Learn how to make traditional cold process soap with Stacey from award-winning soap company Bean & Boy in this half day workshop.

OCTOBER THEME: this month we're looking at castile soap and aleppo soap. Castile soap is an olive-oil-based hard soap made in a style similar to that originating in the Castile region of Spain. Aleppo soap (also known as savon d'Alep, laurel soap, Syrian soap, or ghar soap, the Arabic word "غَار", meaning 'laurel') is a handmade, hard bar soap associated with the city of Aleppo, Syria.

We're passionate about traditional crafts, and we're reviving the art of cold process soapmaking in this fun workshop that covers the basics of oils and butters, proper safety, working with lye, choosing basic essential oils to complement your traditional soaps, making soap at home, and of course - soapmaking!

We don't use artificial ingredients to scent or colour our soaps, so if you want to colour your traditional castile and aleppo saops you'll get creative with clays, botanicals and essential oils. In this half day workshop you will make two soap recipes, you'll work with your chosen scents and designs, and you'll take home plenty of info and experience to get you started on your soapmaking journey. You'll also take home a selection of soaps from the day, some recipes, and a good understanding of the science behind soapmaking.

We keep workshops small so that you have fun, make friends and can ask plenty of questions while you get hands-on experience. That does mean that spaces are limited; if you miss out, please email hello@beanandboy.com to join the waiting list in case of cancellations, or keep a look out for more dates which are added regularly.

Tea and biscuits will be served. You're welcome to bring your own snacks if you want to or have specific dietary requirements, although there'll be a busy soapmaking schedule during the four hour workshop and we won't be having a specific lunch break. There'll be time for tea during the safety briefing, and again while we wait for oils to cool down before making soap.