Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc.
Soap is one of those rare items that fulfills both purpose and pleasure. Indeed, while we strive to wash away dirt, sweat and germs to keep our skin healthy, we also relish a rich lather, and delight in a high-quality fragrance. Soap not only keeps us clean, it brings us comfort. The fundamental function of soap is to wash, and to do that, soap doesn't need to be terribly fancy; just about any old soap can get the job done. But when it comes to comfort, those basic bubbles just don't cut it, and because of this, there is a multi-billion dollar global industry dedicated to finding the perfect balance between scent and suds. As with anything that is attempted on a global scale and is affiliated with a lot of money, soap companies can be surprisingly foul, and the market is saturated with millions of products that contain harsh chemicals, metals, toxic ingredients, and uncourteous manufacturing and testing practices. This problem is compounded by confusing marketing strategies and clever advertising, until the average citizen is left completely unsure of what to think, or what products to trust. Frustrated with the mainstream soap industry's lack of transparency, and tired of the side effects caused by many synthetic soaps, many individuals have found ways of manufacturing high-quality natural soap products right from the comfort of their own home, some even selling these products to others in an effort to promote more ethical, first-rate skin-care items. All recipes for soap contain two main ingredients, oil and lye. This recipe is enriched with a variety of different oils and butters, and scents and colors are added from a variety of sources, like essential oils, flowers, herbs and roots. Handmade soap is increasingly popular, and creating quality soaps from scratch can be as fun as it is useful! With as many available varieties as there are ingredients to choose from, no two bars of handmade soap are exactly the same. The appeal of soap making is hard to ignore, but many would-be soap-makers may find themselves at a loss of where to begin with their own soap-making endeavors. Luckily for them, the Jefferson Arts Gallery is here to help with that! Previously featured soap artist Robin Avrett will be hosting a soap-making class this September at the Jefferson Arts Gallery, and registration is now open! Class will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., and the cost is $65. The class covers all the basics that any beginner needs to successfully make a full batch of their very own soap. Each batch makes six bars. This class has limited seats available, so call today to secure your spot! Avrett began her soap making journey for the same reasons many others do; sick of seeing soaps full of harsh chemicals, she sought to learn how to create her very own natural handmade soaps for her and her family to use regularly. Surprised by how amazing the soaps felt in comparison to harsher store-bought products, Avrett's family began recommending her soap to their friends, and before long, what began as a hobby became a flourishing business. Today, Avrett owns and runs Lloyd Creek Soap, LLC, and specializes in creating small, thoughtful batches of soap for her clients. Each individual batch of soap is hand cut and packaged with love and care, and her website, lloydcreeksoap.ecwid.com, shows a multitude of great reviews from her satisfied customers. Anyone wishing to start learning the process of creating their very own natural soap bars while having a great time can call (850) 509-3679 for more information on the upcoming class. The gallery is located at 575 W. Washington St. in Monticello.
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