2013 Winners Circle

Executive DirectorHSCG Annual Conference3 Comments

The 16th HSCG conference is over; we’ve packed our crates, boxes, and bags and traveled back home, but the sights and smells of the Soapers’ Showcase linger on. Every year, we hold a contest known as Soapers’ Showcase. Conference attendees are invited to enter up to 3 soaps in various categories. Attendees vote on their favorites, with winners and a … Read More

Member Spotlight: Shepherd’s Soap Sushi

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“‘I get so tired of looking at soap all day long,’ said no soapmaker ever” as the meme goes. Here at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild, we tend to agree. We recently spotted these sushi soaps out on the HSMG Facebook page and had to know how they came about. “These were for a young teen’s birthday party,” explains Deb Petersen … Read More

Celebrate Global Handwashing Day!

Executive DirectorIndustry Advocacy & NewsLeave a Comment

Sure, you make soap, but do you ever stop and think about what a fundamentally life-saving device you’re producing?  Next Monday, October 15, marks the 5th annual Global Handwashing Day.  In celebration, we thought we’d share a few facts illustrating the power of a simple bar of soap. BAC graphic courtesy of NSF Scrub Club A staggering 6.9 million children … Read More

Back to (Soap) School

Executive DirectorMembership & Benefits5 Comments

Welcome to September.  The days are slowly shortening, summer’s gradually winding down, and school is back in session, which makes this a perfect time to ponder continuing your education.  You don’t have to stop learning just because your formal schooling has ended.  In fact, many soapmakers don’t discover their passion until well after primary and secondary schooling is a distant … Read More

Espresso Yourself

Executive DirectorTips, Tricks & Tutorials1 Comment

Coffee has a venerable history in the soapmaking world.  In another edition of nearly wordless Wednesday, we’re bringing you some of our members’ coffee-inspired soaps.  Settle in with a cup of joe (or your favorite non-coffee beverage) and check out these beauties: Customers love Green Cow Studio’s kitchen soap so much, they introduced Bar o’ Joe, a coffee and sea … Read More

Are you certified?

Executive DirectorHSCG Annual Conference10 Comments

Since the release of the very first basic certification exams at the 2008 Annual Conference, the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has certified hundreds of soapmakers.  Today, you can apply for basic, advanced, and master certification, under either a cold process/hot process or melt and pour track.  All in all, you can achieve 6 different certifications. Why did HSMG develop this program? … Read More

Why attend the 2011 Conference? A Personal Perspective

Executive DirectorHSCG Annual Conference3 Comments

I’ve attended the HSMG Annual Conference for the past 5 years. Each year I am amazed at the depth of talent that we have access to as HSMG members (and guests to the conference). Over the years, I have learned so much about soapmaking, the business of soapmaking, ingredients, tradeshow marketing, etc… etc… The list just goes on. Each year … Read More

Confirmed Speaker List

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We hope you can join us at the 2009 Conference in Palm Springs, California on May 12-14 at The Miramonte Resort & Spa.  We have been able to put together an amazing list of speakers with cutting edge topics and demonstrations.  Here is the list so far! Erin Brockovich – Keynote Speaker Donna Maria Coles Johnson – “Become Your Own … Read More