Why Make Soap: an Introduction to Cold Process

Knowing how to make soap was one of the things that never really crossed my mind. I thought it was just there - a thing that you use every single day when you take a shower, or whenever you wash your hands. Until one fateful day when my boyfriend found out a deal online to take soap class on Green Lotus Studios. 

You would think that a straight boy would find it funny to suggest a class like this, but it's not, actually. I was actually open to new things, and so why not, right? 

Booked the deal, called the studio up and ended up with a class filled with 12 other people on a beginner's class. 

What to expect:

1. As the site goes, you'll need to wear long sleeved shirts (preferably one that you won't mind getting soap or coloring over), and closed toe shoes. This is for your safety and protection as you are going to mix lye, a chemical substance, when you make soap. 
2. Expect the class to run between 3-4 hours. The lye may not cool off in time, or there may be a large group in your class that may need the same oils and tools as you. There may be a lot of waiting, but be patient.
3. You can't use the soap immediately: using the cold process method, it takes around 6 weeks before the soap would be ready for use. Why? The lye takes some time to evaporate. Once it's around 6 weeks you can use it in any part of your body. 
4. It's so much fun! With the exception of fragrance oils, colors, and lye, you could pretty much make soap at home, using oils that are readily available at supermarkets. 
5. Taking the beginner's cold process soap is the first step if you want to get into the projects. Check the calendar at http://www.greenlotusstudios.com/calendar.html to get more information on the projects. Just made the sunflower soap one a few days ago and waiting for it to be ready. So excited though! 

Soap making is an addictive hobby: one that can save you a lot of money (you can give your creations to family and friends as gifts) or even make a bit of extra money on the side by selling your creations. 


Post written by Ruby Escalona

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