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$125.00
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Learn how to make your own soap in this hands-on workshop for beginners, located in Medford, New York.
Imagine formulating your own soap, or making incredible holiday gifts for your family and friends! Handmade soap is far superior for your skin than any mass produced soap and soapmaking is an incredibly valuable, life-long skill.
My soap making classes are held with only four students at a time, and designed to provide the personal attention I think the craft deserves. This ensures you'll learn how to make soap properly and safely. The class moves along slowly, making sure everyone understands each step as we go.
Together we'll explore everything you need to know about the traditional, cold-process method of soapmaking. You can be fully present and won't have to commit it all to memory, because I include everything we discuss in written form for you to take home. Your folder will include information on:
You'll 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 I've spent heaps of time and money, learning. Taking this class will save you a lot of trial and 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! So what's next?
Purchase the class and please include your phone number. You'll receive an email follow-up, so check your spam folder if you don't see it within 5 minutes.
Tap the tabs above to learn more! ⬆️
A shoe box (or similar) + three or four dish towels.
You'll be going home with wet soap batter in the mold, so the towels help stabilize the mold within the box and help keep the batter warm.
A lap top is optional 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 or vinyl gloves in sizes medium and large, but if you'd prefer to bring your own, please do.
Hands on learning in a small, friendly environment.
I provide all soap-making tools and materials, and show you how to use my favorite 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, please check the box that allows me to send you emails, and include your phone number too, in case I need to contact you.
When you receive the 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. 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. This includes spouses, friends or children. I have a small studio. There's extension cords and we'll be working with lye, a strong caustic. Unexpected guests 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 48 hours 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 the date it was purchased.
No call/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'll be the first to be notified when a new class date has been scheduled. You can accept that date or keep the credit on file for the future. The credit will not expire.
BAD 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.
I have always wanted to make my own soaps. I’m a DIY, “crafty “ girl. Despite watching countless videos and doing tons of reading, nothing could have prepared me to make my own soap like Valerie’s class. Valerie is patient, explaining throughout the way, teaching safety protocols, supervising us while allowing us to do the steps independently- making our own individual batches of soaps. Valerie also shared 2 recipes and taught us how to use soap calculators. She truly is inspiring, and amazing at her craft. This class was honestly one of the best gifts I ever gave myself. Wish I found her sooner!!
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. 😊
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.
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 :-)
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.
This soap smells delicious!! I love how smooth my skin feels after using it. I’m looking forward to trying other soaps I recently purchased!
Love the fragrance of this candle! It truly smells like a fresh, green apple. It's just right, not too sweet or spicy smelling. When I light it I am reminded of the orchard we go apple picking in each year.
This candle smells like Fall to me. It has a lovely earthy and woody scent that makes me feel like I am sitting in the forest surrounded by trees.
I bought this as a gift for a friend and she liked it very much. Said it reminded her of a time when she lived near the ocean.
I have to say I absolutely love everything Valerie makes her products are so beautiful, top-tier quality! It always feels like Christmas every time I get my package. her candles smell so beautiful, & fill up my room so beautifully they definitely spark joy! I also really love her cream deodorants I actually Stopped using my old deodorant that I have used for years & I will not go back! All her scents are so cozy and nostalgic not to mention her soaps have the most beautiful silkiest creamy lather that I have ever experienced in a bar soap, I love using her products for spa days at home & her lip balms I am obsessed with I keep one in my nightstand and in my purse, & in my bathroom’s ! ☺️ Thank you so much for all your beautiful products. I am so happy to have found the gilded olive apothecary! 🫶🏼 Petra
Can't decide whether I prefer Val's mint lip balm - or this rose. They are both terrific. So smooth. I also love that it is vegan.
Love the wonderful aroma. This is first time I tried one of Val's sea salt soaps. Love the way it made my skin feel.
I love this minty fresh lip balm. Goes on smooth - and moistens my lips. And it's great to know it is made from all natural ingredients.
I just love the very faint fragrance and the bit of scrubbing beads in the soap.
This lip balm is perfect! It smells delicious and is not at all overwhelming. Very moisturizing. I only need to use it twice a day.
This was my first time trying soaps from Gilded Olive Apothecary. My pack included Rose, Vanilla, and Cherry Almond. They all smell so good, not overwhelming. They do not irritate my sensitive skin. And they are very moisturizing. Applying lotion after a shower with these soaps isn't a necessity like it is for me with anything I've tried, including other natural/handmade soaps.
I absolutely love Val’s soap! It’s the best and I haven’t looked back since I found her!
So excited to have Citronella added for the summer, works wonders in keeping the pests away.
I have been a long time customer of Val's, and I have to say her products just keep getting better! Her soaps and candles are so soft, luxurious and smell delicious!
I've been a friend and customer of Val at Gilded Olive Apothecary for over 15 years! Quality and commitment to product and customer service is unchallenged! She is a wonderful Human and her products reflect that. If I had to choose a favorite product, and I have tried most of them, I still love honey bunny but Zelda and Olive are close seconds. Cherry Almond and Oatmeal Milk and Honey... Delicious