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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Great Cakes Soap Challenge ~ Location Theme Soaps

April 2016 Soap Challenge by Amy Warden of Great Cakes 
Soap-works!

Location Theme Soaps ~ Oregon!

The Location I chose for my Soap theme is Oregon. Specifically Central Oregon, as this is where I grew up and really became part of me. I really miss the beautiful Cascade mountains, and the high desert! Not everyone realizes that East of the Cascade mountain range in the NW is very dry - 10" or less or rain a year average. Juniper and Sagebrush is abundant with vast Evergreen forests in the mountain range.
 I chose a scent blend that reminds me of when the rain would finally come on a hot day, hitting the hot sand, Sage, and Juniper. It was so wonderful and difficult to describe!

 Here is how I created my Soaps!
My entry:
Cascade Mountains
  Here are a couple photos that i borrowed features from. These are the mountains know as the "Three Sisters" and "Broken Top" is on the left in the bottom photo. The top one is within 5 miles from where I actually lived! I was a country girl, and am so happy I was!

 I used ingredients that remind me on Central Oregon. Sage powder, Illite Grey Clay, and Woodland Green Oxide, to mimic the colors of the Sage, Sand and Juniper. Juniper Berry, Juniper Leaf, and Mint for the Scents of the High dessert, and the common cultivation of Mint field and distillation. I added just a tiny amount of Honeysuckle and Frankincense for the scents i remember hiking at Smith Rocks State Park with the Sun warming the grasses and flowers in the springtime.

White was made with titanium dioxide, Blue skies with Cobalt Blue UM Powder. 
My plan was to have all 3 of the 3 Sisters Peaks, however, my Batter became super thick and my Sky had to be forcibly tamped into my mold, and I lost my middle mountain! It also created quite a few air pockets. 




All and all tho, I enjoyed making this Soapy memory of the place i still miss as "Home".
The scent blend really fits well, being is it 3/4 Juniper Berry, and the remaining 1/4 a blend of the Juniper leaf, and other EO's. The Sage powder added a slight scent too contributing nicely. 

 I look forward to seeing everyone's entries. I imagine you will have some terrific creations. 
Thanks again to Amy Warden for Hosting this fantastic learning platform!!! : ) 

21 comments:

  1. The Cascade Mountains are just beautiful!! I can see why you chose them for your inspiration, Eva! I love the earth tones you achieved mixed with the snow capped mountains and beautiful blue skies! Looks like a place I would love to visit!

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    1. Thank you Amy! I hope you & your family get a chance to visit Oregon sometime! It definitely is a great place to explore :)

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  2. I have never been to Oregon, those mountains are absolutely stunning. Makes me want to visit now! We have beautiful scenery in England, but nothing so vast! You captured landscape beautifully in your soap too.

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    1. Thank you Clair! There are so many amazing places on this Earth we'd love to visit too (including England!). Oregon is pretty special though! ;)

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  3. Your soaps look just like your pictures. Awesome!

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  4. Came out very pretty. Looks like the pics

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  5. I appreciate your kindness Omneya, Thanks!

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  6. I love your hard work on portraying "the Three Sisters". I especially appreciate that you utilized colors & scents that remind you of the high desert. Gayle in Maine

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  7. Thanks Gayle! Dreaming this up was fun & I always learn so much :)

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  8. Oooo - we may be visiting the Cascades this summer! Your soap psychs me up for the trip. :)

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    1. Oh how awesome a place to visit for vacation! It's amazing how much variety the NW has. I hope you get to explore and really have a great time! I loved making these Soaps, kinda made me 'homesick' tho ;)

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  9. I wish there was a way to smell the soap ; ) I'm sure it is wonderful. Great job, OR is so beautiful.

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    1. Thanks much! I wish we could share the scents too along with the photos! I love Juniper Berry so much! it goes with everything ;)

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  10. This turned out great, Eva! I especially love the swirls of color in the sky. It looks so much like your inspiration picture too!

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    1. Thanks Debi, I'm glad you like it! I was aiming for more details, but thickening batter was not a friend to me this time so i'm happy it turned out at least recognizable. I know better for next time! : )

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    2. Thanks Debi, I'm glad you like it! I was aiming for more details, but thickening batter was not a friend to me this time so i'm happy it turned out at least recognizable. I know better for next time! : )

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  11. Very beautiful! I especially love the look of the sky above the peaks, really captures the feel of it.

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    1. I sure appreciate your feedback Amaryce, Thank you! I really enjoy these challenges and learn so much from everyone! :)

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