Soap Making Glycerin Soap Swirl The Acorn Swirl

Hi, I’m sass with Oakleaf and Ocotillo Soap Company. Today, I’m going to show you how to get gorgeous swirls like these in your glycerin soap. This video is geared toward advanced melt and pour soap making. If you are new to soap making and new to melt and pour soap please refer back to this channel for future tutorials geared more toward beginners.
For a basic two color soap swirl you will need:
Melt and pour soap (enough for a full loaf, 38-48 ounces)
Loaf mold
Fragrance oil
Measuring scale
2 Pyrex or other heat resistant microwaveable containers
Colorant of choice. I used mica in a glycerin base and titanium dioxide.
Pencil
Spoon
Spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol
This soap recipe works best when you keep your glycerin soap around 120 degrees.
Split the melt and pour soap base into thirds. You will want 2/3 to be in one container. This will be your dominant color. I chose green for this tutorial. You will want to put the other 1/3 of your soap in another container. This will be your accent color. I chose white.
For your first glycerin soap pour, you will want to pour half of your dominant color into the mold, spray down the bubbles with your alcohol spritzer, and then set your timer for 15 minutes (check your soap around 10 to be safe as times can vary depending on humidity and room temperature).
So after about 15 minutes the melt and pour soap should not ripple when you blow on it. You will want to take out your pencil, and with the eraser end down, you will want to lightly press down on the top of the glycerin soap. You don’t want to punch through the soap. Instead you are looking for the soap to give a little and then bounce back. Make sure there are no soft spots in the surface. If it’s giving and bouncing back (like a trampoline) you are ready to pour your second layer of melt and pour soap. Make sure to spritz the surface with alcohol first. Be careful to pour low and slow so you don’t break through the surface. Keeping that surface layer solid during the pour is important for the swirl to work properly.
Now that you have poured the second layer of glycerin soap, pick up your spoon and punch through the soap in one of the corners. You want to punch the spoon down through to the bottom of the mold and then move in a zig zag pattern working your way to the opposite corner. Make sure to only do one pass through the soap. Spritz the bubbles away and set your timer for 5-10 minutes.
Repeat step 2 and 3 remembering to spritz the layers before pouring so the soap layers adhere to one another and spritz after to get rid of bubbles.
Wait until Soap has completely cooled before unmolding.
I started making soap about 10 years ago. Like many new handcrafted soap artisans there were a few fails along the way, mostly regarding design. I eventually found my niche, my method, albeit by accident.
Over the years I have had a number of inquiring emails about my soap swirl method, but I wasn’t quite ready to divulge my serendipitous discovery until now.
In 2009 I was very excited to see that SoapQueen had released a 12 layer glycerin soap swirl video. So, of course, I jumped right in! I had been doing chunky embeds and layers up to that point.
So one day I was using SoapQueen’s 12 layer swirl technique when I got distracted with kids, or life, or whatever. It was so long ago I don’t even remember. However, it turned out to be a great distraction.
Even though I had forgotten about my first layer of soap, I decided to go ahead and pour in three layers instead of the usual 12. I also decided to wait until the surface was thicker than it would have been with the 12 layer method. Since glycerin soap surface was so thick once I remembered, I decided to keep all layers the same consistency before swirling. I’m glad I did. I ended up with big fluffy black and purple swirls. I call this method the Acorn Swirl since it’s a signature of Oakleaf and Ocotillo Soaps.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to swirl glycerin soap. If you are new to soap making this is a great way to get started without having to deal with lye and saponification. Please like and subscribe to be made aware of our next tutorial due the first week of February.
If you are interested in purchasing this soap, but don’t want to make soap yourself please visit the link below or click on the E symbol on our banner which will take you to our Etsy shop.
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[@KiraCuraMusic]

I’m excited to try this! I’ve been staying away from loaves because I was worried I’d never be able to swirl right but this gives me the courage to try!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Let me know how it goes!

[@nila518]

I feel iv discovered treasure! How did I not discovery your channel sooner! You are brilliant! Thank for being so generous with your knowledge. I understand how this can be hard to do since it took you a while to figure it out on your own. So Thank you big time! much much love from a fellow soaper in Lebanon.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you so much! Your comment warms my heart.

[@salarhaider729]

Was trying to find someone who figured this out with melt and pour. You lady are a greatest soaper friend. Thank you 😊

[@DeanWilson]

Well done, looks great. Love those swirls

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thanks Dean!

[@sarahfenlon3173]

Best swirl method on KZbin! Really good result with this method! 👌😊 My first successful swirl after a long time failing beforehand , this video saved my swirling life lol! 😁Thanks so much for sharing x❤️

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you, Sarah! I am so glad I was able to help.

[@beautymuse2688]

I am finally excited to work with loaves. By FARRRR the best I've seen!!! Thank you SOOO much for sharing!!!💜💜💜

[@catsjackpack]

Oh so beautiful

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you!!💖

[@taniaescobar1960]

Buenísimo. Es el mejor video q he visto con esta técnica. Gracias

[@keonisan]

I've found that stopping the flow of the pour with a spoon will help prevent the additional layers punching through the first one.

[@convenantcreations6017]

Beautiful, thank you Finally I can swirl melt and pour

[@prowlauto]

It worked very nicely. I’ve been trying many methods but yours is the best technique so far. Thank you!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing! I would love to see your work. Use #acornswirl on Instagram, Twitter, or FB so I can find you!

[@cherylmeyer9857]

Very beautiful melt and pour!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you.

[@shunawestern9153]

Really liked this, gonna definitely give it a go. 🥰🇬🇧

[@mochs62512]

Great video! Music was a little loud though, kind of hard to hear you at some points. But i cant wait to try this method!

[@sandymclean9630]

Love love love Thankyou From New Zealand 🪻

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Love love love you too. Thank you for watching!

[@gloriajaorasdr5938]

Beautiful thank you for sharing🙏

[@q2joycreations855]

Wow! I'm definitely going to try this technique, thanks for sharing. I don't do a lot of melt and pour soaps but this is very interesting.😍 I love those swirls. Have a lovely day. Stay Safe.✨

[@soapsforlove4168]

I originally started using MP. It really can be a fun thing to play around with. Really nice looking too. Green is my favorite.

[@davonb.4510]

Hi there - I love your soap. I do only M&P. I love the swirl method, especially when using only two colors. Thanks for sharing.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you for the feedback and encouragement to make more!

[@jmac0308]

Thank you for sharing your method, Beautiful creations.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you for watching! I will be making more, although the next one is very basic, but the next couple are more exciting for experienced soapers. Stay tuned.

[@JenSpice]

I'm going to have to try this Acorn Swirl method! Excellent share. Fun! :)Jen

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thanks Jen! Can't wait to see your creations around the web #acornswirl !

[@100araceli]

Omg!!! Gotta make those for my family and I. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and expertise with us, they look amazing!🙂

[@beverleypenny692]

Fabulous. Thankyou x

[@donnaguyton153]

Love, love, love this method.

[@ravisalunke2272]

This was so fun to watch. Thank you for sharing your technique. Appreciate it.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you, Ravi!

[@007iam007]

thank you so much!!!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

You are welcome so much.

[@user-dk8jn3el6e]

I have been a follower of yours on Instagram and Etsy. I have all your Etsy images pinned on my Pinterest board. I always wondered how you got those beautiful swirls. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. God bless.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Wow! India Project! I am flattered. Thank you so much for this feedback. I am so happy I could inspire!!!🙌🏻

[@GertD7StarMtrxAlchem]

I always wanted to learned how the method of your swirls are 🙏 thank you 😊

[@Lipsticker54321]

One of the best videos showing proper melt and pour swirl in so happy I found your channel! #subscribed

[@AromaDelightBeautyCareProducts]

Beautiful glycerin soap!

[@SimplyLovedSoaps]

Thank you for sharing. I have not worked much with M&P. I am a swirly girl, I will have to try this.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Let me know how it goes.

[@SimplyLovedSoaps]

Oakleaf and Ocotillo Thank you, I will.

[@terriwurst7362]

I like your detailed instructions. Thank you!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you, Terri!

[@BouksFlawsStuff747]

New here turned out great. Ty for sharing This is a must try.

[@subhankarbhaduri4818]

Good technique. Thanks for sharing.

[@Story-007]

Wow I fall in love now ,thank you

[@ginascott6068]

This is beautiful , thank you for sharing , I can’t wait to try , Gina(England) x

[@elizabethkeyner4953]

Thank you for sharing!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@masimjazz]

Tq for sharing, I love your video... 😍

[@angelscakes1850]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@vinaydanait6507]

Love this wanna learn

[@nabanitabanerjee9385]

Beautiful

[@marianailie7732]

Great and easy method!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you!

[@KnowlesSteph]

Have just tried this with my rosemary, was a little difficult on the 3rd layer but im excited to see the results

[@KnowlesSteph]

OK lil update its worked amazingly! Was scary to mess with it but it great. Thank you so much for the video. ❤

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Hi Stephanie! I’m so happy to hear of your success. Thank you for the feedback!

[@Divya_Arshiya11]

Very interesting. I like this and I will try.

[@deniz_a01]

Worked well for me. But because of my base though temperatures are different. Great tutorial though.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you for the positive feedback! I use SFIC base, if that helps.

[@itsareeyakornnualpradit9693]

Love

[@debbiesylvester2774]

Thank you for sharing. Your video and explanation of this method is truly awesome. I have a question, can this be done by using the cold process method of soaping?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Cold process soap swirls a lot easier than glycerin. However, the texture is much different. You can definitely get similar swirls, but the final product is less transparent and more opaque. If you haven’t watched my cold process videos or made cold process soap I urge you to give it a shot. Let me know how it goes. I will try and answer any questions you have.

[@Jamesa_Bethea]

You’re a great teacher! How do you keep your second green layer from getting too hard as you wait? I noticed you covered it but did that keep it from getting too hard during the process?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you for the compliment!!! If you cover it the skin doesn’t form on top. You may have to microwave it to soften it a bit. Just make sure you don’t go too hot (needs to be 120*F or lower) because if you do you will miss your window to pour. It’s a bit of a balancing act. I am hoping to make more videos soon and would like to do a live to better help.

[@manderanat]

Hi, I enjoyed your video, thanks so much 🙏. However, I live in a very humid area, and my glycerin soap came out very wet to the touch hours later. Any suggestions what to do?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

That is a hard one. I have heard from a number of people that live in hot, humid places that their soap takes a long time to set up. Is it possible to refrigerate your soap? The problem with this though, is that when you take it out it will get glycerin beads, and will also sweat. Perhaps refrigerate to set up and then keep them stored in a plastic cooler? You will still experience sweating and glycerin beads, but they can be wiped off with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.

[@trishamaniego4688]

Hi! I would like to start making soaps soon and been watching a lot of videos. Thanks for this btw. Anyway, my question is, when you wait for 15 mins before your second pour, does the secodary color (white coloured m&p) stay in room temp or are you actually allowed to reheat it. I'm concerned that it might solidify while I wait. Thanks again!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

I only wait for a skin to form on top. In different climates the time changes, so keep testing it with a pencil eraser or something similar that will not poke through. Do not reheat it. That would be disastrous. I have done it and you end up with a completely different look…not necessarily a pleasant one. 😁

[@Tonia0224]

I’m having difficulties with getting the spoon all the way to the bottom . By the time my layer forms with the bounce the bottom is to hard to swirl . I can poke into it but not swirl like shown on the video . Temp is about 120

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Hi Tonia! Thanks for the inquiry. I would recommend pouring the first layer at a slightly higher temp and pour your second layer once the first layer has a thinner skin. Start in the corners for the second layer pour as the corners tend to be more solid. Also, is your work surface cold?

[@Tonia0224]

Thank you so much for responding ! I do believe the problem I’m I pour at a low temp , that’s just what I’m used to . So I’ll pour my first layer at a higher temp next time . I soap in my kitchen on my counter , pretty comfortable temperature

[@cristinanava7372]

I love your video. Very well explain and beautiful results. I’m new in the soap making. From all the videos I’ve been watching this is the best by far. Thank you for posting! Can you use two different kinds of soap, like clear base and goat milk base? Thank you again!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Yes, you can as long as they are both glycerin.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Thank you so much for the feedback!

[@deandadaniel2394]

Not sure if my question will be answered since this seems to be an older video and comments and responses are older as well, but on your white layer was that just a regular white melt and pour soap like goats milk that we didn’t see you do in the video, or did you add color to the separate mixture that you set aside? If so, what did you use to make the glycerin white and creamy looking like that?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Hi DeAnda! I used all clear and added the white. I mix titanium dioxide with glycerin and then add drops of that mix to the soap until I get the desired opacity. However, I have done a mix before with clear and goat milk, and as long as the two soaps are from the same manufacturer they should work well together. Don’t forget to spritz with 90% rubbing alcohol between layers. Hope this helps.

[@yasminraphaelly639]

Muito lindo Parabéns

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Muito Obrigado

[@vinaydanait6507]

Where can I learn this online

[@user-bz3om2jd2d]

Since lm a no waste person, l've always wondered, about the left over in the bowl soap! Can you scrape it all out like we do in cp method or not? I was not a melt and pour fun because l didn't like boring- flat - no design soaps, but your videos make me want to try out this method! Thank you for sharing, this was an awesome soap!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Soapy Love creator, Debbie Chialtas, mentioned waiting a few minutes after your final pour and then using a knife to peel up the sides of the soap to get out the remainder. I usually do this and smoosh them together for personal use. It saves a good 2-4 ounces of leftover soap.

[@ievagaile957]

Hi! So you heated all soap in the beggining and reheated white and the rest of green soap before pouring?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

If it gets too cool you will have to reheat it periodically. 120*F is the sweet spot.

[@ianalexander3231]

❤❤❤❤

[@ShirleyZimmerman]

Do you have a video for swirling using 3 or more soap colors? I really like this swirl.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Hi Shirley, I believe the Phoenician Blu video is what you are looking for, however, I will be adding more multicolor soon.

[@user-uc6sm1mz7r]

💮👍

[@carmengamboa8306]

Muy hermoso 💚

[@CrystalMarie26]

Can this work with other bases like goats milk for example?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

It has worked with all bases. Even the low sweat ones.

[@barbiescraft]

Like it

[@jamiematthews9293]

Will this method work with other soap bases or only glycerin?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

This method is for all glycerin soap bases. I prefer Stephenson though.

[@kellyconard9319]

Does this method work with all melt and pours

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Yes, it does.

[@MountainwoodCottages]

Are you waiting for the top and final layer to cool 10 minutes or once pouring, you go ahead and swirl?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Hi CP! Yes, around 10 minutes. The temperature of the room you are working in makes a difference as well as the humidity. I live in the desert and keep my workspace around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets cooler it takes less time, when it gets warmer it takes more time. Go by the thickness of the skin that forms on top. You want it firm, but not thick. Does that make sense? Also, if you have a thinner skin, you may get a nice swirl, it’s just more likely to mix in with the first color more. I hope this helps.

[@MountainwoodCottages]

@@OakleafandOcotillo Thank you!

[@starslit725]

Do you have to keep reheating your base?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Sometimes, especially in the winter. Keeping it around 120*F is ideal.

[@greekdolcelove6143]

Beautiful! When pouring each layer do they all have to be at 120? Degree

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

After the initial layer they should be 120 or below. Lower is fine too. Higher will cause the soap to melt through the skin and then you will have a completely different look. Hope this helps! Thank you for your interest!

[@dbh8772]

I have been trying to replicate your technique with no luck. I'm finding the white sinks to the bottom. I'm using the same brand in clear and pre made white. Is it a temp issue or does the white weigh more? I have trouble pouring when the temp gets too cold. Maybe I just need to find that sweet spot for my base. I love watching your vids. Very relaxing. Thanks.

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

It won’t sink if you wait until a skin forms on top. Maybe try waiting a little longer. It sounds like you have a thin skin, but it needs to be thicker. Use your pencil eraser to check the give in the center of the loaf. You want it to give, yet be able to gently push in to the soap without breaking the seal. Thank you for reaching out!

[@elineteconceicao4079]

Olá tem como me enviar a receita em português vídeo Você entende português

[@avnikathuria]

H, I tried these swirls and they came out very beautiful. After sometime of using the soap, it breaks where both the colors mix. Could you help me with that? Love from India!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Hello Avni! Are you using 91% Isopropyl alcohol to spray the soap top before you pour the next layer?

[@avnikathuria]

Oakleaf and Ocotillo Hey, yes I surely am!

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Are you pouring your next layer while the alcohol is still wet?

[@avnikathuria]

Oakleaf and Ocotillo yess! It’s supposed to be that way. Right?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

You are doing it right. Do you live in a humid climate?

[@sarahwilliams9611]

What do you use for color? Food coloring?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Mica from Nurture Soap.

[@JELOKARET]

does this only work for glycerin or any soap base?

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Hi Swiftheart! I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, my app said “no comments.” Yes, this works with all the brands I have tried...which, I think I have tried them all...At least all that are available in the US.

[@manteesamjawan5673]

WHERE IS YOUR MEASUREMENT ???

[@OakleafandOcotillo]

Hi Mantee! It depends on which measurement you are referring. When it comes to colorant I have been using the handle of a spoon and just making it a heaping scoop. I should really get some measuring spoons just for that though. I have been doing it for so long, I just eyeball it. 😬 I will work on that for you.