I’m a sucker for crafty things, especially when the final product is something practical that I can actually use.  A few weeks ago, I was delighted to receive an invite to a soap making workshop and jumped at the chance to learn how to make soap from scratch!  I received the invitation from Sandy, who has been honing her skills for several years and wanted to offer workshops so others could learn too.  But Sandy’s passion goes far beyond soap making.  She wants to use her skills to contribute to anti-trafficking efforts, so she’s decided to run workshops as a fundraiser for Hope for the Sold.

Sandy kindly agreed to answer some questions about her workshops and her desire for social justice.

When and how did you first learn to make soap?

I learned to make soap about 6 years ago after being invited by a friend to a soap making workshop.  I immediately loved creating a handmade craft that once you started you had to finish!

What part of the soap making process do you like the most?

I think cutting and stamping the final bars and seeing them all lined up is very satisfying, however the best part is choosing the ingredients at the beginning to create a unique bar.

What’s your favourite scent?

Clove essential oil is the best; warm, comforting and somehow reminiscent of bubble gum.

How are some ways you trying to be intentional about teaching your kids and others about social justice?

I think as a family we have always tried to be aware of the needs of people in our community both locally and globally. When my daughter was quite young she did a project on children in slavery and that really opened our eyes to the connection between the goods we buy and the lives of people in other countries. We do a lot of volunteering and have always encouraged our kids to be engaged in meeting needs and helping others around us.

Why do you care about the issue of human trafficking?

The idea that any person could be bought and sold or treated like an object is abhorrent. I think the issue of human trafficking is often invisible in our culture, yet so very present if we open our eyes and become aware. I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about this issue and it is easy to think there is not much we can do about it. Psalm 9:18 says that “the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.” God promises to be a refuge for the oppressed, to save those who are crushed in spirit and be close to the brokenhearted. I think it is so important to draw alongside those who are suffering and reach out to help as a reflection of God’s heart and His love for the weak and vulnerable.

What can someone expect if they attend a workshop? 

Soap for Hope workshops work best for small groups of between 2-10 people. The workshops take about 3-4 hours and participants receive about 20 bars of their own unique handcrafted soap. I am asking for a $50 donation per person to Hope for the Sold in exchange for the workshop.

Sandy is based out of the Guelph area, so if you live nearby and are interested in joining a workshop or signing up your own group, contact me with (1) how many people are in your group and (2) what month you’d like to do the workshop, and I will get you connected.

Happy soap making!