Advanced CP Soap Design with Loaf Molds

Advanced Cold Process Soap Design (using log/loaf molds)

So you make your own cold process soap and you love the way it smells and feels. But are you thrilled with the way it looks? Even before it’s smelled or used, the appearance of a bar of soap can set the tone for the whole experience. If you’re looking to jazz up the look of your cold process soap, this class offers inspiration and step-by-step demonstrations of design techniques that can get your creative juices flowing.

Concentrating exclusively on log- or loaf-shaped molds, we will explore techniques for:

• color layering, including a demonstration of vertical layers
• color swirling, including a demonstration of “funnel swirls” and “in-the-pot” swirls
• embedding soap shapes, including shapes that students will make for the in-class demonstration
• adding textural interest to the tops of bars, including a demonstration of adding “waves” to soap tops

We will be making soap from scratch in this day-long class, with demonstration and examples of techniques, plus various opportunities for students to directly contribute to each batch. At the end of the class, you will leave with a thorough handout outlining all of the techniques covered, a list of resources and, hopefully, a whole lot of enthusiasm about exploring your own soap design! The soap that we make during our time together will be cut the next day and each student will receive, in the mail, a full-sized bar from each of the techniques that are demonstrated in class. This class uses only vegan/vegetarian ingredients.

And here is an added BONUS: Ruth will be discussing and demonstrating soapmaking with lye solution at room temperature. This is a very efficient method that can save you lots of time and make soapmaking more enjoyable again! No more waiting around for lye to cool before you can make soap!

In case you didn't know, here are a few examples of loaf / log molds:  

NOTE:
This is an age 18+ class since making soap from scratch involves working with lye (aka sodium hydroxide). To take part in the hands-on portion of the class, please wear or bring a long-sleeved shirt. You'll also need rubber gloves and safety goggles. There will be several pairs of goggles and gloves to share, but if you prefer your own please bring them to class.

ABOUT THE TEACHER:
Ruth Esteves started making handmade soap in 2006 as another in a long line of hobbies. But since then she has gone from whipping up quick melt-and-pour soap gifts for her friends to designing and selling her own cold process soaps online through her company, Sirona Springs. Trained as a laboratory research scientist, Ruth finds that soapmaking is the perfect blending of chemistry and art. Ruth is also a member of the Handcrafted Soapmaker's Guild. See our teacher page to view Ruth's current classes.