✨ The Soap Baker’s Studio — Two-Part Vegan Soapmaking Workshop

If you’ve ever admired beautifully decorated artisan soaps and wondered how they’re made, this relaxed two-part workshop will take you from the science of cold-process soapmaking to the joy of artistic design.

Across two sessions, you will create your own 459g vegan soap loaf with natural layers, colours, and pre-made embeds. The process feels surprisingly similar to cake decorating, "just without the sugar", and results in bars that are as gentle to the skin as they are beautiful to look at.

Workshop Schedule

Part 1: Sunday, 11 January 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Part 2: Sunday, 1 February 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Part One — Foundations: Base, Layers & Embeds

The first session focuses on the foundations of cold-process soapmaking. You will learn:

• how vegan cold-process soap is made
• how to choose oils for skin feel and performance
• safe handling of sodium hydroxide
• working with vegan formulations
• simple layering techniques
• how to incorporate embeds

You will work with gentle plant oils and mineral and naturally derived colourants, including mica and botanicals, to create your own small layered vegan soap loaf  (approx 459 g). Your loaf will then cure between sessions under guidance.

Part Two — Artistic Design & Finishing Techniques

The second session explores the artistry of contemporary soapmaking. Here you will learn to:

• blend colours naturally
• use layers for contrast and structure
• decorate using embeds and surface elements
• add texture and finishing details
• use botanicals as garnish
• create clean, distinctive visual styles

We work with mineral micas, clays and botanical powders for colour play and finishing techniques that feel strikingly reminiscent of cake decorating, only with ingredients designed for nourishing the skin.

Who This Workshop Is Ideal For

This two-part format works beautifully for:

✓ beginners who want to learn properly and safely
✓ makers looking to elevate their design skills
✓ people who enjoy cake decorating, pottery or candle art
✓ gift-makers and hobbyists
✓ those who value natural skincare and creativity
✓ future small business owners curious about soapmaking foundations

No prior experience is required.

What You Will Take Home

• your own artisan vegan soap loaf (cut into bars once fully cured)
• practical knowledge of cold-process soapmaking
• creative design techniques you can replicate at home
• workshop notes and recipes to support future projects
• a unique sensory craft experience you won’t find on YouTube

Format & Practical Details

• Location: Tarleton, Lancashire
• Duration: Two sessions (approximately 3 hours each)
• Group Size: Small, relaxed and supportive
• All materials included
• Light refreshments provided

Your soaps will continue curing for several weeks. Full curing instructions are provided so you can finish and store them confidently.

Practical Details

📍 Location: 73b Church Road, Tarleton, Lancashire, PR4 6UP
🗓 Two separate workshop dates, attend both to complete your project

FAQ

Do I need experience?
No. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as creative hobbyists.

Is the workshop vegan?
Yes. We use vegan plant oils and vegan colourants. No animal fats, honey or beeswax are used in this class.

What will I make?
You will make a small 459 g vegan soap loaf which you can cut into bars once cured.

Can I bring my own ideas?
Absolutely. Many people bring design ideas, Pinterest images or colour moods and we can help translate them into soap.

Is this similar to cake decorating?
Surprisingly yes! The colour blending, layering and finishing techniques feel very similar — just without sugar or frosting.

Will I take the soap home the same day?
You will take it home after the second session, but it must cure for several weeks before use. Instructions will be provided.

Can I gift it?
Definitely. Handmade soaps make wonderful gifts once cured.

Can teenagers attend?
Ages 16+ due to sodium hydroxide handling. Younger participants may attend with a supervising adult — please message first.

I have sensitive skin — is this suitable?
Yes. We use gentle vegan formulas and avoid harsh detergents and synthetic dyes.

Cancellations & Transfers
Workshop places are non-refundable due to small class sizes and material preparation. However, if you can no longer attend, your place may be transferred to another person at no extra cost. If we need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a full refund or offered an alternative date.