Cold Process Soap Making Workshop at Craft & Create, Basingstoke

The Cold Process Soap Making Workshop at Craft & Create is a hands-on creative class near Basingstoke where you can learn how to make traditional soap from scratch.

Taking place at the Craft & Create studio at Folly Farm, the workshop introduces you to the fascinating process of combining oils, lye, fragrance and colour to create your own handmade soap.

The class is suitable for beginners, so you don't need any previous soap-making experience. You'll receive guidance throughout the process and learn skills you can use to continue making soap at home.

If you're searching for creative things to do in Hampshire, unusual workshops or a new hobby to try, this is a great opportunity to learn something completely different.

Learn how traditional soap is made

Cold process soap making involves creating soap through a process called saponification.

During the workshop, you'll learn how the different ingredients work together and how to safely handle the materials involved.

You'll be guided through measuring, mixing and blending before choosing how you would like your soap to look and smell.

This is a practical session, so you'll be involved throughout rather than simply watching a demonstration.

Choose your fragrance, colours and design

One of the most enjoyable parts of making your own soap is getting creative with the finished design.

You'll be able to select your fragrance and colours before learning techniques for pouring and decorating your soap.

By the end of the workshop, you'll have created your own batch of handmade cold process soap.

Your soap will then need time to cure before it can be used, an important part of the traditional cold process method.

Upcoming Cold Process Soap Making Workshop dates

Craft & Create runs its soap-making workshops on selected dates throughout the year.

Upcoming sessions are:

Saturday 10 October 2026
Saturday 7 November 2026
Saturday 5 December 2026
Saturday 30 January 2027
Saturday 27 February 2027

With autumn, Christmas and New Year dates available, there are several opportunities to give soap making a try.

Advance booking is recommended as workshop places are limited.

Book the Cold Process Soap Making Workshop

A creative activity with friends

This workshop could make a lovely alternative to the usual coffee, lunch or drinks with friends.

You can spend time together while learning a new skill and creating something to take home.

It could also work well for birthdays, celebrations or anyone looking for an experience rather than a traditional gift.

Craft & Create also offers gift vouchers, making its workshops an option when searching for creative experience gifts in Hampshire.

Who is the soap-making workshop for?

Because cold process soap making involves lye and hot oils, the workshop is suitable for participants aged 16 and over.

You don't need to have made soap before. The class is designed to introduce beginners to the process in a supported environment.
All the equipment and ingredients required for the workshop are provided.

At a glance

What: Cold Process Soap Making Workshop
Where: Craft & Create, Folly Farm near Basingstoke
Address: Unit 8, Folly Farm, Kingsclere Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG26 5GJ
Upcoming dates: 10 October, 7 November and 5 December 2026; 30 January and 27 February 2027
Experience needed: None – beginners welcome
Age: 16+
What you'll learn: Traditional cold process soap making, fragrance, colour and decorative techniques
Materials: Provided
Great for: Creative days out, friends, new hobbies and experience gifts

Good to know before you go

Craft & Create is a working craft studio rather than a drop-in craft café, so workshops need to be booked in advance.

Cold process soap cannot be used immediately after it is made. It needs to go through a curing period before it is ready to use.

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for a practical craft session and follow the safety guidance provided by your tutor.

The studio is based at Folly Farm near Basingstoke, making this a creative option for anyone searching for things to do in Basingstoke and what's on in Hampshire.

FAQs

Do I need experience to attend the soap-making workshop?

No. The workshop is suitable for beginners, and you'll receive guidance throughout the soap-making process.

When are the next soap-making workshops in Basingstoke?

Upcoming workshops take place on 10 October, 7 November and 5 December 2026, followed by 30 January and 27 February 2027.

What will I learn?

You'll learn the fundamentals of cold process soap making, including working with oils and lye, adding fragrance and colour, and creating your finished soap.

Can children attend?

The workshop is suitable for ages 16 and over because the soap-making process involves working with lye and hot oils.