Laminated full size pages for handling with wet hands, this step by step instruction booklet takes you through the steps and gives you detailed information of process and options.

Here you will find the answers to questions such as "
How is Soap Made?"
"Why is handcrafted soap better for you?"
"Why Mountain Clean Soap?"
"How can I make my own soap at home?"
Harvesting and Weaving with Hickory Bark Chairs & Baskets.

Greenwood joinery instruction given in classes, complemented with written materials. contact for more info.

Classes in all mediums given privately or in groups,  contact us with request for Class Availability.

How is Soap Made?

All soap is made with a liquid and alkali (sodium or potassium hydroxide) mixed together with fatty acids (various oils and butters).  A chemical reaction takes place called saponification, turning into a new product...a combination of soap & glycerin.

            Traditionally, lye was “leached” by running water through wood ashes.  This "homemade lye" was then mixing with tallow and stirred over the stove till soap was made. 

            Today lye is manufactured commercially and so has a reliable consistent strength.  Every oil has is own unique properties and soap characteristics.  The many possibilities have led to soap perfection, allowing the soap maker to develop and enhance their own charter to their soap.  Classes encourage participants to develop their own recipes.

  Why Handmade Soap?      

   Skin is our largest organ, Keeping it healthy is essential for our total well-being.  Designed for all skin types, our cold processed soaps offers skin moisturizing oils that cleanse and soothe.  We select natural, time-honored  ingredients to produce a long lasting bar while maintaining the natural glycerin and moisture.   True soap is not the norm anymore, large manufacturers of soap (glycerin soap included) remove the naturally occurring glycerin and add lots of chemicals to make their soaps last longer, smell good, color, etc.  Your body must work to remove these chemicals; everything that touches your skin may be absorbed through it.

Why Mountain Clean Soap?

Castile Soap

Named for a region of Spain where olives were abundant, traditionally made from olive oil and tallow.  Working with the best of oils you are insured with the best of soaps. 

West Virginia Handcrafted Soaps by Rustic Class

                Soaps are made using Tammy Perrine's own developed recipe.  Tammy Perrine has been producing Natural Skin Care items since 1993 and teaches her crafts including the art of making soap.  Specializing in Castile Herbal Soap, Rustic Class also offers a 100% Olive Oil and West Virginia Black Bear Soap.  All available as Mountain CleanÔ Soaps!

"How can I make my own soap at home?" 

    Making Soap classes are available contact for more information.

Soap-Making Instruction Booklet now available online. $24.50 

Laminated full size pages for handling with wet hands, this step by step instruction booklet takes you through the steps and gives you detailed information of process and options.

Here is a basic recipe for those who wish to try a tried-and-true old-fashion standard.  I post this recipe for those who have a basic knowledge in soap making and Accept No Liability.  Lye can be dangerous and should be handled with great care.  To those of you who have taken my workshops, have fun! 

106 ounces of oil

14 ounces of lye

41 ounces of water

This is the most versatile recipe I have ever worked with.  Being an old-fashioned recipe, animal fats are the intended oil but you may substitute other oils.  

*Tip: cut the recipe in fourths, infuse your oil, infuse your water, add herbals. 

Note: up to 10% of your finished soap can be additional ingredients.