Hands-on workshop rooted in tradition
Photo by Carol English
Sunday, February 22, 2026
1 - 4 pm
This small-group soap making workshop in Carleton Place, Ontario offers a hands-on introduction to cold process soap making using traditional methods and local ingredients.
“If you’ve ever wanted to try making soap, this course is a great way to start. ”
Soap making is not just a skill.
It’s a practice of slowing down, preparation and transforming fats, oils and herbal botanicals into something that nourishes and cleanses your skin.
This workshop invites you into the tactile world of cold process soap making, where simple ingredients — ones you know, like, and trust — become soap.
A return to tradition.
A remembering of how soap was once made at home.
the Workshop
This is a small-group, hands-on soap making experience rooted in care, simplicity, and traditional practice.
You’ll learn the foundations of cold process bar soap using locally sourced rendered pork lard, an abundant and traditional ingredient that creates a gentle, moisturizing bar.
The focus is on understanding the materials, feeling your way through the process, and building a relationship with the craft so you can return to it season after season.
You’ll be guided step by step through the soap making process, with time to ask questions, explore variations, and make soap.
Soap is made together, divided, and taken home to cure—continuing its transformation long after the workshop ends.
“I love how my soap turned out, thanks for a very positive experience”
What You’ll Experience
A guided, hands-on cold process soap making session
Working with traditional, locally sourced ingredients, when possible
Small-group making (no more than 8 participants)
Soap made collaboratively and shared (approximately 4–5 bars each)
A foundational soap recipe and formulation resources as a PDF
Demonstration of rendering lard or tallow
Conversation around customization and personal preference
Light snacks and tea
You’ll leave with soap in hand—and the confidence to return to the process on your own.
Who This Is For
This workshop is for people who:
Are drawn to slow, practical, meaningful ways of being
Want to reduce reliance on store-bought goods
Enjoy learning through doing
Appreciate traditional skills and local resources
No prior experience is needed.
Melissa Cornacchia
Hi, I’m Melissa — the Honeybee of the Homestead.
I’ve been a homesteader, folk herbalist, forager, naturalist, and farm hand for over 16 years, learning through hands-on practice and reconnecting with traditional ways of living in co-creation with the Earth.
I’ve been making cold process bar soap for over 15 years and have taught many people along the way. In the past two years, about 200 people have attended this workshop, some continuing the practice at home and others growing it into something more.
When I’m not at the homestead, you’ll find me dancing or teaching dance, frolicing in the forest, and participating in community events.
Photos by Carol English and Cassandra Postma
what participants have to say…
“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.”
“Thank you so much for the soap class. I really found it inspiring to try on my own. I’ve recruited a few friends for a group making afternoon in the future.”
“I had a good time with everyone. The course was very well presented, and you did a wonderful job. I can’t wait to try my soap at the beginning of April. We’re making shampoo on Sunday. ”
“The soap making workshop was great! Very well presented and fun!”
Sunday, February 22, 2026
1 - 4 pm
CANCELLATION POLICY:
We are not able to offer refunds on workshop registrations, however your seat can be transferred to another person. Please contact hello@honeybeehomestead.ca to let us know of any last minute changes.
We require a minimum of 6 students per class. Workshops may be cancelled if our minimum registration has not been reached by one week before the workshop date. In this case, a full refund will be issued.
We host private soap making workshops!
Think team building, birthdays, bachelorettes, girl's nights, etc.!