I became interested in making soap and toiletries back in the spring and learned of an instructional class being held at the OpenCenter in New York City.  Our instructor La Shonda Tyree, is owner and creator of Nyah Beauty – Handcrafted Beauty and Skin Care, and a member of the Handcrafted SoapMakers Guild.

The class comprised of 3 long tables for about 45 people.  Each person received a nice sizable bag of soap-making ingredients, soap molds, essential oils and handouts of reading material and recipes to be used.

For our morning session we learned to make handcrafted glycerin soap and how to add essential oils and fresh additives to our soaps.  With La Shonda’s expert instruction, not only did I learn how to make my own handcrafted soap but how easy it is!  I was able to make a glycerin bar with lavender and peppermint.  Oh how wonderful it smelled!

Next we learn how to use basic household ingredients such as salt, sugar and oatmeal to create soothing body scrubs, bath bombs and bath salts.  Again the simplicity just blew me away – as well as the endless possibilities of how you can personalize these simple but luxurious items to have in your bath.

The afternoon session comprised of making a much more intricate method of making soap using vegetable butters and oils, water and lye.  In addition, I was able to make a small bottle of sweet and moisturizing lotion with sweet orange essential oil.  Again, La Shonda demonstrated by showing us what ingredients to use and how to safely use these ingredients.

Highlights of the class included meeting fellow novice and expert soapmakers.  Everyone contributed a bit of their experience in soap-making and toiletries.  It was wonderful to learn that everyone in the class had different backgrounds – from the household mom to the marketing guru attended this class.  You too can learn how easy making your own handcrafted soaps and lotions can be. I was very pleased at all the products I learned to make and take home with me.  It’s great to know that you have a choice between a commercial laden with harsh chemicals and your very own handmade soap made with natural ingredients that are both soothing and healthy for your skin!

La Shonda Tyree will be conducting several classes during the 2009 calendar year.  You can visit La Shonda’s website at www.handmadesoapcoach.com for more information.