The first official day of Soap Weekend Intensive was today and it did not disappoint. Dare I say that it was the best SWI yet?! (See SWI blog posts from the past…SWI 2008, SWI 2009and SWI 2010.)We had a record 21 students this year and rented a building within walking distance to Otion. We had extra assistants on hands because we wanted to make sure that each and every student had lots of opportunities to learn and ask questions from our fully-trained soapmaking ninjas.
I did a brief overview of Melt and Pour Soapmaking and Cold Process Soapmaking on Friday night to ensure that everyone was on the same understanding and knowledge level for both of these types of soapmaking. It was a quick ‘n’ fast class and a challenge to get as much information in during the 2 hours as possible. We were happy and surprised when almost all of the students showed up for these optional classes, despite most of them already having some soapmaking experience.
This morning, I did a brief overview of the different colorant options (natural herb infusions, oxides and pigments, FD&C colors and micas) and chatted about essential oils versus fragrance oils. I had lots of example soaps for students to see where the soap science stops and the art starts.
Then, we were off to the soapmaking races and wow! were our minds blown by the amazing classes taught by Kristy from Kristy’s Lovely Lathers. She taught two different classes utilizing advanced techniques (including masterbatching oils and using room temperature, pre-mixed 50% lye solution).
The entire class was completely taken with her use of Bramble Berry Neons. Her easy going nature made for a super fast couple of Advanced Cold Process Classes.
I taught Liquid Soap, Part I. Liquid Soap from scratch is surprisingly easy to work with (not able to come to the class? Click here to be taken to the Online (paid) Video, the online downloadable PDF instruction booklet, or the Liquid Soap Guru Kit which comes with supplies + the video and PDF instruction booklet). Notice my awesome cupcake apron? I’m lovin’ it!
Because Kristy was such an efficient, easy going teacher (and the students were super fast learners too), we were able to throw in a bonus class of Advanced Swirling with the famous Kat from Otion. I was so happy to end with swirling with Kat because it’s a high ‘WOW’ factor class.
Today was Demo City – the students were mostly listening and getting their minds filled to the brim with soaping facts and techniques. Tomorrow is Hands-On City! They will be making soap, painting soap and diluting liquid soap. And of course, then it’s graduation and cupcake time at Otion.
Reporting Live from the heart of Bellingham on my new Chromebook, this is Anne-Marie signing off for the night. =)
