Basic Soap-Making Class - Finished Soap Loaves

Basic Soap Making Class - Gilded Olive Apothecary Long Island New York

Soap loaves all tucked in for the ride home!

Basic Soap Making Class Students | Gilded Olive Apothecary Long Island New York

Learning how to make soap! Gilded Olive Apothecary Long Island New York | Gilded Olive Apothecary

Cold Process Soap Making Class | Gilded Olive Apothecary Long Island New York

Wet soap batter in the molds at soap class

Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild Member | Gilded Olive Apothecary

Basic Soap-Making Class

$125.00

– Sold Out

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The Class
What To Bring
What To Expect
The Fine Print

Located in Medford, New York, learn basic soap making in my home workshop.

Imagine formulating your own soap, or making incredible holiday gifts for friends and family. Handmade soap is far superior for your skin than any grocery store soap, and soapmaking is an incredible life-skill.

My soap classes are very small, only four students at a time. It's designed to provide plenty of personal attention, and ensure that you're making soap properly and safely. The class moves along slowly, making sure you understand each step as we go along.

Together we'll explore everything you need to know about the cold-process (traditional) method of soapmaking. Everything we discuss is written down in a folder for you to take home. It includes:

-Basic Supplies & Recommended Suppliers for Soapmaking
-Sodium Hydroxide/Lye Safety
-How to formulate a recipe using SoapCalc (a FREE online lye calculator)
-History of Soapmaking- What is Soap?
-(2) Starter Recipes
-Tips on Unmolding, Cutting, & Curing
-Troubleshooting, tricky fragrances & more!

You'll also be taking home about two pounds of your own soap, (6-8 bars) and the confidence to try out your new skill at home.

I've been making soap since 2011 and spent heaps of time and money, learning how. It's lots of trial and error, but so much fun!

I'll save you some trial & error, because I love sharing everything I've learned with you. I'll give you my best advice and help you avoid some really common mistakes new soapers make (like buying all the things)

Okay, I'm in! What's next?:
Purchase the class and please include your phone number. You'll receive an email follow-up, so make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see it within 5 minutes!
A shoe box (or similar) + two-three dish towels.
You'll be going home with wet soap batter in the mold, so the towels help stabilize the mold within the box, while keeping the batter warm.

A lap top is helpful when we learn how to use the online lye calculator, but I have one here, so it's not necessary.

I'll provide safety goggles and latex gloves in sizes medium and large. I also keep medium vinyl gloves on hand, but if you'd prefer to bring your own, feel free to do so.
Hands on learning in a small, friendly environment.  
I provide all soap-making tools and materials, and show you how to use a free online lye calculator, so you can formulate your own soap recipes at home.

You'll be making about two pounds of soap and you'll choose a scent and a color, if desired.

On the day of class, you'll receive a folder filled with information on lye safety, soap-making history, properties of oils & fats, trouble-shooting tips, curing & storage information, basic supplies needed, recommended vendors and more.

When you purchase a class, you'll receive an email with all the information you'll need. At checkout, check the box that allows me to send you emails. Please submit your phone number too, just in case I need to text you.
After you receive your first email, you can always hit that reply button if you have questions for me.
Your payment is your registration and is non-refundable.

By purchasing a class, you are saying that you have read this entire page, and agree to the policies below. I am located in Medford New York, and this hands-on class will take place in my home soap studio.

MINIMUM AGE: This basic soap making class uses caustic lye and is designed for adults, over the age of 17. If you feel your teen is mature enough to attend a class (with or without you) please discuss it with me before purchasing.

WHAT NOT TO BRING: Please don't bring additional people or pets. This includes spouses, friends, or children. I have a small studio and we'll be working with lye, a strong caustic. Unexpected guests take up space and pose a safety hazard.

REFUND POLICY: Classes are required to be paid in full to reserve your spot. They are non-refundable but with at least 2 days notice, you can reschedule your class for a later date. Your credit is good for one year from the time it was paid, and to be used for classes, only. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you will have 1/2 credit available to use within one year of when it was purchased.

No-Shows are NON-REFUNDABLE.

MY RIGHT TO CANCEL: In the case where enrollment is below the studio minimum of 2 students, the teacher has the right to cancel on the Thursday prior to the class. If a class is cancelled you will be contacted using the phone number and/or e-mail address that you provided upon purchase.

You can either choose another date for class right away, or keep the credit on file for the future. The credit will not expire.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: If a class has to be cancelled due to snow or bad weather, we will work out another date that works for everyone involved.

Excellent Class!

I can’t recommend this class enough. To learn this primitive craft by such a knowledgeable person like Valerie is so valuable. I appreciate what she and other soap makers do all the more.
Great people to spend the day with in a clean, organized environment to learn. Valerie has years of experience, expertise in this field that she so graciously shares. A true Master of her craft. Very inspiring, providing so much knowledge and information to safely create soaps for yourself if you choose. Thank you so much Valerie. 😊

Great way to spend an afternoon

This is the first review I have ever written; but I had so much fun with Valerie, I wanted to share my experience. Being a craft junkie, I've always wanted to learn to make soap, but wanted to do it in person, not on line or through books. I tried to find a class on Long Island, but it was during the Pandemic and Val, rightfully so, was not holding classes. I asked to be contacted when classes resumed and about a month or so ago, Val reached out. My crafting buddy and I took the class together. It was great. Val was so friendly; she made us feel at home immediately. She answered all our questions, provided advice, guidance and tricks of the trade. Taking her class is like hanging out with a well-informed best friend. Her studio is amazing and her products are divine. We had a blast and look forward to making soap on our own. For anyone who enjoys crafting and wants to learn to make soap, Val's class is a must.

Awesome soap making class

I have always been fascinated with making homemade products. I love cooking and sewing and crafting. I was a little afraid of soap making since it can be dangerous because you are using lye which can be very toxic. But Valerie's class was so easy going and relaxed that all those fears were gone the minute she started talking to me. She is very informative and easy to talk to and also a great teacher and gave a personal touch to her class. I can't wait to share my beautiful soap with friends and family. I will definitely will recommend her class. Thanks again Valerie :-)

Soap making class

Had a wonderful experience learning how to make hand made soap. Valerie is an absolute wonderful teacher! She shares so much soap making information. She is welcoming and makes you feel at ease. She shares so much soap making information. You not only leave with the beautiful soap you created, but also a folder of soap making information.

Soap making

What a great class gives you a healthy respect for the craft, Valerie is a very knowledgeable and giving teacher enjoyed myself would do class again

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