Samantha, ooh I do hope you give it a go, the way you think about things makes me think you would be great at it and enjoy it a lot.

[@samanthasupernova]

@@IDreamInSoap 😊

[@joanbrewer5590]

Great job.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Joan and thank you for taking the trouble to leave a comment for me :-)

[@kimwelfare9738]

Just stunning hope your entry into soap challenge goes well love the blue one the best, but both are just lovely …..oh and thank you for a great video.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Kim, such a lovely comment. I'm glad you like the blue best I do too, so pleased you enjoyed the video.

[@ValleySoaps]

Lisa, your entry is absolutely stunning! I love both batches, you did a great job

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much, ooh yes do try a challenge, don't be intimidated, there are so many people of all sorts of abilities that do the challenges and you learn so much.

[@sabreemadison770]

Very informative thank you

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you Sabreen, I hope you and your family are keeping safe and well.

[@good4u2367]

Mannn I love you’re video

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Shenelta

[@jessy2363]

So informative and you've got such a chirpy positive accent and tone. I'm curious though, I keep reading that sugar accelerates trace then I saw on your video and Terry's that it slows it down. Feeling a bit confused! I really want to add sorbitol to my soaps to increase lather but don't want acceleration during the pour. Amazing looking soaps btw.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Jessica for your kind comment. I do add 1 teaspoon of sugar per pound of oils. I actually keep a bottle of simple syrup made up so that the sugar is already dissolved and use it as part of my water when I make up my lye solution. It does seem to slow trace a little (but to be honest I have found not a huge amount) I think at this low rate there is not enough sugar to cause the soap to heat up, so it certainly doesn't accelerate, and will help with bubbles a little bit too :-)

[@davidahandcraftsoap]

Great job! Thank you for sharing

[@IDreamInSoap]

So pleased you liked them, thanks so much for your comment :-)

[@karenricha35]

Super great video - I can't wait to get back to soap making! Love this technique - will be one to try in the future for sure! Thanks for trying it both ways! Excellent video! :)

[@IDreamInSoap]

Oooh yes do try it, it's tricky but good fun. Ooh I hope you can get back into soap making soon :-)

[@sherylstock8687]

mesmerizing to watch, great to see how this is done. :)

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much Sheryl, it is an amazing technique, I love it :-)

[@Hilary_ClarbySoaps]

Great Job Lisa. I had a go at this yesterday...first attempt wasn’t too bad, managed to get 3 decent bars 🤣...but I learnt a lot. I would have learnt a lot more if I’d have watched your video first. Love your bars 💕 and good luck!!

[@IDreamInSoap]

He, he, aw Hilary I know what you mean about playing hunt the good bars, the 2 end approach did give more 'clammy' bars.

[@marabarton1403]

Wow, beautiful soap again! May I suggest getting a “lazy susan” if/when you revisit the technique? I do hope it’s called the same thing over there! I’m talking about those spinning centrepieces you put on the table so everyone can reach the gravy. Not that you looked like you struggled with the spinning of the mould but I’ve seen other soapers (possibly even Teri herself?) use them and it looks like effortless manoeuvring.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hey Mara, thank you so much. I do actually have a similar thing, it's a turntable you can use for icing cakes. The reason I didn't use it was that I wanted the mold to be still whilst I was pouring and I thought on the spinny thing it may move around at the jug was wiggled.

[@kittkattkiddy]

Great job. would love to see this technique and a dark red burgundy color and tan

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thanks Lola, ooh that does sound nice, why not give it a go in those colours.

[@gratituderanch9406]

Why would adding sugar slow trace? For example when you use juice, fruit, milk, or anything else that has added sugars it speeds trace because it heats things up… I’ve heard this before but have never heard a satisfactory answer. I’m truly curious! Love both of your soaps- I like how you changed the teal/brown. Pretty colors!

[@IDreamInSoap]

Oh gosh, I'm going to be another one as I'm not sure of the chemistry behind it. It is a very small amount of sugar added to the water before the lye, so it's not enough to heat things up, and by the time you add the lye solution to the oil everything's cool. I agree with you that sugar normally causes heat and can cause acceleration if it causes your batter to heat up. One thing I do know is that doing it this way (well in my recipe at least) it does keep the trace thinner for longer, I've done a side by side test to compare. Sorry, that probably wasn't very satisfactory either.

[@barbarafrensch6874]

You are an amazing artist and teacher and I am so glad I discovered your channel. Thanks for sharing all of your expertise. Question re-multi layers: is it best to reheat oils &/or lye while waiting for the previous layer to set up before pouring next layer? And if so, what temperature should I maintain for each of the 6 layers? I would add 1/6 of lye water to each of the 6 small batches so batters would not thicken for later ones. Would like to use T.D. for white layers in contrast to Activated charcoal layers. Thanks.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hi Barbara, I always like to soap between 80 and 90F so I do heat my oils a little bit if they are below that. You can also gently heat your lye by sitting it in a bowl of warm water. A lot of people soap at room temperature, but that doesn't work well for me as I get a false trace, also if you soap too cool you can get stearic spots (white dots) which don't look great

[@barbarafrensch6874]

@@IDreamInSoap Thanks Lisa for replying and so quickly. I appreciate it very much. Your fans learn so much from you.

[@raderchakk]

So adding 1 teaspoon of sugar per pound of oils in distilled water slows down trace? I thought sugars (like milks and bee pollen) normally sped it up? Just a new soaper trying to learn :)

[@IDreamInSoap]

A tiny bit of sugar in the water before adding the lye can slow trace a little, to be honest, I've been testing recently and it doesn't seem to make much difference. But it will add bubbles. The small amount mentioned here will not have too much effect on the heat of your soap, but you are right sugars, honey beer etc when used in larger amounts will all heat the soap up

[@lizgonzalez3616]

Do you mind sharing where you purchased your mold

[@IDreamInSoap]

Not at all. It was custom craft tools. It was quite expensive, especially as I had to import it to the UK but I don't regret it for a minute.

[@barefoot3077]

Thank you for explaining as you do the pouring. I like the blue color scheme quite a lot. You changed your music, lol. Nice :)

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much, I so pleased you found it helpful. I did change the music, trying new things out, getting away from the 'plinky plonk' style music. I hope you and your family are keeping fit and well.

[@annmariegugliemino5009]

Lisa, you truly are a gifted soaper. Thank you for sharing your talent.❤ Do you sell your soap? I would be honored to buy a bar.

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hi Ann marie, thank you so much. I don't sell at the moment, but getting set up to. Mind you I'm in the UK so I think most of you KZbin viewers are US, which makes it rather expensive to ship.

[@annmariegugliemino5009]

@@IDreamInSoap I purchased from Future Primitive Soap and shipping was 6.95 GBP. I didn't mind paying that.

[@unalikerose]

Hi, I wanted to ask yo about your fragrance from candle shack. Do you use them as they are or do you have to dilute? I have read they are concentrated, for use in candles, and I'm just nervous they may cause skin irritation

[@IDreamInSoap]

HI. No I never dilute them, but you do need to ensure that you only buy fragrance oils that are suitable for cosmetic use. As candleshack is a candle company they will not specifically identify which are. You need to check the IFRA statements that go with the fragrance, look at category 9A, which is soap, there will be an IFRA limit. if there is a % in there than it's ok to use, up to the %, if it says 0 or not suitable than you can't use it. Also you need to check the allergens as there are a number of banned substances that you cannot use. Make sure you do a bit of research on EU cosmetic allergens so you know which you need to avoid.

[@tsamari4176]

Hello u are amazing where can I find your recipes?

[@IDreamInSoap]

hank you so much. I do not give out my recipe as it is something that has taken me a lot of time and money to develop and pay for all the cosmetic safety testing that we have here in the UK. It's the only thing I don't share. I share an awful lot of help and advice, hints and tips and put a lot of time and effort into making videos to help people, so people can benefit from them.

[@branrufarm]

May I ask where you got your cutter?

[@IDreamInSoap]

Hi Tami. I actually made the cutter myself, so I can't give you a link I'm afraid

[@branrufarm]

@@IDreamInSoap well darn! Thanks for letting me know 😊

[@danadane8093]

I tried this but failed☹️

[@IDreamInSoap]

AW no, it is a tricky one, maybe have a go at the half loaf version, where you use the same technique but only half fill the mold, you then cut the bars horizontally. With that one you can see the pattern building up nicely across the mold :-)

[@أميرةالورد-ص1غ]

اين المكونات والمقادير . ارجوا ان تترجمي باللغة العربية

[@IDreamInSoap]

You should be able to turn on subtitles in your settings, I think it works

[@rozssoapsnsuch6311]

Beautiful!!!!!

[@IDreamInSoap]

thank you very much and thank you for leaving a comment for me :-)

[@tsamari4176]

Hello u are amazing where can I find your recipes?

[@IDreamInSoap]

Thank you so much. I do not give out my recipe as it is something that has taken me a lot of time and money to develop and pay for all the cosmetic safety testing that we have here in the UK. It's the only thing I don't share. I share an awful lot of help and advice, hints and tips and put a lot of time and effort into making videos to help people, so people can benefit from them.