This workshop series is for anyone who feels a pull to bring plants into their daily life through their skin.

It's for those who desire the deeply rewarding task of using their own two hands to create beautiful products and build meaningful relationships with the plants that nourish and support you.

Join a group of like-minded makers and leave with not just products, but the skills and knowledge to keep creating for years to come.



Tired of mystery ingredients in your skincare?

Discover the ancient art of crafting nourishing botanical products with ingredients you know, like, and trust—including your own plant allies!

This foundational series is for anyone curious about making their own botanical skincare, tired of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, or simply wanting to deepen their connection to the plants. This introductory workshop series will give you the essential skills and confidence to create beautiful, personal products for your skin's unique needs.

Beyond the products, you’ll begin to build relationships with plants, seeing them not just as ingredients, but as allies. You'll learn to recognize their gifts, understand their actions, and appreciate how we've always been in relationship with them.



Part 1: Herbal Infused Oils

This is where your journey begins. We'll dive into the art of creating potent herbal infused oils—the foundational ingredient for salves, soaps, and body products. You'll learn the most effective techniques for infusing medicinal plants into carrier oils, ensuring your creations are shelf-stable, mold-free, and brimming with potent plant medicine. You'll leave with a handcrafted salve and the skills to avoid common pitfalls and succeed at creating homemade oils.



Part 2: Soap Making

With your newfound knowledge of herbal oils, you'll be ready to create nourishing bar soap. Using locally sourced and moisturizing rendered lard, we'll walk you through the cold process method. Handcrafted products allow you to select specific plants and oils known for their soothing and healing properties. You'll leave with several bars of your own handcrafted soap, a recipe, and the resources to customize future batches.




Part 3: Botanical Bath

The final step in our series is crafting a collection of luxurious bath and body products. We'll use the principles and ingredients from the herbal oils workshop to create a tallow-based body butter, floral tub teas, and multiple scrubs. You'll leave with a basket full of beautifully crafted products, along with recipes and the confidence to continue your journey as a plant alchemist.

(A light snack and herbal tea will be provided during each workshop—please remember to bring your own mug!)

Melissa Cornacchia

has been homesteading for the past 16 years. From urban city slicker to rural bumpkin, she lives in rhythm with the seasons and acts as a bridge for plants and people in everyday living. You'll find her sipping on herbal teas, sprinkling herbal salts and dried herbs on her meals, and gifting homemade soap throughout the year.

“I was very happy to walk away with an understanding of the foundation of making soap (especially the lye part, which is why I wanted to learn in an in-person setting) and taking some soap home to cut and cure.”
— Breanne, @divinecolouracres
“The soap making workshop was great! Very well presented and fun!”
— Soap Workshop Participant
“I had a good time with everyone. The course was very well presented, you did a wonderful job. I can’t wait to try my soap beginning of April. We’re making shampoo on Sunday. ”
— Marcie, McDonalds Corners
“I love how my soap turned out, thanks for a very positive experience”
— Cindy Egan, Almonte

Workshop Details

  • $380 + tax for all three workshops OR $135 + tax each

  • Small group of no more than 10 people. Participants will work collectively in each workshop.

Harlowe Green, KINGSTON ON

90 Brock St, Kingston ON

5:30 pm - 8:15 pm

  • Herbal Infused Oils | Monday, October 6

  • Soap Making | Monday, October 27

  • Build Your Best Bath | Monday, November 17

A light snack and herbal tea will be provided during each workshop—please remember to bring your own mug!

Carleton Place Collective, Carleton Place ON

155 Industrial Ave, Carleton Place, ON K7C 3V7

1-4 pm

  • Herbal Infused Oils | Sunday, October 19

  • Soap Making | Sunday, November 9

  • Build Your Best Bath | Sunday, November 30

A light snack and herbal tea will be provided during each workshop

What else is happening at the Homestead!

WORKBEE WEDNESDAYS

SEPTEMBER + OCTOBER

WOODLAND HERBAL TEA PARTY

@ MOSSY HOLLOW HOMESTEAD

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 | 1:30 - 4:40 PM