$150.00
– Sold Out| /
Beginner Soap-Making Workshop Medford, New York
This hands-on workshop is designed for beginners who want to learn how to make real soap from scratch. Whether you're curious about the craft or hoping to create meaningful handmade gifts, you'll leave knowing exactly what you're doing - and ready to try it again at home.
What Your Class Includes:
✓ A 2½-hour, hands-on class with just 4 students
✓ All ingredients, tools, PPE & materials
✓ Your own batch of soap - about 6–8 bars
✓ Personal instruction from start to finish
✓ Printed recipes & take-home guide
✓ Learn to formulate recipes using a lye calculator
✓ The skills and confidence to make soap again at home
Small Class, Personal Instruction:
Classes are limited to just four students, so there's plenty of time for individual guidance and a relaxed, unrushed pace.
We work step-by-step, with a focus on proper technique and safety - and I'm right there with you from start to finish.
What You'll Learn:
We'll cover the basics of traditional cold-process soapmaking, from safely working with lye to understanding how oils and ingredients come together to make soap.
And we don't stop at following a recipe. You'll also learn how to formulate your own recipes using a lye calculator, so you can keep making soap long after class is over.
Everything we cover goes home with you in a printed guide, including:
• Soapmaking safety & proper lye handling
• Equipment & tools you'll need
• Step-by-step soapmaking instructions
• Beginner-friendly recipes
• How to use a lye calculator
• Trusted ingredient & supplier resources
• Unmolding, cutting & curing guidelines
• Troubleshooting tips & common mistakes
• A little soapmaking history & chemistry
A Little About Me:
I've been making soap since 2011, and I've learned plenty along the way - sometimes the hard way. This class is my chance to help you skip some of that trial and error. I'll share my best advice, practical tips, and the things I wish I'd known when I started - including why you really don't need to buy all the things.
Ready to Make Some Soap?
One quick ask: Please include a cell number with your order, just in case I need to reach you about your class. Choose an available class date above to reserve your spot. Once you're registered, I'll email you everything you need to know before class.
Have a question first? Just reach out - I'm happy to help.
A shoe box (or something similar) + three or four dish towels.
You'll be taking your freshly made soap home in its mold, so the towels help keep it stable and warm for the ride home.
I'll provide safety goggles and latex or vinyl gloves in sizes medium and large, but if you'd prefer to bring your own safety equipment, please do.
This is a hands-on class in my home soap studio in Medford. We'll work together step-by-step, but you'll make your own individual batch from start to finish.
You'll choose a fragrance and color (if you'd like), and will be making about 2lbs of soap. I'll provide all of the ingredients, equipment and safety gear.
Classes are small and relaxed, so there's plenty of time to ask questions as we go. Plan on spending about 2½ hours together.
You'll head home with your freshly made soap in its mold, along with your take-home guide for everything that comes next.
And if you have any questions before class, just reply to your confirmation email - I'm happy to help.
PAYMENTS & CANCELLATIONS: Your payment is your registration and is non-refundable.
By purchasing a class, you are agreeing 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 beginner soap making class uses caustic lye and is intended 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. All participants are required to wear personal safety equipment.
GUESTS: Please do not bring additional guests. I have a small studio and extra people pose a safety hazard.
REFUND & RESCHEDULING POLICY: Payment in full is required to reserve your spot. Class payments are non-refundable, but with at least 48 hours' notice, you may reschedule for a future class date. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice will receive a 50% credit toward a future class.
Class credit is valid for one year from the original purchase date and may be used toward a soap-making class only. Class credits are subject to future class availability.
NO CALL/NO SHOWS will not be rescheduled or refunded.
CLASS MINIMUM: A minimum of 2 students is required to hold a class. If enrollment falls below the minimum, I may need to cancel or reschedule.
If that happens, I'll contact you using the phone number or email provided with your order and give you first notice of the next available class date. You can choose that date or keep your class credit on file for a future class. If I have to cancel your class, your credit is will remain in good standing for as long as I am able to offer the classes.
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.
AUGUST 2026 - Love the ROSE LIP BALM! Always moisturizing and full of flavor! It is my fave lip balm by Gilded Olive Apothecary!
It’s so lovely I couldn’t even bring myself to use it for a few days! It really is described to perfection and my hands feel gloved in moisture.
I purchased three bars of the Mariners Belle Soap, one for me and one for each for my daughters. We all love the light fresh scent and how soft our skin feels!
I love my scented olive oil soaps! I’ve been using them exclusively since January and I can’t tell you how amazing my skin feels!
I’ve never smelled anything that smells exactly like a fresh lilac! I sent a bar to a friend in Florida because she loves the scent of lilacs!
So cool to test the different scents and to leave one at work so my hands aren't ruined by cheap soaps! I didn't expect to love the lavender but I really do
Beautiful items for myself and to gift! I adore the typefaces and thoughtful packaging, as well as how lovely they look before I use them
A piece of art, from the typeface to the colors! My skin feels lovelier than ever.
I absolutely love this! The scent discourages insects and smells lovely, with a slight muskiness. Adorable summer scent.
I absolutely love the soaps and lip balms from GILDED OLIVE APOTHECARY! I place an order and usually get my package within a week from New York...I live in Florida. The products are fabulous! I wish Val made the whipped body cream available year round....only downside. Anytime I have a question or concern; Valerie promptly and pleasantly takes care of it. Valerie is always friendly and makes superb products. My fave soap is the Boardwalk Breezes and Brine Sea Salt Soap! My fave lip balm is the ROSE flavor! Definitely a lifetime customer of GILDED OLIVE APOTHECARY!
Thank you,
Treanna G.
MARINERS BELLE - JULY 2026 - LOVED THIS SOAP! So nice and smooth. My skin feels so good after using it.
Love this soap!
This is super rich and creamy you know its taking care of your skin.
I love it! Thank you!
I love your soaps, and now I'm obsessed with your candles. Wonderful quality, quickly shipped!
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