Welcome Soapmakers and Cosmetics Crafters!

Advanced Cold/Hot Process Soapmaking

March 1 at the Soapmaking Studio

In Soapmaking 210, learn which oils have similar fatty acid profiles and can be substituted for one another, what types of lather come from which soapmaking oils, how to correctly use antioxidants (such as ROE or vitamin E), how handmade soap differs from commercial soap chemically, and some basic soapmaking chemistry. More about the popular Soapmaking 210 class.

2 Classes - Start a Soap Business and Lip Balm Making Class

March 8 at the Soapmaking Studio

Forming a Legal Business Entity to Sell Soap

Two classes in one day! Come learn the proper steps to starting your own business in Soap Business 320, Forming a Legal Business Entity to Sell Soap. The morning business class focuses on the necessary licenses and permits, as well as product liability insurance available to soapmakers. It also covers how to choose an effective business name and how a company's name directly effects search engine rankings. Register for Soap Business 320 class.

Lip Balm Making Class

In the afternoon, Lip Balm Making Class focuses on simple lip balm making procedures for consistent and effective lip products, including lip tubes and balms in pot style jars. Lecture information includes vegan alternatives to bees wax, natural ingredients to make a shiny lip gloss, and oil phase vitamins and nutrients for lips and skin. Material relates to other tube products, such as solid lotion sticks for softening stretch marks, elbows, and heels. Register for Lip Balm Making Class.

Beginning Cold Process Soapmaking

March 13 at the Soapmaking Studio

Soapmaking 101 is a beginning-level soapmaking class designed to teach students to make soap by hand at home. The main focus of this class is the "cold process" soapmaking method; although the class does briefly describe "melt & pour" soap crafting. After learning soapmaking safety, students learn to formulate soap recipes and calculate lye quantities without using a "lye calculator." The objective of Soapmaking 101 is to have students understand saponification values and be comfortable creating their own soap recipes at home. Students make cold process soap during the class session and take home a bar.

This class is also available online: Description of Online Soapmaking 101.

Coloring and Scenting Soap

March 15 at the Soapmaking Studio

Come learn which colorants and scents are safe for use in soap and learn how to add them to cold process soap. An essential oil distilling unit will be running during the class so students can see how essential oils are distilled from plants. Learn how to calculate maximum allowable fragrance content and review FDA findings for soap and cosmetic colorants. This class also features demonstrations of two popular advanced soap swirling techniques. Register for Soapmaking 220.

Soap Makers' Luncheon

April 12 at Marie Callender's Restaurant

This luncheon is open to all soapmakers and makers of personal care products, whether professional or novice, whether cold/hot process method or melt-and-pour. The Soap Makers' Luncheon is open to the public and attendance is free, just pay for anything you order from the menu. The venue is Marie Callender's restaurant in San Diego at 2:00 pm. Map & Directions. View the Soap Makers' Luncheon Agenda.

Marie Callender's Restaurant
6950 Alvarado Rd
San Diego, CA 92120

Modern Soapmaking

April 29 - June 3 at Cuyamaca College

This is a Preview course offered through the Continuing Education Department at Cuyamaca College. After learning soapmaking safety, learning to formulate soap recipes, and learning to calculate lye quantities, students will enjoy making soap from whole vegetable oils and herbs. There is a constant demand for quality handmade soap because almost everyone uses soap. Therefore, handmade soap is a well-received gift or may be sold for profit at craft fairs.

This class meets six Wednesday evenings during the spring from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Designed to be a proficiency course, students work through the textbook the first night and then make two pounds of soap during each of the remaining five class sessions. Registration is through the Cuyamaca College Preview website for Course Code 1000.

Register for Modern Soapmaking. View the PDF of Student Supplies for Modern Soapmaking. Purchase the Value Deal of Supplies and Textbook for Modern Soapmaking.

Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy
El Cajon, CA 92019

Aromatherapy Natural Perfume Class

June 14 at the Soapmaking Studio

In Aromatherapy Natural Perfume Class, learn the basics of aromatherapy and natural perfumery. Unveil the secrets of blending essential oils by using scent categories and fragrance notes. Design custom fragrances from essential oils aromatherapeutically created to inspire specific emotions and memory triggers. Learn the different techniques for blending perfumes in a bases of natural grain alcohol, in a base of jojoba oil, and in a base of cyclomethicone. Create your own natural perfumes in the class and take them home.

Field Trip to Lavender Farm

June 30 at Keys Creek Lavender Farm

Either meet at the Soapmaking Studio in Lemon Grove at 9:00 am and carpool to the venue in Valley Center or meet the group at the lavender farm at 10:00 am. Among other free indulgences, there will be essential oil distillation demonstrations and guided walking tours of the lavender farm at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Join us in enjoying all things lavender! Map and Directions.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm
12460 Keys Creek Rd
Valley Center, CA 92082

Soapmaking Classes

Soapmaking Classes are Fun, Understandable, and Affordable!

Learn how to make soap at the Soapmaking Studio in San Diego County, California!

Soapmaking 101 Beginning Cold Process Soapmaking has been a huge success and fills weeks in advance; the next class will be Friday, March 13! The next Soapmaking 210 Advanced Cold/Hot Process Soapmaking will be Sunday, March 1. Soap Garden 224 Cultivating, Drying, and Adding Herbs to Soap and Soapmaking 220 Coloring and Scenting Soap are both available and open for registration. Our popular Soapmaking Supplies are now available for shipping.
Please check back because classes are added and website sections are updated on a regular basis. Email info@soapmakingstudio.com with any questions.

View soapmaking classes, the schedule, or store hours.

Classes are held at a private home occupied by a pet cat. If you are allergic to cats, please contact info@soapmakingstudio.com prior to enrolling in a class.