There are others here who post links to their latest YT videos so there must be some way that it can be done without violating rules.
SMF June 2022 Un-Challenge - Cocoa Powder
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WhittanyWho
Small Time Soaper
They may pay to be a different type of supporter. That's an option, but since I don't make money off videos or blogs or resources I have, there's no way I could pay to do that.
I made these woodgrain soaps. I used 2 intensities of cocoa powder, 1/4 & 1/2 teaspoons, red clay, activated charcoal & plain batter. These are scented with essential oils: bergamot, orange 5X, lemongrass & cedarwood.
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In an earlier life I was married to a musician who owned a lot of high-endish guitars. Actually, I think they were half mine, but I opted to keep my retirement fund in lieu of arguing about instrument values. So, along comes another friend asking me to make a special order batch. He also owns a lot of guitars. I’ve been late getting to it since I told him I could have it to him by the end of July. Wood grain, cocoa and the special order request to keep it dark, made me think of some of the beautiful woods I’ve seen in guitars. I hope he loves these soaps.
The first one combines two cocoa powders (Dutch process and Black from King Arthur Flour), along with red and yellow oxides and some AC. The second one is mostly colored with the two cocoa powders. I used hydrated chrome green oxide for the greenish layers and a bit of AC in one of the dark cocoa layers. The cocoa by itself seems to have a bit of a maroon/burgundy tint. I used beer as the split liquid for both batches. The first batch is a lard/tallow base and was poured as one layer in a slab mold. The second batch is palm-based and was poured in a divided mold as four sections and then swirled a bit in an attempt to create knots. I split it on the horizontal plane. The light bar is from the top where I ran our of darker batter. The soap overheated and needs planing, but it’s too early to do much cleanup of either of the batches.
ETA: I used a four spot ITP pour for the first soap, following the method of @WhittanyWho in her wood grain video on YT, here. I like the results and it’s easier than layering soap a pitcher.
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I just watched your video. I never made the connection before as to who you are! Great video! I love all your soaps.
WhittanyWho
Small Time Soaper
Thank you. 
Help me out please. Are we in other soap circles together? I don't know all the usernames here, but maybe I follow you already too.
Help me out please. Are we in other soap circles together? I don't know all the usernames here, but maybe I follow you already too.
Hi Whittany, I am Linda Halpern and we have definitely communicated at least on Saponification Nation. Perhaps in other groups? I moderate Hot Process Soapmaking, and Natural Cosmetic Formulating. Do you belong to those as well?Thank you.
Help me out please. Are we in other soap circles together? I don't know all the usernames here, but maybe I follow you already too.
1. peachymoon - I've been wanting to work with cocoa! 
2. glendam - chocolate soap is in my to-do list, this is perfect!
3. Mx6inpenn - I haven't used natural colorants since I first started.
4. TheGecko - I need to make another batch of my Chocolate Espresso (cocoa in the batter, cocoa line, cocoa dusting)
5. earlene - I can make soap again at last (sutures removed, incision healed & I can wear gloves again)
6. Nanna - I can finally do a challenge and my next one was going to be with a cocoa line
7. Kimimarie84 - looking forward to this!
8. Catscankim - ok, I'm in
9. linne1gi - I will get my challenge in time this month, I promise.
10. LisaBoBisa - two ideas for this one already!
11. Dooleykins - I need to make another batch of my Log Cabin soap, as well as experiment with a mocha soap. Great opportunity for it!
12. Mobjack Bay - feeling inspired by the great cocoa soaps being posted.
13. Zing desperately trying to find this post and not look at any other photos along the way!
14.
2. glendam - chocolate soap is in my to-do list, this is perfect!
3. Mx6inpenn - I haven't used natural colorants since I first started.
4. TheGecko - I need to make another batch of my Chocolate Espresso (cocoa in the batter, cocoa line, cocoa dusting)
5. earlene - I can make soap again at last (sutures removed, incision healed & I can wear gloves again)
6. Nanna - I can finally do a challenge and my next one was going to be with a cocoa line
7. Kimimarie84 - looking forward to this!
8. Catscankim - ok, I'm in
9. linne1gi - I will get my challenge in time this month, I promise.
10. LisaBoBisa - two ideas for this one already!
11. Dooleykins - I need to make another batch of my Log Cabin soap, as well as experiment with a mocha soap. Great opportunity for it!
12. Mobjack Bay - feeling inspired by the great cocoa soaps being posted.
13. Zing desperately trying to find this post and not look at any other photos along the way!
14.
WhittanyWho
Small Time Soaper
Omg, yes, Linda! I know exactly who you are. We're definitely in several soap circles together. I'm a giant fan of yours.
LikewiseOmg, yes, Linda! I know exactly who you are. We're definitely in several soap circles together. I'm a giant fan of yours.
Sorry to interrupt this reunion 
.
Now that I've got my entry poured and gellin' , I can now go back through and catch up on all this. I've been trying to avoid pics.
I use cocoa powder a lot. Lazy soaper that I am, I usually just dump it into the batter. But today I dispersed it in oil first and will be doing that from now on! There were no clumps and I think it'll come out a smoother color.
.Now that I've got my entry poured and gellin' , I can now go back through and catch up on all this. I've been trying to avoid pics.
I use cocoa powder a lot. Lazy soaper that I am, I usually just dump it into the batter. But today I dispersed it in oil first and will be doing that from now on! There were no clumps and I think it'll come out a smoother color.
I’m always surprised when I see soapers just dump their colors in soap batter. It’s always smoother and better distributed when premixed.Sorry to interrupt this reunion
Now that I've got my entry poured and gellin' , I can now go back through and catch up on all this. I've been trying to avoid pics.
I use cocoa powder a lot. Lazy soaper that I am, I usually just dump it into the batter. But today I dispersed it in oil first and will be doing that from now on! There were no clumps and I think it'll come out a smoother color.
Like I said, lazy soaper here. I mostly dump with micas. But if I use oxides and titanium dioxide I use a cutting board and mix a spoonful of oil and the colorant using a palette knife and find it super effective. I'm forgetting which famous YouTuber uses this technique.
I'm pretty sure Teri of Tree Marie was the first - at least on YouTube. Several others use that method and have credited her with the technique. Can't wait to see what you made with your dispersed cocoa powder!
Teri at TreeMarie Soapworks uses that technique. I use the squeeze bottle technique for my TD.
JenZen
New Member
Your bevelling is something else Whitney. Really makes the soap shine.
WhittanyWho
Small Time Soaper
Thank you. I used my router from Wild Plantanica. It's one of my favorite soaping tools.
(I get no commission, and I am not affiliated in any way with Wild Plantanica. I just really love their router, and want to give credit where credit is due.)
I just finally ordered one of those over the weekend!
I combined the unchallenge with a challenge. This is colored using cocoa powder and activated charcoal, scented with Asian sandalwood. The 2nd picture is my favorite bar from the batch and the last is my inspiration. I love darker woods.
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Wow, I am loving all these wood-grain soaps. Is that the theme of the Soap Challenge Club this month?
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