Lesson 1: Introduction
Our first lesson will include an overview of the course, the history of soapmaking, a brief description of cold process soapmaking, and a glossary of important terms I will use throughout the course.
Welcome & Course Overview
Welcome to Cold Process Soapmaking, a class in traditional soapmaking. Whether you are joining this class as an interactive participant or have elected to register for the quick course option, I am delighted that you want to learn how to make your own handcrafted soap at home using traditional methods. Throughout this class I will reference my resources section, which I encourage you to explore frequently, as it contains a list of books you will find extremely useful, as well as an extensive list of soapmaking resources available on the web.
Course Overview
Lesson One: A history of soapmaking, a brief description of cold process soapmaking, and a glossary of important terms. Students taking the interactive course should also read the section on course expectations and preparation.
Lesson Two: This lesson, entitled Getting Started With Soapmaking, includes a review of safety guidelines when working with lye, a list of essential equipment and supplies, and ideas for making your own soap molds.
Lesson Three: I cover all the essential ingredients needed for soapmaking, from base oils, to colorants and additives. I also explain how to find and store your soap making ingredients. We will have a discussion about using animal products in handcrafted soap.
Lesson Four: Here I detail soap recipes, list three of my favorites, and show you how to find and build soap recipes using the web.
Lessons Five and Six: Let's make soap! Lessons five and six cover step by step detailed soapmaking instructions.
Lessons Seven: What to do when things go a little (or a lot) wrong. A troubleshooting guide to cold process soapmaking.
Lesson Eight: Advanced techniques including how to modify recipes or even develop your own, and how to make handmilled soap.
I am so glad you have joined this class. Students participating in the interactive option should review the next lession session about expectations and preparation. Students who opted for the quick course option, can go straight to the overview of cold process soapmaking.
