It’s true. Members were getting busy at this year’s annual conference in Tucson, Arizona….obtaining certifications, of course (what were you thinking, eh hem??). This year, 53 soapers achieved 58 soapmaking certifications ranging from Basic Melt & Pour to Advanced Cold Process/Hot Process. Without further ado, our latest and greatest certified soapmakers are: Basic Cold Process/Hot Process Soapmakers Alicia Villacorta Jessica … Read More
Roll That Tape!
Were you lucky enough to join us last week in Tucson, Arizona for the 17th annual HSCG conference? Yes, there was an awful lot of demonstration last week (this desert spa-inspired six layer exfoliant soap by Charlene Simon was an excellent case in point), but that’s not the only thing we were up to. Oh yes, there was the perfect … Read More
Going Way Back: The Journal
Bummed that you’re missing out on conference (just about 19 days and counting, you guys!!)? Looking for some best known methods? Wish you had some soapmaking tips and tricks up your sleeves? Just looking for a way to kill some extra time (try not to snort when you read that one)? Have a look at the archived Journals. From 2000 … Read More
HSCG at CSW 2014
Recently, the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild was lucky enough to send Guild President Feleciai Favroth and Executive Director Leigh O’Donnell out to the 2014 Central Soapers Workshop, held this year in Overland Park, Kansas. The brainchild of Kenna Cote (speaking this year at #soapconf14!!), this fast-growing gathering was designed especially for soapmakers in the central United States who may … Read More
Classes in Your Neck of the Woods
You checked out that book (or bought it on Amazon) and are feeling just a wee bit intimidated. Your cold process batch turned into a volcano post-molding, unintentionally leading to really, really clean countertops and floors. That melt and pour bar turned your skin blue in the shower or made you look like you were reenacting a scene from Psycho. … Read More
Get more out of your conference experience with Intensive Seminars
You’re making the investment to come to HSCG’s 2014 Conference, May 20-22, in Tucson, Arizona. How would you like to get some extra class time in while you’re there? You can do that with our in-depth seminar sessions. There are four intensive seminars being held on Monday, May 19th, the day before the conference officially begins. These are hands-on, intensive … Read More
2014 Conference: The Soapy Trail
Don’t think that you have to be a seasoned professional to attend HSCG’s annual conferences. They are, in fact, perfect for soapmakers of all skill levels. And since we started as the Soap Guild, you can bet that we have some of the best soapmaking sessions around (not that we brag…much). Today, we’re presenting this year’s HSCG conference speakers who … Read More
Get With the Program
Have you gotten with the program? The teacher program, that is. Ever wonder what that apple is next to a member’s name in the ‘Find a Soapmaker’ listings? Nope, it’s not a signifier that a member has an especially voracious appetite or that they’re the apple of our eyes (couldn’t resist the pun). It’s actually a signifier that the member … Read More
Conference Coverage: Again, from the top!
Today, we are exciting to announce the release of our official 2013 HSCG conference video. Produced by videographer Adam Grogin of Monster Productions, this video will give you a flavor of what our annual conferences are all about. (If you’re reading this from a reader, you can check out this video and past conference videos here.) Hungry for more? We’ve … Read More
Conference Highlights: Newly Minted Soapers
Board secretary and Certification Chair Barb De Los Santos was very busy at this year’s conference in Raleigh certifying the latest batch of soapmakers. While proctored and group exams offer opportunities to be certified throughout the year, Annual Conferences are still the most popular method (and anybody who can ace the test after typical conference-induced sleep deprivation has truly earned … Read More