$125.00
– Sold Out| /
Learn how to make your own soap in this hands-on workshop for beginners, located in Medford, New York.
Imagine formulating your own soap, or making incredible holiday gifts for your family and friends! Handmade soap is far superior for your skin than any mass produced soap and soapmaking is an incredibly valuable, life-long skill.
My soap making classes are held with only four students at a time, and designed to provide the personal attention I think the craft deserves. This ensures you'll learn how to make soap properly and safely. The class moves along slowly, making sure everyone understands each step as we go.
Together we'll explore everything you need to know about the traditional, cold-process method of soapmaking. You can be fully present and won't have to commit it all to memory, because I include everything we discuss in written form for you to take home. Your folder will include information on:
You'll be taking home about two pounds of your own soap (6-8 bars) and the confidence to try out your new skill at home.
I've been making soap since 2011 and I've spent heaps of time and money, learning. Taking this class will save you a lot of trial and error, because I love sharing everything I've learned with you. I'll give you my best advice and help you avoid some really common mistakes new soapers make.. like buying ALL the things..
OKAY, I'M IN! So what's next?
Purchase the class and please include your phone number. You'll receive an email follow-up, so check your spam folder if you don't see it within 5 minutes.
Tap the tabs above to learn more! ⬆️
A shoe box (or similar) + three or four dish towels.
You'll be going home with wet soap batter in the mold, so the towels help stabilize the mold within the box and help keep the batter warm.
A lap top is optional when we learn how to use the online lye calculator, but I have one here, so it's not necessary.
I'll provide safety goggles and latex or vinyl gloves in sizes medium and large, but if you'd prefer to bring your own, please do.
Hands on learning in a small, friendly environment.
I provide all soap-making tools and materials, and show you how to use my favorite online lye calculator, so you can formulate your own soap recipes at home.
You'll be making about two pounds of soap and you'll choose a scent and a color, if desired.
On the day of class, you'll receive a folder filled with information on lye safety, soap-making history, properties of oils & fats, trouble-shooting tips, curing & storage information, basic supplies needed, recommended vendors and more.
When you purchase a class, you'll receive an email with all the information you'll need. At checkout, please check the box that allows me to send you emails, and include your phone number too, in case I need to contact you.
When you receive the email, you can always hit that reply button if you have questions for me.
Your payment is your registration and is non-refundable.
By purchasing a class, you are saying that you have read this entire page, and agree to the policies below. I am located in Medford New York, and this hands-on class will take place in my home soap studio.
MINIMUM AGE: This basic soap making class uses caustic lye and is designed for adults. If you feel your teen is mature enough to attend a class (with or without you) please discuss it with me before purchasing.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: Please don't bring additional people. This includes spouses, friends or children. I have a small studio. There's extension cords and we'll be working with lye, a strong caustic. Unexpected guests pose a safety hazard.
REFUND POLICY: Classes are required to be paid in full to reserve your spot. They are non-refundable but with at least 48 hours notice, you can reschedule your class for a later date. Your credit is good for one year from the time it was paid, and to be used for classes, only. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you will have 1/2 credit available to use within one year of the date it was purchased.
No call/No shows are NON-REFUNDABLE.
MY RIGHT TO CANCEL: In the case where enrollment is below the studio minimum of 2 students, the teacher has the right to cancel on the Thursday prior to the class. If a class is cancelled you will be contacted using the phone number and/or e-mail address that you provided upon purchase.
You'll be the first to be notified when a new class date has been scheduled. You can accept that date or keep the credit on file for the future. The credit will not expire.
BAD WEATHER: If a class has to be cancelled due to snow or bad weather, we will work out another date that works for everyone involved.
I have always wanted to make my own soaps. I’m a DIY, “crafty “ girl. Despite watching countless videos and doing tons of reading, nothing could have prepared me to make my own soap like Valerie’s class. Valerie is patient, explaining throughout the way, teaching safety protocols, supervising us while allowing us to do the steps independently- making our own individual batches of soaps. Valerie also shared 2 recipes and taught us how to use soap calculators. She truly is inspiring, and amazing at her craft. This class was honestly one of the best gifts I ever gave myself. Wish I found her sooner!!
I can’t recommend this class enough. To learn this primitive craft by such a knowledgeable person like Valerie is so valuable. I appreciate what she and other soap makers do all the more.
Great people to spend the day with in a clean, organized environment to learn. Valerie has years of experience, expertise in this field that she so graciously shares. A true Master of her craft. Very inspiring, providing so much knowledge and information to safely create soaps for yourself if you choose. Thank you so much Valerie. 😊
This is the first review I have ever written; but I had so much fun with Valerie, I wanted to share my experience. Being a craft junkie, I've always wanted to learn to make soap, but wanted to do it in person, not on line or through books. I tried to find a class on Long Island, but it was during the Pandemic and Val, rightfully so, was not holding classes. I asked to be contacted when classes resumed and about a month or so ago, Val reached out. My crafting buddy and I took the class together. It was great. Val was so friendly; she made us feel at home immediately. She answered all our questions, provided advice, guidance and tricks of the trade. Taking her class is like hanging out with a well-informed best friend. Her studio is amazing and her products are divine. We had a blast and look forward to making soap on our own. For anyone who enjoys crafting and wants to learn to make soap, Val's class is a must.
I have always been fascinated with making homemade products. I love cooking and sewing and crafting. I was a little afraid of soap making since it can be dangerous because you are using lye which can be very toxic. But Valerie's class was so easy going and relaxed that all those fears were gone the minute she started talking to me. She is very informative and easy to talk to and also a great teacher and gave a personal touch to her class. I can't wait to share my beautiful soap with friends and family. I will definitely will recommend her class. Thanks again Valerie :-)
Had a wonderful experience learning how to make hand made soap. Valerie is an absolute wonderful teacher! She shares so much soap making information. She is welcoming and makes you feel at ease. She shares so much soap making information. You not only leave with the beautiful soap you created, but also a folder of soap making information.
We both love all of your soaps! The fragrances are heavenly, and the soap is so silky on the skin! It makes every shower a spa experience!
I love this lip balm! I bought cherry and strawberry and both are delicious, no I didn’t eat them! They smell wonderful and go on smoothly, not sticky like other brands, and really moisten the lips. I will definitely purchase more.
When I travel, I now take along some pieces of these soap ends in a tin. I break them up into tiny pieces and put them in a tin so I know I will have the best soap with me wherever I go! Love how this product reduces waste, especially since all of Gilded Olive’s soaps are heavenly. So, whether you just want to sample the soaps or you already know how much you love them, these soap ends are perfect!
I love how this soap smells like gingerbread without being overbearing. It’s like a warm, gingerbread hug! And just like all of the soaps from Gilded Olive, this one has a rich, luxurious lather. Perfect wintertime soap!
Not only is the lavender scent wonderful, I use Sophie soap on days that I do not use the scrub. My skin has never felt bett5er!
The Lavender scrub is an excellent exfoliater and has a nice scent, especially when you also use the moisturizer.
Love how creamy the soap lathers and the scent is just perfect , my favorite
I use this deodorant because it is natural and that is important to me as a cancer survivor. It is also very effective in controlling odor. I only have to apply it once daily and it keeps me from worrying about odor issues all day and night..
This is one of my favorite go-to scents in Val's shop. You will want to take a bite out of this bar, it smells so delicious!
The colors in this soap are incredible, and the scent is not overpowering at all. Leaves my skin smelling and feeling fabulous! Val makes quality products and puts her heart and soul into every item that she creates!
This soap is not only beautiful to look at, but also smells heavenly and lathers incredibly well. Leaves me skin smelling and feeling fabulous! Val makes quality products and puts her heart and soul into every item that she creates!
I love the soaps and lip balms. I bought this as a present for my best friend. The quality and presentation always make for a wonderful present. The strawberry scent is fresh and sweet without being overpowering. The soap leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated, never tight or dry. The lip balms is my favorite! I keep them stashed everywhere and the scent/flavor is amazing.
I love this smell of this soap, especially in the morning! The coffee scent is subtle and has just the right touch of pumpkin. I know some folks associate pumpkin lattes with autumn, but this scent is good anytime. It lathers well and leaves my hands soft and clean.
I thought I would get the 10 pack bundle to add them to gifts for the holidays, but low and behold, I fell in love with every scent and could not gift any of them! You will not be disappointed in the authentic scents and the skin care benefits of these soap ends. Also, they are large!
I love the scent and feel of this body cream. Made with love and pure ingredients! Another Gilded Olive favorite!