The Original
Soap Making Boot Camp ~ 2-Day Weekend Intensive

~with Lori Nova & David Critchfield~

This unique 2-day intensive soap making workshop covers 4 individual classes (and then some) on making natural soap from scratch. Day 1 will start with the basic prerequisite Cold Process / CP 101 Soap Class, taught by Lori Nova, which covers all the basics and more that you need to know to make soap from scratch; a little history and chemistry, necessary equipment and ingredients, lye safety, tested essential oil scent combinations, using herbs and clays for color and/or texture, and using oxides and ultramarines.

After a 1-hour lunch break (bring a brown bag lunch or dine at one of the local restaurants with the other students), we'll have a brand new class, Cold Process Part II (or CP 201) which will cover more intermediate detailed information about CP soap like coloring and scenting your soap to rival any commercial soaps you see at the store, including how to make layers, embed soap, and swirling to impress. (See Lori Nova's award winning swirled CP soaps here.) The CP 201 class also covers using alternate liquids like herbal teas and aloe, more recipe ideas and scent combinations, how to use the MM Sage Calculator if you need to change the recipe and getting you more comfortable with making your own recipes.

Day 2 begins with Lori's Crockpot Hot Process (HP) Soap Making Class. HP is another method of making soap completely from scratch. It differs from the CP method in that heat is applied to complete the saponification process before the soap goes into the mold. The result is a fantastic bar of soap, very similar to what you get with the CP method, with one big benefit; the soap is ready to use immediately (although it's a good idea to allow the soap to dry out for up for 1-2 weeks). There are several additional considerations when it comes to coloring and scenting HP soap versus CP soap (like HP soap usually only needs half the amount of scent, so you'll save money there). We'll discuss the pros and cons of both methods so you can decide which is best for you.

The second half of Day 2 (after a 1-hour lunch break) will be taught by soapmaker savant David Critchfield. David has been teaching his world famous Big Batch / Production CP Soap Class at The Nova Studio for a few years now, and his class is always a big hit. It's a *must take* for anyone in, or considering going into, the soap business. While demonstrating his budget method for making batches of 100 bars at a time, he freely offers tips, tricks, and practical advice about selling soap as a business. His willingness to share this valuable information is worth the price of the class alone.

This special weekend intensive is ideal for out-of-town students or those who live near by who work during the week and would like to learn all they can about making fantastic soap in one weekend. This workshop is limited to 14 students and must be purchased as a series. Due to the nature of making soap from scratch, these classes are mainly demonstration style (the best and safest way we know how to teach it so you feel confident doing it at home). Click the links to read comments from Lori's CP soap students and comments from David Critchfield's CP soap students.

Other than the materials fee which is to be paid with cash or check on the first day of class, you don't need to bring anything with you. You will take home thorough handouts, which include tested recipes & instructions and 4 amazing bars of handmade soap. Soap Intensive students will also receive a personalized frame-worthy certificate of completion.

This popular series has always filled up in advance - so sign-up today!

COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN?

AIRPORT INFORMATION
Closest Airport: Oakland International (OAK)
22.7 miles away - 30 minutes - 50 minutes with traffic

2nd Closest Airport: San Francisco International (SFO)
29.8 miles away - 36 minutes - 80 minutes with traffic

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are flying or driving from out of town, we highly recommend The Hotel Mac
just around the corner - the best and closest overnight accommodations in Point Richmond!

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Since this is different than our one-day classes, the CANCELLATION POLICY is as follows: If you need to cancel *for any reason* let us know as soon as possible. If we CAN fill your space (assuming the class is full), you will receive a refund of your payment minus a $75 non-refundable deposit. If we cannot fill your space, unfortunately there will be no refund OR future class credit given. If you cannot make the workshop, you have the option of sending someone else in your place, just let us know.

ABOUT THE TEACHER:
Lori Nova, owner of The Nova Studio, began making natural bath & body products in her kitchen in 2000 as a way to make family & friends homemade, practical gifts. Shortly thereafter, she began sharing her passion by teaching classes. Lori has taught classes for The University of Hawaii Manoa, The Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild, Foothill De Anza Community College in Cupertino, The Learning Annex of San Francisco, Juniper Tree Soap and Candle Supply in Berkeley, The Native American Cultural Center & The Berkeley Ecology Center.

SIGN-UP DETAILS:
Refer to the table above for price, date, time and registration options. Contact us at 510-234-5700 with any questions. Please read the Class Policies & Info Page before signing up.