Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

Back Porch Soaps Soap Making Classes

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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.

Comments

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

  4. 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?

Herbal Bath Soak for Muscle Relief Review

There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about a herbal bath soak. Before bath bombs and glittery shower steamers took over the bathroom shelf, a simple bundle of dried herbs in warm water was one of the easiest ways to turn a bath into a little moment of comfort.

This Herbal Bath Soak for Muscle Relief from CraftBits is exactly that kind of recipe. It is simple, natural-looking, and made with easy-to-recognize dried herbs rather than complicated cosmetic ingredients. The mix includes chamomile leaves, crushed bay leaves, rose petals, sage, rosemary, and oregano, creating a strong herbal bath blend designed for tired, aching muscles.

What I like about this project is that it feels very practical. It is not trying to be overly fancy, and it does not require special equipment. You simply combine the herbs and either swish them directly into the bath water or place them into a square of muslin fabric tied with cord, then drop the bundle into the tub like a large herbal bath tea bag. The muslin option is the one I would personally choose, because it gives you the herbal soak without leaving lots of loose herbs floating around the bath.

The recipe is especially nice for people who enjoy warm, earthy, garden-style scents. Rosemary, sage, oregano, and bay all have that kitchen-garden herbal feel, while chamomile and rose petals soften the blend a little. It is not a sweet, perfume-style bath soak. It is more of a rustic, apothecary-inspired soak, which makes it appealing for people who prefer natural bath and body projects.

The CraftBits instructions suggest soaking for around 15 minutes, which makes this an easy add-on to an evening routine rather than a long spa session. The recipe also notes that the mix makes enough for two to three strong baths, or smaller amounts if you are sensitive to stronger herbal scents.

This would also make a thoughtful handmade gift. Pack the dried herbs into a decorative jar, muslin bags, or a small basket with a wooden scoop and a label that says “Herbal Bath Soak for Muscle Relief.” It would be lovely as part of a self-care hamper, a gardener’s gift basket, a post-workout pamper gift, or a handmade present for someone who likes natural bath recipes.

For gifting, I would definitely include usage instructions on the label. Something like: “Add to a muslin bag and steep in warm bath water. Soak for 15 minutes. External use only.” This makes the gift feel more polished and helps the recipient understand exactly how to use it.

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