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Grace McMahon

With this simple four main ingredients recipe, you can make any variation of handcrafted cold process soap from plain and unscented in any size or shape, to scented, colored soaps with intricate designs.  We will make two batches of cold process soap using two different methods:  traditional method and room temperature method.  We will go step by step in the crafting process and cover equipment, tools, methods, safety procedures, selecting molds as well as packaging ideas. 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to make pure and natural handcrafted cold process soap utilizing only 4 main ingredients
  • Two methods for making natural cold process soap: traditional cp method and room temperature method
  • No math! i provide the ingredient measurements and quantities for you which allows you to focus on how you want to design your soaps.
  • Various ways to style the appearance of your finished soaps along with some great packaging ideas
  • My extensive list of suppliers for everything you need whether you want to make soap on a basic level or professionally

Syllabus

A Beginner's Class for Cold Process Soapmaking Utilizing 4 Main Ingredients

This is overview of what you can expect from this course which utilizes only 4 main ingredients with which you can make any design variation of cold process soap from plain soaps to soaps with color and scent.  This course is designed especially for beginners but is open to all. 

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on a simplified four-ingredient recipe, which makes soapmaking accessible and less intimidating for beginners who are new to the craft
Covers two distinct cold process methods, traditional and room temperature, providing learners with options to suit their preferences and available resources
Provides ingredient measurements, which allows learners to focus on design and technique rather than complex calculations, which is helpful for beginners
Includes packaging ideas and a supplier list, which is useful for those looking to sell their handcrafted soaps professionally or at local markets
Requires specific supplies and equipment, which may represent an upfront investment for beginners, but are essential for safe and successful soapmaking

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Reviews summary

Simple guide to successful cold process soap

According to learners, this course is a highly positive introduction to cold process soapmaking, making a potentially complex process feel truly accessible for beginners. Students often highlight the step-by-step instructions and clear demonstrations as key strengths, reporting success in making their first batches of soap using the simple, natural ingredient recipe. The emphasis on safety procedures is frequently mentioned as a valuable and necessary component. While focused on foundational techniques, students find the course provides a solid base, covering essentials like measuring, mixing, molding, and even exploring different coloring and scenting options and packaging ideas.
Introduces both traditional and room temp methods.
"It was helpful to see both the traditional and room temperature methods demonstrated."
"Learning the two different techniques gave me options for future soap making."
"Comparing the traditional and room temp methods was a nice addition to the basics."
Many learners report successful results.
"I made my first batch of cold process soap following this course, and it turned out perfectly!"
"So exciting to see my soap harden up and look just like the demos - I had a successful result."
"I was able to make a beautiful loaf of soap on my very first attempt thanks to the clear guidance."
"Success on the first try was really motivating! The course content works."
Focuses on an easy, natural base recipe.
"Using only four main ingredients simplified everything and made it easy to source supplies."
"I loved that the recipe was simple and natural, focusing on the basics."
"The 'no math' approach was a lifesaver for a beginner like me; having the recipe provided was great."
"Focusing on a basic recipe allowed me to understand the core process before experimenting."
Crucial safety information is well covered.
"Handling lye can be scary, but the course did a great job emphasizing and explaining safety procedures."
"Safety was clearly a priority, which made me feel much more confident trying this at home."
"The section on handling lye and proper ventilation was very important and well-explained."
"Grateful for the thorough coverage of safety - it's the most important part when working with these materials."
Instructions are easy to follow for success.
"The videos were clear, and the step-by-step approach meant I never felt lost during the process."
"Following along with the instructor's demonstrations made it easy to replicate the techniques accurately."
"I really appreciated how each phase of the soapmaking process was detailed and shown clearly."
"The instructions for measuring and mixing were spot on, leading to a perfect first batch."
"Everything is laid out in a logical order, making it very easy to follow along and make soap successfully."
Ideal for newcomers to cold process soap making.
"This course made what seemed like a complicated process simple and easy to follow, perfect for a complete beginner like me."
"As someone who had never made soap before, I found this course incredibly welcoming and straightforward."
"The instructor breaks down every step so well that anyone new to this can understand and succeed."
"It's truly designed for beginners and removes the intimidation factor of using lye."
"I was nervous about trying cold process soap, but this course made it seem 'made simple' just like the title says."
Best for basics; not for deep dives.
"While great for beginners, those with some experience might find it too basic and lacking in-depth troubleshooting or advanced techniques."
"It's a fantastic introduction, but I'll need to seek out other resources for more complex recipes or oil properties."
"If you're looking to understand the chemistry or formulate your own recipes beyond the provided one, this course doesn't cover that level of detail."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Soap Made Simple! Handcrafting Cold Process Soap with these activities:
Review Basic Chemistry Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of basic chemistry principles, particularly saponification, to better grasp the chemical reactions involved in soap making.
Show steps
  • Review the concepts of acids, bases, and pH.
  • Study the saponification process and its chemical equation.
  • Practice balancing chemical equations related to soap making.
Read 'The Complete Soapmaker' by Norma Coney
Gain a broader understanding of soap making techniques and recipes beyond the basic four-ingredient method.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Complete Soapmaker'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to cold process soap making.
  • Take notes on new techniques and recipes.
Document Your First Soap Batch
Solidify your learning by documenting each step of your first soap making batch, including ingredients, measurements, and observations.
Show steps
  • Prepare a notebook or digital document.
  • Record each ingredient and its measurement.
  • Note the temperatures at each stage.
  • Photograph the process.
  • Write down observations about the texture and appearance.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Unique Soap Recipe
Apply your knowledge by creating your own unique soap recipe, considering scents, colors, and additives.
Show steps
  • Research different essential oils and their properties.
  • Choose colors and additives that complement your scent.
  • Calculate the correct amount of lye for your recipe.
  • Document your recipe and the reasoning behind your choices.
Create a Soap Packaging Presentation
Expand on the packaging ideas presented in the course by creating a presentation showcasing different packaging options for your soaps.
Show steps
  • Research various soap packaging materials and designs.
  • Gather images of different packaging styles.
  • Create a presentation using software like PowerPoint or Google Slides.
  • Present your packaging ideas to friends or family for feedback.
Read 'Making Natural Liquid Soaps' by Catherine Failor
Explore the world of liquid soap making and learn about different techniques and ingredients.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Making Natural Liquid Soaps'.
  • Read the chapters on liquid soap making techniques.
  • Compare and contrast liquid soap making with cold process soap making.
Donate Soap to a Local Shelter
Practice your soap making skills while giving back to the community by donating your creations to a local shelter or charity.
Show steps
  • Contact a local shelter or charity to inquire about their needs.
  • Make a batch of soap specifically for donation.
  • Package the soap attractively.
  • Deliver the soap to the shelter or charity.

Career center

Learners who complete Soap Made Simple! Handcrafting Cold Process Soap will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hobbyist Soap Maker
Hobbyist Soap Makers create soap for personal use and enjoyment. A course on handcrafting cold process soap directly relates to this role. Instruction in creating soap will aid in perfecting personal techniques. Learning about styling the appearance of finished soaps and packaging ideas will be useful. A prospective Hobbyist Soap Maker can use this course to improve their knowledge of soap.
Soap Maker
A career as a Soap Maker involves the creation of both functional and artistic soap products. This can range from producing large batches for commercial sale to crafting unique, small-batch soaps for specialty markets. A course on handcrafting cold process soap builds a foundation. Instruction in creating soap using the traditional and room temperature methods will aid in understanding the crafting process. Learning about coloring soap and scenting will be useful. A prospective Soap Maker can use this course to learn about ingredients, equipment, tools, methods, and safety procedures.
Soap Making Instructor
A Soap Making Instructor teaches others how to make soap, either in person or online. This requires a deep understanding of soap making techniques, safety procedures, and troubleshooting. Learning how to make pure and natural handcrafted cold process soap aids acumen. Instruction in creating soap using the traditional and room temperature methods will be very useful. A prospective Soap Making Instructor can use this course to improve their knowledge of soap making.
Home Based Business Owner
Many Home Based Business Owners create and sell their products online or at local markets. A course on handcrafting cold process soap helps to build a foundation. Instruction in creating soap using the traditional and room temperature methods will aid in understanding the crafting process. Learning about selecting molds as well as packaging ideas will be useful. A prospective Home Based Business Owner can use this course to improve their understanding of soap making.
Craft Fair Vendor
Craft Fair Vendors often specialize in unique, handmade items to sell at local and regional craft fairs. This course helps build a foundation. Instruction in creating soap using the traditional and room temperature methods helps in understanding the crafting process. Learning about selecting molds as well as packaging ideas will be useful. A prospective Craft Fair Vendor can use this course to improve their knowledge of soap making.
Etsy Shop Owner
Many Etsy Shop Owners make and sell handcrafted goods through the online marketplace. This course helps lay the foundation. Instruction in creating soap using the traditional and room temperature methods helps in understanding the crafting process. Learning about styling the appearance of finished soaps and packaging ideas may be useful. A prospective Etsy Shop Owner can use this course to improve their knowledge of soap making.
Small Business Owner
Many Small Business Owners operate retail businesses that specialize in handcrafted goods. This course may be useful. Learning how to handcraft cold process soap builds a foundation. Instruction in styling the appearance of finished soaps aids in product design and marketing. A prospective Small Business Owner can use this course to improve their knowledge of soap making from scratch.
Bath and Body Product Formulator
A Bath and Body Product Formulator develops recipes and formulas for a variety of personal care items, including soaps, lotions, scrubs, and bath bombs. This requires knowledge of ingredient properties, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. A course on handcrafting cold process soap can build a foundation. Instruction in creating soap using the traditional and room temperature methods will aid in understanding the crafting process. Learning about coloring soap and scenting will be useful. A prospective Bath and Body Product Formulator can use this course to understand the ingredients and processes involved in soap making.
Herbalist
An Herbalist uses plants for medicinal and therapeutic purposes, often creating their own remedies and products. A course on handcrafting cold process soap may be useful. learning about ingredients may be useful. Instruction in adding herbs and botanicals aids in product design and formulation. A prospective Herbalist can use this course to enhance their knowledge of soap making.
Personal Care Product Manager
A Personal Care Product Manager oversees the lifecycle of personal care products, from ideation to launch and beyond. This involves market research, product development, marketing strategy, and sales analysis. Learning how to handcraft cold process soap using only four main ingredients aids in understanding the crafting process. A Personal Care Product Manager might find learning about ways to style the appearance of finished soaps helpful. A Personal Care Product Manager can use this course to enhance their understanding of soap.
Quality Control Technician
Quality Control Technicians ensure that products meet specific quality standards and regulations. In the context of soap making, this involves testing raw materials, monitoring production processes, and inspecting finished products for defects. This course may be useful. Learning to make pure and natural handcrafted cold process soap supports this effort. Instruction in crafting soap using only four main ingredients aids in understanding the crafting process. A Quality Control Technician will understand the importance of ingredients, equipment, and safety procedures.
Product Development Scientist
As a Product Development Scientist, you're at the forefront of creating new and innovative products, often within the beauty, personal care, or home goods industries. This role involves researching market trends, formulating new recipes, and testing product prototypes. This course may be useful. Learning how to make handcrafted cold process soap using only four main ingredients allows for focus on design. A Product Development Scientist might find the instruction in styling the appearance of finished soaps helpful. A Product Development Scientist can use this course to learn about soap.
Cosmetics Chemist
A Cosmetics Chemist formulates and tests cosmetic products, ensuring their safety, stability, and effectiveness. This role requires a deep understanding of chemical reactions, ingredient interactions, and regulatory requirements. This course may be useful, as it teaches the basic chemical processes involved in creating soap from scratch. Instruction in crafting soap using only four main ingredients builds a foundation in understanding the crafting process, particularly regarding pure and natural ingredients. A Cosmetics Chemist may benefit from the course’s learning objectives. A prospective Cosmetics Chemist can use this course to improve their understanding of soap making.
Green Product Developer
As a Green Product Developer, you focus on creating environmentally friendly and sustainable products. This involves sourcing eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste, and ensuring the product has a minimal environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. This course may be useful. A Green Product Developer might use the instruction in crafting soap using only four main ingredients. Learning about packaging ideas may be useful. A Green Product Developer can use this course to solidify their knowledge of soap making.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants advise businesses on how to reduce their environmental impact and adopt sustainable practices. This role often requires a broad understanding of environmental issues, supply chains, and consumer behavior. This course may be useful. Learning to make pure and natural handcrafted cold process soap builds acumen. Instruction about ingredients aids in understanding manufacturing processes. A Sustainability Consultant may benefit from a better familiarity with soap making.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Soap Made Simple! Handcrafting Cold Process Soap.
Provides a comprehensive guide to soap making, covering various techniques, recipes, and troubleshooting tips. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced soap makers. It expands on the basic techniques taught in the course and provides additional depth. It is commonly used as a reference by hobbyists and small business owners.
Delves into the process of making liquid soaps, which more advanced technique than cold process soap making. It provides detailed instructions and recipes for creating various types of liquid soaps. This book is more valuable as additional reading to expand your knowledge of soap making. It is commonly used by soap making enthusiasts and small business owners.

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