The recent workshop at Maverick Supportive Recovery demonstrated this beautifully, showing that it only takes four major steps… with a few details in between. We are grateful to Maverick Supportive Recovery for letting us participate in this fun soap-making workshop.
Here’s a guide inspired by our hands-on experience.
Step 1: Measure and Add All Ingredients
Start by gathering your oils, lye, and water. For this workshop, we used high-quality ingredients from Voyageur Soap. Precision is key, so make sure to use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements. Most importantly, safety is paramount! Always wear gloves and goggles when handling lye to protect yourself from potential harm.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
The next step is to mix the ingredients until the consistency resembles pudding. Begin by slowly adding lye to water (never the other way around) and stir until the mixture becomes clear. Next, combine your oils with the lye solution. If your oils are solid, you can melt them before combining them with the lye solution, however, the hard oils will melt in the solution when added. Use a stick blender to mix the ingredients until they reach "trace," which is when the mixture has a pudding-like consistency.
Step 3: Pour into the Mold
Prepare your soap mold by lining it with parchment paper, unless it’s a rubber mold. We used silicone soap mold during our workshop. Carefully pour the traced mixture into the mold and tap it gently to remove any air bubbles. This step ensures that your soap will have a smooth texture and solidify evenly.
Step 4: Let It Sit
Finally, let the soap sit and harden for at least 24 hours. Once the soap is solid, remove it from the mold and cut it into bars. Remember to let the soap cure for 3-4 weeks to allow the lye to neutralize completely, ensuring the soap is safe and gentle for use.
The Benefits of Creative Activities in Recovery
Engaging in creative activities like this can have profound benefits for individuals in recovery. It helps activate and rehabilitate parts of the brain affected by addiction, promoting neuroplasticity and improving emotional regulation. Additionally, these activities provide a healthy outlet for self-expression and a sense of accomplishment, which are crucial components of the recovery journey.
Workshops like the one at Maverick Supportive Recovery offer valuable tools for rebuilding a stronger sense of self. By learning new skills and engaging in therapeutic creative processes, individuals in recovery can find renewed purpose and joy in their everyday lives.
Stay tuned for more workshops and activities from ASK Wellness Society, where we continue to support and inspire each other on the path to recovery and well-being.
