New England Soapmakers' Meetup in Boston

New England Soapmakers Meetup in the South End of Boston. A little brunch, shop talk and then browsing afterward.

Pictured above from left to right is: Kim Tobojka, Helene Matteson of Urban Kitchen, Deb Scanlan of Grace Farm Organics, Alyssa Wise Taylor of Blue Hoot Soap Co., Rose Carbajal of Brooklyn Bath, Marla Bosworth of Back Porch Soap Co. and Robin Schmidt of Dragonfly Handmade Soap.

After brunch at Aquitaine we browsed and shopped in the South End.

South End Browsing & Shopping Sites

Posh (Gifts)
557 Tremont Street

Pet Shop Girls (Canine Shop)
400 Tremont Street

Motley (Gifts)
623 Tremont Street

Aunt Sadie’s (Candles and Gifts)
18 Union Park Street

Lekker Unique Home Furnishings (Interior Design)
1317 Washington Street

Flour Bakery & Café (Bakery)
(Best of Boston for 6 years)
1595 Washington Street

Hudson (Gift)
312 Shawmut

South End Buttery (Organic Bakery)
Boston’s Best for four years including 2010
314 Shawmut Ave.

Polka Dog Bakery (Canine Bakery)
246 Shawmut Ave.

J.E.M. Home (Gifts and Interior Design)
470 Shawmut

Bead & Fiber (Craft Store)
460 Harrison Ave.

Gifted
2 Dartmouth Street

The trendy South End has a wide variety of dining choices - from restaurants to bars and cafes. You'll find Indian, French, Italian, Ethiopian and Thai just to name a few. The SoWa district is filled with art galleries and artists' studios. Just around the corner the South End Open Market, on Harrison Street, is where local artists and small businesses sell their wares on Sundays, from spring until fall. In addition, the South End is home to the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) and the school for the Boston Ballet.

If you live in New England and make bath and body products, join our Meetup Group. We'll be meeting in NYC at the end of January to attend the NYIGF and shop in the Big Apple.

October Cold Process Soap Making Graduates at Back Porch Soap Company!

This month 11 energetic students graduated from our cold process soap making class in our Boston area studio. They learned to whip up two, 20 lb. batches of soaps using organic oils and butters.


Here, one of the students is blending in the essential oils we chose for class: lavender, rosemary and patchouli.



Talk about teamwork! It's no easy feat transferring 40 lbs. of soap into 2 lb. loaf molds, but they made it look easy.

Want to learn to make cold process soap? Join us for our monthly soap making and natural skincare classes in the Boston area (Duxbury, MA) or quarterly classes in New York City. Want to host our natural skincare classes in your city? Email us for more information.

Our studio is located 30 minutes from Boston, and only 45 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island. With beautiful Duxbury Beach, Cape Cod and Plymouth (Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation) only minutes away, this is a perfect family destination! Your family will have plenty to enjoy in the area while you take soap making class or two.

About Your Instructor
My name is Marla Bosworth, and I'm the founder and owner of Back Porch Soap Company. I've been making soaps and teaching soapmaking for 12 years. My wholesale clients include Whole Foods and upscale boutiques around the world. I teach classes because I love sharing my passion for soap making, natural skincare products, and entrepreneurship.

My credentials include a B.A. in English/Journalism from the University of New Hampshire in 1987. I have an extensive background in marketing, market research and manufacturer consulting as a Market Research Analyst for the company now known as Forrester Research. Clients included Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Xerox and IBM to name a few.

My true calling is creating beautiful soap luxuries and inspiring other entrepreneurs how to do the same.

(Marla is a contributing author for The Saponifier Magazine, a moderator on Indie Beauty Network, and a speaker at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in 2009, 2010 and is scheduled to speak at the 2011 conference in Miami, FL. She teaches natural skincare and business classes throughout the U.S. and Europe.)

Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

Just Added: More Cold Process Soap Making Classes for This Summer!

I've had so many requests for more cold process soap making classes this summer, so I've added two more for July and August! These are held in my studio in Duxbury, Massachusetts. We are a short 40-minute ride from Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island.

The first one is coming up soon on Saturday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(FYI, there is a Glycerin/Melt & Pour class the same afternoon from 2-5 p.m. if you would like to stay and learn both techniques.)

The second class will be held Saturday, August 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students come from near and far (Ghana, Ireland, Venezuela, Chile, U.S. and more) to take our hands-on classes. Besides having a great time and meeting other cool people, you'll learn all you need to know about making cold process soaps, formulating your recipes, safety precautions when working with lye, sourcing ingredients, packaging, labelling.

Check out my website for more information. Hope to see you there!

New 4-Day Bath and Body University Just Added for October 2010!

Have you been wanting to take your current bath and beauty business to the next level or the one you've dreamed about owning off the ground? Then this Four-Day Bath & Beauty University will be perfect for you.

Come meet other students from around the world and enjoy the beauty of fall in the Boston area, with all of its various shades of foliage. Slated for October 21-24, 2010. Our August Bath & Body University sold out quickly, so if you're interested, sign up soon! Payment plans are available - check out details on our website.

What you'll receive: learn to formulate your own products (from cold process soaps to creams and lotions just to name a few), how to run a successful bath and body company, finding your niche and differentiating yourself from the competition and take home 90 products valued at $654. Leave with a solid plan for your business and products. You'll be taught and guided by Marla Bosworth for all four days.

About Your Teacher: My name is Marla Bosworth. I'm the owner/founder of Back Porch Soap Company located in Duxbury, Massachusetts. My company was launched in 1998. Currently I sell to more than 250 upscale retail boutiques throughout the U.S. and overseas, as well as natural food stores such as Whole Foods. My professional background includes nearly 20 years in market research and consulting for small and large businesses. You'll learn from my vast retail industry experience, as well as my internet marketing insights. Come learn from someone who is "in the trenches" of a soapmaking business day in and day out! I am a contributing author for The Saponifier Magazine, a moderator on Indie Beauty Network, and a speaker at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in 2009 and 2010.

Classes are held in my Duxbury, Massachusetts studio. We are located just 30 minutes south of Boston.

View our website for more information and to register for this class. Most students come from outside of New England, and many travel from overseas just to attend my classes. I've taught students from Ghana, Venezuela, Nigeria, Peru, Philipines, Chile and Ireland. I'm happy to help you with your travel arrangements. Please email me.

Recommended nearby accommodations:Hampton Inn, Plymouth, MA (15 minutes from my studio)Best Western Cold Spring, Plymouth, MA (15 minutes away) Closest Airport:Logan International

The closest accommodations in Duxbury a bed and breakfast called Duxbury Tall Pines at a rate around $75-$100.

Other Transportation: Commuter Train MBTA Commuter Rail to Kingston Station Amtrak Closest station is Providence, RI and Boston, MA. Connecting commuter train available from Boston.

I also teach private classes. Send me an email and I'll reply with more information.

What a few of my students have said about working with me:

Marla,

We wanted to let you know that we loved all your classes. Every recipe, instruction, tip you gave us has a lot of value for our business. For us coming all the way from South America was absolutely worth it to sit at your table and learn from you. We really appreciate all your generosity and kindness throughout the classes. I am sure that we will have much success because of you! Thank you very much for having us in your class!

Our best wishes, Ale & Fifi
Venezuela

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Marla,
I am remiss in not thanking you for the wonderful cold process class I took with you in May.We are using the soap I made in class here at home and it is outstanding! My family has sworn off store bought.I also made my first batch on my own! Had to clear the house of family and pets, but I did it. I am now curing a peppermint/with caraway seeds type of garden soap. I am looking forward to taking a swirling class with you hopefully in the winter.

Thanks again,
Carolyn
Fitchburg, MA

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Hello Marla,

You are the best! Thank you so very much for being so informative in the advance soapmaking class last month. You are very accommodating, genuine and caring. I appreciate your effort to share your knowledge so that your students will be better equipped to create soaps more confidently. You thoroughly covered all bases.

Revonnie H.
North Carolina

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I came away from Marla's "Bath & Body University" with a clear vision on how to get my soap business off the ground. She taught me how to create beautiful high-end soaps that I'm in love with. Marla is a personable, natural mentor with a sincere desire to help others turn their aspirations into a reality. I couldn't be happier about my decision to complete her program.

Alyssa T.
Massachusetts

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Hi Marla,

I just wanted to say that your class was really informative. You presented the information in a clear and articulate manner. I'm planning to use your suggestions right away!

Elaine C.
New York City

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Hi Marla,

I can't thank you enough for all of the valuable information you supplied me with yesterday during my one-on-one consulting. You are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate that you share it with others.

We covered so much, and it is all in areas that my business needs attention to, just what I was looking for, I can't wait to get started!

Looking forward to catching up in Denver.

Jane F.
New Hampshire

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Hi Marla,
Thank you so very much again for conducting such a wonderful class! I can absolutely see why you have a lot of repeat students! Organized, informative and fun!

Merilyn K.
New York City

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Hi Marla,

I wanted to thank you for the outstanding class that you taught this past Saturday! I am very excited to dive right into soap making and feel the confidence to do so because of your class! You were very thorough, patient, and pleasant to be around. In general, I believe that you made everyone feel at ease. Thank you so much.

Very Sincerely,
K. Rokos
Vermont

***********************************

I HIGHLY recommend Marla's business coaching and classes to ANY and EVERYONE! In my quest to launch a business of my own, I found it to be of paramount importance to have actual product making classes under my belt, so I packed my bags and headed from DC to Duxbury, Mass.

Upon completion of the Soapmaking Bootcamp, Organic Product Development and Business Coaching classes, I walked away empowered with the knowledge that I could successfully embark on what was once a fleeting thought... MY VERY OWN BUSINESS!!! (and tons of take home goodies that had to be shipped!)

Lydia, Washington DC
Certified Holistic Health Counselor
(IIN/ Columbia University)

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Ideal for those looking for soap making courses, soap making classes, soap workshops, cold process, melt and pour, market and business plan for soap business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Soap Making Classes, Soap Business Workshops and More

This is such a great time to learn to make soap: whether you're open to a new hobby, side business or launching a full-scale bath and body company. It all takes planning and proper execution, of course. Whether you live near or far, I hope you'll come join me for a class or two!

All of the Boston classes are listed by month here. Check out our New York City soap making classes and natural skincare classes. I also teach one-on-one classes and consulting to help you formulate your own skincare line or grow your current bath and body business.

My workshops take place at Back Porch Soap Company in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Our New York City classes are taught on the Upper West Side.

My studio is located 30 minutes from Boston, and only 45 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island. With beautiful Duxbury Beach, Cape Cod and Plymouth (Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation) only minutes away, this is a perfect family destination! Your family will have plenty to enjoy in the area while you take soap making class or two.

About Your Instructor
My name is Marla Bosworth, and I'm the founder and owner of Back Porch Soap Company. I've been making soaps and teaching soapmaking for 13 years. My wholesale clients include Whole Foods and upscale boutiques around the world. I teach classes because I love sharing my passion for soap making, bath and body products, and entrepreneurship.

My credentials include a B.A. in English/Journalism from the University of New Hampshire in 1987. I have an extensive background in marketing, market research and manufacturer consulting as a Market Research Analyst for the company now known as Forrester Research. Clients included Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Xerox and IBM to name a few. Currently I am an independent bath and body business consultant.

My true calling is creating beautiful soap luxuries and inspiring other entrepreneurs how to do the same.

(Marla is a contributing author for The Saponifier Magazine, a moderator on Indie Beauty Network, and a speaker at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in 2009 and 2010. She teaches natural skincare and business classes throughout the U.S.)

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Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

Win $100 in Free Bath & Body Products...and I'm One of The Judges!

From Nature With Love, founded by Kibby Mitra and her husband, Jay, is one of the nation’s largest suppliers of ingredients and raw materials to the micro-cosmetics industry. A few weeks ago, I was approached to judge a contest held by From Nature With Love and Indie Beauty Network which features the creativity of handmade bath and body product designers in an event showcasing how much fun it is to make your own health, beauty and lifestyle products.

How The Beauti-Fall Bath & Body Recipe Contest Works
The objective is to reward people for their creativity, and to enjoy a fun way to share interesting and inspirational ideas for seasonal gifts made with ingredients that are reminiscent of the lovely fall season. This is not a contest for food recipes! Bath, bodycare, skincare and home fragrance only.

All you have to do to enter is publish your recipe with a photo of the finished product and/or a video showing how you made it to your blog or website, and to IBN’s social networking site in our Recipe Contest Forum, between now and November 20, and our judges will announce the winners the following week!

Beauti-Fall Contest Rules
Eligibility. No purchase of From Nature With Love products is necessary to win. Membership in IBN is not necessary to win. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States or its territories in order to be eligible. One entry per person please, multiple entries will be disregarded. From Nature With Love or IBN employees are not eligible to enter.

Entry
To enter the contest, post your original recipe to your blog or website and then also post it (word-for-word) to IBN’s social networking site in our Recipe Contest Forum.

Disclosure
To enter the contest, post your original recipe to your blog or website and then also post it (word-for-word) to IBN’s social networking site in our Recipe Contest Forum.
To be eligible to win, the entry posted at your site and at our Forum must contain this disclosure: This recipe and post is submitted as part of the Beauti-Fall Recipe Contest. The contest is sponsored by the Indie Beauty Network and From Nature With Love, a supplier of raw materials and supplies to the cosmetics industry. Contest judges are Marla Bosworth, Lori Nova and LaShonda Tyree.

Important note to entrants: The judges names, Indie Beauty Network’s name and From Nature With Love’s name must be linked to their websites just like they are here!

Disclaimer
Neither IBN nor From Nature With Love nor the contest judges and organizers are responsible for recipes that are lost or which, for any reason, are not entered because of some fault of technology.

Entry Period
The entry period will be from 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time, November 6, 2009 to November 20, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. All entries must be posted to your blog or website and to IBN’s Forum by the deadline to be eligible to win.

Prizes
First Prize: A $100 gift certificate from From Nature With Love. Second Prize: A $50 gift certificate from From Nature With Love. Third Prize: A $25 gift certificate from From Nature With Love.

Judging
Judges will be asked to agree on a first, second and third prize as indicated above. Prizes will be awarded to the winners via gift certificate. Contest entries will be judged on originality, interpretation of the “Beauti-Fall” theme and presentation of recipe via photograph or video.

Originality
Your recipe and all accompanying graphics, videos, photos, etc., must be your original work original works of authorship on your part and have not been copied, in whole or in part, from any other work and do not violate, misappropriate or infringe any copyright, trademark or other proprietary right of any other person or entity.

Soap Making Class Produces 60 Lbs. of Organic Soap!

Back Porch Soap Company headed to Newton Community Education Center in Newton, Massachusetts to teach a cold process soap class to 18 students. The students made three, 20 lb. batches for a total of 60 lbs. of soap!

Above, students have poured one of the two loaves they took home and are leveling off the top and adding calendula petals and/or rosebud petals. Essential oil blends used in this class might give you some ideas to try. Batch One (peppermint, eucalyptus, patchouli and clary sage), Batch Two (lemon, lime, litsea, vetiver and a hint of black pepper), and Batch Three (tea tree, sweet orange, clary sage, lavender, and patchouli).


Rachel (above) choosing chamomile buds to add to the top of her soap loaf. Students like personalizing their own take-home loaves.

Interested in learning how to make cold process soaps or other natural and organic bath and body products? Or are you interested in launching your own bath and body business? We have lots of upcoming classes and also offer individual consulting via phone or in our studio located near Boston, Massachusetts.

Find out more about our monthly classes. Or contact owner Marla Bosworth for more information. Our soap making classes are unique for birthday parties and group outings!

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Soap making courses, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Soap Making Class Hosts Students From Nigeria, Venezuela and U.S.

Back Porch Soap Company's recent cold process soap making class hosted students from several countries. Ale and Fifi (pictured far left) flew in from Venezuela for three days of classes, Emilia (far right) is from Nigeria along with Cindy (from Montana) are both taking more classes this month, and other students came from New York, New Jersey and New England. Rick (pictured third from left) is a hair stylist from north of Boston who makes his own hair products. Sandy, Julie and Kiernan came from Massachusetts.

We made two batches of soap, and students selected their choice of additives for the top. Here, Ale is sprinkling lavender buds on top of her loaf of soap.

We made two batches of soap ~ and everyone takes home a loaf of each batch. Here students are spooning out and spreading the freshly made peppermint soap. We use natural plant oils - olive oil, palm oil and coconut oil.

George (New Jersey) is evening out his soap loaf. Behind him, Cindy (Montanta/New York) is choosing calendula petals as an additive to the top of her soap. Kiernan (Longmeadow, MA) finishes her loaves.

Cindy and George adding the lye/water mixture and stirring. (Note: I recommend that students wear closed toe shoes when making soap!)

Cindy and George working simultaneously to blend the lye/water and oils together before moving on to the stick blender.

Check out all my classes. I teach in NYC, Boston and am taking classes on the road in 2012! Looking for private classes or soap business consulting? Send me an email and I'll reply with more information.
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Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Soap Making Classes and How To Start Your Own Soap Business Class

Have you always wanted to learn how to make soap? Or are you considering starting your own business? Whether you're in New York or Maine and looking to take a road trip, or if you're planning to visit Cape Cod this summer, take time for yourself to join a class at Back Porch Soap Company.

All classes are held in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio, located just 30 minutes south of Boston and 40 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island. Come and learn from a 12-year soap business owner with more than 200 wholesale accounts and a retail website. I've hosted students from Venezuela, Ireland, Nigeria, Chile, Peru as well as from all over the U.S. Or if you would like to book private lessons that is also an option. There is a lot to see and do in this beautiful area. I can assist you with your travel plans.

Glycerin Soap Making, August 20
Come join in the fun as we make an array of beautiful glycerin soaps! This small, personalized soap making class covers the essentials of glycerin soap making. Lots of hands-on learning. Each student will learn how to make four personalized batches, which yield at least 16 bars of soap! Your creations will make wonderful gifts!
6:00 - 9 p.m.
Course: $65 & Materials Fee: $20

Cold Process Soap Making Class, August 22
Want to learn how to make soap from scratch? Curious about the cold process process? Then this is the perfect class for you!You will learn safety guidelines and reach a level of comfort so that you can finally make soap by hand at home! We'll discuss how to properly use and store lye, mixing lye and water, oils for soap making, fragrance oils, essential oils, superfatting, additives and exfoliants, coloring, molding and curing. Students will receive soap recipes and a list of my favorite places to buy soap making supplies and equipment. We will make two batches of soap as a class. Each student will take home 10 handmade bars of soap.9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Course: $65 + $20 materials fee

Natural Lotions, Creams, Balms, Soaks & Scrubs, August 23
You're going to fall in love with making your own creams, lotions, balms, soaks and scrubs! In this class you'll spend the day making batch after batch of our tried and true recipes. In addition to taking home a box of products from what you make in class, you'll leave feeling confident about making these luxurious treatments at home for business or personal use.Come learn about sanitary precautions and practices, bottling and packaging ideas and options, how to price your products, the truth about preservatives, sourcing ingredients, labelling requirements and much more.
9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Course: $250 + $75 materials fee

How To Start Your Own Soap Making Business

Everything you need to know to start your own soap business. Learn from me, a 12-year soap business owner.

2-5 p.m.

Course; $125

Private Consulting
Whether you have an existing bath and body company and you need assistance increasing sales or if you are a start-up, Marla is available for private consulting. Areas of expertise include establishing business focus and assisting with business plans, differentiating your business and finding your niche, marketing and sales, internet marketing, product development, as well as sourcing ingredients and exporting.

Please email for further information.

All soap making classes are taught by Marla Bosworth, owner of Back Porch Soap Company and 12-year expert in the handmade bath and body industry. Since 1989 she has been providing market research and marketing for businesses of all sizes across the U.S.In addition to group classes, Marla is available for one-on-one consulting for individuals interested in learning how to make bath and body products or for existing companies looking for market research and/or consulting.

Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products and how to launch your own bath and body business? Email marla@backporchsoap.com for more information. Sign up for our newsletter here to to be the first to know about our newest classes and announcements!*****************************************************************************
Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

More Summer Soap Classes and Workshops Added To Our Schedule!

What are you doing new and fun this summer? Whether you're in New York or Maine and looking to take a road trip, or if you're planning to visit Cape Cod this summer, take time for yourself to join a class at Back Porch Soap Company. All classes are held in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio, located just 30 minutes south of Boston and 40 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island.

Glycerin Soap Making, July 23
Come join in the fun as we make an array of beautiful glycerin soaps! This small, personalized soap making class covers the essentials of glycerin soap making. Lots of hands-on learning. Each student will learn how to make four personalized batches, which yield at least 16 bars of soap! Your creations will make wonderful gifts!
6:00 - 9 p.m.
Course: $65 & Materials Fee: $20

Cold Process Soap Making Class, July 25
Want to learn how to make soap from scratch? Curious about the cold process process? Then this is the perfect class for you!You will learn safety guidelines and reach a level of comfort so that you can finally make soap by hand at home! We'll discuss how to properly use and store lye, mixing lye and water, oils for soap making, fragrance oils, essential oils, superfatting, additives and exfoliants, coloring, molding and curing. Students will receive soap recipes and a list of my favorite places to buy soap making supplies and equipment. We will make two batches of soap as a class. Each student will take home 10 handmade bars of soap.
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Course: $65 + $20 materials fee

Natural Lotions, Creams, Balms, Soaks & Scrubs, July 26
You're going to fall in love with making your own creams, lotions, balms, soaks and scrubs! In this class you'll spend the day making batch after batch of our tried and true recipes. In addition to taking home a box of products from what you make in class, you'll leave feeling confident about making these luxurious treatments at home for business or personal use.Come learn about sanitary precautions and practices, bottling and packaging ideas and options, how to price your products, the truth about preservatives, sourcing ingredients, labelling requirements and much more.
9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Course: $250 + $75 materials fee

Private Consulting

Whether you have an existing bath and body company and you need assistance increasing sales or if you are a start-up, Marla is available for private consulting. Areas of expertise include establishing business focus and assisting with business plans, differentiating your business and finding your niche, marketing and sales, internet marketing, product development, as well as sourcing ingredients and exporting. Please email for further information.

All soap making classes are taught by Marla Bosworth, owner of Back Porch Soap Company and 12-year expert in the handmade bath and body industry. Since 1989 she has been providing market research and marketing for businesses of all sizes across the U.S.

In addition to group classes, Marla is available for one-on-one consulting for individuals interested in learning how to make bath and body products or for existing companies looking for market research and/or consulting.

Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products and how to launch your own bath and body business? Email marla@backporchsoap.com for more information. Sign up for our newsletter here to to be the first to know about our newest classes and announcements!*****************************************************************************
Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

Summer Soap Making Classes and All-Day Creams and Lotions Class

What are you doing new and fun this summer? Whether you're in New York or Maine and looking to take a road trip, or if you're planning to visit Cape Cod this summer, take time for yourself to join a class at Back Porch Soap Company. All classes are held in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio, located just 30 minutes south of Boston and 40 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island.

Glycerin Soap Making, June 25
Come join in the fun as we make an array of beautiful glycerin soaps! This small, personalized soap making class covers the essentials of glycerin soap making. Lots of hands-on learning. Each student will learn how to make four personalized batches, which yield at least 16 bars of soap! Your creations will make wonderful gifts!
6:00 - 9 p.m.
Course: $65 & Materials Fee: $20

Cold Process Soap Making Class, June 27
Want to learn how to make soap from scratch? Curious about the cold process process? Then this is the perfect class for you!
You will learn safety guidelines and reach a level of comfort so that you can finally make soap by hand at home! We'll discuss how to properly use and store lye, mixing lye and water, oils for soap making, fragrance oils, essential oils, superfatting, additives and exfoliants, coloring, molding and curing. Students will receive soap recipes and a list of my favorite places to buy soap making supplies and equipment.
We will make two batches of soap as a class. Each student will take home 10 handmade bars of soap.
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Course: $65 + $20 materials fee

Natural Lotions, Creams, Balms, Soaks & Scrubs, June 28
You're going to fall in love with making your own creams, lotions, balms, soaks and scrubs! In this class you'll spend the day making batch after batch of our tried and true recipes. In addition to taking home a box of products from what you make in class, you'll leave feeling confident about making these luxurious treatments at home for business or personal use.
Come learn about sanitary precautions and practices, bottling and packaging ideas and options, how to price your products, the truth about preservatives, sourcing ingredients, labelling requirements and much more.
9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Course: $250 + $75 materials fee

All soap making classes are taught by Marla Bosworth, owner of Back Porch Soap Company and 12-year expert in the handmade bath and body industry. In addition to group classes, Marla is available for one-on-one consulting for individuals interested in learning how to make bath and body products or for existing companies looking for market research and/or consulting.

Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products and how to launch your own bath and body business? Email marla@backporchsoap.com for more information.

Sign up for our newsletter here to to be the first to know about our newest classes and announcements!
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Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

Cold Process Soap Making Class; Memorable & Clean Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day weekend for most people means barbeques, outdoor parties and parades. But for seven students who came from all parts of Massachusetts - including Nantucket - it meant learning how to make cold process soap.

After introducing themselves and their aspirations for wanting to learn to make soap (for some a new hobby, for others a new business), we discussed the nitty gritty of precautions and procedures. This particular class was full of questions, which kept me on my toes!

We discussed soap making for the first hour, then spent the next three hours making soap. Students measured oils, water and lye. Then they combined lye and water, then melted the oils (we used palm oil, coconut oil and olive oil). When the temperatures were just right, we slowly poured the lye/water solution into the oils and made two 13 lb. batches of lemongrass essential oil/ground oatmeal and Bulgarian lavender essential oil soap.

Soap was divided among the new soapmakers and everyone took home two molds which held at least five bars. After 24 hours students sliced up their soaps at home and put them in a safe spot to cure. Now comes the hardest part - waiting 4-6 weeks for a complete cure!

Want to learn how to make soap? Join me for the next Cold Process Soap Making Class on June 27. Or take Advanced Cold Process Soap Making on June 13. Or check out all my classes here.
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Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

Class with Oak Leaf Goat Farm Students; Creating Goats Milk Lotions and Creams

Recently I had the pleasure of hosting a private consulting class with Jackie Reynolds and her niece Crystal from Oak Leaf Dairy in Lebanon, Connecticut. Oak Leaf Dairy has a milking herd of 75 goats which graze on pasture with no chemicals added. They produce over 400 gallons of goats milk a week at peak season!

The farm has been in the family since 1922. It sits on over 150 acres. It began initially as a cow dairy farm, and in 2006 Jackie and her husband decided to farm the land again with animals, and chose goats (for easy handling and child friendliness).
In February 2007 Jackie began making cold process soap. She is lucky to have the help of her neice, Crystal (shown above holding a body balm that she made in class). Together at home they make cold process soap batches together. Jackie tends to the lye/water, while Crystal measures and melts oils. The two work together harmoneously with hardly a word between them.

Even in class, I find them a very synergetic team. They drove up to Duxbury, Mass. for a private class to learn how to make various complementary bath and body products to add to their soap line.

Jackie, shown here, is melting oils as a step in making goats milk body cream. Jackie explains that goats milk is naturally protein rich, which makes in wonderful for delicate complexions. The milk makes the soap rich and creamy, and very moisturizing. She has had customers rave that it the soap has helped clear up skin conditions such as exzema, psoriasis and acne.

Crystal creating her own sugar scrub concoction with a secret oil ingredient! Crystal's favorite fragrance from our selection was Balinese Coconut - a nice tropical scent!

Jackie creating sea salt soaks with chamomile buds. Her favorite fragrance is almond.

If you are in the Connecticut area, look for Oak Leaf Dairy at local farmer's markets. Or email Jackie directly to purchase some of her wonderful handmade goats milk soaps.

If you would like to learn how to make cold process soap, lotions, balms, scrubs, or any bath and body product, check out my upcoming classes. You can sign up for my newsletter

as well.
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Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

Making Soap with Jedwards Employees: Talking Handmade Soap & Organic Trends

I received an email about a month ago to teach a soap making class to a group of employees at Jedwards in Quincy, Massachusetts. At that time I wasn't familiar with the company.

Little did I know that Jedwards is also known as bulknaturaloils.com. Wow. How did I miss this one?

For all of your local soap makers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and even Connecticut, here is a money saving tip for you! You can place your order in advance on their website and confirm pickup. Their prices are incredibly competitive - and you save on shipping!

Jedwards has a vast variety of soap making supplies. They are even organic certified. From coconut oil to Babasou, you'll be amazed at the variety of oils they carry. Lotion and candle makers will be thrilled to know that they also carry beeswax in several varieties.

The class of eight students made two batches of cold process soap using palm oil, coconut oil and olive oil - all provided by Jedwards. Both batches traced perfectly and they added lemongrass essential oil to one, and Bulgarian lavender to the other. While waiting for the soap to traced we discussed trends in the handmade soap industry as well as organic trends.

If your company would like to learn how to make cold process soap, lotions, balms, scrubs, or any bath and body product, please email me. You can sign up for my newsletter as well.

Only Two Spots Left in Newton Continuing Education "Totally Green Organic Bodycare Class"

Live near Boston? Come join what's going to be a fabulously fun class, "Totally Green Organic Bodycare." There are only two spots left, so sign up now!

This makes a great early Mother's Day gift. Or come and make products to give to your mom!

Course ID: N1924

Course Name: Totally Green Organic Bodycare

Description: Learn how to make natural and organic body-care products. You'll create and take home a dozen items: two exfoliating body scrubs, two luxurious body balms, four moisturizing soap bars, and four sea-salt bath soaks. These make great Mother's Day gifts—or keep them for yourself (we won't tell). We'll cover the art of aromatherapy, how to blend essential oils, and which ingredients to use on your body and which to avoid. You'll also take home recipes, so you can make these fragrant and healthful products on your own. A $25 materials fee is payable to the instructor.

Instructor: Marla Bosworth

Time: 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday

Location: Newton SOUTH HS in Room 2101

Tuition: $49
Materials Fee: $25

Check out my other class on glycerin soap making at Newton Community Education. We have a couple spots left for this class too! Here is more information. To register, go directly to their site

Course ID: N1934

Course Name: Handmade Soap

Description: Make an array of beautiful, moisturizing soaps. We'll cover the essentials of glycerin soapmaking, with lots of hands-on learning, including how to use molds and add fragrance, color, shea butter and other moisturizing oils, herbs, and exfoliants. Each student will make three personalized batches of soap to take home. If you have sensitive skin, you'll learn how to make unscented soaps. This class is a great gift for a friend or mother before Mother's Day. An $18 materials fee is payable to the instructor.

Instructor: Marla Bosworth
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday
Location: Newton SOUTH HS in Room 2106

Tuition: $49

Materials Fee: $18

Hope to see you there!

Interested in learning how to make cold process soap? Our next cold process soap making class is May 23, in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio.

We are just 35 minutes south of Boston, and only 50 minutes from Providence, RI.

Can't make this class but want to stay up-to-date with our schedule? Sign up for our newsletter. Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products or how to launch your own bath and body business? I am currently booking into June 2009. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

Soap Making Students Make Two Perfect Batches, Lots of Laughs and New Friends

It smelled fantastic at Back Porch Soap Company this weekend! Saturday's cold process soap making class turned out two beautiful batches of soap.

We covered the safety precautions of soap making, additives, essential and fragrance oils, how to determine why a batch failed, molds, cutting, curing, packaging and pricing your final product.

Some of the students were just curious to learn the soap making process firsthand. Others have decided to make soap as a hobby, and at least one student has started her own business. Two of the ladies in my class (Ann in the middle and Teri on the far right) are returning students - they both took the glycerin soap making class.

Three students (mother and daughters), Diane, Taryn and Arianne drove down from New Hampshire to take the class. Jennifer (whom I met on Facebook!) and her sister Melissa (who was celebrating her birthday) also joined us. Vanessa, Tasha and Teri all came from Boston, while Ann came from Braintree.

This weekend's class of nine students divided up into two teams to make two batches that they would all share at the end of the day.

Students took turns stirring this batch of lemongrass and oatmeal soap. Both teams matched their lye/water and oil temperatures perfectly and reached trace within five minutes! The other team made a delicious batch of Bulgarian lavender soap.


Here the students learned how to recognize "trace", and are stirring in lemongrass essential oil and ground oatmeal with an electric stick blender.
This is a completely hands-on class!

Interested in learning how to make cold process soap? Our next cold process soap making class is May 23, in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio. We are just 35 minutes south of Boston, and only 50 minutes from Providence, RI.

Visiting from out of state? I will gladly assist you with travel plans, including accommodations and local areas of interest. With Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation only 20 minutes away, this is a perfect family destination!

Can't make this class but want to stay up-to-date with our schedule? Sign up for our newsletter.

Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products or how to launch your own bath and body business? I am currently booking into June 2009. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes