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Back Porch Soaps Soap Making Classes

February 21, 2011 by Nellie Lee Luhrmann 4 Comments

All of Back Porch Soaps hands-on, natural skincare and soap making classes are taught by Marla Bosworth , president and founder of Back Porch Soap Company. She brings 30 years experience in retail, marketing and market research (13 years experience in the handmade bath and body industry, specifically). During the past 10 years she has taught thousands of students worldwide how to make soap, start a soap business, and formulate skincare products. Here’s what some of the students have said about her classes:

“I really enjoyed the Bath & Body Business Boot Camp. The information Marla gave was excellent. I am excited about the new levels of my Bath & Body Business.” –Ronisha F.

“This boot camp was well worth the investment. Marla was extremely knowledgeable and organized. The biggest benefit (other than the valuable information) was to have the focus on bath and body. All of the questions were relevant. It was also great to meet other women and develop relationships with them.” –Carla M.

“Marla is awesome! Inspiring and motivational. She is so business savy! She gave me so much information and clarified any questions I had. Marla is a wonderful instructor and an overall great business leader. Thanks Marla!” –Anonymous

“This is the most ‘user’ friendly workshop I’ve ever attended. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Marla is so knowledgable and is a wonderful instructor!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and I’ve learned a lot! Thank you so much.” –Anonymous

“I loved Marla and think she did an excellent job. She covered a lot in a short period and was very easy to communicate with.” –Janice

Crafty types on the East Coast who want to learn to make their own organic and natural skincare products should check out Back Porch Soap Company’s Classes. Held on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, students can choose from liquid soapmaking, bar soaps, anti-aging products and even body butters. Company owner Marla Bosworth also teaches in her home state of Massachusetts and if you don’t feel like travelling, check out the DVDs and learn from home.

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Comments

  1. Marla Bosworth says

    February 22, 2011 at 8:24 am

    Thanks for the spotlight!

  2. Debbie J says

    February 22, 2011 at 9:31 am

    Does Marla ever give online classes? I live in East Texas and it would be a long trip to take the class.

  3. Nellie Lee Luhrmann says

    February 22, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    Hi Debbie,

    You could contact Marla about online classes as I am not 100% sure. I do know she has E books & Dvd’s available here is the direct link
    http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=36&zenid=4e9e031613a80dea7fc557f75319f75b

  4. Marla Bosworth says

    September 27, 2012 at 7:33 am

    Hi Debbie,

    I’m hoping to make it to Texas in 2013 or 2014 to teach a series of workshops!

    In the meantime, I will be offering more online classes on my website.

    best wishes,
    Marla

Have you read?

DIY Summer Nail Designs You’ll Want to Rock All Season Long

As soon as the weather heats up and the days get longer, I swap out my moody nail colors for something a little more fun, flirty, and full of sunshine. Summer is the perfect excuse to get playful with your nail designs — and this year, I’ve been experimenting at home to find a few favorites that are both easy to paint and seriously cute.

I’ve rounded up three of my go-to summer nail looks that you can totally do yourself, even if you’re not a pro. These are the styles I keep coming back to because they’re fun, eye-catching, and honestly — they just make you feel good. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a backyard BBQ, or just want to admire your nails while holding an iced latte, these are the ones to try.

Let’s dive in!

Sunset Ombre Nails

This is hands down one of the most satisfying nail designs you can do yourself. The colors melt into each other like a beach sunset, and the end result looks way more advanced than it really is.

You’ll Need:

  • A base coat

  • Three polishes (I use pink, orange, and yellow)

  • A makeup sponge

  • Top coat

  • Nail polish remover for cleanup

How to Do It:

  1. Start with a clear base coat to protect your nails.

  2. Paint horizontal stripes of your 3 colors directly onto the makeup sponge.

  3. Dab the sponge gently onto your nail, reapplying polish to the sponge as needed. Tap until the gradient blends.

  4. Clean up any excess polish around your cuticle.

  5. Apply a top coat to smooth the colors and add shine.

This design is one of those that looks good even when it’s a little messy — the top coat really pulls it all together.

 

 Tropical Palm Silhouettes

If you want vacation vibes without actually going anywhere, this one’s for you. The pastel base paired with simple black palm trees gives it that dreamy island feel.

You’ll Need:

  • A light pastel base polish or soft gradient background

  • Black nail art pen or thin brush with black polish

  • Top coat

How to Do It:

  1. Paint your nails with a soft pastel or ombre base.

  2. Once dry, draw a thin curved line for the palm trunk.

  3. From the top of the trunk, add small lines that fan out to mimic palm fronds.

  4. Let everything dry completely before adding a glossy top coat.

Even if your palm trees aren’t perfect, they still look awesome. Think of it like nail doodling — just more tropical.

 

 Watermelon French Tips

This design is so cheerful, I smile every time I see it. It’s a fruity twist on a French manicure and it’s perfect for pool parties or picnics.

You’ll Need:

  • Pink polish for the base

  • Green and white for the rind

  • Black polish for the seeds (use a dotting tool or toothpick)

  • Base and top coat

How to Do It:

  1. Paint your entire nail a soft pink.

  2. Add a green curved tip at the top edge (like a French tip).

  3. Under the green, paint a very thin white stripe.

  4. Add small black dots on the pink section to create seeds.

  5. Seal it all in with your favorite top coat.

This one is such a crowd-pleaser and looks adorable on both long and short nails.

Whether you try one of these or rotate through all three this summer, I hope these nail designs add a little color and creativity to your routine. They’re simple enough to do at home but still look like you spent time (and money!) at the salon.

Let me know which one you’re trying first — and don’t forget to tag us if you share your summer nail look!

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