Soap Lessons

Soap making is a traditional process that goes back thousands of years. Our ancestors would use wood ash to create an ingredient, that when combined with water, oils, and sometimes scents, magically created Soap. Fats were often the only ‘oil’ used. Sometimes fat drippings would be saved a whole year for a soap making process that would take a day and give them soap to last the family a year…or perhaps to sell at the Market.

When I went to Durham, England a long time ago as a kid, the cobblestone streets were filled with different vendors, in wooden market stalls, selling their wares. Anything from unique fabric scrunchies to furniture to dolls to soap were being sold. It was inspiring, a harkening back to old things, and a truly English picture.

Today, I make soap because I love and enjoy it. There’s nothing like putting the combinations of oils together to achieve the right softness, lather or both, mixed with the right plant botanicals and essential oils, to create something truly unique. The kitchen smells amazing afterwards, too, which I’ll never get tired of. But again, because of my purist view on soap making, love of nature, and being natural, it’s my way of life now. It’s a true passion of mine, but more than anything, the people I meet, the conversations I have, the education I’m able to give is priceless in hopes I’m setting people on the right path of doing right for their skin, without chemicals.

Getting back to how soap is made: In the past, soap was made with one vital ingredient, wood ash, also known as caustic soda. Caustic soda aka caustic alkali, were potash leached from wood ashes, seaweed or certain land plants. At the time (before the 1700s), soap was often harsh for this reason. After the 1700s, caustic soda was made more economically.

Soap is made in a process called Saponification (the magic of soap making). After the soap is cut, it is left to cure for upwards one month. Soap making is a traditional, old, fun and a skill you will carry with you throughout your life. Make soap for yourself or a gift! Get as creative as you want!

(Kettle used for heating water for soap-making!)

Soap lesson Locations:

JLB Kitchen, at Boundary and Thornton - 1333 Boundary Rd #6, Oshawa, ON L1J 6Z7

Nestleton Community Centre - 3971 ON-7A, Nestleton Station, ON L0B 1L0

Mess Hall Toronto, at Gerrard and Leslie - 1125 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1Y1

* Plus Offering I-come-to-you lessons - Be in the comforts of your own home! For busy people or maybe those with kids, accessibility issues or just because! No extra charge.

* Soap Parties, Birthday Gifts or just because! Natural DIY infusion, salves and lip balm classes available, too.