Introduction to Soap Making
TOP RATED
532 Have Dabbled
Education
An introduction to the cold process method of soap making, taught by people who've been doing it professionally for over a decade. Commercially made soaps are full of detergents and chemicals that strip skin of its natural moisture. Our soaps only contain all-natural ingredients, making them safe for even the most delicate skin.
The thought of making soap often intimidates most people (think Fight Club), but we teach it in a way that makes it fun and understandable for almost everyone. If you can follow basic cooking instructions, you can make handmade soap. In this class, the student will learn a brief history of the origins of soap, the chemical process of how the ingredients turn into soap, where the materials can be obtained when making soap at home, a run-down of the tools and equipment used, then boom-- we're going to put all that information together and make a batch ourselves! All materials are provided and each student will go home with a pound of their own handmade soap (a $30 value)! Please keep in mind that handmade soap takes about 4-6 weeks curing time before it is usable, so please plan accordingly if you are making your soap as a gift. Class time runs about an hour and a half.
*Parking is located in the public lot behind the building or street parking in front of the building.
All ages welcome
** Due to the caustic nature of some ingredients that are used in this class you must be 16 or older to participate.
** This experience is designed for hobby enthusiasts. If you are looking to launch a soap business, please respect the time and money we have invested in our craft and do not take this workshop.
All materials provided
Cancellation Policy
Kate Bethel started off making soap as a hobby back in 2005. By 2007, she had opened a small brick and mortar shop called Maven in downtown Maplewood, making all of her creations in the back of the store. Today, Maven sells handmade soaps both retail and wholesale all over the country.
The class was fun, informative, and easily understandable! I also got a beautiful product out of it that I'm so looking forward to using!
The class was fun, informative, and easily understandable! I also got a beautiful product out of it that I'm so looking forward to using!
Really fun class. Great, passionate instructor. I would recommend for a great date night with a friend!
Really fun class. Great, passionate instructor. I would recommend for a great date night with a friend!
Fun! Class was very well organized and the instructor was helpful. It was nice to walk around the store after the class to smell all the different soaps and lotions.
Fun! Class was very well organized and the instructor was helpful. It was nice to walk around the store after the class to smell all the different soaps and lotions.
Really had a great time at this workshop! The owner and her mom were so helpful, informative, and friendly. There was no judgement when I literally messed up step #1 either 😂. It was great learning a new craft and meeting new people in the area who like to... wait for it... dabble in new hobbies. Definitely would recommend to any fellow soap enthusiast!
Really had a great time at this workshop! The owner and her mom were so helpful, informative, and friendly. There was no judgement when I literally messed up step #1 either 😂. It was great learning a new craft and meeting new people in the area who like to... wait for it... dabble in new hobbies. Definitely would recommend to any fellow soap enthusiast!
Had the small batch soap making class tonight. Had a ball!!! The instructor was great!! Explained the history and how different soaps are made. Made it so easy with all the ingredients and utensils needed. Took a lotion making class here in the past. Will definitely take more classes. Plus I got to take my soap home to use and/or give some as gifts.
Had the small batch soap making class tonight. Had a ball!!! The instructor was great!! Explained the history and how different soaps are made. Made it so easy with all the ingredients and utensils needed. Took a lotion making class here in the past. Will definitely take more classes. Plus I got to take my soap home to use and/or give some as gifts.
This was really fun and you take home a nice amount of product. It was straightforward and a nice amount of time (didn't drag on, not too brief). The instructor let us take a photo of the instructions but I would have preferred having a printed copy to take home just because that's a bit easier than trying to read from a photo or having to retype it from a photo. I also would have liked a bit more info in terms of recommendations for which types of oils are better once we dabble past the olive oil and castor oil used in class, what we should look for in terms of buying fragrances or additives, etc. I recognize this probably goes a bit beyond the scope of the class a bit. Perhaps a second intermediate class could be offered after you take the intro one where you learn more about other oils or who to layer the colors, etc. It would help retention for the studio and would help the students expand their knowledge.
This was really fun and you take home a nice amount of product. It was straightforward and a nice amount of time (didn't drag on, not too brief). The instructor let us take a photo of the instructions but I would have preferred having a printed copy to take home just because that's a bit easier than trying to read from a photo or having to retype it from a photo. I also would have liked a bit more info in terms of recommendations for which types of oils are better once we dabble past the olive oil and castor oil used in class, what we should look for in terms of buying fragrances or additives, etc. I recognize this probably goes a bit beyond the scope of the class a bit. Perhaps a second intermediate class could be offered after you take the intro one where you learn more about other oils or who to layer the colors, etc. It would help retention for the studio and would help the students expand their knowledge.
Had a lot of fun in this soap making class. The class was just about full (7 out of 8) and it's always more enjoyable to have a bigger group when going to a class like this! She gave a history of soap and had a Q&A session. I feel confident from the teacher's instruction that I will be able to make soap at home if I choose.
Had a lot of fun in this soap making class. The class was just about full (7 out of 8) and it's always more enjoyable to have a bigger group when going to a class like this! She gave a history of soap and had a Q&A session. I feel confident from the teacher's instruction that I will be able to make soap at home if I choose.
I loved this class. It was a fun, relaxed atmosphere and Kate made the process very simple. I’m looking forward to other classes here!
I loved this class. It was a fun, relaxed atmosphere and Kate made the process very simple. I’m looking forward to other classes here!
Very straightforward and hands-on! Some history of soap, too, which was interesting.
Very straightforward and hands-on! Some history of soap, too, which was interesting.
Very enjoyable evening and group. All the directions were very clear and there was plenty of help if we had questions. I went on my own and everyone was very friendly.
Very enjoyable evening and group. All the directions were very clear and there was plenty of help if we had questions. I went on my own and everyone was very friendly.
The class was very informative. I was hesitant to make any soap because lye seemed sort of scary to use unless I was in a science lab. There were careful instructions for safety but it was much easier than I thought it would be. I might try to make some soap at home as gifts!
The class was very informative. I was hesitant to make any soap because lye seemed sort of scary to use unless I was in a science lab. There were careful instructions for safety but it was much easier than I thought it would be. I might try to make some soap at home as gifts!
An easy and approachable how-to session. Can’t wait to gift the soap I made!
An easy and approachable how-to session. Can’t wait to gift the soap I made!
Love this class, very well organized making it a fun and fast learning experience, leaving me with the knowledge, excitement and confidence to make soap from home!
Love this class, very well organized making it a fun and fast learning experience, leaving me with the knowledge, excitement and confidence to make soap from home!
This class was so much fun! Can’t wait to do another!
This class was so much fun! Can’t wait to do another!
Very fun, easy to follow steps
Very fun, easy to follow steps
Absolutely loved this class! Well set up and easy to follow the instructions. So glad I decided to try something new.
Absolutely loved this class! Well set up and easy to follow the instructions. So glad I decided to try something new.
Very informative and simplified. I always wanted to try soap making atleast once. Just for fun. When looked at youtube videos i was scared to make my own soaps But Kate made the process very fun, simple and enjoyable. She was very informatice answered all my question (and i do ask a lot) and walks us through the whole process by carefull instruction and supervision
Very informative and simplified. I always wanted to try soap making atleast once. Just for fun. When looked at youtube videos i was scared to make my own soaps But Kate made the process very fun, simple and enjoyable. She was very informatice answered all my question (and i do ask a lot) and walks us through the whole process by carefull instruction and supervision
I started out making melt and pour soap, but really wanted to learn how to make "real" soap. Everything I was reading about soap making was kind of intimidating, well, after taking the class at Maven, I am feeling pretty confident that I can make "real" soap. It was great to learn from someone with so much experience and It was really fun, I can't wait to use my soap!
I started out making melt and pour soap, but really wanted to learn how to make "real" soap. Everything I was reading about soap making was kind of intimidating, well, after taking the class at Maven, I am feeling pretty confident that I can make "real" soap. It was great to learn from someone with so much experience and It was really fun, I can't wait to use my soap!
I've always been curious about soap making, but thought it was beyond my skills. This class showed me that isn't the case. I really appreciate the step-by-step instructions and do's and don'ts given in the class. I also liked that each person had their own equipment and workstation. I'm excited to use my soap once it cures.
I've always been curious about soap making, but thought it was beyond my skills. This class showed me that isn't the case. I really appreciate the step-by-step instructions and do's and don'ts given in the class. I also liked that each person had their own equipment and workstation. I'm excited to use my soap once it cures.
I can't say enough good about this class! I was excited for a month, and I was not disappointed. I signed up because I was interested in getting a little better handle on how to tackle soap making myself at home, and I figured what better way than to learn from a pro, and a local woman entrepreneur. I got all the info and confidence I needed, and Kate was so great, down to earth, helpful, and very, very open with information and answering all of our questions. I had such a great time, and I would recommend this class to anyone! So fun :)
I can't say enough good about this class! I was excited for a month, and I was not disappointed. I signed up because I was interested in getting a little better handle on how to tackle soap making myself at home, and I figured what better way than to learn from a pro, and a local woman entrepreneur. I got all the info and confidence I needed, and Kate was so great, down to earth, helpful, and very, very open with information and answering all of our questions. I had such a great time, and I would recommend this class to anyone! So fun :)
I enjoyed learning about cold processed soap making. It was interesting and fun. Class is easy and anyone can learn. You get to choose the flavors which is fun and then you get to take home your work. Defiantly a place to come back too.
I enjoyed learning about cold processed soap making. It was interesting and fun. Class is easy and anyone can learn. You get to choose the flavors which is fun and then you get to take home your work. Defiantly a place to come back too.
Very glad that I took this class. When I saw all of the paraphernalia and heard of the steps we were about to take, it felt a bit overwhelming, but directions were clear and teacher and assistant were helpful and I conquered a lovely block of soap. Very interesting. I think it is great when artisans share their craft.
Very glad that I took this class. When I saw all of the paraphernalia and heard of the steps we were about to take, it felt a bit overwhelming, but directions were clear and teacher and assistant were helpful and I conquered a lovely block of soap. Very interesting. I think it is great when artisans share their craft.
I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for this class and boy was I pleasantly surprised. This was such a fun night! Kate, he owner and instructor, was amazing. She is very knowledgeable about the various ways to make soap and even gave us a history of soap. She chose a method that was easy to follow and was extremely prepared for each of us. We even threw her a curve ball when one person who signed up wasn’t on the list and Kate and Carrie were extremely accommodating. I learned so much about making soap and am now inspired to make some on my own at home.
I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for this class and boy was I pleasantly surprised. This was such a fun night! Kate, he owner and instructor, was amazing. She is very knowledgeable about the various ways to make soap and even gave us a history of soap. She chose a method that was easy to follow and was extremely prepared for each of us. We even threw her a curve ball when one person who signed up wasn’t on the list and Kate and Carrie were extremely accommodating. I learned so much about making soap and am now inspired to make some on my own at home.
What a fantastic class! The instructor was very knowledgeable and the class was very well organized! Definitely recommend!
What a fantastic class! The instructor was very knowledgeable and the class was very well organized! Definitely recommend!
This was the perfect class to wrap up a Wednesday night. The evening just flew on by. Not only did we get to make soap but we got to shop the store after the class. The teacher is a cool upbeat gal. I'm looking forward to taking this class again!
This was the perfect class to wrap up a Wednesday night. The evening just flew on by. Not only did we get to make soap but we got to shop the store after the class. The teacher is a cool upbeat gal. I'm looking forward to taking this class again!
Wonderful experience! Very well organized and great instruction! Would love to attend again.
Wonderful experience! Very well organized and great instruction! Would love to attend again.
Great service and explanations 1:1 assistant. My soap turned out awesome appreciated the small class size
Great service and explanations 1:1 assistant. My soap turned out awesome appreciated the small class size
Had a great time. It was very informative, hands on and FUN! I feel confident in my soap making skills.
Had a great time. It was very informative, hands on and FUN! I feel confident in my soap making skills.
I really enjoyed this dabble! Loved the history of soap and learning more about Maven in general!
I really enjoyed this dabble! Loved the history of soap and learning more about Maven in general!
My friend and I had a great time at this class! The teacher was so organized and the class ran very smoothly. It was interesting to learn about the history of soap-making, and I loved taking a homemade batch home with me! I’m looking forward to sharing my soap with others as gifts! I will definitely shop at Maven, too!
My friend and I had a great time at this class! The teacher was so organized and the class ran very smoothly. It was interesting to learn about the history of soap-making, and I loved taking a homemade batch home with me! I’m looking forward to sharing my soap with others as gifts! I will definitely shop at Maven, too!
This soap making class was excellent. The teacher was well organized. All of the equipment and materials were set up for each participant. There were 6 students in the class. We each made a one pound batch of soap. We were able to add the scent of our choice. I would definitely recommend this class.
This soap making class was excellent. The teacher was well organized. All of the equipment and materials were set up for each participant. There were 6 students in the class. We each made a one pound batch of soap. We were able to add the scent of our choice. I would definitely recommend this class.
This was a super fun and easy class! I had wanted to learn how to make soap for awhile. I was amazed how easy the the process was. I can't wait to try my soap after it's cured!
This was a super fun and easy class! I had wanted to learn how to make soap for awhile. I was amazed how easy the the process was. I can't wait to try my soap after it's cured!
The class was fun. I would take it again and would refer friends. I like that we got to take home a finished product.
The class was fun. I would take it again and would refer friends. I like that we got to take home a finished product.
This was such a fun date night for my husband and I within walking distance from our home. We love homemade soap and it was a great experience getting to make our own. The process was fun and the instructor made it easy and interactive. We were able to customize our scents and add salt for an exfoliation effect. We were able to take home enough for 8-9 bars each and gave some to family as gifts!
This was such a fun date night for my husband and I within walking distance from our home. We love homemade soap and it was a great experience getting to make our own. The process was fun and the instructor made it easy and interactive. We were able to customize our scents and add salt for an exfoliation effect. We were able to take home enough for 8-9 bars each and gave some to family as gifts!
I took my mom as a mother's day gift and we both had a good time. The class was well organized and informational.
I took my mom as a mother's day gift and we both had a good time. The class was well organized and informational.
The class was fun and informative. It was a great way to experience soap making for the first time. Highly recommend this class! Would love to see an intermediate class offered to learn other techniques like swirling or using more than one color.
The class was fun and informative. It was a great way to experience soap making for the first time. Highly recommend this class! Would love to see an intermediate class offered to learn other techniques like swirling or using more than one color.
absolutely a fantastic class! I will tell all my friends
absolutely a fantastic class! I will tell all my friends
I have always been interested in soap making but had been intimated by the equipment and needing to use lye. Taking this class was so fun and informative, and it gave me confidence to try soap making at home!
I have always been interested in soap making but had been intimated by the equipment and needing to use lye. Taking this class was so fun and informative, and it gave me confidence to try soap making at home!
I LOVED this class. The location was this great little store in Maplewood with the greatest daughter/mom duo. I had no experience making soap prior to this experience and had so much fun!!!
I LOVED this class. The location was this great little store in Maplewood with the greatest daughter/mom duo. I had no experience making soap prior to this experience and had so much fun!!!
I had such a great time! The teacher was not only informative, but also engaging and comforting. Sometimes when you're working with unfamiliar materials it can be scary, but she made me feel comfortable enough to even make something like this in my home. I've been using homemade soaps for the past few years and I would never go back. Thank goodness I now have a pound more!
I had such a great time! The teacher was not only informative, but also engaging and comforting. Sometimes when you're working with unfamiliar materials it can be scary, but she made me feel comfortable enough to even make something like this in my home. I've been using homemade soaps for the past few years and I would never go back. Thank goodness I now have a pound more!
The Intro to Soap Making Class was so much fun! It was well planned and the teacher was very helpful and informative. If you're interested in learning how to make soap, this class is for you!
The Intro to Soap Making Class was so much fun! It was well planned and the teacher was very helpful and informative. If you're interested in learning how to make soap, this class is for you!
Such a fun class. The small size makes it easy to follow and ask questions. I'm really proud of the finished product, and soap is totally something I wouldn't have tried at home before.
Such a fun class. The small size makes it easy to follow and ask questions. I'm really proud of the finished product, and soap is totally something I wouldn't have tried at home before.
This was a very fun class! Kate was a very kind and knowledgeable teacher, and I'm happy I got to learn this new skill!
This was a very fun class! Kate was a very kind and knowledgeable teacher, and I'm happy I got to learn this new skill!
This was a lot of fun! We came out with quite a bit of soap to use for Christmas gifts. I would suggest adding more fragrances and additives to the options.
This was a lot of fun! We came out with quite a bit of soap to use for Christmas gifts. I would suggest adding more fragrances and additives to the options.
This was such a fun class. It's something I would obviously never do on my own. The instructor was very helpful and knowledgeable, and in the end you get to take home a significant amount of soap that you made on your own. Can't wait to use it!
This was such a fun class. It's something I would obviously never do on my own. The instructor was very helpful and knowledgeable, and in the end you get to take home a significant amount of soap that you made on your own. Can't wait to use it!
I had a great time at this class! Great instruction and easy to follow along, plus you get to leave with some awesome smelling soap! I was expecing maybe 1-2 bars, but I ended up with 6! (Also depends how thick you cut it). The class also lets out a little early and you can have a private shopping experience. Highly recommend.
I had a great time at this class! Great instruction and easy to follow along, plus you get to leave with some awesome smelling soap! I was expecing maybe 1-2 bars, but I ended up with 6! (Also depends how thick you cut it). The class also lets out a little early and you can have a private shopping experience. Highly recommend.
Awesome little class in the basement of Maven. Easy step-by-step guidance. Very personable and friendly. And an awesome little store upstairs!
Awesome little class in the basement of Maven. Easy step-by-step guidance. Very personable and friendly. And an awesome little store upstairs!
The class was fun, informative and I went him with a pound of soap I made myself. Highly recommended.
The class was fun, informative and I went him with a pound of soap I made myself. Highly recommended.
We really enjoyed ourselves! It was more like an hour (not 2) maybe because there were only 3 of us in the class. I thought it was fun & informative. I am really excited to try out my soap & give it as gifts!
We really enjoyed ourselves! It was more like an hour (not 2) maybe because there were only 3 of us in the class. I thought it was fun & informative. I am really excited to try out my soap & give it as gifts!
This was a fun class. I do wish that we would have gotten more into the swirl and fun colors of the soap that is displayed in the pictures however. Overall a good learning experience!
This was a fun class. I do wish that we would have gotten more into the swirl and fun colors of the soap that is displayed in the pictures however. Overall a good learning experience!
The class was amazing!! The instructor was helpful, polite, and knowledgeable. And didn't help.that it smelled AHHH-MAZING in there. I'm definitely going back!!
The class was amazing!! The instructor was helpful, polite, and knowledgeable. And didn't help.that it smelled AHHH-MAZING in there. I'm definitely going back!!
Fun class! Was thorough and interesting. Enjoyed myself and would go back. :)
Fun class! Was thorough and interesting. Enjoyed myself and would go back. :)
So cool! I would definitely take more classes from Maven. I can't wait to use my soap!
So cool! I would definitely take more classes from Maven. I can't wait to use my soap!
I had a great time at this class. Loved that it was a small group, we all got to know one another. The instructors made the class very easy to follow along and answered all the questions we had along the way. After friends saw the soap I walked away with from the class , I have 4 other people that want to go with me when I go again.
I had a great time at this class. Loved that it was a small group, we all got to know one another. The instructors made the class very easy to follow along and answered all the questions we had along the way. After friends saw the soap I walked away with from the class , I have 4 other people that want to go with me when I go again.
Kate was an excellent teacher who made us feel safe and informed throughout the process. I had a really fun time making soap and would love to attend again in the future if she hosts an intermediate/advanced soap class!
Kate was an excellent teacher who made us feel safe and informed throughout the process. I had a really fun time making soap and would love to attend again in the future if she hosts an intermediate/advanced soap class!
The class was great and very informative on the history of soap making. I was happy with the soap I made and the amount we made. My only negitave comment would be that I asked for a copy of the "recipe" but was told they didn't have one.
The class was great and very informative on the history of soap making. I was happy with the soap I made and the amount we made. My only negitave comment would be that I asked for a copy of the "recipe" but was told they didn't have one.
The class was fun and the instructor made the directions very clear.
The class was fun and the instructor made the directions very clear.
Great set up - easy to follow - lots of fun options for scents and textures. Easy to follow instructions - very safe and clean environment to work in. Everything laid out and ready to go, yet everyone left with their own 1 lb (about 6 bars) of soap that was different from everyone else.
Great set up - easy to follow - lots of fun options for scents and textures. Easy to follow instructions - very safe and clean environment to work in. Everything laid out and ready to go, yet everyone left with their own 1 lb (about 6 bars) of soap that was different from everyone else.
I had an amazing time! I learned something new in a great space. I cannot wait to use this soap. My kitchen smells like Hawaii.
I had an amazing time! I learned something new in a great space. I cannot wait to use this soap. My kitchen smells like Hawaii.
Really fun to see and participate in how soap is made. I enjoyed both the hands-on and brief lecture portion. The class only ran about an hour as opposed to an hour and a half, which might be good news for some folks on a work night.
Really fun to see and participate in how soap is made. I enjoyed both the hands-on and brief lecture portion. The class only ran about an hour as opposed to an hour and a half, which might be good news for some folks on a work night.
Absolutely love this class! I have definitely learn a new skill that I will put to use. Kate was assume she made sure to explain what happens in each step and she make you feel stupid if you asked questions. My soap smells so good and I can't wait to use it.
Absolutely love this class! I have definitely learn a new skill that I will put to use. Kate was assume she made sure to explain what happens in each step and she make you feel stupid if you asked questions. My soap smells so good and I can't wait to use it.
Kate is not only an amazing entrepreneur but also a fantastic teacher. We learned about the history of soap and different processes for soap making. Kate did a great job of highlighting differentiation in process during each step and is incredibly knowledgeable about her craft. I would highly recommend this class. Also consider attending with friends. We did the class with a group of four and two other people who signed up individually and it was a great time. Thank you Kate and Maven!
Kate is not only an amazing entrepreneur but also a fantastic teacher. We learned about the history of soap and different processes for soap making. Kate did a great job of highlighting differentiation in process during each step and is incredibly knowledgeable about her craft. I would highly recommend this class. Also consider attending with friends. We did the class with a group of four and two other people who signed up individually and it was a great time. Thank you Kate and Maven!
It was a neat experience. Very bland and reading off paper and make sure you bring a drink and eat something before as this is right during dinner. Teacher and helper seemed a bit stressed and it showed. No music and six chairs. I feel like this could have been done in 20 minutes and not an hour. Not worth the price point, I'd say $35 per person tops. Great concept just needs honest and more thought out and put together. Maybe refreshments and some background music or something. I legit sang to make it more interesting. Overall 3/5.
It was a neat experience. Very bland and reading off paper and make sure you bring a drink and eat something before as this is right during dinner. Teacher and helper seemed a bit stressed and it showed. No music and six chairs. I feel like this could have been done in 20 minutes and not an hour. Not worth the price point, I'd say $35 per person tops. Great concept just needs honest and more thought out and put together. Maybe refreshments and some background music or something. I legit sang to make it more interesting. Overall 3/5.