Teach Soap

I was surprised to learn that some of the people who wanted to attend were more experienced, and only found out that a little while ago, which was why I didn't post about that in the first place, or ask THEIR advice.

I'm not doing M&P soap because, one, I have never done it. Two, I can't be assured that the oils used in commercially available M&P soaps are kosher certified, so no, I'm not going to do that.

I'm teaching the same way everyone teaches: Show what I know, and then reply "I don't know" if someone asks me something that, in fact, I don't know. I've done a lot more researching/reading/learning than experimenting, but suffice it to say that after the first time I baked a cake, I then showed someone else how to do it. The directions are right there in the recipe, so you have to be kind of Special to not be able to follow them correctly. The only batches of soap that have failed for me, in fact, have been when I went off-book, so I now know not to go off-book. Pretty simple, actually.

These friends are accustomed to taking classes for which they have to concentrate. I've got three, possibly four, experienced soapers coming. Between all of us there are glass blowers, pewterers, one pharmacist, and a mother of SIX who still manages to cook dinner without killing anyone. And I've cooked and served dinner to twenty and more, without assistance, while shepherding various relatives and friends, and never once wrongly spiced a single dish. So thanks for the concern over my/our ability to concentrate, but I actually think we'll be okay.

Clearly you have already made up your mind about it and are not wanting any input that doesn't match what you want to hear. That's fine, however when you post a thread asking for input, you have to expect not everyone will agree with you. I offered up melt and pour as an option as it's easy to do. I had no way of knowing that you had never done it before (although that wouldn't matter given how basic and easy it is), or that you required Kosher. There was no mention of that anywhere in the thread, so there is no need to be so defensive against that suggestion. After all, as you make such a point to point out - you have people who can cook, so you could do melt and pour with your eyes closed.

That said, I have no idea what the ability to cook or be a mother of six has to do with soap making. I guess you are just determined to prove your point (which is?) with any relevant information possible. That's great that you baked a cake and then showed someone... personally I don't cook with ingredients that can cause skin irritation, burns or blindness, but hey, everyone's level of adventure is different.

As I said, clearly you've made up your mind, and anyone who posts anything that doesn't say how awesome it is, is not welcome. I commented on concentration because I've experienced it first hand, it was no way a dig at your/their ability as you have taken it. I was simply posting my thoughts on a thread you began asking for input. Perhaps you should bear that in mind when starting a thread on a discussion forum.

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

You've already made up your mind. I'm confused though why would you be asking here if you're going to do what you're going to do anyway? Just because someone is a glass blower doesn't make them an expert in soapmaking. I don't see what having six kids has to do with knowing how to make soap. Soap uses lye; does the mother use lye in her cooking? I'm glad you made a cake, but soapmaking is NOT like making a cake. You can eat a botched up cake. You cannot wash with lye heavy soap.

Now you are talking about kosher. Do you have a kosher kitchen? The kosher certification will be a mute point once used in a regular kitchen. I agree with Coolah. You should stick with MP for now. There are some excellent natural bases out there like Wisteria Lane if you want the end product to be more natural.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Whoa. Let's all take a step back. I don't think I was being defensive, because I didn't feel defensive, but I guess this is a good reminder that tone doesn't come across in text very well. When some of you expressed your concerns about my and my guests' ability to concentrate, all I was doing was reassuring you that that wasn't going to be an issue because all of us -- for our various reasons -- are very good at concentrating, paying attention even in hectic situations.

I asked for input of a specific type: What should I tell everyone to bring with them?

What I thought I was doing, rather than being defensive or being upset at anything that wasn't a glowing endorsement, was making a gentle request that people respond to the question I actually asked, rather than bringing in other concerns which either aren't actually concerns, or have already been dealt with.

So, I'm apologizing if anything I said led anyone to believe that I was upset, defensive, offended, or dismissive. I just would kind of like help with what I really did ask. I'm very eager to hear what you have to say about that.

I'm going to respond to the original question, because this thread has became a little crazy LOL

Make sure to tell them to wear old clothes & shoes. Make sure the shoes aren't open toed shoes.

I got lost somewhere on whether or not they're just watching or are they each making their own batch or whatever. But if you're teaching about natural colorants or anything like that, they could bring an herb/spice.

Also, are you having all 12 over at one time, or are you splitting it up? Or are you putting them in pairs to make it easier for you?

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Genny

I think as long as everyone brings safety gear, maybe views a good video or two on soapmaking beforehand or otherwise has an idea of what's going on, and brings a small mold (you don't want to fill 10 3 pound loaf molds, right?) that should do it. Given that it takes a while for the soap to set up, though, they'll have to wait to take it home with them. Transporting liquid soap batter in a mold--even a closed one--seems like a really bad idea. Maybe do one loaf, and have them come back in two days to cut?

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Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
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This thread is an example of why I don't post here much anymore. First you get upset at Soapbuddy and myself for posting in your thread, then you say you aren't, then you say "a lot" of people were telling you that you can't teach which was not true at all.

Good luck with ... what ever it is you're doing, it's all too confusing with the constant addition of information. I'll be sure to put myself back in the 'reading only' corner from now on.

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

The Nova Studia & Otionsoap give classes, maybe check out their class schedules/itinerary to get an idea.
I honestly have no idea how I would teach someone on soapmaking because I know I'd forget something & want to do everything.

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Genny

I think unmolding and cutting can be added together--they don't take that much time. Unless you want to talk about the variety of cutters? There are a lot of ways to do it: kitchen knife, crinkle cutter, cheese wire, miter box, and so on.

Hmmm. If I were teaching a series of soaping classes, how would I do it?
Class one: Soaping safety; soap chemistry (lye + fat); oils and their properties; mixing temperatures; basic batch
Class two: review safety; what is gel? cut loaf from class one, and discuss cutters, molds (wooden need lining, silicone, loaf molds versus individual cavities, etc.). Make basic batch +... essential oil? a little tumeric or paprika for color?
Class three: review safety; cut loaf from class two; try stamping, if you have it; make basic batch plus ground oatmeal or other texture additive
Class four: review safety; cut loaf from class 3. Review everything!

That's off the top of my head! I would say people could take soap home before it's done curing.

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Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
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I think I'd add soap history in there as well.

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Genny

Oh, and the most likely mistakes people make, like soaping too hot, soaping too cold, or not recognizing trace. Also, go over materials that are ok to use: silicone, sturdy plastic, lined wooden molds (freezer paper, shiny side in), and so on. No aluminum. No glass. Etc.

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Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
Like us: http://www.facebook.com/AvitalsApiaries

Ipstenit: I have taught many classes PM me if you need any help.

I just have a small suggestion, and just my little voice speaking out and I will go back to my corner.

Have you maybe considered for the first time to have them watch you make it? The next opportunity have them actually make the soap (fragrance free to avoid any surprises).

I have not been making soap for long as well. About a year now. I had to watch a couple of videos first before I felt comfortable to jump in and do it. Different people learn at different paces. Some are ok at jumping in and others are better at observing from beginning to end and then trying it themselves.

Just my two cents. Other than that, good luck!

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Roxana
*** Just keep trying
Follow my Soaping Journey at:

She's going to demo, not have them make their own. It's buried in the thread, somewhere!

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Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
Like us: http://www.facebook.com/AvitalsApiaries