Handmade Soapmaking Demonstrations
Soapmaking demonstrations are offered from late May through October daily at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, weather permitting.
Do you want to learn to make handmade soap?
The Soap Shed's handmade soapmaking operation is open daily to the public from early May through October 31st each year. Visitors are welcome to view whatever aspect of the soapmaking process is being conducted at the time of their visit, from the mixing of oils and lye, to the molds used to make each batch and the cutters used to prepare each bar they take home. Photos, antique soap-making equipment and sample raw materials to see, smell and touch are on display to entertain and educate.
Anyone who specifically wants to see a batch of handmade soap made from start to finish at the time of their visit should check the soapmaking schedule or call ahead. Demonstrations are led by Dr. Tim Tyndall, a retired Science professor, who also provides historical information and an overview of different soap varieties while making a batch of soap. Soapmaking demonstrations are scheduled frequently throughout the summer season, at least once daily on Saturdays and Sundays. On Wednesday afternoons from mid-June through mid- August, 'Dr. T' will often conduct demonstrations for school-age children that place an emphasis on the math and science of soapmaking.
There is no admission fee for our regularly scheduled demonstrations. Your purchase of soap in our shop following the demonstrations is always appreciated, but never required.
Home school and public school groups, 4-H and scout groups, tour buses and other large groups are asked to schedule their attendance at on-site soapmaking demonstrations in advance so that special arrangements can be made - including scheduling "Dr. T" to provide the demonstration and instruction. Complete soapmaking demonstrations can be scheduled off-site for any event at any time, but safety and fire regulations may limit or prohibit the on-site use of sodium hydroxide (lye) and heating elements, both of which are necessary for soapmaking. Off-site soapmaking demonstrations may be limited to lecture and 'show and tell' of soap oils, butters and equipment like molds.
Soapmaking Demonstrations begin at 2:00 pm, and last approximately 60-90 minutes. First time visitors should keep in mind that our soapmaking demonstrations are conducted in a covered outdoor pavilion that is not enclosed on the sides, so please dress accordingly. Full demonstrations are not held in the event of bad weather. Instead, an overview of soapmaking steps and equipment is provided inside the store.
You can learn more about real handmade soap at realhandmadesoap.com
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