Course Content
Week One
Module 1: The History and Basics of Soap (May 30th, 2025, 8:30, Public) Explore the origins of soap-making, its cultural significance, and fundamental principles, including soap’s chemical composition and basic techniques. Module 2: Safety and Equipment Learn essential safety practices for handling soap-making materials and the key equipment needed to start crafting soap effectively.
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The History and Basics of Soap
03:42
Module 1: The History and Basics of Soap Quiz
00:15:00
Safety and Equipment
Safety and Equipment
00:20:00
Week Two
Learning Objectives: 1. Calculate lye-to-water ratios using a soap calculator. 2. Analyze the properties of common soap-making oils. 3. Design a balanced soap recipe based on oil properties. 4. Execute the cold process method step-by-step. 5. Identify and achieve "trace" consistency. 6. Safely mold and cure soap. Week 2 Key Takeaways • Lye Math: Precision is critical—always use a soap calculator. • Oil Synergy: Balance cleansing, hardness, and lather. • Cold Process Mastery: Trace consistency and curing define success.
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Understanding Lye and Oils
Understanding Lye and Oils Quiz
00:10:00
Your First Cold Process Batch
Your First Cold Process Batch Quiz
00:10:00
Week Three
Week 3 Key Takeaways • Hot Process: Faster curing, rustic appeal, ideal for additives. • Melt-and-Pour: Instant creativity, no lye, perfect for gifts.
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Hot Process Soap
Hot Process Soap Quiz
00:10:00
Melt-and-Pour Basics
Melt-and-Pour Basics Quiz
00:10:00
Create a Hot Process Soap Loaf Assignment
Week Four
Module 7: Natural Colorants and Additives Explore natural ingredients like herbs, clays, and botanicals to add color and texture to your soaps, enhancing their aesthetic and functionality. Module 8: Fragrance and Essential Oils Understand how to incorporate fragrances and essential oils to add scent and therapeutic properties to your soap creations.
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Natural Colorants and Additives
Natural Colorants and Additives Quiz
Natural Colorants and Additives Assignment
Fragrance and Essential Oils
Fragrance and Essential Oils Quiz
00:15:00
Fragrance and Essential Oils Assignment
Week Five
Module 9: Common Soap Making Mistakes Identify and troubleshoot frequent soap-making errors, such as improper lye measurements or curing issues, to improve your craft. Module 10: Advanced Designs Master creative techniques like swirls, layers, and embeds to elevate the visual appeal and complexity of your soap designs.
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Common Soap Making Mistakes
Common Soap Making Mistakes Quiz
00:05:00
Common Soap Making Mistakes Assignment
Advanced Designs
Advanced Designs Quiz
00:05:00
Advanced Designs Assignment
Week Six
Module 11: Selling Your Soap Learn the basics of branding, packaging, and marketing your handmade soaps, including legal considerations for selling products. Module 12: Final Project and Certification Complete a capstone project to showcase your soap-making skills and earn a certification upon successful completion. Module 13: Bonus Content Access additional resources, tips, or advanced techniques to further enhance your soap-making expertise.
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Selling Your Soap
Selling Your Soap Quiz
Final Project & Certification
The Art and Science of Soap Making

Melt-and-Pour Basics

Learning Objectives:

  1. Select and customize melt-and-pour (MP) soap bases.
  2. Incorporate colors, scents, and embeds safely.
  3. Design a decorative MP soap.

Detailed Content:

  1. Choosing a Base
    • Types:
      • Clear Glycerin: Showcases embeds (e.g., flowers).
      • Shea Butter: Moisturizing; opaque.
      • Goat Milk: Creamy, gentle for sensitive skin.
    • Ethical Note: Opt for sulfate- and paraben-free bases.
  2. Customization Techniques
    • Melting: Microwave in 30-second bursts or double boiler.
    • Colorants:
      • Liquid dyes (vibrant hues).
      • Mica powders (shimmery finish).
    • Fragrance: Use skin-safe oils (≤3% of base weight).
    • Embeds: Dried flowers, glitter, or small MP soap shapes.
  3. Avoiding Pitfalls
    • Glycerin Dew: Wipe with alcohol spritz to prevent moisture beads.
    • Overheating: Stir gently to avoid air bubbles.
  4. Activity: Design a Decorative MP Soap
    • Task: Create a layered or embedded soap (e.g., lavender flowers in clear base).
    • Submission: Photo of finished soap + list of materials used.

      Melt-and-Pour Basics

      Learning Objectives:

      1. Select and customize melt-and-pour (MP) soap bases.
      2. Incorporate colors, scents, and embeds safely.
      3. Design a decorative MP soap.

      Detailed Content:

      1. Choosing a Base
        • Types:
          • Clear Glycerin: Showcases embeds (e.g., flowers).
          • Shea Butter: Moisturizing; opaque.
          • Goat Milk: Creamy, gentle for sensitive skin.
        • Ethical Note: Opt for sulfate- and paraben-free bases.
      2. Customization Techniques
        • Melting: Microwave in 30-second bursts or double boiler.
        • Colorants:
          • Liquid dyes (vibrant hues).
          • Mica powders (shimmery finish).
        • Fragrance: Use skin-safe oils (≤3% of base weight).
        • Embeds: Dried flowers, glitter, or small MP soap shapes.
      3. Avoiding Pitfalls
        • Glycerin Dew: Wipe with alcohol spritz to prevent moisture beads.
        • Overheating: Stir gently to avoid air bubbles.
      4. Activity: Design a Decorative MP Soap
        • Task: Create a layered or embedded soap (e.g., lavender flowers in clear base).
        • Submission: Photo of finished soap + list of materials used.
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