Teach Soap

I would have them watch the SoapQueen TV videos on cold process basics before they come, so that they will have an idea of what you're doing and why--it will save a hundred or two questions. Otherwise, you might be there all day for one batch of soap!

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Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
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Good idea, although they tend to take all day anyway, once you take the time from pre-cleaning the kitchen, to the oil measuring, to the lye mixing and temperature achievement, to the trace, to pouring, to cutting. I expect us to all go through several glasses of water/soda/beer before we're all done. It'll be quite a social thing, not just teaching, I'm sure.

I won't teach anyone to soap in my kitchen. A professional facility or a local college, that's a different story. My liability insurance won't cover me otherwise. I agree; have them watch SoapQueen videos.

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

SoapQueen's great for learning modern soaping techniques, but she apparently never heard of medieval soaping.

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

Yes, I'm aware.

I'm also aware that my friends are over 18, and weekly attend fighter practice, archery and thrown weapons practice, and other activities in which people bash each other about with rattan swords. They know that if they get hurt, it's because of something they did to themselves.

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

I wouldn't call it "teaching soapmaking." I would simply invite the girls over for an afternoon of visiting and to make soap . . .
I would start with watching a video on soap making
I would then watch a video on lye safety
I would have the kitchen clean already but go over the process of cleaning
I would have them bring:
several beverages of their choice (non alcoholic during soaping, alcoholic afterwards if so desired)
safety goggles
rubber gloves
bibbed apron or lab coat
hair net or bandana for covering hair
a specific sized container for a mold so that you know how much oils, etc. will be needed beforehand -- for example, each person could bring a half gallong milk container and you can each cut it down to size while there.
I would ask them for $15 because all those oils and other supplies are quite costly and I really think you are underestimating the cost.

What about a container for mixing the soap in or for mixing lye water?

Tell them they MUST wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, socks and crummy flat shoes or sneakers or they will not be able to make soap.

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

Well, I think you'll have lots of fun! Still, if you're demonstrating it, then I wouldn't be concerned at all. I believe we were all thinking you were going to have a bunch of gals actually making soap with you.

Then you can make one big batch and pour it into all their molds! I'd still have them bring all the same size if possible so that you can figure oils before hand.

Let us know how the party goes! Take pics!

You wrote in your first post that you are just learning to make soap. If that's the case, how are you going to TEACH them?

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

I'm just learning to make soap that is anything other than pure castile; I've been doing things SINCE that first post. I'm not you, for sure, but everyone has something to teach.

As well, I'll be teaching "under guidance," which means that three or four good, experienced soap makers will be there on hand. They're watching what I do, but won't step in unless I am about to do something that would be harmful. It's kind of an apprenticeship program.

I have to say, I'm very confused. At first you said you are just learning soap, and are now teaching friends that want to learn too. Now there are 3-4 experienced soapers there?

My concern isn't safety - I've taught my five year old how to watch me soap safely. I'd be more worried about a case of 'the blind leading the blind'. I've been soaping every day for over a year now and while I am confident in my ability to make soap, I am no teacher. Factor in a bunch of friends, a couple of drinks, chatting etc and your ability to concentrate slips. I currently have two blisters on my foot from KOH drops as I was talking to my daughter while stirring.

I think it's great that you want to make it a social event and do something with your friends, but perhaps start with melt and pour? That way everyone can get involved safely, they can make their own soaps and apart from sticking your finger in too hot a jug (been there, done that), it's safe to do with a bunch of friends. That way you can all relax, enjoy the day and the worst that happens is you have to remelt some hardened base...

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