Making Swirl or Swiss Swirl Soaps (Melt & Pour)

These look a lot more difficult that they really are! The key is to watch the temperatures of the soap carefully, spray with alcohol, and roll the soap whilst it is still warm.

To make these soaps you will need a vertical cylinder mould. You can use an empty Pringles™ Can, half of a flower presentation tube or a suitably sized and cut piece of PVC down pipe. If using the Pipe or flower tube, you will need to ensure you seal one end really firmly so that the soap will not leak out.

I make my "spirals" and "scrolls" on a tray that takes exactly 250g of soap to make it the correct thickness just check the measurements of the tray and maybe have a trial run. It is too thick or thin, it is easily melted and re-poured.

You'll Need:
1 kilo Melt & Pour Soap Base
A Cylindrical Mould
2 Contrasting Non-bleeding Melt & Pour ColoursFragranceAlcohol for Spritzing and your usual Melt and Pour Soap equipment

Prepare the mould by ensuring it is clean and dry and measure the height. It is best to work with a tube mould the same height as the tray measures at the smallest side. If it is a little too high, cut the excess neatly from the top. Alternatively, you can of course you two smaller tubes.

Melt 750g (approximately) Soap Base that you will use for the main colour (not the spiral, this is the back ground colour) in microwave safe container.

Colour and fragrance this and cover either with plastic wrap or place a tray or lid over the top and allow it to cool slightly, but not quite as far as syrup.

Melt 250g approximately of the Soap Base that (my tray measures 34cm x 25cm and holds 250g comfortably) you will use for the spiral. I like dark spirals on pale logs, but you may prefer to contrast in reverse proportions. Colour and fragrance the soap, and whilst still hot, quickly, but carefully pour into the flat tray. Check to make sure the flat tray is sitting on a level work surface. Spritz lightly with Isopropyl Alcohol to remove any air bubbles.

When the tray of soap is still warm, but set firmly (You will find the centre of the tray is the last place to set, so just give it a little touch with your finger tip to check whether it is ready or not) slide a plastic knife or spatula around the perimeter of the tray to release the soap and then carefully peel it away from one corner and place on the bench.

Immediately you have done this you must work with the soap to make the spiral or it will become cold and lose its flexibility.

Cut the rectangle down the centre (on the short side) to make two smaller rectangles. Now gently roll each rectangle into a swiss roll ensuring you keep the layers slightly apart and evenly spaced. Take care not to roll too tightly. The roll should slide easily into the cylinder mould with a little space at the edges.

Spritz the spiral with alcohol and place into the mould.

Carefully steady the vertical mould and spiral with one hand, and gently pour the bulk of the liquid soap base around the spiral until you have filled the mould.

Allow to set for a good couple of hours in winter, much longer in summer, and then slice into rounds.

Voila!

TIP: To make Soap Scrolls to give as Graduation gifts or to announce the Birth of a Baby etc, roll the spiral much tighter (no need for spritzing) and allow to set. They look very nice when you ease out each end like a Parchment Certificate and tie with a classy ribbon or cord.


Source: http://www.aussiesoapsupplies.com.au/Making-Spirals-Swiss-Roll-Soaps-p-14.html