Field Trip to Rocky Corner Soapworks

Hi Folks!!

We recently hosted a group of 15 homeschooled children for a morning soapmaking demonstration!

First, let me begin by saying the kids were terrific...very well behaved and attentive. They ranged in age from 3 to 14 and believe it or not, they ALL participated!

Some ready-made soap was passed around so the kids had an idea of what we were trying to make that day. Then we started talking about the wonderful oils we use for our soaps here at Rocky Corner. The kids were very interested and wanted to know where the oils came from (ie. not the supplier, rather the nut or plant). Then we did our melt down!

While the oils melted, I talked with the kids about the chemical we use to make real soap, sodium hydroxide. With glasses on, I went outside to mix the water and sodium hydroxide so the bulk of the fumes were carried away on the wind. The kids "ooooh 'd and aaaah'd" over the "steam" or fumes coming off the surface. Then they took a temperature of the mixture and were shocked to find it was 205 degrees!

From there we moved onto cooling our oils and water/lye mixture in a water bath.




Meanwhile, Maddy and I demonstrated how we bag and cover our molds in preparation for the final pour of the soap. The kids were full of alot of terrific questions ranging from some of the decorating methods we use to how much soap we make every day.




After putting the raw materials together and blending them with the stick blender, it was time for one final.......SMELL!! I told the kids I don't generally measure the fragrance/essential oils. I stop when the smell is what satisfies my nose!




Then it's time to pour...this first was a 20 lb. batch of Lemongrass Soap :)


In all, we made approx. 40 lbs of soap, including Lilac with Blueberry Seeds and Grapefruit :) Below is a pic or two of our finished products!


We had a terrific day with this particular group of kids. Many thanks to Mrs. Laurie Hipke for organizing this trip with Rocky Corner Soapworks...and for being flexible with dates/times.


We look forward to sharing our love of soapmaking with other school groups in the future!

Best to you all,

Karen