ABOUT THIS EVENT

Event Category

Education

Event Overview

This 100% hands-on class is located in Long Beach, CA & is for those who want to learn about the hot process method of soap making (bar soap) from start to finish.

We'll cover the following:

- the science behind soap making, saponification

- lye information & safety (read more below: "Safety First!")

- the materials and ingredients needed and where to get them

- how to formulate a soap recipe based on your needs (e.g. dry skin, sensitive skin), using a very handy online soap calculator

- making your soap, which involves a cooking phase, and what to do at home afterwards

The main differences between hot process and cold process soap making are:

- The amount of time it takes to make the soap

Hot process: 1.5 to 2 hours

Cold process: 30 to 45 minutes

- The appearance of the soap

Hot process: because the soap cures during the cooking phase, it begins to harden before getting it into the mold; so sometimes it can have a chunky appearance.

Cold process: because the soap is put in the mold while it is still a semi-liquid, it has a smoother appearance once cured.

- The curing time

Hot process: the soap is ready to use after 24 hours.

Cold process: the soap has to cure for at least 2 weeks; then you can use it.

Formulating a balanced recipe is the most important part of soap making, so my goal is for you to go home feeling very capable & comfortable with the intricacies of the soap calculator. Before making your soap, you'll be able to choose a recipe that is best for your skin type (e.g. more conditioning or bubbly). You'll take home 8 oz. of soap, customized with the essential oils of your choice, in the silicone mold of your choice, which you can keep and reuse (2-3 bars, depending on the mold). Other additives will be available to add to your soap, if desired (e.g. honey for extra conditioning, amaranth for exfoliation). You'll also go home with 6 soap recipes and a thorough, detailed instructional handout, including ingredients, lye info, materials/equipment & suppliers. Everything is provided in the class, as well as some snacks & tea.

Safely First! Since lye, NaOH, is used in the Beginner's Hot Process Soap Making Class, you will be provided the best safety equipment for the class. A common question: is lye necessary for soap making? Yes! A base is needed with one hydroxide ion, so Sodium Hydroxide is used...And it has many other uses as well! But, don't worry, there is no lye in the final product due to the chemical reaction that takes place between the carrier oils and the lye, which is converted into salt! My goal is for you to understand what lye is, how to handle lye & to respect lye, not fear it! Come to class to learn more about lye, including its history & many other uses! You must wear closed-toe shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and pants to this class.

This class takes about 2.5 hours & is available for up to 2 people. Beeswax lip balm making can be added for $15/person. Contact Lindsay if interested and if you have any questions. I hope to meet you soon!

General Class Information: - Very small class sizes! Choose to take a private class just for you or choose a semi-private class on the online calendar for only 2 people per class. Small groups allow for a more personal, enjoyable experience, in which you can feel comfortable to ask all of your questions and then go home ready to try out your new skill! - Available every day of the week! Set up a private class any day of the week at a time that works best for you or book a slot in an available class on the online calendar. - 100% hands-on! Make the products yourself; you won't watch, you'll do. - Customize your products! I supply the recipe & you choose which essential oil(s) for fragrance work best for you. - Bring nothing! Everything is provided in the class with NO extra materials fee. - It's all in the details! Take home a thorough, detailed instructional handout with recipes, ingredients, materials list & suppliers.

What to Bring

Nothing!

Minimum age

All ages welcome

What's Provided

Everything is provided in the class, including some snacks and tea.

Cancellation Policy

Location