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

: Safety and Equipment

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify essential safety gear and tools for soap making.
  • Design a personalized workspace safety checklist.

Detailed Content:

  1. Essential Safety Gear
    • Protective Equipment:
      • Gloves (nitrile, not latex; resistant to lye).
      • Goggles (sealed to prevent splashes).
      • Long sleeves/apron (to protect skin).
    • Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or use a respirator mask when mixing lye.
    • First Aid: Keep vinegar (neutralizes lye spills) and water nearby.
  2. Tools of the Trade
    • Molds:
      • Silicone (flexible, easy release), wooden (lined with parchment), or PVC pipes.
    • Measuring Tools:
      • Digital scale (grams preferred for accuracy).
      • Thermometer (monitor lye/oil temperatures).
    • Mixing Tools:
      • Heat-resistant pitchers (separate for lye and oils).
      • Stick blender (to achieve “trace”).
    • Cleaning Supplies: Dedicated sponges/utensils (never reuse for food).
  3. Workspace Setup
    • Designated Area: Non-food workspace (e.g., garage, craft room).
    • Lye Storage: Keep in airtight container, labeled, and away from children/pets.
    • Surface Protection: Cover counters with newspaper or silicone mats.
  4. Assignment: Create a Safety Checklist
    • Template Example:
      • ☐ Gloves and goggles on.
      • ☐ Windows open/fan running.
      • ☐ Vinegar and water within reach.
      • ☐ Scale calibrated.
      • ☐ Distractions minimized (e.g., pets, kids).
    • Submission: Learners upload a PDF/photo of their checklist for peer/instructor feedback.

Resources:

  • Video demo: “Setting Up Your Soap Making Station.”
  • Downloadable safety poster: “Lye Handling Do’s and Don’ts.”
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