Last weekend I attended the soapmakers gathering in Binghamton, NY of the Central New Yorkers Soapmakers. I had a great time. Soap gatherings are a day where soapmakers of that particular region get together to learn, meet, and share. The day generally begins with sometime to register and pick up any materials as well an mingle before the activities begin..
The beauty of attending a local soapmakers gathering include:
1. Meeting other soapmakers – most of the groups interact through a forum or a group like Yahoo groups during the year. There is hardly any group in person interaction until the yearly gathering.
2. Share with other soapmakers – there is much information that can be gleaned from other soapmakers. It is far from trying to copy what someone else does but merely helping a fellow soapmaker out.
3. A day with others soapmakers – the old adage “birds of a feather flock together” that is exactly what the gathering is about. There is reason why birds flock together and that there is strength
gained from being with those who are like minded.
4. Great demonstrations – fellow soapmakers demonstrate various techniques on soapmaking or other handmade beauty and skin care products. Most offer tips on how to market those items as well as where to get the supplies needed to make the product.
5. Goodies from suppliers – as you walk out to leave to go home you will receive a bag of samples from suppliers many offering a special discount to gathering attendees.
6. Door prizes from suppliers – the suppliers will donated actual product items or gift certificates to use. These are special treats to go home with.
7. Raffle prizes – for a dollar or two you can take your chance at winning some grand raffle prizes such has escali scales.
8. Help those in need – the particular gathering I recently attended asked those attending to bring bars of soap to donate to the local rescue mission. Oh how a simple thing like soap can be such a great benefit to those who are in need of some help.
9. Garaga sale – you just might find a great deal on supplies that you use. As they say some ones garbage is another’s treasure.
If you are a beginner soapmaker join a few yahoo groups. Some are more chatty than others so you may want to get the posts in a daily digest but this is a great way to learn about the craft. Attend the local gathering when they are offered. You will not regret it. For the seasoned soapmaker it is good to attend the local gatherings to spend some time with other soapmakers and help another soapmaker who may just be starting out. By the end of the day you’ll wonder where has the time gone.
Do you attend local soap gatherings? If so, what would be your #10 benefit of attending them. I would love to hear your responses. Please share by commenting below.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I attend the CNY Soapmakers Gatherings whenever possible, even scheduling other activities around it. Why? Well, this year, I was in charge, LOL. Even before that, though, I found the gatherings to be enjoyable and valuable.
I’ve loved the interaction that the internet provides, and have learned so much of what I know by using it. Nevertheless, there’s nothing like getting together in person with like-minded individuals to talk shop. The kinship that soapers share is amazing. We trade methods, suppliers, hints, and help, just because we so love our craft. We may come from diverse backgrounds, but in soaping, we’re on common ground. Even getting to know each other as friends is fun.
The demos, prizes, goody bags, and garage sales are all wonderful perks of attending–learn something new, leave with some samples to try or coupons, even information, getting things you want or need at garage sale prices, it’s all good!
If you see an opportunity to attend a gathering, go! You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks Beth for sharing. It is awesome how soapmakers come from all types of backgrounds and despite our differences we share one common thing that ties us all together – SOAP! The internet has played such an important role in the growth and development of soapmakers.