Autumnal Body Care

About this event

Sundays, November 8 - 15, 2026 | 10A - 12:30P | 2 sessions | $175 Explore the craft and chemistry of botanical body care in this two-part autumn workshop. Using nourishing plant oils, botanical and mineral colorants, and seasonal aromatic blends, participants will make cold-process soap and a rich body butter for the colder months. On the first day, we’ll learn the foundations of cold-process soapmaking, including lye safety, formulation, temperature, scent, color, and trace. Each participant will create botanical soap and choose activated charcoal, turmeric, or spirulina to produce a naturally derived palette ranging from deep black and earthy gold to soft botanical green. We’ll also explore how natural colorants behave—and sometimes change—during soapmaking and curing. When we return the following week, we’ll unmold and cut the soap, discuss proper curing and storage, and prepare it to finish curing at home. We’ll then make an autumnal body butter with shea butter and deeply orange buriti oil, whose naturally occurring carotenoids give the blend its warm color. No previous experience is needed. Participants will leave with handmade soap, a jar of botanical body butter, recipes, safety guidance, and the foundational knowledge to continue making both at home. Please note that cold-process soap must cure at home for approximately 4 to 6 weeks before use. Supplies: All materials are included with registration. Teaching Artist: Blair Butterfield Register

Description from craftstudies.org